Regions outside MM get lion’s share in infra projects

The inter-regional projects require PHP3.32 trillion investments while the region-specific sans Metro Manila projects need PHP1.164 trillion investments.(PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — Regions outside Metro Manila are getting a big share in the total number of infrastructure programs and projects of the government over the medium-term, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

Of the 4,985 total infrastructure programs and projects listed in the government’s investment program from 2017 to 2022, some 98 projects are inter-regional and 3,911 projects, excluding those in the National Capital Region, are region specific, NEDA said.

“If you look at the data, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the highest number of projects. This dispels the notion that government projects are centered in Mega Manila,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

Over the medium term, from 2017 to 2022, ARMM will get a total of 1,340 projects while Metro Manila will have 320 projects.

The inter-regional projects require PHP3.32 trillion investments while the region-specific sans Metro Manila projects need PHP1.164 trillion investments.

Furthermore, 161 nationwide infrastructure projects worth PHP2.29 trillion will be rolled out for implementation by 2022.

Pernia last week presided over the meeting of the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM)-Cabinet Committee, which is composed of the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary as chair, the Secretary of Public Works and Highways as co-chair,  with the Executive Secretary, the Cabinet Secretary and the Secretaries of Finance, Budget and Management, Transportation, Trade and Industry, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism, and Information and Communications Technology as members.

“Through these projects, we are making headway in improving connectivity and promoting economic clusters in regional and sub-regional growth centers. This is consistent with the country’s National Spatial Strategy,” Pernia said.

The NSS takes into account population trends, economic activities, and services in defining the country’s desired spatial structure.

The government’s massive infrastructure program needs a total of PHP9.04 trillion in investments for six years. This amount, however, does not include investments in infrastructure projects to be funded purely by local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, the private sector and other sources.

NEDA said given the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals and strong fiscal position, 78 percent or PHP7.096 trillion will be funded by the national government through its annual appropriation of funds.

In the same meeting, the INFRACOM also approved its provisional work plan for 2018, the proposed draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the National Transport Policy, and the guidelines for the utilization of the Project Development and Other Related Studies Fund for the conduct of feasibility studies, master plans formulations, analyses and other pre-investment activities.