Japan is funding about P46.88-billion worth of flood control, irrigation and road transport projects nationwide, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
The projects were programmed for funding during Japan’s current fiscal year, which ends on March 30, 2012.
Neda Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan told reporters that seven projects had been “endorsed” for funding, affirming the Japanese government’s “strong commitment” to support the Philippines.
Documents show that seven projects with a combined cost of about P46.88 billion will be supported by funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). One of the seven projects, the P6.15-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), covers an agricultural component (farm inputs, training and marketing assistance for farmer-beneficiaries as well as post-harvest equipment) and a social component (construction of potable water supply facilities, classrooms, barangay health stations, day care centers, and farm-to-market roads).
The P4.7-billion Mindanao Sustainable Settlement Area Development Project Phase II of the Department of Agrarian Reform covers agribusiness, environmental, and social development activities in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccksargen.
The nearly P4.3-billion National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project of NIA, which involves the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities and support for irrigators associations, is seen to help the country attain rice self-sufficiency.
The P5.41-billion Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan River, Tagoloan River and Imus
River of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) aims to mitigate flood damage in vulnerable areas through the implementation of structural and nonstructural measures for the improvement of rivers in high risk flood prone areas and to facilate development of the core areas in the three rivers.
The P7.95-billion Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase III of the DPWH aims to implement river channel improvement works along the stretch of Lower Marikina River and the remaining portions of Pasig River, which are not covered by the ongoing Phase II.
The P15.11-billion Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase I of the DPWH involves the construction of a 30.7-km four-lane expressway from Tarlac City to Cabanatuan City.
The P3.26-billion Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase II of the DPWH involves the construction of Contract Packages III and IV, Plaridel Bypass (Bustos-San Rafael, Bulacan).
Contract Packages III an d IV are the remaining sections to complete the entire stretch of the ARBP with an aggregate length of 24.6 kms and 10 bridges. The proposed road bypass, covering about 9.96 km, includes the construction of four new bridges, drainage facilities, slope stabilization works and furnishing of miscellaneous items.