THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has recommended 12 projects amounting to P557.44 billion (excluding the amount for the unsolicited proposals) for Neda Board approval.

“The approval of these projects is a pivotal step in fulfilling our thrust of fostering growth centers in the regions and expanding access to development opportunities throughout the country,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. “These are in line with the National Spatial Strategy to make cities like Metro Manila efficient and to improve connectivity between areas,” he added.

These include three new projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), seven infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and two projects of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The DOTr-implemented projects include the MRT 4 Project, EDSA Greenways Project and the Maritime Safety Enhancement Program.

The ICC-CabCom likewise approved a number of DPWH’s infrastructure projects.

Among those are the Cebu-Mactan fourth bridge and coastal road construction project (New Mactan Bridge construction project).

This P76.41 billion project involves the construction of a 3.3 kilometer bridge with an elevated viaduct of 3.385 kilometers, with two lanes in each direction.

It also includes the construction of a 4.9 kilometer four-lane coastal road with a 4.751 kilometer elevated viaduct.

Interchanges will also be constructed at the linkage between the two projects in Mandaue City.

Other infrastructure projects for approval are the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road including Bucana Bridge Project, Capas-Botolan Road Project and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project.

In addition, the ICC-CabCom approved the changes in scope and cost of the ongoing Davao City Bypass Construction Project, which is assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the extension of the loan validity and implementation period and the increase in cost of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project being implemented with loan financing from the Korean Export-Import Bank – Economic Development Cooperation Facility.

The ICC-CabCom also approved the unsolicited proposals for the Davao International Airport and for the Laguindingan Airport of the CAAP.

The ICC-CabCom meeting was held on Dec. 20, 2019. (PR)