The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Marcos, has approved the P67.4 billion Dalton Pass East Alignment Road project in Central Luzon.

Speaking during a palace briefing, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the 23-kilometer, four-lane alternative road that will bypass the existing Dalton Pass is expected to be complete by 2031.

“The project will facilitate the seamless transport of people and the delivery of essential goods and services within the region,” he said.

The Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project is an alternative road that will connect Tayabo, San Jose, Nueva Ecija to Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, and vice versa.

Further, Balisacan also announced that the Cancer Center Public-Private Partnership Project for the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital is currently undergoing procurement per the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) law.

The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Extension Project is also currently undergoing a Swiss challenge, according to the NEDA chief. Its contract will be awarded in March next year should there be no challenge, or in May if there is a challenger.

Balisacan also announced the solicited proposal to Rehabilitate, Operate, Expand, and Transfer the Ninoy Aquino International Airport PPP Project. 

He said the deadline for the bid submission for the project is on Dec. 27.

Negotiations for the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental between the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the proponent also ended, Balisacan said. 

Its contract is set to be awarded between May 2024 and February 2025.

The bidding for the Dialysis Center PPP Project for the Renal Center Facility in Baguio City is also targeted to commence before the year ends.

In addition, the contract awarding for the Upgrade, Expansion, Operation and Maintenance of Bohol-Panglao International Airport is expected between August 2024 and May 2025.