DOT infra arm eyes more private sector partnerships

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is crafting its own joint venture (JV) guidelines in a bid to attract more private companies for partnerships.

TIEZA said it is working on optimizing its assets through cooperation with the private sector.

In line with this, the JV guidelines are now being reviewed by the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC) after the latter affirmed TIEZA’s authority to craft its own JV guidelines.

“These guidelines will allow TIEZA to partner with private entities with expertise and technical capabilities in property, facilities, and project development as well as in operations and management,” TIEZA said.

“These will also help maximize the utilization of TIEZA assets while contributing to national tourism goals through gainful and advantageous business arrangements and well-constructed tourism infrastructures,” it added.

Based on the TIEZA website, only seven assets are currently operational.

Among these are the Balicasag Island Dive Resort in Bohol, Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel and Helipad in Ifugao, Club Intramuros Golf Course and Intramuros Light and Sound Project in Manila, Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro City, Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City and Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park.