The Economy and Development Council (ED Council) has approved the P29.98-billion rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, an initiative aimed at boosting power generation and improving grid reliability across Mindanao, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) announced.

In a statement issued on Thursday, DEPDev said the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plants Rehabilitation and Asset Management Project will modernize the seven-plant complex, enhance its operational reliability, and address environmental concerns. No timeline for completing the rehabilitation was disclosed in the announcement.

“Reliable and affordable energy is essential for Mindanao to realize its growth potential,” Economy Secretary and ED Council Vice-Chair Arsenio M. Balisacan said. “The rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower complex will help power productivity, investment, and jobs across the region,” he added.

Alongside the hydropower approval, the council signed off on adjustments to the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project. These include design changes, an increase in project cost to P26.78 billion from P23.04 billion — a P3.74-billion upward adjustment — and an extension of the implementation period until Nov. 30, 2029.

“The project is expected to provide a reliable transport link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, which will improve access to tourism destinations and markets, and expand residents’ access to jobs, education, and other services,” DEPDev said.

The council also cleared the pilot implementation of Project BALAY, or Building Access to Learning for Students, a Commission on Higher Education initiative to be rolled out at five state universities and colleges. The program seeks to provide safe and affordable dormitories for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Separately, the ED Council approved a six-month extension of the implementation period for Phase I of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, extending it to May 31, 2027.

The council likewise endorsed a proposed executive order intended to clarify the roles of local government units and national agencies in land use planning. The measure further seeks to streamline procedures for the reclassification and conversion of agricultural lands in order to improve coordination and efficiency in land use planning, DEPDev said.

In addition, the council adopted DEPDev’s Social Protection Floor Prioritization Matrix, which will guide the prioritization of proposals for social protection spending under the National Expenditure Program.

“Our economic growth depends on getting the conditions right and having public investments that reinforce one another,” Mr. Balisacan said. “These investments in reliable energy, human development, resilient infrastructure, and effective social protection create the conditions for Filipinos to succeed and communities to prosper,” he added.

— Justine Irish D. Tabile, BusinessWorld | Source: BusinessWorld