President Marcos Approves P269.7 Billion Worth of Programs and Projects to Boost Tourism and Address Healthcare Gaps
President Marcos has given his approval to programs and projects with an estimated value of P269.7 billion. These initiatives aim to enhance tourism and address gaps in the country’s healthcare system, as reported by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
The Neda board, chaired by President Marcos, cleared a total of six projects during their meeting. In a press conference held in Malacañang, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan announced the approved projects. These projects, along with others under the administration’s P9-trillion “Build Better More” infrastructure program, will drive infrastructure development to achieve medium-term development goals and create high-quality jobs, according to Balisacan.
One of the approved projects is the P4.5-billion rehabilitation of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. This project will be funded through a public-private partnership (PPP). Currently, the airport can accommodate two million passengers annually, but with the upgrade, it will be able to handle 3.9 million passengers each year.
Another project approved through PPP is the dialysis center of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. This P393-million undertaking involves converting the hospital’s existing dormitory building into a state-of-the-art dialysis center.
READ: Marcos to order gov’t units to simplify, speed up flagship projects’ approval
Cost Changes
President Marcos, as the chair of the Neda board, approved changes in the cost and implementation timeline of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. Balisacan mentioned that there is an updated detailed engineering design, resulting in an increased cost of P219.3 billion from the initial estimate of P175.6 billion. The implementation period has also been extended to December 2029.
Additionally, changes in the cost, scope, and timeline of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project were also approved by the President. The project now requires funding of P28.78 billion, which is an increase from the previous estimate of P16.3 billion. The adjustments include additional stations and terminals.
READ: Neda approves 194 infrastructure projects
Furthermore, the Neda board cleared two programs: the second additional financing for the government’s infrastructure preparation and innovation facility, and the EU-backed Green Economy Program.
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The Marcos administration has identified 197 projects under its flagship infrastructure program, which aims to accelerate growth to 6.5 to 8 percent by the end of its term. INQ