A year and a half after the President formed and introduced the Super Regions and the priority infrastructure projects that will help realize the development thrusts of each Super Region, much has been accomplished. The government has already completed 14 priority infrastructure projects with many nearing completion in 2008.

This report provides an update on the priority infrastructure projects in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines , and Mindanao Super Regions.

North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle

In President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s 2006 State of the Nation Address (SONA) she unveiled a development blueprint to boost agricultural production and economic activity in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ). NLAQ is composed of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region I and II, and portions of Region III, specifically the Northern municipalities of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.

Since then, the President has added projects that are in sync with NLAQ’s thrust. During the 2007 SONA, the President included in the priority infrastructure projects for NLAQ the Alaminos Airport in Pangasinan and, in replacement of the Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, the Northern Cagayan Airport Development Project (San Vicente Naval Airstrip).

There are currently twenty-three (23) major infrastructure projects in NLAQ with a total estimated cost of P56.8 billion, which involves the construction of three (3) major road projects, seven (7) airports, three (3) ports, four (4) major irrigation projects, three (3) power projects, two (2) flood control projects, one (1) cold chain system, also included are small-scale irrigation and farm-to- market roads. The fusion of these infrastructure projects will hasten the delivery of agricultural produce from farm to markets, reduce transport costs, cut travel time, and increase farmers’ incomes.

A number of projects in the NLAQ Super Region have shown significant progress since the Super Region’s inception in 2006. The upgrading of the Poro Point Airport into an international airport is now in the early civil work stages.

Here are some of the major infrastructure projects in NLAQ which have completed components or have substantial accomplishments. Packages 3 and 4 of the Agno Flood Control Project Phase II-A in Pangasinan, and Package 1 of the Laoag Flood Control Project in Ilocos Norte have already been completed.

On irrigation, the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project in Nueva Ecija is more than 90% completed and has partially started irrigating more than 1,000 ha. The Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project’s pumping station, a vital component to the project, is now 88% complete.  On transport infrastructure, the rehabilitation of the airstrip of the Casiguran Airport and the Dingalan Port has already been completed.

On the cold chain facilities, the two (2) processing plants in Benguet are substantially complete, three (3) cold storage trucks and the two (2) ice makers have been delivered to key agriculture areas, and are ready for operation.

- Irrigation Projects. To achieve the President’s objective of turning North Luzon into a food basket, strategic irrigation infrastructure is a critical component in realizing this vision. There are a total of four (4) major irrigation projects in NLAQ, amounting to P17.77 billion (cost of Balintingon not included, for updating). When completed it is estimated to irrigate 166,514 ha of land in NLAQ and contribute a total of 1.4 million metric tons (MT) to the annual rice production.

- The P7.86 billion Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project will provide year-round irrigation for the Agno River Irrigation System (ARIS) and the Ambayaoan-Dipalo River Irrigation System (ADRIS) covering a total of 34,450 ha of land benefiting 28,000 farm families and creating 8,870 potential jobs. The relocation of families has already been completed as of June 2007 and the construction of the main and lateral canals is 36.49% accomplished. The project is being considered for funding under the Chinese loan facility, pending the approval of the JBIC loan by the Government of Japan. Overall the project is 3.34% accomplished and is expected to be completed in June 2010.

- The P2.46 billion Banoang Pump Irrigation Project will provide year-round irrigation to 6,312 ha covering a total of eight (8) municipalities of the First District of Ilocos Sur. Overall the project is 60.23% complete. The pumping station is 88.50% accomplished and is scheduled to be completed in March 2008. The construction of the 2 kilometer (km) tunnel and closed conduit is 70.32% complete, and the construction of the main and lateral canals is 25.20% complete. The project is expected to be completed on December 2008.

- The Balintingon Irrigation Project located in the province of Nueva Ecija . The project’s Feasibility Study (FS) has been updated last September 2007, and is up for evaluation of the NEDA-ICC.

- The Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project – Irrigation Component is a P7.46 billion project, which involves the construction of irrigation facilities that will irrigate 26,920 ha of new areas (Muñoz City, Guimba, Talugtog and Nampicuan in Nueva Ecija), and the rehabilitation of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) that shall ensure irrigation supply for 55,100 ha in four (4) cities and seventeen (17) municipalities in Nueva Ecija, and portions of Bulacan and Pampanga. The project shall benefit 49,130 farm families and create 1,599 jobs. Overall the project is 92.67% complete, the 47.05 km supply and main canals are 100% complete, while the construction of the 234 km lateral canals is 74.88% accomplished, the service and access roads are 99.07% complete, and the 1,019 turnouts under the On-Farm Development Component is 87.34% complete. Since the Super Diversion Canal Service Area 2’s partial opening in June 2007, which covers lateral canals A, B, C, D and part of E, a total of 1,789 has. have been irrigated. The whole project is expected to be completed on December 2008

- The number of small irrigation projects has more than doubled with a total of 273 national/communal irrigation systems (NIS/CIS) programmed for rehabilitation/ restoration for CY 2007, as compared to only 57 NIS/CIS projects targeted for restoration/rehabilitation in NLAQ for CY 2006. NLAQ have an allocation of P1.43 billion, covering a target area of 43,732 ha. Of this target a total of 26,271 ha have already been rehabilitated/restored, and will benefit an estimated 18,740 farmers.

Major Road Projects. There are a total of three (3) major road projects in NLAQ, which costs an estimated P5.47 billion, and when completed will concretize a total of 267.6 km. These road projects will improve the economic linkage between Region II and CAR, and will open up the Eastern coast of Luzon , lower cost of the transport of goods, and make travel faster and safer.

- The Baler-Casiguran Road is a P2.32 billion road project that stretches 89.95 km from Baler, Quezon to Casiguran, Aurora. This project has a total of nineteen (19) Road Sections, six (6) of which have on-going civil works and is 75% accomplished. The project’s construction was started last June 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2010.

- The 79.81 km Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao Road , which will traverse the provinces of Mountain Province , Kalinga, and Cagayan when completed is envisioned to strengthen economic linkage between Region II and CAR. Overall the project is 69.73% complete.

- The Halsema Highway is a 97.84 km strategic road network connecting Mt. Data , Sabangan, Bontoc and Banaue in Mountain Province . The project will serve as the main access road for CAR, and will provide for a safer and faster transfer of goods. Overall the project is 58.71% complete.

Farm-to-Market Roads. Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) are being constructed to help farmers transport their produce from their farms to these major roads to the market. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) targets to construct 727.23 km this year in NLAQ and costing P1.13 billion. So far, 379.83 km have already been completed and 209.52 km are under construction.

Cold Chain Facilities. The P30.67 million worth of post harvest facilities in NLAQ are envisioned to improve and preserve the quality of vegetables, and with the installation of the pre-cooling facilities will ensure relatively stable prices of vegetables particularly in the rainy season.

- The La Trinidad Fruit and Vegetable Minimal Processing and Packaging Plant in Benguet will be operational on 11 January 2008. The Buguias Minimal Processing Plant also in Benguet has already completed the shed and the pre-cooling facilities have been delivered. The cooling facilities and trucks of the Villasis, Bauco Cold Storage Facility and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) in Pangasinan, Mountain Province and Nueva Vizcaya respectively, have already been delivered. The rehabilitation of the Atok Tramlines in Benguet, as well as the construction of the Capintalan Caranggalan Tramline has also been completed.  The ice makers in Pagudpud and Casiguran have already been delivered.

