MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) board, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., has approved the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP) of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
It was approved during the 21st Neda board meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.
“It’s one of the main road programs for Mindanao. I think that we should, as much as possible, proceed with the project … we need to approve,” Marcos said, as quoted in the statement.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the MTCIP could enhance the transport network in Mindanao, which, in return, could benefit the agricultural sector of the country.
“Mindanao Transport Connectivity Transport Project is part of the master plan for the high-standard Highway Network Development Project, which identified major projects that would be developed from north Luzon, central Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Bonoan said.
“This project should provide high-level traffic services by assuring high speed mobility and safe travel to vital transport socio-economic activities for development of the regions and the country as a whole,” he added.
The MTCIP will be funded by the World Bank and will have at least five components prior to its completion in 2030.