By Derco Rosal
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved funding extensions and budget increases for two major flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amounting to 79.73 billion.
“Both projects will receive supplemental loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” NEDA said during the approval at its 22nd board meeting.
The first project is the P22.03-billion Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRMP), the implementation of which is extended to September 2029.
According to NEDA, CIA-FRMP will enhance flood management in Cavite areas by developing the San Juan River Basin and Maalimango Creek.
The project’s revised scope includes redesigned San Juan Diversion Channels, new drainage channels, modified bridge designs, a sluice gate, and additional infrastructure enhancements.
The second major project is the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase IV (PMRCIP IV), which cost was increased to P57.7 billion.
Extended to March 2031, the PMRCIP IV project will construct flood management structures including dikes, flood gates, and conduct channel dredging.
In particular, the project focuses on enhancing the middle Marikina River area with drainage facilities, building the Marikina Control Gate Structure, two floodgates, and securing land acquisitions.
“The changes in scope and design of our flood-control projects take into account stronger typhoons and changes in rainfall patterns, thereby strengthening our resilience to weather-related disasters,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Basilacan said in a statement.
He added that, “These adjustments will help mitigate the severe economic and social impacts of flooding in the NCR and CALABARZON, which have consistently affected the country’s economic performance.”
Likewise, the NEDA Board approved during its Nov. 5 meeting the acquisition of 40 fast patrol craft (FPC) for the Department of Transportation (DOTr)and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) before extending budgets for major infrastructure projects.
Funded by French official development assistance (ODA), the P25.8 billion project includes 40 fast patrol craft—20 locally built—including logistics and equipment for PCG bases.
“These patrol crafts will enhance the country’s response capabilities in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, maritime law enforcement, and disaster response,” NEDA said.
Balisacan said that the project supports the government’s goal of boosting maritime security by upgrading the PCG’s capabilities to combat smuggling and enforce maritime sovereignty.
Further, the NEDA Board, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., approved the P27 billion Philippine International Exhibition Center (PIEC) project by the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
This “would enable the country to accommodate large events, such as international exhibitions, conventions, and trade shows.”
NEDA said the project aims to meet the growing Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism demand and establish the Philippines as a leader in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and MICE industry.