TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—Of the three top feasibility study proposals which the Regional Development Council in Region 7 (RDC-7) identified for feasibility study (FS) preparations, two are those that involve Bohol.
At the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) conducted the Regional-National investment Programming (RNIP) dialog last August 22-24, 2024, the RDC-7, chaired by Bohol governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado endorsed the proposed FS on a suitable rail-based-mass transportation system linking the New Bohol Airport to the proposed Bohol Business Park and the FS preparation for Cebu-Bohol and Cebu-Negros Oriental bridges with utility and information communication technology transmission lines were two of the three top proposals for FS.
The third RDC certified as urgent with high-impact priority proposal is for the FS on the Flood Control and Drainage Improvement for priority rivers in Cebu City and Mandaue City.
These top three proposals for FS have been referred to the NEDA Board’s Infrastructure Committee Technical Board, after getting identified a top priority, according to the RDC secretariat.
It may be recalled that the NEDA conducted the RNIP dialog to align regional and national priorities by harmonizing the Regional Development Investment Program, with the Public Investment Program (PIP) as input to the fiscal year 2026 budget preparation.
“Among the objectives of the dialog is to identify projects for FS preparation to be referred to the appropriate Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Chapter Planning Committee for initial assessment and possible endorsement,” Aumentado explained.
Based on the RNIP dialog guidelines, RDCs are to submit three FS proposals, other than those tagged as Infrastructure Flagship projects since these are already identified national government priorities.
In its meeting last March 6, 2024, the RDC Execom passed Resolution No. 1 (2024) endorsing the top 3 regional priority programs, activities and projects for presentation to the president.
The proposals for FS preparations however were not among the priority programs and projects presented.
As to the Proposed FS on a Rail-based mass transport for Bohol, presented then for Department of Tourism funding, this aims to address road congestion already experienced in Tagbilaran City by providing an efficient transportation system in the city’s central business district and the planned Bohol business Park in Tagbilaran City.
The projects would support the attainment of the four main outcomes under the Expand and Upgrade Infrastructure chapter of the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028.
These outcomes include enhancement of infrastructure planning, programming and assets management, attainment of seamless and inclusive connectivity, attainment of water security, integrity and resilience and the provision of affordable, accessible, reliable and clean energy. (RAHC/PIA-7/Bohol)
