INVESTMENT PROJECTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides over the 3rd National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at Malacañan Palace's State Dining Room on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2023). During the meeting, Marcos and NEDA Board members discussed projects funded through partnerships with the private sector and the Official Development Assistance. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with the board members of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to discuss projects funded through partnerships with the private sector and the Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Marcos convened the 3rd NEDA Board Meeting at Malacañan Palace's State Dining Room to receive updates on the new and existing public-private partnership (PPP) and ODA-funded projects, based on a Facebook post by the Office of the President (OP).
"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the 3rd National Economic and Development Authority Board meeting, where the status of Public-Private Partnership projects and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, both new and existing, were discussed," the OP said.
It said the meeting also focused on NEDA's compliance with Marcos' directives, as well as other relevant topics for the country's economic development and progress.
State-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), in another Facebook post, said the meeting was attended by NEDA Board members.
The board consists of NEDA director general and Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil were also present during the meeting, RTVM said.
On Jan. 27, Marcos acknowledged the importance of attracting more investments to sustain the growth of the Philippine economy.
Meeting with renewable energy developer
Meanwhile, Marcos also had a meeting with renewable energy developer San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corp. (SIERDC) at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, the OP said.
It said SIERDC briefed Marcos on the company's 440-megawatt Peak Solar Power Project in Isabela.
"The meeting provided the President with an opportunity to gain insights into the progress and potential impact of SIERDC's renewable energy project in the region," it said.
SIERDC, the RTVM noted, is currently developing more than 440 megawatts of solar photovoltaics and hydro projects in Northern Luzon through a business venture that is expected to bring in PHP18 billion in investment and provide employment to roughly 4,500 workers.
Joining Marcos at the meeting were Lagdameo, Lotilla, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the RTVM said.
SIERDC is part of the Nextnorth Energy Group, which specializes in developing solar and hydro projects in Northern Luzon.
It is involved in the design and construction of renewable energy plants, such as solar and biomass power generation, as well as maintenance and operation of facilities, various inspections, and consulting services. (PNA)
