NEDA Oks adjustments to 2 Luzon flood projects

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board has approved adjustments to two key flood management projects in Cavite and Metro Manila.

The board, chaired by President Marcos, on Tuesday approved the extension of the construction period and other changes in the Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project and the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project-Phase IV, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

With the board approval, the total cost of the Cavite flood project rose by 122.79 percent, from P9.9 billion to P22.04 billion.

The project’s implementation period, which was originally from October 2019 to April 2024, was extended by 65 months or to September 2029.

The PCO said the board also approved changes in the project’s scope of work, including the widening of diversion channels and additional drainage channels.

Another adjustment was a loan reallocation totaling 1.042 billion yen or approximately P397.62 billion from consulting services and contingencies, the PCO said.

As of Sept. 30,  the project, which seeks to mitigate flood damage in the lower reach of San Juan River basin and its adjacent Maalimango Creek drainage area in Cavite, has an overall physical accomplishment of 44.21 percent, with negative slippage of 55.79 percent.

It has a fund utilization rate of 35.42 percent, or P3.5 billion already disbursed.

The NEDA board also approved a 74.32-percent increase in the total cost of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase IV, from P33.1 billion to P57.7 billion.

The project is intended to mitigate flood damage in Metro Manila caused by the overflow of the Pasig-Marikina River. It is expected to benefit residents of Pasig, Marikina and Quezon City as well as Taytay and Cainta in Rizal.

The PCO said the changes would extend the implementation of the project for 63 months, from December 2025 to March 2031.

The board approved a loan reallocation totaling 3.37 billion yen from consulting services and contingencies to the civil works component, including a supplemental loan of 45.76 billion yen.