Airports. There are a total of seven (7) airports in NLAQ with an estimated project cost of P1.13 billion (total estimated cost does not include the 2 recently added projects), two (2)  of which, namely the Alaminos Airport and the Northern Cagayan Airport Improvement Project have been added during the President’s 2007 State of the Nation Address.

- The construction of the Alaminos Airport in Pangasinan is envisioned to increase tourism growth in the area, lower travel costs and create more jobs. The Terms of Reference for the bidding of the FS was just completed last November 2007. Its total project cost and completion date shall be determined after the FS has been conducted.

- The P96 million Bagabag Airport Development Project in Nueva Vizcaya will make tourism centers like the Banaue Rice Terraces more accessible, reduce travel time from Metro Manila to Bagabag by 45 minutes compared to land travel of 7 hours, and provide a safer and faster transport of goods and services. Evaluation of bid documents for Phase I (Flight Service Station) is ongoing. While the Program of Works for the budgetary estimates of Phase II (Airport Development) are for approval of the DOTC Secretary.

- The two airports in Batanes, the Basco and Itbayat airports, upon completion shall boost the fishing industry in North Luzon and encourage tourism in the area. The two airport projects costing P157 million and P75 million respectively, are awaiting the approval of the Notice to Proceed by the Communications Planning Office of DOTC.

- The P200 million Casiguran Airport in Aurora involves the rehabilitation of the airstrip and upgrading to a feeder airport. The civil works for Phase I is 100% accomplished.

- The feasibility study of the Northern Cagayan Airport Improvement Project (San Vicente Naval Strip) shall be open for bidding on 16 January 2008. This airport shall replace the proposed Lal-lo Airport .

-  The P565 million upgrading of the airport in Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union will make accessibility to and from San Fernando, La Union easier from Southeast Asian countries and other parts of the country. Phase I (Airport Development) is 8.53% complete and is expected to be completed on July 2008. Phase II (Development of the Airport according to the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards) shall start based on the progress of Phase I.

Seaports. There are three (3) seaports in NLAQ with a total project cost of P6.59 billion. These ports shall speed up and lower the cost of transporting agriculture products and exports and promote tourism.

- The P96.83 million Dingalan Port in Aplaya, Aurora, once completed, shall serve as an alternative mode for land transportation in case obstruction is posed by mudslides in nearby mountains. The port development project was completed last 30 November 2007. The construction of the Passenger Terminal Building which began construction last June 2007 is 91.02% complete. 

- The Port Irene Rehabilitation and Development Project is a P1 billion infrastructure project that involves the construction of a 250-meter (m) breakwater, and rehabilitation of the existing facilities and extension of the pier. The breakwater was 98% complete as of the first week of October 2007. However, due to typhoons Ineng, Lando and Mina, parts of the breakwater collapsed and a huge portion of it is submerged in one-meter deep water. Rehabilitation works are currently on-going. The developed port shall be able to accommodate vessels of up to 20,000 DWT (Dead-Weight Tonnage) class and will be developed into a major transshipment port, serving as the country’s gateway for East Asian countries and the US West Coast.

- The P5.5 billion Salomague Seaport (Ilocos Sur Special Economic Zone and Freeport ) in Ilocos Sur is still in the negotiation stages.

Power Projects. Improving NLAQ’s alternative energy resource, such as the two (2) major wind power infrastructure projects in Ilocos Norte, with a total estimated project cost of P4.25 billion, will not only help promote the country’s energy program but would also help promote clean air.

- The P3.47 billion 30 MW North Luzon Wind Power is in the bidding stages.

- The P780 million 33 MW Bangui Bay Wind Farm Project – Phase II is expected to be completed in June 2008. Northwind, ABN AMRO, and Nordea Bank signed a loan worth $13 million. The said loan is up for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approval prior to loan drawdown.

Flood Control Projects. There are two (2) flood control projects located in Region I, with a total estimated project cost of P7.43 billion. It aims to mitigate flood damages in selected areas, as well as lessen the negative impacts on the existing local communities affected by the flooding.

- The P2.96 billion Agno River Basin Flood Control Project in the provinces of Pangasinan and Tarlac involves the construction of the Bayambang Stretch and Floodway, Guide Channel to Bayambang, construction of evacuation centers in the Poponto Retarding Basin and Hector Mendoza Bridge . The construction of evacuation centers in the Poponto Retarding Basin and Hector Mendoza Bridge has already been completed in 2004. Overall the project is 90.92% accomplished. The project’s targeted to be completed in 2009.

- The P3.58 billion Laoag River Basin Flood Control and Sabo Project in Ilocos Norte involves the construction of a Sabo dam and improvement works on the Fan Apex, Laoag-Bongo and Alluvial and Fan River . Package I, covering the construction of the Sabo Dam and the Fan Apex improvement works, has already been completed last July 2007. Overall the project is 95.81% complete. It is expected to be completed in 2008.

LUZON URBAN BELTWAY

The government aims to promote the Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB) as a globally competitive logistics and services center by improving and integrating the transport infrastructure system in the Super Region to better serve industries and travelers; ensuring the sufficient supply of power and reducing its costs; providing clean water; and addressing the flooding situation in its urban areas. 

To achieve this aim, the Government plans to develop major seaports in Subic and Batangas and improve roads and railways that will make access to the ports easier and faster. We shall also improve the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport as premier gateways of the country, and the road and railway systems connecting these airports to the Subic and Batangas Ports , Metro Manila, and the rest of South Luzon . To provide the growing energy requirements of the Super Region, the LUB priority infrastructure projects also include several power generation and transmission projects.

In 2007, there were several significant developments in LUB’s priority infrastructure projects, with the most notable being the accomplishments in the port projects. The year saw the first two port projects of the Super Region completed while two other port projects are more than 99% complete. Other major accomplishments in LUB include the completion of the terminal radar approach of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) Project and the first phase of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project. Some projects have also started advance works and construction in 2007.

In 2008, with the sustained effort of the Government and its partners in the private sector and international organizations, several projects are expected to be completed including the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, KAMANAVA Flood Control Project, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, and DMIA Passenger Terminal Building .

Roads. Fourteen (14) roads to interconnect the industrial, commercial, and transport hubs of the Super Region are being constructed.

- The C5 Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Project is a P20.61 billion road that will connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) via the C5. Parcellary plans of the project have been approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). Pre-qualification of contractors for the Mindanao Avenue to NLEX Segment is already ongoing. The rest of the segments are in various stages of engineering design. The whole project is targeted to be finished by 2011.

- The C6 Lakeshore Expressway is a 16.7-kilometer expressway from the Bicutan Interchange of SLEX to Ortigas Avenue Extension in Taytay, Rizal. The Project shall serve as an alternative North-South expressway link to decongest EDSA, C5 and its arterial roads. C6 Lakeshore Expressway is awaiting the implementation of the Daang-Hari-SLEX Road , which shall be the project’s model for its implementation.

- The Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road will directly link Daang Hari in Bacoor, Cavite to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The DPWH has yet to decide on the proposal of the National Development Company-Alabang-Sto. Tomas Development Inc. to implement the project. The project is targeted to be completed by 2009.

