Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Zambales
NATION

Central Luzon gets 7,498 new projects

Jonas Reyes

Central Luzon’s development roadmap just got a major boost, with the Regional Development Council (RDC) approving a total of 7,498 programs and projects (PAPs) under the midterm update of the Central Luzon Investment Program (CLIP) 2023–2028.

RDC Chairman and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said the approved PAPs form part of the region’s updated investment blueprint, which brings together national and local development priorities across Central Luzon’s provinces and cities.

He explained that the revised CLIP serves as a consolidated guide for public investments, ensuring that projects on the ground align with the region’s medium-term goals.

Of the 7,498 PAPs, 242 have already been completed, while 982 are currently being implemented. The bulk — 6,274 projects — are lined up for implementation between 2027 and 2028.

Social development makes up the biggest share, with 4,119 PAPs aimed at improving education, health care, and social protection services across the region.

Infrastructure comes next, with 2,417 PAPs focused on expanding and upgrading roads, bridges, logistics hubs, and other basic facilities to improve connectivity and support growth.

“The economic development sector comprises 503 PAPs aimed at modernizing agriculture and agribusiness, strengthening food security, promoting trade and investments, and advancing research, technology and innovation,” Ebdane said.

The remaining PAPs support climate action and disaster resilience, as well as programs designed to strengthen good governance.