Process of approval accelerates, opens “Build, Build, Build” door for more projects

The process of approval has accelerated and is now paving the way for more projects for addition to the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, key officials involved in the program said.

“Since the start of the current administration, the Neda Board has approved projects at a quicker pace,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia in a statement on Monday (Feb. 17).

“The economic and infrastructure team continues to process projects through careful analysis and thorough review,” he said.

Pernia said though the approval process had been quicker, “each project on the list of infrastructure flagship program undergoes a rigorous” evaluation.

This, he said, would ensure the projects have “technical, financial and social merits” before they are endorsed for final approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board, which is chaired by the President.

He was referring to a longer. list of 100 big-ticket projects from the previous 75.

The stretched pipeline included 29 projects being financed by tycoon money through public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

“We want to make sure that these processed projects are sound and well-suited for the development of the country, at the national and subnational levels, and are truly responsive to the needs of the people,” said Pernia, who also heads Neda.

Vivencio Dizon, presidential adviser for flagship programs and projects, said in testimony before the House of Representatives that the 100 flagship projects, worth at least P4.4 trillion, were on an “evolving” list.

“It’s not cast in stone,” Dizon told the newly-formed House committee on flagship projects and programs.

Projects could be added to the Build, Build, Build list “once Neda is ready,” said Dizon, who is also president and CEO of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

He said the Neda is currently reviewing several new projects for inclusion on the list.

The administration, said Dizon, wanted to “complete as many and substantially progress with all of the remainin projects” to ensure future administrations would not abandon these.

Edited by TSB