Study of Iloilo-Guimaras bridge design sought
National Economic and Development Authority Director General Cayetano Paderanga said proponents of the bridge that will connect Iloilo-Guimaras and Negros Occidental should come up with a study of its design.
He confirmed there is such a proposal before the NEDA.
“What you need there is access between Guimaras and Iloilo. The thing to do here is to have a study of the design,” he said.
Paderanga also said the structure of the proposed Jalaur River Development Project is being worked on.
Although the two projects entail a big fund, Paderanga said what is important is to implement the project through a private-public partnership.
What is important is a thorough study then the drafting of a feasibility study.
Paderanga said essence of a private-public partnership is not just about the funds coming from the private sector to fill in the government’s lack of funds but what is important is their “expertise in the innovation and efficiency in the management of projects.”
Paderanga was among the speakers at the 1st Western Visayas Business Forum organized by the University of Iloilo–PHINMA.
He said the private sector plays a big role under the government of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III because of the private-public partnership initiative.
Consultation on MTRDP
Meanwhile, a series of public consultations on the first draft of the Medium Term Development Plan (MDRDP) of Western Visayas started yesterday.
NEDA 6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said the MDRDP covers 11 chapters and will be drafted as a result of consultations from various sectors.
“We’re hoping that with this consultation we will be able to generate more comments, suggestions and recommendations for its enhancement.”
Consultations will also be conducted in Roxas City, Aklan and Bacolod City.
Thereafter, the result will be presented to the sector committees of the Regional Development Council before it will be scheduled for adoption by the RDC body.*PNA