- The EDSA Rehabilitation Project aims to improve travel time and pedestrian safety along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare. Its first phase, amounting to P199.57 million, involves the concrete re-blocking, sidewalk rehabilitation, construction of footbridges, and the addition of pavement markings along EDSA. This phase was completed in November 2007. For the second phase, construction of the Bicutan Interchange and the EDSA-LRT Corridor Mainline is now ongoing and the whole second phase will be completed by March 2009.

- The Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (R-1 Expressway Extension), which amounts to P5.65 billion, is an expressway from Kawit, Cavite to Zapote. Construction, particularly, earthworks and bridge construction is ongoing and 29.11% complete in the Zapote-Kawit Section. The project is targeted to be completed by 2010.

- The Marikina-Infanta Road to the Port of Real begins at the junction of Sumulong Highway to Masinag, Antipolo, traversing the Sierra Madre, and ending at the intersection of Sinaloan-Famy-Real-Infanta Road. Currently, the project is 27.75% complete. This P2.35-billion project will be finished by December 2009.

- The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 2 is an P8-billion project that will link the NLEX to SLEX by extending the Metro Manila Skyway to the SLEX. The project has commenced with advance works, particularly, the construction of pier heads. This shall be undertaken until the main contractor of the project is selected to continue the overall project construction works. It is to be completed by July 2009.

- The North Luzon East Expressway (NLEE) Project is a proposed parallel expressway to the east of the Pan Philippine Highway from Plaridel, Bulacan to San Jose , Nueva Ecija with connections to existing roads. The DPWH shall undertake the feasibility study of the NLEE in CY 2008-2009 while the design, which includes the parcellary survey and civil works, will be implemented through the Build-Operate-Transfer scheme and is expected to be completed in December 2010.

- The P189-million Porac Interchange aims to enhance the flow of traffic and logistics along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and improve its accessibility in Pampanga. Currently, the project’s documents are being processed due to change of contract amount and project timeline/duration. The interchange is expected to be completed end-2008.

- The SLEX Extension Project involves the rehabilitation, upgrading, expansion of the Alabang Viaduct and the toll road from Alabang to Calamba, and the construction of a toll road connecting SLEX to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road. This P8.5 billion-project will be completed by March 2009. Civil works for all the toll road sections have already started with an over-all accomplishment of 17.26%.

- The P2.51 billion Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Project Phase II involves the construction of a 19.74-kilometer road that will cut travel time from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Batangas City by 40 minutes. The project’s civil works is ongoing with a physical accomplishment of 61.61%.

- The P20.97-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project is a 93.77-km four-lane expressway that will connect the major development areas of Central Luzon . Once completed in March 2008, travel time from Manila to Subic will be reduced from 2 ½ hours to 1 ½ hours and from Manila to Tarlac from 2-3 hours to 1 ½ hours. The project has an overall actual accomplishment of 91.17%.

- The Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway (TLUTE) is an expressway that will run from the end of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in La Paz , Tarlac all the way to Rosario, La Union. This P14.61-billion project aims to support socio-economic activities in Regions I, II, and CAR and help decongest traffic at McArthur Highway . The TLUTE’s bid documents are currently undergoing evaluation. The Tarlac-Urdaneta Section will be completed by 2010 and the Urdaneta-Rosario, La Union section by 2012.

- The P1.59 billion Tarlac-Nueva Ecija-Aurora-Dingalan Port Road will connect the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to the Dingalan Port in Aurora by 2009. The Sta. Rosa Jct.-Fort Magsaysay Section (Section 4) and Dingalan Port-Dingalan Section (Section 7B) have a cumulative accomplishment of 94.14% while pre-construction activities are ongoing for the other road sections.

Ports. Four (4) ports amounting to P13.74 billion to speed up and promote cheaper and faster transport of goods are being constructed across the LUB Super Region.

- Once the P5.42 billion Batangas Port Development Project is completed, it will be able to accommodate Panamax and post-Panamax size vessels and an estimated cargo volume of approximately 3 million tons annually. The project is 99% complete with only the rectification of gantry cranes still ongoing. The project is targeted to be completed by the second week of January 2008.

- The P35.73 million reconstruction of the Cawit Port in Boac, Marinduque was completed on 21 September 2007. This port will strengthen Ro-Ro links to Marinduque and promote seamless delivery of goods from farm to market and reduce damage of goods. The project involved the construction of the RoRo ramp, rock causeway pier, and wharf.

- The P247.09 million Lucena Port Project was also completed on 23 November 2007. The project involved the construction of a passenger terminal building, concrete paving of a back-up area, and construction of a breakwater. This shall help increase Ro-Ro operation efficiency, lower transport cost, improve safety and convenience of passengers, and increase economic activity in Lucena City , Quezon.

- The Subic Bay Port Development Project is an P8.04-billion modernization project of the Subic Port , involving the rehabilitation of existing facilities (e.g., container terminal), construction of a new terminal, and the installation of gantry cranes. The project will provide nearby provinces an alternative dock to the Port of Manila .  Once the project is completed, transportation cost of containerized cargo will be reduced from P10,470.00 to P4,791.00 and will generate savings of around P5,679.00 per truck.

The port is 99.24% complete. The only remaining work involves the rectification and repair of punchlisted items of work. Container Terminal 1 was inaugurated on 19 July 2007. The project is expected to be completed by February 2008.

Airports. Two (2) airports to boost LUB ’s accessibility to foreign travelers and cargo are being constructed.

- The improvement of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), costing P57.18 billion, aims to transform the airport into the best international logistics and services center in the Asia-Pacific Region. The Terminal Radar Approach Control is complete with the radar equipment officially activated by the President on 4 April 2007. The construction of the passenger terminal building, which is expected to expand the passenger capacity of the airport from 1 million to 2 million passengers, is 44% complete and is expected to be finished by March 2008. On the DMIA Masterplan that will further expand the airport’s capacity to five million passengers, the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has two options in financing its feasibility study - one is the Chinese Consortium, which seeks to implement the project and the other is the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). CIAC is currently reviewing the feasibility study submitted by the Chinese Consortium while KOICA has already sent their technical requirements for the funding of the feasibility study. Implementation of the Master Plan is targeted to be completed in 2011.

- The NAIA International Passenger Terminal 3 Project involves the completion and operation of a new international passenger terminal on the 63.5-hectare site of the Villamor Air Base with a capacity of 13 million passengers per year. The opening up of the NAIA Terminal 3 had suffered setbacks due to the need for remedial works. The DOTC and Takenaka will be meeting on 3 January 2008 to discuss the remedial works of the project.

Railways. There are nine (9) priority investments in railways that will not only speed up travel but will also connect North and South Luzon and close the LRT and MRT loop.

- The LRT Line 2 Extension is a P10.34 billion project that will extend the LRT Line 2 Recto to Santolan route further eastward by 2010. Originally proposed for ODA, the Line 2 Extension is now being considered for Public-Private Partnership financing subject to NEDA-ICC approval.

- The P8.32 billion LRT Line 1 NAI A C onnector involves the construction of a railway from the LRT Line 1 Baclaran Station to NAIA 1, 2, and 3, and a 13-kilometer extension to Sucat to improve the access to NAIA when completed in December 2011. The project is in its conceptualization stage. The DOTC and LRTA are discussing the project’s pre- and feasibility stage.

