The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has placed regional growth at the center of its development agenda. During its 25th meeting on Wednesday, March 19, the NEDA Board approved several significant local projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and driving economic progress nationwide.
One of the key initiatives approved was the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), proposed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This project, with a total investment of PHP56.7 billion, will benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities. It focuses on strengthening community resilience through participatory planning and increasing access to critical investments in vulnerable areas. Supported by the World Bank, the Panahon ng Pagkilos: PCRP succeeds the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) National Community-Driven Development Program.
The project will target regions with high poverty rates, severe climate risks, high stunting prevalence, and significant indigenous populations. Emphasizing community-driven development, it allows residents to plan and implement solutions tailored to their unique needs. The initiative aims to boost communities’ ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters and economic shocks. This approach fosters inclusive growth, strengthens social safety nets, and ensures long-term support for vulnerable populations.
The NEDA Board also approved the construction of the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project, a PHP13.9-billion initiative by the National Irrigation Administration in Isabela. The project will irrigate 8,200 hectares of land across 26 barangays in Tumauini, three barangays in Cabagan, and three barangays in Ilagan City. Scheduled for implementation between September 2025 and September 2030, it is expected to improve the productivity and incomes of 5,860 farmer-beneficiaries, supporting the government’s rice production and food security goals.
Additionally, the NEDA Board approved modifications to the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II, including changes to its scope, cost, and implementation timeline. This phase involves the construction of a 105.5-meter-high dam and reservoir in the Zambales mountains, designed to irrigate 21,935 hectares of new service areas and stabilize irrigation for 12,475 hectares in the project’s first phase. The project aims to enhance farm incomes, contribute to national food security, and promote renewable energy use, contributing to a cleaner environment in the region.
The Board also approved the reallocation of loan proceeds and changes in scope for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, which focuses on enhancing roads and bridges to boost economic growth in Mindanao while ensuring the resilience of the region’s infrastructure.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who serves as the Board’s Vice Chair, emphasized that the approval of these projects demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive growth.
“By prioritizing regional growth, we are not only enhancing infrastructure but also creating sustainable economic opportunities across the country. These initiatives reflect our vision of a nation where every region thrives and plays a significant role in driving national progress,” Balisacan stated.
In addition, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines provided updates on ongoing PPP projects to the NEDA Board. Currently, 224 projects are in progress, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bulacan International Airport, Laguindingan and Bohol International Airports, and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7. Furthermore, 175 projects are in the pipeline, including the Iloilo International Airport, the Boracay Bridge Project, and Phase 3 of the PPP for School Infrastructure Project.
“To address challenges in project implementation, we must strengthen coordination and streamline processes across all levels of government and stakeholders,” Balisacan concluded. “By proactively managing issues such as site conditions, funding, and approvals, we can minimize delays and ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure projects that will benefit our communities and support economic growth.”
