NEDA okays public safety, bridge projects

FILE: Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Ernesto Pernia (Photo By Philippine Information Agency, Public Domain)

MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has approved two projects worth PHP31.68 million, including those that aim to ensure public order and safety.

The approved projects are the Phase I of the Safe Philippines Project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The PHP20.313-billion Safe Philippines Project includes the construction of 18 integrated operations and command centers that are complete with video surveillance systems and a remote backup data center.

“We value the need of the people to feel safe wherever they are in the country and to be able to go about their business and other pursuits. This is essential in building the foundation for inclusive growth, a high trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

Pernia highlighted the importance of the project in ensuring security, public order and safety as this constitutes the bedrock of the Duterte Administration’s Socioeconomic Agenda.

The other project, the Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development, involves the construction of five iconic bridges and 25 truss bridges, with a total length of 2,848 lineal meters, in nine regions in the country.

With an estimated cost of PHP11.369 billion, the construction of these bridges is expected to be completed by 2022.

Meanwhile, the NEDA ICC-CabCom also gave the green light to additional financing for the new Bohol Panglao International Airport project.

The PHP1.23-billion project, which aims to address further civil works requirements, is expected to be completed by June 2018.  (PNA)