- The P5.98 billion LRT Line 1 North Extension, is a 5.4-kilometer elevated line seamless from the Monumento Station of LRT Line 1 to the North Avenue Station of MRT 3. The transit system, which is capable of carrying 530,000 passengers per day, will reduce travel time from Monumento to North EDSA from 21 minutes to seven (7) minutes. The project’s feasibility study is currently being prepared by the project’s consultants. The Projects’ Packages A and B already have eligible bidders for civil works. They are currently awaiting the issuance of bid documents. On the other hand, Package C scheduled a re-pre-qualification of bidders within January 2008. The project will be finished by May 2010.

- The LRT Line 1 South Extension Project involves the construction of an 11.7-kilometer railway line extension from LRT Line 1 in Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite. The project is expected to cut travel time from Baclaran to Bacoor by 30 minutes when completed in June 2012. World Bank appraisal and right-of-way preparations are presently being undertaken.

- The MRT 3 Capacity Expansion, costing US$257 million, aims to expand the capacity of the MRT 3 system through the procurement of additional light rail vehicles from 2007 to 2014. For Phase I, which involves the emergency relief purchase of refurbished light rail units, the final report of the expansion study is up for NEDA-ICC review/evaluation. On the other hand, proposed ODA funding for Phase 2, which involves the procurement of new units, needs to be deliberated on by the NEDA-ICC.

- The MRT 7 is a US$1.24 billion-project involving a 22-kilometer rail transit system, with fourteen (14) mostly elevated stations, from the North Avenue station in EDSA, Quezon City passing through Commonwealth Avenue, Regalado Avenue, Quirino Highway up to the Intermodal Transportation Terminal (ITT) in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and a 22-kilometer road, at least six (6) lanes from the North Luzon Expressway, Marilao Exit to Tala Terminal. The Government and the proponent of this unsolicited proposal are in discussion on the terms of the project’s implementation. The project is targeted to be completed by 2012.

- The P61.91-billion Northrail Project is a transit system, which involves the construction of an 80.2-kilometer rail track that will cut travel time from Caloocan to Malolos, Bulacan by 42 minutes and from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga by 1 hour and 7 minutes. When completed in May 2010, it will also reduce travel cost from Caloocan to Clark by P60 from P98 to P38. The Caloocan to Malolos Section has a 6.41% physical accomplishment. Discussions for the loan on consultancy services is ongoing. For the Malolos to Clark Section, NorthRail Management and DBP are finalizing the US$90 million loan for the project’s local counterpart fund.

- The Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project involves the rehabilitation of the 34-kilometer railway from Caloocan to Alabang while Phase 2 covers the upgrading of the 27-kilometer railway from Alabang to Calamba, Laguna. This P6.79-billion project, which will shorten travel time from Caloocan to Calamba from 2 hours and 38 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes and reduce cost by P38 from the current bus fare of P70, will be completed by December 2010. The Caloocan-Alabang section is 8.47% complete. The Alabang-Calamba section, on the other hand, has ongoing relocation activities.

- The P15.31 billion Southrail Project Phase 1A, which will be completed by December 2009, will rehabilitate the railway line from Calamba, Laguna to Lucena, Quezon. This will shorten travel time from Calamba to Lucena from 3 hours and 21 minutes to 1 hour and 41 minutes and reduce fare cost from the current P80 bus fare to P32. The Government is awaiting China Eximbank to issue its decision on the loan application.

Power and Energy. The current dependable power capacity in Luzon will not be able to meet the projected power demand and required reserve starting 2010. To meet the system requirements, capacity additions are in the works.

- The 230 kilovolts Concepcion-Clark Power Transmission Project aims to provide a reliable and more efficient transmission system to serve the growing power demand of the Clark Special Economic Zone. This P2.04 billion project will be implemented in two stages. The first stage involves the construction of the 230 kilovolts and 69 kilovolts transmission lines at Concepcion Substation (S/S) while the second stage involves construction of a new Clark Substation and the expansion of Concepcion S/S.  Contract signing and groundbreaking of Stage 1 was held on 27 September 2007. It is set to be completed by July 2008. Stage 2 is under tendering and its bid opening date is on 9 November 2008. It will be done by June 2009.

- The P375 million-Bataan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal is a regasification facility with a capacity of 180 million cubic feet/day that will serve as a receiving terminal for imported LNG by 2011. Currently, marketing discussions on the project have been put on hold pending the convening of a new Board of Directors for the newly privatized PNOC subsidiary.

- The Bataan-Manila Pipeline is a US$180-million initiative to construct a 140-kilometer natural gas transmission line and distribution facilities, which will supply natural gas to four power plants and other facilities to be constructed by Covanta Energy. When completed in 2012, this project shall service industrial markets in seven provinces and the entire NCR in Luzon. The marketing discussions on the project have been put on hold pending the convening of a new Board of Directors for the newly privatized PNOC subsidiary. 

- The P870 million-Biñan-Sucat 230 kilovolts Transmission Line Project involves the installation of a 14-kilometer 230 kilovolts transmission line, including switching facilities at Biñan, Laguna and Sucat, Parañaque City substations to increase transfer capacity by 880 Megawatts and accommodate full dispatch of baseload plants in Southern Luzon. Currently, the right-of-way acquisition for the tower site is 96% complete and 99% complete for the stringing section. It shall be completed by July 2009.

- Tokyo Electric and Marubeni through TeaM Energy Corporation announced a $350 million expansion of the Pagbilao Coal-Fired Power Plant by 350 Megawatts by 2010-2011. However, the Provincial Government of Quezon and TeaM Energy Corp. need to resolve the unpaid real property tax of Mirant Corp. for the project to move forward.

Flood Control Projects. The Government is pursuing P9.88 billion worth of flood control projects in the areas in LUB that are most affected by flooding.

- The P5.18-billion KAMANAVA Area Flood Control and Drainage System Improvement Project will relieve flooding in the Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas areas through flood control and drainage improvement works. The project is 86% complete with four out of five pumping stations already complete. The last pumping station will be finished by March 2008. All its floodgates except for the South Pinagkabilan Floodgate have also been completed.  By September 2008, the project is expected to be fully finished.

- The P4.7-billion Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project (PHUMP), Phase 3 will benefit the towns of Sasmuan, Guagua, Lubao and San Fernando City in Pampanga. With this project, the flood level in these areas are expected to decrease and flood damages to lessen. The loan agreement for the project was signed in December 2007. The project is targeted to be completed in March 2010.

Water Projects. To ensure the sustainability of LUB ’s development, the Government shall implement projects that promote continuous water supply.

- The 300-million liters per day (MLD) Treated Bulk Water Supply Project shall benefit 2.25 million people living in the areas of Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Pasay, Bacoor, and Imus. This project is set to be finished by April 2009. The MWSS is currently looking into how the project can be successfully bid out.

- The Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project Phase 2 involves the construction of Aqueduct (AQ) No. 6 and the rehabilitation of existing Aqueduct No. 5 to secure raw water supply for Metro Manila. The Project aims to recover about 350 MLD of raw water lost due to leaks and to ensure the structural integrity of the existing AQ5 which conveys half (2,000 MLD) of the water supply of Metro Manila. Presently, the detailed engineering of Aqueducts 6 Phase 2 and Aqueduct 5 rehabilitation are being finalized. Together with the detailed design of the interconnection works, which is currently being prepared, they are expected to be completed within January 2008. The project is expected to be completed by December 2010.

