MANILA – In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for sustained and inclusive economic growth, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved key changes to the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project during its 19th meeting held on July 15, 2024.
The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., has approved modifications to the Phase 1 scope of the LLRN Project, which now includes the development of connecting roads and interchanges in various locations. 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 12.0-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. Upon its completion in 2027, this project is expected to stimulate economic activity in the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.
“The NEDA Board recognizes the significant potential of this 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 coming from the north and south to various tourist and business destinations in Laguna and nearby provinces,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who also serves as the NEDA Board Vice Chairperson.
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.
In addition to the LLRN Project, the NEDA Board also approved the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions (PTCs) for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport Project, and changes to the NEDA Board-approved negotiated PTCs for the Laguindingan International Airport Project.
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. With a total cost of PHP 4.5 billion, this expansion project aims to increase the maximum passenger throughput from 2 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). 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 PHP 12.75 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.
“The expansion of these international airports is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across regional centers in the Philippines. We expect these projects to significantly boost tourism, and as a result, generate more high-quality jobs,” stated Balisacan.
Moreover, the Board has approved an additional USD 30 million loan to support the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF). The PDMF provides 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 provide support throughout the preparation, development, approval, procurement, coordination, and monitoring of various PPP projects.
“As we strive to expand private sector participation in our infrastructure projects, this additional support for the Project Monitoring and Development Facility will ensure that our 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.
-END-
