MANILA, Philippines — Knowledge hubs for public-private partnership (PPP) will be set up in the regions to help step up the uptake of PPPs in the provinces, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and PPP Center executive director Ferdinand Pecson for the joint establishment of PPP Knowledge Corners in 15 NEDA regional offices nationwide.

The knowledge centers will serve as information hubs on PPPs, where local government units (LGUs), government implementing agencies and other stakeholders can get accurate and updated information on the government’s PPP program.

Through these hubs, they can also gain access to all the services provided by the PPP Center to help them develop and implement bankable PPP projects.

NEDA has regional offices in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCKSARGEN and Caraga region.

“We recognize the essential role that PPPs will play to support the success of the government’s Build Build Build program. One of the recent strategic thrusts of the PPP program is focused on project development at the local level or at the LGUs,” said Pernia.

Under the PPP Center’s LGU Strategy, it provides focused assistance to LGUs through capacity building and technical assistance in pursuing bankable projects with the private sector. The strategy also fosters stronger communication with stakeholders.

By Czeriza Valencia
Published February 4, 2018