Task force formed to help solve infra process gaps

MANILA -- An inter-agency task force was recently created to institute policies and processes to address bottlenecks and gaps in the country's infrastructure development, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA Director General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the Project Facilitation, Monitoring and Innovation (PFMI) Task Force is composed of economic and major infrastructure agencies.

The task force's steering committee is comprised of NEDA as chair, the Department of Finance (DOF) as co-chair, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

To facilitate infrastructure development, Pernia said the NEDA is discussing with oversight and key implementing agencies the enhancement of the NEDA Board and Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) project screening guidelines.

“As part of a more efficient planning and programming process of the government, programs, activities, and projects for inclusion in the country's Public Investment Program must be examined early on and screened through a more rational and methodical process,” he said.

The NEDA chief further said the final version of the guidelines would help the government identify the appropriate procurement modality that is favorable to both the government and the public.

The guidelines will help government address, minimize, if not totally avoid, issues in implementing projects that can be attributed to poor project planning and programming. (PNA)