Laguna Lakeshore, Other Infra Projects Get NEDA Nod

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., gave the green light to key changes to the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project and other modifications to major infrastructure projects.

The second phase of the LLRN Project will traverse the eastern portion of Laguna Lake from Binangonan, Rizal, to Calamba, Laguna. I Image: Bria Homes

In its 19th meeting in Malacañang, the NEDA Board approved changes to the Phase 1 scope of the LLRN Project, which now includes the development of connecting roads and interchanges in various locations, among others.

“We have a motion to approve the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project Phase 1... confirmed and approved the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project Phase 1 changes in scope, extension of implementation period, and revised financing strategy,” President Marcos said.

These locations encompass Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa City, as well as San Pedro, Biñan, and Cabuyao in Laguna.

Initially approved in 2021, the project entails the construction of a 37.5-kilometer primary road and a 12-kilometer viaduct from Lower Bicutan, Taguig, to Tunasan, Muntinlupa, along with a 25.5-kilometer shoreline viaduct and embankment from Tunasan, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna.

The project is expected to stimulate economic activity in the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, and Central Luzon upon its completion in 2027.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who also serves as the NEDA Board Vice Chairperson, said the Board also recognizes the significant potential of the project in reducing transportation constraints on existing road networks, promoting economic development in the region, and providing safer, more convenient, and faster travel for road users in Laguna and nearby provinces.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the LLRN Project, which will traverse the eastern portion of Laguna Lake from Binangonan, Rizal, to Calamba, Laguna, is currently under feasibility study and is slated for completion by December 2024.

The project will have an approximate mainline total length of 71.5 kilometers.

The NEDA Board also greenlighted the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions (PTCs) for the PHP4.5-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport Project and changes to the NEDA Board-approved negotiated PTCs for the Laguindingan International Airport Project.

“The final set for PTCs for this project, as recommended by the ICC-CC is approved. Also approved is the instruction to the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) to proceed with the conduct of a 90-calendar day comparative challenge process pursuant to the PPP Code and its IRR,” President Marcos said.

The approved PTCs for the upgrade of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport aim to resolve ambiguities in compliance with the recently enacted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which came into effect after the airport project was approved.

The expansion project aims to increase the maximum passenger throughput from two million to at least 2.5 million passengers per year at the project’s start and to at least 3.9 million by the end of the project.

Concurrently, the NEDA Board approved changes to the NEDA Board-approved negotiated PTCs for the upgrade and expansion of the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, following deliberations at the Cabinet Committee of the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC-CC).

These include guidelines for the adjustment of the passenger service charge, which will be contingent upon achieving the set key performance indicators and minimum performance standards and specifications for operation and maintenance during the concession period.

With a total cost of PHP12.75 billion, the project entails upgrading the existing facilities, capacity augmentation, installation of required equipment, enhancement of airside facilities, and comprehensive operations and maintenance services.

The project is expected to improve the airport’s capabilities significantly, ensuring it meets the growing demands of Northern Mindanao over the years.

According to Balisacan, the expansion of these international airports is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across regional centers in the Philippines.

The government expects these projects to significantly boost tourism and, as a result, generate more high-quality jobs.

Also approved by the Board was the additional US$30 million loan to support the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF), which will provide a project preparation facility for implementing agencies to undertake pre-investment activities, such as developing feasibility studies for potential PPP projects and engaging high-quality transaction advisors.

The facility will also extend support throughout the preparation, development, approval, procurement, coordination, and monitoring of various PPP projects.

As the government expands private sector participation in infrastructure projects, the NEDA chief said the additional support for the PDMF will ensure that PPP undertakings are meticulously planned and executed to the highest standards.

It will also guarantee continued access to international sources of innovation, expertise, advice, and best practices in the development and implementation of PPP projects, Balisacan added.