MANILA – On April 30, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 59, a pivotal move that aims to expedite the implementation of the country’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Tuesday, May 7.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized that the EO would support the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by expanding and upgrading the country’s infrastructure sector as part of the government’s efforts towards social and economic transformation.
Balisacan underscored the significance of EO 59. “By streamlining the processing of IFPs,” he stated, “we are making it easier for implementing agencies and more attractive for our partners in the private sector to execute transformative infrastructure projects that would spur job creation for our people and enable us to sustain our economy’s rapid expansion.”
Executive Order No. 59 introduces several critical changes. First, it simplifies the requirements for the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs. Additionally, it directs national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to review their Citizen’s Charters, aiming to eliminate redundant and cumbersome procedures.
“The primary goal of this EO is to minimize, if not eliminate, delays in the implementation of IFPs. We are in a hurry to catch up with our neighbors in the region so the government must enable—not hinder—the timely completion of these projects,” Balisacan added.
The EO also embraces the use of technology. It facilitates electronic application submissions to concerned agencies and LGUs, including streamlined payment processes and issuance of receipts. Furthermore. the EO encourages a whole-of-government approach by mandating NGAs to automate and computerize their databases. This move promotes data sharing among government entities, eliminating unnecessary document duplication.
Local government units play a crucial role in implementing the IFPs. EO 59 mandates them to establish business one-stop shops, simplifying interactions for investors. Moreover, LGUs are encouraged to collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to adopt interoperable ICT platforms. This synergy ensures efficient project execution.
The EO covers all NGAs, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and other government instrumentalities. It applies to LGUs involved in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications, and authorizations that are required for projects included in the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs.
“With this EO in place,” the country’s chief economic planner affirmed, “the Marcos Administration signifies its commitment to aggressively advance infrastructure development as a key driver to our social and economic transformation.”
