THE possible removal of two World Bank-funded projects from the country’s infrastructure blueprint, the Comprehensive Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP), may give way to other possible projects indicated under the WB’s Philippine Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for fiscal year 2009 and 2010.

Sources from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the removal of the Private Sector Development Support for LRT 1 and Private Sector Development Support for CALA North-South National Road Project from the CIIP may create more financial room for the projects outlined for fiscal year 2008. Both projects are already included in the FY08 CAS of the WB.

A source said Neda already sent a letter for reconsideration to prevent the two projects from being removed from the CIIP. But sources said Malacañang has yet to reply to the letter for reconsideration.

However, when asked if there will be projects removed from the CIIP, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Neda director general Romulo Neri said “in general, no [projects will be removed].” A source said President Arroyo is eyeing to remove the two projects from the CIIP because of the project duration.

The President, the source said, would like to prioritize projects that would be completed by the time she finishes her term in 2010. The source said both projects’ completion may still be after 2010.

Documents obtained by BusinessMirror showed that apart from LRT 1 and CALA projects, also included under the CAS for FY08 are the MWSS Water Supply Distribution System Rehabilitation Project, National Sector Support for Social Welfare and Development Reform, Participatory Irrigation Development Project, and Support for Regional and Local Water Supply.

Meanwhile, possible projects under the CAS for FY09 are the National Program for Support for KALAHI-CIDSS2, Local Government Support to LGUs through performance grants, Judicial Reform Support Project 2, Support for Strategic Local Development and Investment Project 2, National Program Support for Integrated Financial Management and Accounting, LGU Urban Water Sanitation Project, and Private Sector Development Support for Rural Power 2.

Possible projects under the CAS for FY10 include the National Program Support for Disaster Preparedness, Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project, National Program for Agriculture, National Program for Agrarian Reform, Manila Fourth Sewerage/Septage Project, National Program Support for Public Expenditure Rationalization, and National Support for Peace and Development in Mindanao.     

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THE possible removal of two World Bank-funded projects from the country’s infrastructure blueprint, the Comprehensive Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP), may give way to other possible projects indicated under the WB’s Philippine Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for fiscal year 2009 and 2010.

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