THE Philippines can expect a better passenger experience next year following the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board’s approval of the renovation of the gateway of the Philippines— The Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
On Wednesday, the NEDA Board chaired by Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved three more infrastructure projects.
In a Malacañang briefing, NEDA Sec. Arsenio Balisacan said that the 3 infrastructure projects of the Marcos administration include the NAIA public and private partnership project, Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 project, and the Laguindingan International Airport project.
“It is my pleasure to update everyone the agreements reached during the 7th meeting of the NEDA board which was presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. this morning. Today the NEDA board approved three new infra projects while also approving changes to four ongoing projects, particularly in disaster risk reduction and climate change, irrigation, and transportation,” Sec. Arsenio Balisacan, NEDA said.
The second approved project is the Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 project with a budget of 7.48 billion pesos. This project involves the construction of 2 marine bridges, the Laoang 2 Bridge and the Calomotan Bridge.
Balisacan added that the project also includes the reparation of existing roads between Laoang Island and the mainland of Samar Island, which spans around 15 kilometers.
Meanwhile, the Laguindingan Airport project in Misamis Oriental has a budget of 12.75 billion pesos and will be led by the Department of Transportation and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
The said project aims to establish green and connected airports in its design as well as the use of digital technologies to improve passengers’ experience.
NEDA believes that this project will benefit not only the people of Misamis Oriental but the entire Northern Mindanao.
NEDA Board approves NAIA upgrade
The Marcos administration, meanwhile, said that the long-standing problem in NAIA will be resolved now that the NEDA board has approved the NAIA-PPP project.
The said project aims to adjust and expand passenger capacity and aircraft movement restrictions, among other issues.
“This project is under the DOTr and the MIAA. With the total project cost of 170.6 billion pesos, the goal of the project is to address longstanding issues at NAIA such as the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement,” Sec. Arsenio Balisacan, NEDA said.
The rehabilitation project for NAIA will also expand the current annual airport capacity from 35 million to at least 62 million passengers.
Meanwhile, air traffic movement will be upgraded from 40 to 48 airplanes per hour.
Furthermore, the NAIA rehabilitation project aims to address the long queues and waiting times, among other difficulties experienced by NAIA passengers.
NEDA board approves change in 4 infra projects
The NEDA board also approved the modification of the Marcos administration’s 4 more infrastructure projects on disaster risk reduction and climate change, irrigation, and transportation.
“Meanwhile the NEDA board also approved a request for reasonable changes in scope, cost, design and/or loan validity of four ongoing infra projects,” Balisacan added.
Balisacan said that the projects approved by the NEDA board are proof that the Marcos administration is committed to its goal of achieving the 8-point socioeconomic agenda under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that aims to reduce Philippine poverty rate and promote inclusive growth for all Filipinos.
NEDA also said that the Malacañang would issue an executive order regarding the master plan for the government’s infrastructure projects to ensure its proper implementation across the country.
