MANILA -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved changes to the terms of the public-private partnership (PPP) for the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center.

In a statement, the NEDA said they approved the changes in the project's cost--from P6.05 billion to P9.49 billion--because the building will now have 27 floors instead of 20.

NEDA also said the center will need cutting-edge technology and equipment to provide patients and medical students with world-class services and educational facilities.

The 300-bed UP-PGH Cancer Center will treat both charity and paying patients. The hospital will also serve as a teaching and research facility so more Filipino medical professionals can specialize in cancer prevention and treatment.  

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, may may start operations in early 2028.

The NEDA Board also approved their Investment Coordination Committee (ICC)'s new guidelines on reviewing and approving national PPP proposals to make the process faster and more efficient.

The new guidelines state that the ICC must approve projects costing P15 billion and above within 113 calendar days, with a maximum limit of 120 calendar days.  

Projects less than P15 billion, meanwhile, need approval in 113 calendar days, with a maximum limit of 120 calendar days.  

Aside from these, the NEDA Board also approved the Department of Education's Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) for 2030 and the  MATATAG Agenda, which aims to provide all children, out-of-school youth, and adults with equal access to quality basic education. 

The BEDP is the Philippines' first medium-term plan for basic education, covering formal K-to-12 education and non-formal education. This initiative primarily addresses students' learning losses during the pandemic.

MATATAG stands for:
1) MAking the curriculum relevant;
2) TAking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services;
3) TAking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and
4) Giving support to teachers to be able to teach better.