MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy is considering implementing public-private partnership (PPP) projects, the PPP Center said.
In a statement, the PPP Center said it conducted exploratory talks with the Philippine Navy on PPPs last May 9.
The meeting was attended by PPP Center deputy executive director Eleazar Ricote, director Feroisa Francisca Concordia and director Dionne Marga Larin of the PPP Center Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service, as well as Commander Rodel Suarez, chief of the Philippine Navy Real Estate Office.
During the meeting, the PPP program, concepts, legal framework, PPP Center’s mandate and assistance to implementing agencies were discussed.
The meeting also covered steps to be undertaken by the Navy in further developing concepts for PPP projects.
Details on PPP projects being eyed by the Navy were not available as of press time.
The PPP Center is mandated to facilitate the implementation of PPP projects in the country.
It provides technical assistance to national government agencies, government-owned-and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, and local government units in the preparation, development, and implementation of PPP projects.
The government is pushing for PPPs as it recognizes the private sector as a crucial partner in infrastructure development.
PPPs are also being pushed given the country’s limited resources.
Earlier this year, the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Marcos approved the list of 194 infrastructure flagship projects (IFP) amounting to P9 trillion.
The IFPs will be prioritized under the government’s budget preparation and go through expedited issuance of permits and licenses consistent with legal frameworks.
The government is looking at financing 45 of the total IFPs through PPPs.