THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board has recently approved P14.35 billion worth of infrastructure projects—the P9.89-billion public-private Partnership for School Infrastructure Projects (PSIP) and the P4.46-billion Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project.

“The Neda Board approved two infrastructure projects that will enhance the country’s trade activities in Southeast Asia and improve the quality of education in the country,” the Neda said.

The PSIP, which will be implemented by the Department of Education, aims to construct a total of 9,623 one-story classrooms and 200 elementary and secondary schools in the Ilocos, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

“The project will expand the supply of classrooms in all public-school systems in the shortest time possible and solve the current shortages nationwide,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr.

In the long run, he said the PSIP would balance the supply and demand for classrooms within 10 years, and eliminate the backlogs and shortage, considering the implementation of the K+12, among other programs.

Given the current classroom shortage of 66,800 units that is projected to balloon to about 150,000 by 2016, it is estimated that around 30,000 classrooms are needed annually within the next five years.

“The proposal to carry out the project within the [PPP] framework is expected to fast-track the construction and
delivery of classrooms, reduce cost for government and introduce innovation in design, construction methods and new materials,” Paderanga said.

Meanwhile, the total cost of the Puerto Princesa airport will be financed under the official development assistance through Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The project’s proponent is the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The Neda Board, chaired by President Aquino and co-chaired by Paderanga, is the country’s highest development planning and policy coordinating body. The board is composed of various Cabinet secretaries, the president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Deputy Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.