TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Of the three top feasibility study proposals which the Regional Development Council in Region 7 (RDC-7) identified for feasibility study preparations, two involve Bohol.
During the Regional-National Investment Programming (RNIP) dialogue led by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on Aug. 22-24, the RDC-7, chaired by Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, endorsed the proposed feasibility study on a suitable rail-based-mass transportation system linking the New Bohol Airport to the proposed Bohol Business Park.
The governor also proposed the study preparation for Cebu-Bohol and Cebu-Negros Oriental bridges with utility and information communication technology transmission lines.
The 3rd proposal that RDC-7 certified as urgent with high-impact priority proposal is for the feasibility study on the Flood Control and Drainage Improvement for priority rivers in Cebu City and Mandaue City.
These proposals have been referred to NEDA’s Infrastructure Committee Technical Board, after getting identified as a top priority, according to the RDC secretariat.
It may be recalled that the NEDA conducted the RNIP dialogue to align regional and national priorities by harmonizing the Regional Development Investment Program, with the Public Investment Program (PIP) as input to the fiscal year 2026 budget preparation.
“Among the objectives of the dialog is to identify projects for FS preparation to be referred to the appropriate Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Chapter Planning Committee for initial assessment and possible endorsement,” Aumentado explained.
Based on the RNIP dialogue guidelines, RDCs are to submit three FS proposals, other than those tagged as Infrastructure Flagship projects since these are already identified national government priorities.
In its meeting on March 6, the RDC Execom passed Resolution No. 1 (2024) endorsing the top three regional priority programs, activities, and projects for presentation to the President.
The proposals for feasibility study preparations, however, were not among the priority programs and projects presented.
As to the proposed feasibility study on a rail-based mass transport for Bohol, presented then for Department of Tourism funding, this aims to address road congestion already experienced in Tagbilaran City by providing an efficient transportation system in the city’s central business district and the planned Bohol Business Park in the city.
The projects would support the attainment of the four main outcomes under the Expand and Upgrade Infrastructure Chapter of the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028.
These outcomes include enhancement of infrastructure planning, programming and assets management, attainment of seamless and inclusive connectivity, attainment of water security, integrity and resilience and the provision of affordable, accessible, reliable and clean energy. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)