- The P47.93-billion Laiban Dam aims to provide the long-term water supply requirements of Metro Manila, with its first phase supplying 1,220 MLD and its second phase 610 MLD or a total of 1,830 MLD by 2013. The Project is 1.6% complete. Geological investigation of the project was completed in December 2007. Options to fund construction are still being explored.

Sanitation Project. The Government is implementing a septage treatment plant to protect public health and safety. 

- The Septage Treatment Plant (STP) in Antipolo aims to provide 600 cu.m./day of capacity for treating the domestic septage from some 37,000 septic tanks annually from the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong and municipalities of Pateros, San Juan, and Taguig. The project is 25.63% complete. However, currently, the project is awaiting the validation and recommendation of the OGCC and the COA on the result of the MWSS inquiry on the project’s contract amount. The Project is targeted to be completed by December 2008.

Central Philippines Super Region

The Central Philippines Super Region is composed of the entire Bicol Region, Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, the provinces of Romblon, Palawan, and Camiguin, and the island of Siargao. Its unique and lush natural wonders, as well as its warm and friendly people attract almost a third of the country’s foreign tourists. The Central Philippines is therefore envisioned to be the premier tourist destination in the country.

The Super Region’s tourism potentials shall be enhanced by increasing infrastructure investments that will make inter- and intra-regional travel faster and more comfortable. In addition, social and environmental projects are being implemented to ensure sustainable development in these tourist areas. All these projects will help increase tourism arrivals, tap the development potentials of even the smaller islands, and spur micro, medium, and small enterprises, agribusiness, and other job-generating activities.

To date, there are 52 priority infrastructure projects in the Central Philippines Super Region costing around P113.7 billion. Priority infrastructure projects in the Super Region include six (6) roads, one (1) railway project, 16 airports, 16 airports, 18 roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ports, nine (9) power and electrification projects, and two (2) flood control projects. 

As of December 2007, nine (9) priority infrastructure projects in the Central Philippines Super Region, which includes one road, two airports, and six seaports and RoRo ports, were completed.

- In Bohol, three (3) ports, namely the P59.76-million improvement of the Jagna Port, the P20-million expansion of the Tubigon Port and the P48.04-million development of the Ubay Port, have been completed.  These ports are linked by the P2.20-billion Bohol Circumferential Road, a 260.60-kilometer road completed in July 2006 and inaugurated on 09 May 2007.  These projects provide linkage to the Central Nautical Highway and promote tourism in the area.

- The P91.34-million improvement of the Maasin Port in Southern Leyte was completed on 08 October 2006 and inaugurated in February 2007.  The port improvement enhanced port services through the provision of wider operational area. 

- The P105.74-million Pantao Port in Albay, which will provide a shorter route from Manila to Bicol, was completed on 16 December 2007.  Development works for the project include reclamation of rockworks, fill and pavement; construction of retaining walls and drainage system; and installation of the port lighting system. 

- The construction of the P48.54-million Siquijor Port, which involves the reclamation of back-up area and construction of RoRo ramp, was completed on 26 November 2007. 

- The P8.76-billion New Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo was completed on 18 March 2007 and inaugurated on 13 June 2007. It started its operations on 14 June 2007, replacing the old airport in Manduriao. This airport can service 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 metric tons of cargo annually. It can also accommodate large aircrafts with seating capacities of 276 passengers. There were 2,600 jobs generated during its construction and 500 when the airport started its operations.

- The P6.38-billion New Bacolod-Silay Airport located in Silay City, Negros Occidental, was completed on 10 July 2007. The new 188-hectare airport complex shall replace the Bacolod Airport once it starts operation.  It can accommodate 1.2 million passengers and 19,000 metric tons of cargo. The airport project generated approximately 1,000 jobs during construction.  The new airport will provide more effective and efficient air transport system in regional growth areas due to its state-of-the-art facilities compliant with international standards.  

In 2008, 17 projects throughout the Super Region, composed of two roads, six airports, and nine RoRo ports, are expected to be completed.  These will facilitate inter-island island transportation, and commerce, and further enhance tourism in the Central Philippines Super Region. 

Roads. Road networks are being constructed and rehabilitated throughout the Super Region to ensure that travel from the various entry points to the tourist destinations are fast, safe, and reliable. 

- The 4.70-kilometer Access Road of the newly-constructed New Bacolod Airport in Silay, Negros Occidental is 65.05% complete.  The P145-million access road is expected to be completed in February 2008.

- The P2.40-billion Cebu North Coastal Road is at 26.6% accomplishment with on-going road right of way acquisition.  The road network stretches through the coastal areas of Mandaue City, and the towns of Liloan and Consolacion and shall connect Cebu City to the Bogo Port.   The 9.45–kilometer road network shall be completed in March 2008. 

- The 249.85-kilometer El Nido-Bataraza-Rio Tuba Road has two (2) completed sections—the 109.75-kilometer Roxas-Puerto Princesa Section and the 59-kilometer El Nido-Taytay Section.  The Roxas-Puerto Princesa Section reduces travel time between the Puerto Princesa City and Roxas Municipality from four (4) hours to three (3) hours.  The road network will provide a more reliable, efficient and safer transport infrastructure, which will enhance the broad-based development of Palawan and further contribute to the unimpeded flow of goods and services.  The other three (3) sections, Taytay-Roxas, Puerto Princesa-Narra-Abo-Abo, and the Abo-Abo-Bataraza-Rio Tuba, are undergoing construction and shall all be completed by September 2009.

- Connecting Esperanza and Aroroy in Masbate is the 25-kilometer Esperanza-Aroroy Road, which is 64.86% complete.  This P401-million road project is due for completion in 2009. 

- The P1.73-billion Panay Island Road Network, which aims to facilitate and increase tourism activity in the entire Panay Island, shall be completed in October 2009.  The 13.09-kilometer Pavia-Sta. Barbara Section of the Iloilo-Sta. Barbara Road is 83.56% complete while the 11.86-kilometer Metro Iloilo Radial Road is 10.94% complete. 

Railway. The P50.89-billion Southrail Project Phases IB and II, which shall rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing railway from Lucena, Quezon to Legaspi, Albay, and construct an extension to Matnog, Sorsogon, shall commence upon completion of the Phase IA of the railway project.  This shall make travel from Manila to Bicol faster, cheaper, and more comfortable.

Airports. Aside from the two (2) completed airports, fourteen (14) priority airport projects throughout the country are located in Central Philippines. These airports shall be part of the regional transport system that will make key tourist destinations in Central Philippines more accessible.

- In Palawan, there are four (4) airports being developed to increase tourism in the island:

- The P310.50-million new Balabac Airport in Southern Palawan is in the feasibility study stage. The project is for private sector participation and is recommended for the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme, unsolicited proposal.  The airport is targeted to be completed in December 2009.

- On the P212-million Busuanga Airport Project in Coron Island, Palawan, the Locally-Funded Project of Phase 1, which involves the rehabilitation and improvement of existing facilities, was completed on 30 November 2007 and is due for final inspection and acceptance by the DOTC, while the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)-funded component is at 42% accomplishment.   For Phase 2, which involves the expansion of the airport, the Feasibility Study/Master Plan (FS/MP) is 35% complete. Civil works based on the Master Plan shall be completed by June 2010.

