MANILA, May 5 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of the permitting process for the Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) to hasten the construction and implementation of the administration's infrastructure program.

In a four-page Executive Order No. 59 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on April 30, Marcos emphasized the need to expand and update the country's infrastructure to achieve meaningful economic transformation.

There are currently 185 IFPs approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

"There is a need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations to expedite the implementation of IFP...