NEDA to start monitoring system for flagship projects

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is coming up with a monitoring system for the government’s priority infrastructure projects to address implementation bottlenecks.

In a statement, the NEDA said the monitoring system for the country’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) was among those discussed during the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet-level Economic Development Group (EDG) last Wednesday.

Co-chaired by the Department of Finance and NEDA Secretaries, the EDG is tasked to harmonize and coordinate efforts to ensure the country achieves rapid, inclusive and sustained growth.

The NEDA  is developing a public dashboard for the IFPs to enhance transparency and accountability among implementing agencies.

“The dashboard will also help in identifying and addressing bottlenecks and constraints that may hinder the timely implementation of the projects,” the NEDA said.

Last March, the NEDA Board chaired by President Marcos approved the list of 194 IFPs amounting to P9 trillion.

These IFPs will be prioritized in terms of the government’s budget preparation and approval processes.

At present, progress in the implementation of major transportation projects with respect to right-of-way acquisition and construction are being tracked by the Department of Transportation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways is monitoring the implementation of projects related to traffic decongestion, connectivity, and sustainable and resilient communities.

Aside from efficient implementation and monitoring of the government’s priority infrastructure projects, the EDG also discussed potential solutions to other challenges that could the affect the Philippines’ growth trajectory such as the impact of the El Niño and effect of slow global economic growth on the country’s trade performance.

“The EDG remains committed to ensuring that the country stays on track to meet its medium-term socioeconomic goals, despite domestic challenges and constraints and a weaker global growth outlook,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

To prepare and help farmers cope with the El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Agriculture and NEDA proposed activities including retooling and strengthening the government’s disaster response, conducting weekly monitoring of local field conditions, conducting regional assessments, ensuring adequate buffer stocks, and promoting early planting for the dry season in water deficit areas.

According to NEDA,  dashboards of relevant socioeconomic and sectoral statistics will also be useful in providing timely recommendations and policies on importation and measures to address high food inflation.

The Department of Trade and Industry, on the other hand,  cited the need to strengthen efforts to develop local industries by addressing constraints to production and developing a strong, innovative export ecosystem. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is coming up with a monitoring system for the government’s priority infrastructure projects to address implementation bottlenecks.

In a statement, the NEDA said the monitoring system for the country’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) was among those discussed during the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet-level Economic Development Group (EDG) last Wednesday.

Co-chaired by the Department of Finance and NEDA Secretaries, the EDG is tasked to harmonize and coordinate efforts to ensure the country achieves rapid, inclusive and sustained growth.

The NEDA  is developing a public dashboard for the IFPs to enhance transparency and accountability among implementing agencies.

“The dashboard will also help in identifying and addressing bottlenecks and constraints that may hinder the timely implementation of the projects,” the NEDA said.

Last March, the NEDA Board chaired by President Marcos approved the list of 194 IFPs amounting to P9 trillion.

These IFPs will be prioritized in terms of the government’s budget preparation and approval processes.

At present, progress in the implementation of major transportation projects with respect to right-of-way acquisition and construction are being tracked by the Department of Transportation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways is monitoring the implementation of projects related to traffic decongestion, connectivity, and sustainable and resilient communities.

Aside from efficient implementation and monitoring of the government’s priority infrastructure projects, the EDG also discussed potential solutions to other challenges that could the affect the Philippines’ growth trajectory such as the impact of the El Niño and effect of slow global economic growth on the country’s trade performance.

“The EDG remains committed to ensuring that the country stays on track to meet its medium-term socioeconomic goals, despite domestic challenges and constraints and a weaker global growth outlook,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

To prepare and help farmers cope with the El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Agriculture and NEDA proposed activities including retooling and strengthening the government’s disaster response, conducting weekly monitoring of local field conditions, conducting regional assessments, ensuring adequate buffer stocks, and promoting early planting for the dry season in water deficit areas.

According to NEDA,  dashboards of relevant socioeconomic and sectoral statistics will also be useful in providing timely recommendations and policies on importation and measures to address high food inflation.

The Department of Trade and Industry, on the other hand,  cited the need to strengthen efforts to develop local industries by addressing constraints to production and developing a strong, innovative export ecosystem.