- The rehabilitation/expansion of the existing Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the P3.25-billion Puerto Princesa Airport is 55% complete while the construction of perimeter fence and expansion of apron is 45% complete. The Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for the transfer of the P100 million for the PTB has been signed.  Phase 2 of the project, which involves the completion of the PTB, rehabilitation of terminal equipment/facilities, and the redevelopment of the airport, shall be finished by October 2010.

- The P570-million San Vicente Airport Development Project in Northern Palawan started in February 2007 and shall be completed in April 2008. The airstrip construction and upgrading of apron and taxiway are both more than half complete, while the continuing construction activities of the runway, apron and the taxiway have yet to begin pending the release of the Notice of Award to the contractor.  The Local Government Unit (LGU) has acquired 69 lots out of 86 lots to be acquired. 

- The Bulan Airport in Sorsogon is a P65-million project that will provide tourists better access to the famous Butanding or whale sharks. The parcellary survey for the airport is already complete, while runway upgrading is 15% complete and right-of-way acquisition is ongoing. Target completion date of the whole project is March 2008.

        The construction of access road and installation of perimeter fence of the P299.63-million Dumaguete Airport in Oriental Negros was completed on 16 March 2007, while runway widening and asphalt overlay, and the improvement of the PTB are 15% and 85% complete, respectively. The installation of the airfield lighting system was issued on 06 November 2007 with 50% accomplishment.  Once the airport is complete in June 2008, it shall attract electronics and semi-conductor companies to locate in Valencia, Oriental Negros

- On the P142-million Guiuan Airport in Eastern Samar, the upgrading of apron and taxiway was finished on 10 September 2007, while the concreting of the apron and taxiway is 98% complete. The rehabilitation of the PTB started construction on 08 December 2007. This airport, which shall be completed in October 2008, shall promote tourism in Eastern Samar, the country’s surfing capital, and improve the socio-economic climate in the area.  

- The Kabankalan City Government shall construct the new P303-million Kabankalan Airport in Negros Occidental to provide travelers and tourists faster and easier access to beaches of Sipalay. Procurement for the conduct of Feasibility Study (FS) for the airport development plan is on going.  The Kabankalan City Government has initiated site acquisition activities and has acquired 30 lots out of 110 lots needed.  The project is targeted for completion in December 2009. 

- The P590-million Kalibo Airport in Aklan shall make travel to Boracay more convenient. Overall accomplishment for the installation of the instrument landing system (ILS) is 82.52%, which includes activities such as site acquisition, site development for the ILS, rehabilitation/installation of ILS equipment, construction of equipment shelter and installation of runway edge and taxiway edge lights.   Site negotiation of the Provincial Government with the affected lot owners of the project is 49% complete.  The airport development also includes the expansion of the PTB, which is expected to be completed in June 2008. 

- The P4.17-billion Panglao International Airport in Bohol shall replace the existing Tagbilaran Airport upon its completion in April 2010. Construction of a new airport of international standard shall support the projected increase in tourist arrivals in the area. Parcellary survey of the project was completed while land acquisition is at 71%.  The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board confirmed the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approval of the project on 08 January 2008.  Construction works is expected to commence in July 2008.

- The new P303-million San Jose Airport in Romblon in the Carabao Island is available for private sector participation and recommended for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme (unsolicited proposal).  The project shall be completed by 2010 and will help make the Carabao Island another tourist destination in the country.

- The Siargao Airport project in Surigao del Norte aims to serve the tourists visiting the well-renowned surfing waves of Siargao. Completed components of this P76-million airport improvement project include the expansion of the apron, taxiway and perimeter fence, and the upgrading of the apron and taxiway, which were respectively completed on 09 May and 10 August 2007.  Currently, the construction of the parking area and fence has a 31.44% accomplishment, and is scheduled to be completed in March 2008.

- The P3.44-billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, Albay shall serve tourists who wish to see the famous Mount Mayon. Parcellary survey was completed on 15 May 2007 while the conduct of the feasibility study (FS) commenced on 26 November 2007.  Site acquisition of lots and construction works will start upon completion of the Advance Engineering Study by May 2008.  Detailed Engineering Design (DED) is scheduled to commence in February 2008.

- The P1.12-billion Redevelopment of the Tacloban Airport involves the asphalt overlaying of the existing airport runway as well as other redevelopment activities to bring Leyte into the country’s tourism circuit. The Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the asphalt overlay of the airport runway is for issuance by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). The procurement for the updating of the Feasibility Study/Master Plan (FS/MP) is on-going.  Upon full operation of the airport, it will generate 1,000 jobs and boost economic activity and the tourism industry in the province. 

Seaports and RoRo Ports.  To further enhance the tourism potentials of the Central Philippines, 18 seaports and Roll-On-Roll-Off (RoRo) ports shall be completed.  These will provide vital links to the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), facilitate inter-island access, and trigger the development of maritime industry.  Four (4) of the 18 priority seaports and RoRo ports were completed and the remaining fourteen (14) are under construction, rehabilitation, and expansion.   These are the following:

- The development of the Limasawa Port in Southern Leyte to be completed in January 2008 is already 95% complete.  The P18.03-million port development, which includes the construction of reinforce concrete (RC) pier, RoRo ramp and PTB, shall improve the area’s access to social services, and promote tourism and diving in Southern Leyte.

- In Masbate, four (4) ports are undergoing improvement and shall be completed by 2008 to strengthen its connection to its neighboring islands and growth centers.  These ports will also link Masbate to the Eastern Nautical Highway.

- The P76-million Aroroy Port Development Project, which has a 59.57% accomplishment, includes the provision of a RoRo ramp, back-up area and a drainage system. 

- The Cawayan Port Improvement Project is 85% complete.  The P42.95-million port improvement includes the construction of rock causeway, back-up area, RC platform, RoRo ramp and breasting dolphin, as well as port lighting system, and mooring and fendering system. 

- The P125.15-million Claveria Port Development Project is 25% complete.  Port development activities involve the construction of the back-up area, RoRo ramp, widening causeway, breasting dolphin and PTB with port lighting system. 

- The development of the San Pascual Port is 8.85% accomplished.  This P42.84-million project includes the construction of a RC trestle, RoRo ramp and breasting dolphin, and also the back-up area and port lighting system. 

- In Biliran, two (2) ports that shall enhance the area’s access to social services and economic centers shall also be finished by February 2008, these are: 

- The P49.10-million Maripipi Port, which shall construct a RoRo ramp, a PTB, and the back-up area, is 65.76% complete. 

- Construction works of the P52.80-million Naval Port Development Project, which includes the rehabilitation of the RC pier, is 44.36% complete.

- Two (2) ports shall be developed in Cebu, these are the following:

- The P15-million Daanbantayan Port, which is expected for completion in March 2008, is 65% complete. Activities include rockworks, riprapping, dredging, and sheet piles. 

- The Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) is currently negotiating with the owners of the proposed site of the P20-million Santander Port.  The port shall start its construction upon completion of the technical plans and Program of Works (POW) of the project.  This will provide linkage to the Port of Sibulan in Negros Oriental. 

- Two (2) ports in Camiguin shall be constructed to link the island-province to the Central Nautical Highway. 

- The reclamation of back-up area of the Mambajao Port was completed on 8 November 2007 while the PTB and extension of RoRo ramp is under construction.  The P75.27-million port development project shall be completed in March 2008. 

