THREE proposals have been elevated for consideration by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board – the upgrading of local government video surveillance capabilities, a bridge building program, and a new budget for the Bohol Panglao Airport, officials said.

In a statement, the NEDA Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved the three proposals for elevation to Board level on Friday.

Submitted for Board consideration were the first phase of the Safe Philippines Project, the Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development, and the new financing package for Bohol Panglao International Airport.

The Safe Philippines Project, expected to cost about P20.313 billion, aims to “improve the capabilities of local government units towards collaborative and more efficient management of public order, security, and safety.

It involves the establishment of 18 integrated operations and command centers, equipped with video surveillance systems and a remote backup data center, to be implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia was quoted in the statement as saying that the project will help enhance public safety and security.

“We value the need of people to feel safe wherever they are in the country and to be able to go about their business and other pursuits. This is essential in building the foundation for inclusive growth, a high-trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy,” he said.

The Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development is expected to cost P11.369 billion, and is due for completion by 2022.

The project involves the construction of “five iconic bridges and 25 truss bridges” in nine regions.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee also approved an additional financing package for the Bohol Panglao International Airport of P1.23 billion, adding to the P2.34 billion quoted earlier.

NEDA said that it expected the project to be completed by June 2018.

During the 12th Asset Philippine Forum yesterday, businesses expressed concerns over the government’s hybrid form of Public-Private Partnership, which prioritizes internal funding and foreign Official Development Assistance, leaving private concessionaires with operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts.

John D. Forbes, senior adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., said that there may be conflicts between the contractor of a certain infrastructure project and the O&M provider.

“It’s tricky because the investors and the O&M may want to have a say on the choice on equipment that is installed by the project. They may not want to take the responsibility,” he said during the forum.

Finance Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko meanwhile responded that the government will seek O&M providers after awarding to the project’s contractor.

“In this stage, they can provide inputs, and work with the contractors,” she said. – Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

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