MANILA -- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, led by President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., has approved three more infrastructure projects aimed to improve connectivity, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan announced on Wednesday.

Balisacan told a briefing in Malacañang that these additional projects are aligned with the objectives and goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that will significantly improve the lives of the Filipinos.

“The approvals made by the NEDA board today are evidence of the Marcos administration's strong commitment to achieving the objectives and targets of the 8-point socioeconomic agenda in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” he said.

“These plans aim to significantly reduce poverty and foster inclusive growth for all Filipinos,” he added.

One of the projects is the P170-billion Solicited Proposal to Rehabilitate, Operate, Expand, and Transfer the Ninoy Aquino International Airport PPP Project, which will be undertaken through a public-private partnership (PPP).

“This initiative seeks to address long-standing issues at NAIA, including inadequate capacity and restricted aircraft movement,” Balisacan said.

The project aims to increase the annual airport capacity from 35 million to at least 62 million passengers, enhance air traffic movement, and improve overall passenger experience and service quality.

This also includes the improvement of all passenger terminals in NAIA and all its facilities, including those that have previously caused inconvenience, Balisacan clarified.

The project is expected to commence in 2024.

The second approved project is the Samar Pacific Coastal Road II Project, with a budget of PHP 7.48 billion. It involves the construction of two marine bridges, namely, the Laoang II Bridge and Calomotan Bridge, as well as the improvement of existing roads between Laoang Island and mainland Samar Island.

This 15-kilometer infrastructure development is expected to improve connectivity in the region and promote economic growth.

The Unsolicited Proposal for the Upgrade, Expansion, Operation, and Maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport Project received approval as well.

With an estimated cost of P12.75 billion, this initiative focuses on integrating sustainable and digitally advanced features into the design and operation of the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental.

The project, which will be under the PPP, aims to enhance regional development, promote tourism, and provide a better travel experience for passengers.

In addition to the new projects, the NEDA Board also approved changes in scope, cost, design, and/or loan validity for four ongoing infrastructure projects.

This included the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation or IDRR-CCA Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project; the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II project; the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage II or MMIP II; and, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project.

Balisacan also confirmed the Proposed Adoption of a National Policy on Infrastructure Sector Master Plans, which aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infrastructure sector.

This policy will ensure coordination, synergy, and responsiveness of the sector to emerging issues.

Balisacan said an executive order will be issued to strengthen the implementation of this policy nationwide. PND