- Two sets of Program of Works (POW) were prepared and is currently being evaluated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the proposed P83.23 million development of the Guinsiliban Port. 

- The P92.46-million development of the Sibunag Port in Guimaras, which involves the construction of a RoRo ramp, a rock causeway, breasting dolphin and port lighting system, is 56.41% complete and shall be completed in April 2008.  The Sibunag Port is connected to the existing Jordan Wharf through the Sibunag-Jordan road.

Power and Electrification Projects.  The Department of Energy (DOE) projects an increase in power demand in the Visayas Grid and will cause a power shortage in 2009 by about 200 megawatts (MW). To address this, eight (8) power and electrification projects are being prioritized and implemented.  These are the following:

- The P2.37-billion 20 MW Nasulo Geothermal Project, which involves the construction, installation, commissioning of a geothermal power plant, drilling of production well, and construction of fluid collection and reinjection system and switching station in Negros Oriental.  The solicitation for technical proposal for the project is on going.  The project will be completed in June 2010.

- The P1.22-billion Bicol Emergency Power Restoration Project shall restore the damaged substation facilities and equipment by typhoons Reming and Milenyo by January 2008.  The Milenyo-damaged areas were energized on 16 November 2007.  Construction of the tower sites for the Reming-damage areas is more than 90% complete, while ROWA for the tower sites is 99% complete with that of stringing section fully accomplished. 

- The Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Salcon Power Corporation shall build the Cebu 200-Megawatt Coal-Fired Power Plant, a two-unit coal-fired plant in Naga City, Cebu.  Ongoing is the finalization of the bilateral contract with the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO) while the proposed rates are for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval. 

- The P3.91-billion Negros-Panay Interconnection Uprating Project shall enhance the reliability and stability of the Cebu-Negros Grid and also increase the power transfer capacity of the transmission facilities.  The ROWA for the tower sites is 79% complete while that of the stringing section is 92% complete.  The transmission/electrification project shall activate and energize Negros Occidental and Iloilo by June 2009. 

- As committed during the 2007 State of the Nation Address (SONA), a new P1.4-billion Power Plant in Masbate shall be constructed by the David M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) Power Corporation, a private corporation, to serve one (1) million customers in the island.  Currently, DMCI negotiation with financial institutions is on-going. 

- The National Power Corporation (NPC) shall construct the Dingle Diesel Power Plant Repair and Maintenance Program (formerly Panay DPP) in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, shall attain the power plant dependable capacity of 80 MW.  Currently, NPC Technical and Maintenance Services Group has undertaken plant scoping and walkdown as part of the Due Diligence Activities to determine project scope and estimated cost. 

- The P2.54-billion San Carlos Bioenergy Project, which involves the construction of an integrated ethanol distillery and power cogeneration plant with an output capacity of 125,000 litter/day of fuel grade ethanol and approximately 8 MW of electricity, shall be completed by the National Development Company (NDC) by 2008.  Construction works for the project such as the balance of plant, site preparation and non-technical building, boiler, raw syrup and mill, and distillery and wastewater treatment facilities are on-going. 

- The Tamlang Valley Ethanol Project in Negros Oriental, which involves the conversion of 10,000 hectares of land into a jatropha plantation for biodiesel generation, shall be developed by the Herminio Teves and Company Inc. (HTCI) as a source of a biofuel.  To date, planting of seedlings is on-going. 

- The P865-million Wright-Calbayog 138 Kilovolts (KV) Transmission Line (T/L) Project aims to intensify the delivery of quality and reliable power in the northern part of Samar Island.  The Detailed Engineering (DE) of the project is 80% complete while ROWA for the tower sites and stringing section are at 95% and 98% respective accomplishments. 

Flood Control Projects.  Two (2) flood control projects shall improve the drainage and relieve flood to reduce the physical and property damages cause by flooding. 

- On the P2.38-billion Bicol River Basin and Watershed Project, the FS of the Flood and Hazard Mitigation component of the project was completed on and is proposed for World Bank or Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) financing. For the irrigation component, the FS for the modernization of the Tigman-Hinagyanan-Inarihan River Integration System (RIS) was completed in 2004 and the construction of the Libmanan-Cabusao Dam is 36.94% complete. 

- The P4.51-billion Panay River Flood Control Project is proposed for inclusion in the 27^th Yen Loan Package.  The National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee-Technical Board (NEDA-ICC-TB) has approved the project on 7 September 2006.  A Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Budget Strategy is required for the ICC-Cabinet Committee’s approval of the project.  The project will protect a total area of about 32,000 has. with an estimated 200,000 beneficiaries. 

MINDANAO

The Mindanao Super Region, which is composed of Regions IX, X (except Camiguin), XI, XII, Caraga (except Siargao), and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has a competitive edge in agribusiness, especially in high value crops, which can be further harnessed by major infrastructure support. Mindanao accounts for over 40% of the country’s food requirements and contributes more than 30% to the national food trade. It contributes 100% of rubber production, 91% of pineapple production, 90% of cacao production, and over 50% of banana, coffee, corn, and coconut. It also produces exotic fruits like pomelo, durian, and mangosteen. However, despite its competitive advantage in agribusiness, Mindanao has the poorest regions and provinces in the country. The development strategy for the Super Region therefore shall ensure that efforts to address Mindanao’s development imperatives are accelerated.

A total of 27 priority projects are being implemented in Mindanao, three (3) of which have already been completed. These are the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge in Butuan City, the 210-MW Clean Coal Plant inside the PHIVIDEC Compound, and the 950-kW Photovoltaic Power Plant in Cagayan de Oro City. Of the remaining 24 projects, 10 are under various stages of civil works, while the rest are in different stages of implementation. All these projects are primarily aimed at enhancing Mindanao’s competitive advantage and potentials in agribusiness.

Roads. The major road projects in Mindanao are mainly intended to bring farm produce to the market faster and at least cost and to cut travel time for travelers. These projects, which will be constructed until 2010, are being built for a total cost of P12.868 billion.

- The Dakak-Dapitan Road Project involves the widening of 10.76 kilometers of road in Dapitan City leading to Dakak. This P312 million project will provide a more reliable, efficient, and safer transport infrastructure, which will further enhance the tourism potentials of Dapitan City and Dakak. It is expected to be completed by August 2009. Civil works is ongoing in varying stages at the different sections of the project.

- The Dinagat Island Road Network involves the improvement and rehabilitation of 15 kilometers of road that shall connect the municipalities of Cagdianao and Loreto, Dinagat, San Jose, Basilisa, Libjo, and Tubajon in the newly created province of Dinagat Island. At a cost of P515 million, the project is divided into nine (9) sections. Construction started in April 2007 and the project shall be completed by January 2008. The project is 70% complete as of end-December 2007.

- The P90 million Hawilian-Salug-Sinakungan Barangay Road involves the opening and upgrading of 35.8 kilometers of barangay roads in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P30 million for the road opening to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in November 2007. this project is expected to be finished in March 2008.

- The Lebak-Maguindanao Road, costing P2.065 billion and also known as the Awang-Upi-Lebak Road, is an 88-kilometer project that traverses the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat. It shall provide access to the centers of agricultural, industrial, fishing, commercial and tourism activities in Mindanao. The whole project will be completed by October 2009. Bidding for the civil works for the three sections are ongoing.

