A NATIONAL Transport Policy (NTP) was adopted by the National Economic and Development Authority Board at Malacanang yesterday that aims to unify all transport-related projects in the country.
In particular, the policy will synchronize decisions and investments of all transport-related agencies and better coordinate such efforts between the national and local levels.
The NTP envisions a national transport system that is “safe, secure, reliable, efficient, integrated, intermodal, affordable, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and people-oriented.”
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said that the primary goal of the Duterte Administration is to translate the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022 into actual programs that will benefit Filipinos, considering traffic in urban areas most especially.
“The government assures the people that the problem of congestion on the roads is still being prioritized. The NTP is a priority strategy reflected in the PDP as we seek to provide accessible social services through better connectivity,” Pernia added.
The corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations of the NTP has yet to be formulated.
Meanwhile, 11 other projects were also approved/confirmed by the Neda Board:
1) Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment
2) Malolos-Clark Railway Project (PNR North 2)
3) Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project
4) Clark International Airport (CIA) Expansion Project
5) Education Pathways to Peace in Conflict-Affected Areas of Mindanao
(Pathways)
6) Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines
7) Project Approval and Change in Financing of Chico River Pump
Irrigation Project
8) New Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems Development Project: 30-Month Loan Validity Extension and Reallocation of Funds
9) New Configuration of the LRT Line 1 North Extension Project – Common Station / Unified Grand Central Station (North Extension Project)
10) Change in Scope, Cost, and Financing Arrangements for the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase II
11) Change in Financing of the New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project
Eight of these projects will be financed through Official Development Assistance, and three will be locally funded through the General Appropriations Act. (PR)