THE British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) supports government’s public-private partnerships (PPP) policy to facilitate investment opportunities for infrastructure in the Philippines.
In an event on Thursday titled “Concrete Investments: A Look Into the Philippine Infrastructure Industry,” the British chamber said that it has been continuously supporting the country’s infrastructure industry by collaborating with multiple stakeholders that facilitate the expansion and development of the sector.
“To add, the British Chamber is keen and committed to advocate for green economy, public-private partnerships and infrastructure development,” it said.
Executive Director of PPP Center Jeffrey Manalo was also present at the event where he said that “there are new and ongoing solicited public-private partnership projects which are expected to be submitted for approval the year of 2024.”
Manalo also said that aside from the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 11966 (Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines), there will be additional policies expected to be issued to facilitate capacity-building efforts, enhance the skills of relevant government agencies, explore potential collaborations with educational institutions for broader opportunities, and address emerging sectors.
For her part, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette Canilao highlighted the significant involvement of British companies in supporting projects in Davao.
She also said that they are in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD) to deliver safe and sustainable water supply.
“Partnerships are essential. The Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., in partnership with the government, continuously develops world-class airports, strategized highways and roads, and projects on residential with commercial spaces, which creates an economic ecosystem that is attractive to investors,” said Canilao in a statement.
The company’s projects span various sectors, including water, waste management, renewable energy, and real estate.
Additionally, Aboitiz InfraCapital is engaged in digital infrastructure projects through a joint venture with a Swiss company to enhance digital connectivity nationwide.
Moreover, Royston AC Brockman, urban development and infrastructure specialist of IPE TripleLine Consulting Ltd., emphasized the importance of inclusivity in infrastructure projects, adding that investment decisions highly influence project implementation.
“Investors must know the intention of the project, cost-benefit analysis for feasibility and viability, resource allocation, and the quality of life. Infrastructure decisions made must be based on balanced financial constraints and impact on sustainability,” he said in a statement.
Brockman highlighted the economic advantages of incorporating resilience to tackle economic challenges, sustainability and inclusivity, where investors bring people in as partners and mitigate natural disaster impacts on infrastructure projects.
