MARCH 19, 2025– The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has placed regional growth at the forefront of its development agenda. During its 25th meeting on Wednesday (March 19), the NEDA Board approved key local projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic progress across the country.
The Board approved the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities in the country. With a total investment of PHP56.7 billion, this project aims to strengthen community capacities for participatory resilience planning and increase access to resilient investments for critical projects in vulnerable areas. Supported by the World Bank, the Panahon ng Pagkilos: PCRP is the successor to the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) National Community-Driven Development Program.
The project targets areas with high poverty incidence, severe climatic hazards, stunting rates, and significant indigenous populations. It emphasizes community-driven projects, allowing local communities to plan and implement solutions tailored to their specific needs while enhancing the communities’ ability to withstand and recover from economic shocks, especially natural disasters. This project represents a proactive approach to participatory planning and implementation, strengthening communities’ decision-making and encouraging their ownership of resilience initiatives. It fosters inclusive growth for vulnerable populations, enhances social safety nets, and ensures sustained social support.
The Board also approved the construction of the PHP13.9-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela. The project is designed to irrigate about 8,200 hectares across 26 barangays in Tumauini, three barangays in Cabagan, and three barangays in the City of Ilagan. The project is scheduled to be implemented from September 2025 to September 2030, aiming to enhance the productivity and income of 5,860 farmers-beneficiaries to support the government’s pursuit for rice production growth and food security.
Additionally, the NEDA Board approved the request for changes in scope, cost, and implementation period for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II. With the construction of a 105.5-meter-high dam and reservoir in Zambales mountains, the project aims to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas and stabilize irrigation for 12,475 hectares under its first phase implementation. This is expected to improve farm household income, contribute to the country’s food security, and promote the use of renewable energy resources for a cleaner environment in the area.
Moreover, the Board approved the request for a change in scope and the reallocation of loan proceeds for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. The project aims to boost economic growth in Mindanao by improving roads and bridges, while also ensuring resilience in road infrastructure development.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who serves as the Board’s Vice Chair, said the approval of these projects reflects the government’s continuing commitment to promoting inclusive growth.
“By prioritizing regional growth, we are not only enhancing infrastructure but also creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the country. These initiatives reflect our vision of a nation where every region thrives and plays a significant role in driving national progress,” Balisacan said.
Meanwhile, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines provided updates on the progress of the PPP projects to the NEDA Board. As of this writing, 224 projects are ongoing implementation, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bulacan International Airport, Laguindingan and Bohol International Airports, and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7. In addition, 175 projects are in the pipeline, including the Iloilo International Airport, the Boracay Bridge Project, and the PPP for School Infrastructure Project (Phase 3).
“To address issues in project implementation, we must strengthen our coordination and streamline processes across all levels of government and among stakeholders. This includes proactively managing issues such as site conditions, funding, and approvals. By enhancing our planning, oversight, and collaboration, we can reduce delays and ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time to benefit our communities and support economic growth,” Balisacan concluded.
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