DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The government will prioritize P59 billion worth of infrastructure projects for this city this year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Thursday.
The projects include a P40-billion rehabilitation of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport here and the P19-billion modernization of the Sasa Wharf, according to NEDA.
Meanwhile, the Southern Mindanao Regional Development Council is pushing for the establishment of a P10-billion bridge that will link the Island Garden City of Samal to this city.
Samal Island, home to at least 500 beach resorts, is accessible from the city through a 10-minute boat ride.
NEDA regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said the regional disaster council is on track with the Samal-Davao bridge project, which they hope to start this year.
The regional disaster council has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct a feasibility study on the project.
The study will be in accordance with the recommendations of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which conducted the same 10 years ago.