Western Visayas will need P230 billion in investments to implement the projects identified in the Regional Development Investment Program of the Regional Development Plan for 2011 –2016, the National Economic and Development Authority said in a press release.

Based on the RDIP, the top 3 sectors that need substantial investment requirements over the next six years are Infrastructure Support with P153 billion (66 percent), Human Resource Development with P53.5 billion (23 percent), and Modern and Competitive Agriculture and Fisheries with P18.5 billion (8 percent).

The other sectors or concerns and their investment requirements are the Competitive Industry and Service Sector, P1.8 billion; Tourism Development, P371 million and Research and Development Thrusts with P189 million, the press release said.

Also included are the Biofuels and Renewable Energy Development, P10 million; Good Governance and Rule of Law, P493 million; Peace and Security, P1.6 billion; and, Environment and Natural Resources, P1.7 billion.

In terms of specific PPAs, the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Conditional Cash Transfer, which is a social development intervention being implemented by the DSWD, is the biggest investment.

NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal said it is followed by the proposed rehabilitation of the Panay Railway System from Iloilo City to Roxas City, which is being packaged by Panay Railways, Inc. for Pubic-Private Partnership.

Another big-ticket project in the RDIP is the second phase of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, which will have irrigation, hydroelectric power, commercial water and flood control components, the press release said.

This multi-component project is being proposed for a mix of Official Development Assistance and Public-Private Partnership funding.

ODA is a loan or grant administered to promote the country’s sustainable social and economic development and welfare.

The Regional Development Plan, which was approved by the Regional Development Council early this year and subsequently consolidated by NEDA 6 into its official document form, will serve as the blueprint for development in the region in the next six years.

RDC Chair and Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. said the RDP also puts into concrete action and direction the National Development Agenda of President Benigno Aquino.*

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