Balisacan: NEDA should be involved in approving reclamation projects

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Wednesday that the  NEDA should be involved in the approval of reclamation projects.

At a Palace press briefing, Balisacan was asked about NEDA's input on the review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects upon the order of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"We have not been sought for advices or for our perspective but we’ll ultimately have to be involved. As you know, NEDA approves big infrastructure projects particularly those that will have impact on the economy and society and… in the case of Metro Manila, the whole of Metro Manila," Balisacan said.

"We are not party to the approval of these reclamation projects but given the significance and importance in our… the economic landscape of Metro Manila, NEDA should be part of that exercise," he added.

Twenty-two Manila Bay reclamation projects had been suspended by the Philippine government.

The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources had said a cumulative impact assessment is being conducted on the projects to mitigate the possible impacts of the changes in the environment that the reclamation may cause. —KG, GMA Integrated News