Razel V. Cuizon (Sun Star Cebu)
THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) 7 will improve several infrastructure facilities in the region.
Neda 7 Director Efren Carreon presented programs under the Central Visayas Development Plan (CVDP) for 2017 to 2022 during CVDP’s launching yesterday.
The programs are expected to address concerns on infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, industrial technology, and creative industry, among others.
Carreon said the new Bohol International Airport in Panglao is expected to be operational next year and will accommodate around 1.3 million passengers a year.
A runway extension and a passenger terminal will also be built at the airport in Siquijor to accommodate commercial flights.
“We want Siquijor to upgrade its economic activities,” he said.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport terminal 2 is also expected to be completed.
Carreon said they will push to upgrade power lines in Bohol and Camotes by installing redundant lines.
The power interruption in Bohol caused by the earthquake in Leyte, has affected the province’s economy, Carreon said.
In Bantayan and Camotes, Carreon said, they plan to install submarine cables to connect the two islands to the main power line.
Aside from the CVDP, Neda 7 also launched the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).
The PDP 2017-2022 is the first medium-term plan to be anchored on a national long-term vision, or AmBisyon Natin 2040 under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Neda Secretary Ernesto Pernia led the launching held at Cebu Normal University.
He said the PDP is a people’s plan and their office is now gearing up for its implementation.
“It’s not Neda’s plan, nor the government’s plan but the people’s plan. We will now undertake efforts leading to its implementation,” Pernia said in his speech.