Government readies 125 PPP projects worth P3 trillion

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — More than 100 projects amounting to over P3 trillion are in the pipeline for implementation through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

There are 125 PPP projects in the pipeline with a total cost of P3.03 trillion, PPP Center deputy executive director Jeffrey Manalo said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines - San Miguel Corp. Business Journalism Seminar held here.

Of the total, 103 projects amounting to P2.91 trillion are national projects while 22 projects worth P118.56 billion are to be implemented at the local level.

PPP projects in the pipeline are those under procurement, competitive challenge, negotiation, approval, development, conceptualization and initial evaluation by the implementing agency.

The PPP Center is involved in the development, appraisal, procurement, implementation or monitoring of these projects.

Data from the PPP Center showed five of the projects in the pipeline are in the more advanced stages and are expected to be awarded this year.

In particular, the P23.40-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Extension Project, an unsolicited proposal from San Miguel Holdings Corp., is targeted to be awarded this month to the proponent.

Also expected to be awarded within the year are the P12.75-billion upgrade, expansion, operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan Airport; the P4.53-billion New Bohol International Airport, the P9.49-billion University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center and the P400-million Dialysis Center PPP Project for the Renal Center Facility of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

PPP projects, which may be awarded this year or next year based on the current project status are the Bislig City Bulk Water Supply Project, Bislig City Septage Project and the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project.

Meanwhile, five projects are being eyed to be submitted for government approval within the year -- the Metro Manila Subway Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Project, North-South Commuter Railway O&M Project, San Ramon Newport Project, Cagayan Valley Medical Center - Hemodialysis Center and the UP PGH Diliman Project.

Procurement for the five projects is expected to commence next year if it secures government approval this year.