The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said it expects faster rollout of major infrastructure projects following the signing of an executive order by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
EO No. 59, signed by the President Marcos on April 30, aims to expedite the implementation of the country’s infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs).
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the EO would support the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by expanding and upgrading the country’s infrastructure sector as part of the government’s efforts towards social and economic transformation.
“By streamlining the processing of IFPs, we are making it easier for implementing agencies and more attractive for our partners in the private sector to execute transformative infrastructure projects that would spur job creation for our people and enable us to sustain our economy’s rapid expansion,” he said.
EO 59 introduces several critical changes, simplifying the requirements for the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs. It also directs national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to review their citizen’s charters, aiming to eliminate redundant and cumbersome procedures.
“The primary goal of this EO is to minimize, if not eliminate, delays in the implementation of IFPs. We are in a hurry to catch up with our neighbors in the region so the government must enable—not hinder—the timely completion of these projects,” Balisacan said.
The EO also embraces the use of technology, facilitating electronic application submissions to concerned agencies and LGUs including streamlined payment processes and issuance of receipts.
It also encourages a whole-of-government approach by mandating NGAs to automate and computerize their databases. This move promotes data sharing among government entities, eliminating unnecessary document duplication.
The order asks LGUs to establish business one-stop shops, simplifying interactions for investors and collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to adopt interoperable ICT platforms.
The EO covers all NGAs, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and other government instrumentalities and applies to LGUs involved in the issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications and authorizations that are required for projects included in the NEDA Board-approved list of IFPs.
“With this EO in place,” NEDA said, “the Marcos administration signifies its commitment to aggressively advance infrastructure development as a key driver to our social and economic transformation.”