NEDA Board Approves Modifications to Laguna Lakeshore Road Project, Sets Terms for Airport Developments

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., recently ratified several key changes to the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project and approved terms for upgrades to Bohol and Laguindingan airports.

According to Philippines News Agency, the modifications to the LLRN Project, which were discussed in the Board’s July 15 meeting, include the addition of connecting roads and interchanges at various points including Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa City, and San Pedro, Biñan, and Cabuyao in Laguna. Initially set into motion in 2021, the project’s first phase involves constructing a 37.5-kilometer main road and a 12.0-kilometer viaduct stretching from Lower Bicutan, Taguig, to Tunasan, Muntinlupa, complemented by a 25.5-kilometer shoreline viaduct and embankment extending to Calamba, Laguna.

Projected for completion in 2027, this expansive infrastructure initiative is expected to boost economic activities in the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon. The project’s second phase, which will extend from Binangonan, Rizal, to Calamba, Laguna, covering an estimated 71.5 kilometers, is currently under feasibility study and aims for a December 2024 completion.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the project’s anticipated impact on reducing transportation constraints, fostering regional economic development, and enhancing travel efficiency to key destinations in Laguna and surrounding provinces.

In addition to the LLRN adjustments, the Board finalized the parameters, terms, and conditions for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport Project and revised terms for the Laguindingan International Airport Project. The Bohol airport expansion, with a budget of PHP 4.5 billion, aims to increase annual passenger capacity from 2 million to a minimum of 3.9 million by the project’s end. For Laguindingan, set with a PHP 12.75 billion budget, enhancements include upgrading facilities and expanding capacity, improving airside facilities, and providing comprehensive operations and maintenance services.

The expansions, as Balisacan remarked, underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism, expected to create numerous high-quality jobs across the regions.

Furthermore, the Board approved an additional USD 30-million loan to bolster the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF), which supports pre-investment activities and ensures high standards in planning and executing public-private partnership projects. This initiative aims to maintain a pipeline of well-prepared infrastructure projects, facilitating private sector involvement and accessing international expertise.