Fortunately, two of the 10 projects recently endorsed as “priority” infrastructure to President Rodrigo Duterte totaling P 136-Billion – are located in Bohol.

The powerful ICC-CABIN ( Inter-agency Investment Coordinating Committee -Cabinet)  included the proposed  P2.2-Billion new  Governor Celestino  Gallares Memorial Hospital to be relocated in Cortes and the changes introduced in the P7.7 Billion New Panglao Bohol Airport and Sustainable Environment Protection Program -will be included for budgetary funding. The new airport will replace the congested Tagbilaran City Airport.

The airport is targeted to operate by last quarter of 2018 while the Gallares hospital project is programmed for a two year completion.

The hospital will not only be upgraded  to more than double  existing capacity (from 225 to 500 rooms)  but will also get funds for site development, warehouse building and construction.  The airport renovation will include an additional floor and a direct access from the terminal to the plane instead of passengers walking through part of the runway.

Director General of the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) Dr. Ernesto Pernia, a Boholano, sits as co-chairman of the powerful ICC-CABIN where Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez sits as Chairman. Other members of the body which meets monthly are: the Executive secretary, Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Department of Budget and Management and the Central Bank Governor.

The new project batch is seen to improve the economy with projects touching the transportation, education and agriculture, according to NEDA chief Pernia.

Among the ten priority projects are the upgrading of the Tacloban Memorial hospital, the passenger terminal in Bicol, Rapid Transit for EDSA, Flood Control Project, Coast Guard Expansion, the Tool Road Project, and the NS Railway Project.