The government of Malaysia is also keen on taking part in the country’s infrastructure efforts in the medium term, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the Malaysian government has expressed willingness to become part of the Clark Green City (CGC) project.
“[They are interested in putting] the institutions there, to organize it,” Pernia said. “They have this experience in Putrajaya.”
Pernia said, currently, the government has not received any proposals for CGC, and if the Malaysian government is keen on participating, they will be asked to send a proposal.
In 1993 the Malaysian government decided to transfer its administration center to Putrajaya from Kuala Lumpur. The government center was designed to have a garden city concept that uses green city planning, sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy.
In the same way, the CGC, is envisioned to be a destination where nature, lifestyle, business, education and industry converge into a global city, based on principles of sustainability.
The government also aims to develop the new metropolis into a city that protects and enhances the delicate balance between nature and built environment.
Pernia said this among the opportunities for development that the Philippines faces in the medium term.
He also said bilateral and multilateral partners, such as Japan, China, South Korea, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The Neda earlier said China will be extending loans to finance P172.42 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the country this year.
Pernia said the amount will cover three projects, which will include a railway, a bulk-water facility and irrigation project.
The government is also going to Japan to discuss not only infrastructure projects, but also trade issues, given that the country has a bilateral with Japan.
Pernia said the discussions will include finalizing the projects to be funded by the Japanese government, such as the hotly contested Subic-Clark Railway Project, which is being eyed for funding by both Chinese and Japanese governments.
The P35.044-billion-worth project involves the construction of a 65-kilometer cargo and passenger standard gauge railway.
Envisioned to be a “speed train”, the project will traverse the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Subic Freeport Expressway.
Meanwhile, the Philippines currently has nine proposed projects for Asian Development Bank financing, including the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility, which is a technical assistance loan.
The loan will support the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in crafting innovative infrastructure projects and priorities in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
The proposal involves a $10- million-worth loan from the ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources. The proposal’s concept was cleared in January.
The Philippine government also proposed the $500-million-worth Metro Manila Flood Management Project to the AIIB and the World Bank.
Of the total amount, $150 million each will be funded by AIIB and World Bank while $7.4 million will be obtained from the Gloabl Environmental Faclity. The remaining $192.6 million will be financed by the Philippine government.
The project aims to modernize 36 existing pumping stations and construct approximately 20 new pumping stations in highly populated areas.
It will also minimize solid waste dumping on waterways and support land acquisition, site development, capital subsidy, and rental support for resettlement efforts.