- The Sibuco-Siraway-Siocon-Baliguian-Gutalac Coastal Road in Zamboanga del Norte will serve as a backbone link connecting seven coastal towns and two major cities in Region IX, the Zambaoanga Peninsula-Zamboanga City in the south and Dipolog City in the north. The project shall be completed in October 2009 at a cost of P2.767 billion. Construction works in the Siraway-Siocon and Sibuco-Siraway sections are ongoing, while detailed engineering for the Siocon- Junction Baliguian and Junction Baliguian-Gutalac sections are ongoing. Civil works is one-third complete.

- The Surigao-Davao Road Project involves the rehabilitation and improvement of 448 kilometers of road at a cost of P6.943 billion. Straddling the provinces of Surigao Del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, it is divided into five (5) Sections: a) Bacuag-Claver, b) Marihatag-Hinatuan-Bislig, c) Manay-Mati, d) Cortez-Tandang-Marihatag, and e) Bislig-Manay. Currently, the Manay-Mati Section in Davao Oriental is three-fourths complete. Civil works for five other sections are on going. However, the Manay-Boston subsection is still under program of works preparation, plans and designs. The project is expected to be completed by May 2010.

- The Panguil Bay Bridge is a 2.36-kilometer bridge linking Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. This project will facilitate the unimpeded flow of goods and services between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental. A total of P121 million out of its total cost of P2.67 billion was allocated in the FY 2007 budget of DPWH. Procurement of civil works is ongoing, with opening of bids scheduled in April 2008, after the pre-qualification of bidders in December 2007.

Airports. The seven (7) airport projects in Mindanao, aside from providing a faster mode of transport of people, are also meant to provide an efficient means of transporting produce from Mindanao to the Luzon Urban Beltway. These seven airports cost a total of P6.24 million.

- The Butuan Airport in Agusan del Norte is a P306.24-million project involving the extension of the runway and improvement of the air navigation system. Runway extension of 100 meters is 52.65% complete but construction is suspended due to a revision of the Program of Works to bypass an unacquired lot. Other components are for implementation. The airport shall be completed in May 2008.

- The rehabilitation of the Cotabato Airport is expected to be completed in May 2008, at a cost of P302 million.  The asphalt overlay of a 63-meter portion of the runway is almost complete. Another portion is also being overlaid with asphalt and is more than 10% complete. Procurement is ongoing for the continuation of the asphalt overlay. Bids were opened on 13 December 2007 for the last portion of the continuation of asphalt overlay.

- The Dipolog Airport in Zamboanga del Norte involves shore protection, asphalt overlay, and widening of the runway at a cost of P353 million. It is expected to complement the Dakak-Dapitan Road in enhancing the tourism potentials of Dapitan City and Dakak. Shore protection of 145 meters, as well as asphalt overlay of runway of 109 meters and runway widening of an 814-meter stretch have been completed. Continuation of the runway widening and shore protection is divided into two stages. One is for award to contractor and the other is 37.12% complete. It should be finished by April 2008.

- The P7.853 billion Laguindingan Airport Project involves the construction of a new airport in Misamis Oriental, including a new runway, taxiway, apron and other airside facilities; new buildings, such as passenger terminal building (PTB), cargo facilities; supply and installation of air navigation and support facilities, and other airport equipment and vehicles. The airport is expected to be completed by May 2011. Site acquisition is ongoing. The winning bidder for the civil works of the main airport is for BAC resolution approval. Construction of the access road is more than 10% complete while construction of the relocation site is more than halfway through.

- The Ozamis Airport Project involves the rehabilitation of the terminal building, vehicle parking area, and expansion of apron at a total cost of P173 million. Civil works on the runway are ongoing. Rehabilitation of passenger terminal building (PTB) and runway extension are under bidding. Construction of the riverbank protection and concreting of the runway is more than 90% complete. The whole project is expected to be completed by May 2008.

- The Pagadian Airport in Zamboanga del Sur is a P546-million project. Immediate improvement is complete, continuation of asphalt overlay and runway extension are under bidding, while the airport's upgrading and rehabilitation is for feasibility study updating and then submission to NEDA-ICC for approval. The project will be finished in September 2009.

- The P284-million rehabilitation of the Zamboanga Airport in Zamboanga del Sur will enhance the operations of the airport and make travel safer and more comfortable. Immediate improvement of the airport is complete and the last stage of the continuation of the asphalt overlay is 10% finished.  Bids for the supply and installation of a baggage conveyor system was opened on 04 December 2007 while bids for the rehabilitation of the restrooms at the terminal building were opened on 11 December 2007. The project will be completed in May 2008.

Ports. There are two major port projects in Mindanao, costing P970.32 million that are expected to enhance the Super Region’s competitive edge in agribusiness.

- The P572.87 million Port of Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental involves the upgrading and rehabilitation of the existing back-up area and the construction of a back-up area for the newly constructed wharf. The upgrading and rehabilitation of the existing back-up area was completed on 27 July 2007 while the construction of a back-up area for the newly constructed wharf is 85.15% complete. The port shall be completed in January 2009.

- The Davao Port in Sasa, Davao City is under rehabilitation and port expansion at a cost of P422.62 million. The rehabilitation of the quay was completed on 16 April 2007 while port expansion is 72.09% complete. The port expansion is expected to be finished in March 2008 while the whole port rehabilitation shall be completed in February 2009.

Irrigation. There is one major irrigation project in Mindanao. The Kabulnan Irrigation Project Phase II costs P13.520 billion and is one of the biggest in the country. It will benefit the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao and is targeted to be completed by 2012. It is expected to increase agricultural production by 143%, benefit more than 9,000 farmers, reduce cost of production by more than one-third, and generate more than 460 megawatts of power. The project is currently under NEDA-ICC evaluation. The NEDA-ICC Technical Board is considering the project under BOT.

Energy Reliability. The completion of the 950-kW Photovoltaic Power Plant in Cagayan de Oro City in 2004 and the 210-megawatt Mindanao Coal-Fired power plant by the National Power Corporation in 2006 increased the aggregate dependable capacity of Mindanao to about 1,706 MW, resulting in adequate power in Mindanao until 2008. However, , Mindanao shall need an additional capacity (demand plus reserves) of 850 MW from 2009 to 2014 to ensure sufficient supply of power: 100 MW by 2009, 100 MW in 2010, 150 MW each year from 2011 to 2013, and 200 MW in 2014.  To address these power gaps, the government has outlined the following programs:

- On generation, the following projects shall be pursued:

- Construction of the Agus 3 Hydroelectric Power Plant with an aggregate capacity of 225 megawatts. It will be built at a cost of P1.682 billion.

- Uprating of the present capacity (50 MW) of the Agus 6 Hydropower Plant in Iligan City to generate an incremental capacity of 12 MW. It is slated to be completed by April 2010 at a cost of P1.791 billion. Procurement for the civil works is ongoing.

On transmission,

- By September 2009, the P7.739 billion Abaga-Kirahon-Maramag-Bunawon Transmission Project will establish the backbone transmission system from Northern Mindanao, where majority of the cheap and environment-friendly hydro plants are located, to Southern Mindanao , where the bulk of the major industrial and commercial customers are located. 

- The detailed engineering of the P1.09 billion Gen. Santos-Tacurong Transmission Project is almost complete. Acquisition of right-of-way is also ongoing. The project is expected to be done by June 2009