MANILA - As the Duterte administration marks its first year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board led by President Duterte has approved the Malolos-Clark Railway Project.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the project was approved during the NEDA Board meeting on Tuesday. He said this will enable the government to obtain Japanese funding for the rail project.

Meanwhile, the Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project was remanded to the transportation department.

Last week, NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia announced that nine flagship infrastructure projects, including the Malolos-Clark Railway were up for approval by the NEDA Board this week.

Also included in the list of projects that were supposed to have been approved on Tuesday were the Mega Manila Subway Project, the PNR South Commuter Line connecting Tutuban and Los Baños, and the PNR Long Haul between Calamba and Bicol.