At appraisal there should have been a design monitoring framework which would have identified the objectives and targets. The project was designed to enhance economic development of central and northern Luzon, but no clear or measurable objectives were set at the outset. While economic growth has occurred in this region—3.4% per annum overall—it is not possible to quantify the extent that rehabilitation of an already existing toll road has contributed. While economic development has occurred, growth remains similar to that of the rest of Luzon, excluding that of the National Capital Region (NCR), the powerhouse of the Philippine economy, but less than that of the country overall. ADB‘s follow-up as to the development and employment impact of an improved NLEX has been insufficient.
North Luzon Expressway Rehabilitation and Expansion (Loan 7162/1769)