The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension project, with an impressive budget of P23.4 billion, has received the go-ahead from the government, as the guidelines for public-private partnership (PPP) projects of local government units (LGUs) were officially approved.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who revealed this information during a briefing at Malacañang, emphasized that these projects and guidelines align with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023 to 2028, thereby supporting the nation’s goals.
Remarkably, the TPLEX Extension project secured the fastest approval among unsolicited proposals, as it took a mere two and a half months from its submission on March 17 to the recent approval.
This ambitious venture entails the construction of a four-lane extension highway spanning 59.4 kilometers, effectively connecting the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
With its new endpoint in San Juan, the expressway will stimulate economic activity, alleviate road congestion, improve road access, and catalyze the development of new growth centers in neighboring regions, according to Balisacan.
Having obtained the crucial NEDA board approval, the subsequent steps involve negotiating with the proponent using a Swiss challenge mechanism and commencing the project’s implementation.
Balisacan emphasized that the TPLEX Extension project will be realized through a public-private partnership (PPP) under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Additionally, the NEDA board acknowledged and confirmed the Investment Coordination Committee’s (ICC) prior approval of the P45.01 billion Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-Up (PRDP Scale-Up) by the Department of Agriculture.
The PRDP Scale-Up aims to amplify the achievements of the original PRDP by enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing income opportunities, and elevating the living conditions of rural communities.
Through the PRDP Scale-Up, the government endeavors to empower farmers and fisherfolk, fortify value chains, and foster inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.
Balisacan stressed that this endeavor involves instituting novel environmental and social safeguards frameworks and protocols to ensure the project’s integrity.
Furthermore, the NEDA board greenlit the ICC Guidelines for LGU PPP projects, which provide a comprehensive outline of procedures for processing PPP proposals from LGUs that necessitate ICC intervention under the Build-Operate-Transfer law.
This initiative aims to empower LGUs, enabling them to actively participate in PPPs that bolster local development and attract investments.
Lastly, the NEDA Board conducted a thorough review of the initial progress report on the Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs), which are high-priority undertakings under the Build-Better-More program.
These projects, estimated to cost an astounding P8.3 trillion, exemplify the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure nationwide.
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