Neda: Gov’t projects in Central Luzon worth P20B

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/09/20/neda-govt-projects-central-luzon-worth-p20b-565174
• Sunday, September 24, 2017

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- An official of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said that the ongoing projects of the National Government in Central Luzon Region are worth P20 billion.

Neda-Central Luzon assistant director Agustin Mendoza said on Tuesday the projects in the region are all included in the agency’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017—2022.

Mendoza cited some of the projects including flood-control systems, road networks, Mount Pinatubo Hazard Mitigation Program, railway system from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark Freeport and others.

The PDP 2017-2022 is the first medium-term plan anchored on national long-term vision, or AmBisyon Natin 2040, according to Mendoza.

“Ang kasalukuyang Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 ay isa sa apat na medium-term Philippine Development Plans na pino-formulate po ng Neda along with other agencies para po maisakatuparan yung long term vision natin na AmBisyon Natin 2040,” Mendoza said.

The Neda official said that the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Luzon, chaired by Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, had recommended the construction of a railway that will connect Clark to Metro Manila.

“Na-aprubahan na rin po yung Northrail Link, from Malolos pupunta na po tayo dito sa Central Luzon para ma suportahan yung Clark Green City program,” Mendoza said.

The railway link of Malolos to Clark is now on the (Investment Coordination Committee stage for evaluation, according to the Neda official.

“Nasa preparatory stage pa lang po nung ma –invite kami this summer where in yung Jica (Japan International Cooperation Agency) team in-invite yung Neda team para po pag-usapan yung detalye nung preparation nung project. So from that time po hanggang ngayon wala pa pong feedback sa amin kung anon a yung nagawa but kasama po siya doon sa inilagay natin na Public Investment Program On Line (Pipol),” Mendoza said.

The railway is included in the "long-list" of projects that the RDC recommended to the Neda, he added.