The 3rd Philippine Infrastructure Summit was successfully hosted by the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines, in partnership with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, at the New World Hotel, Makati City, on November 14, 2024. Under the theme “Accelerating Development: Infrastructure as a Driver for Inclusive Growth,” the summit brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, industry leaders, and infrastructure experts to discuss how infrastructure development can serve as a key enabler of inclusive economic growth across the Philippines.
The summit featured dynamic panel discussions centered on the role of infrastructure in promoting inclusivity and sustainability. These discussions highlighted the importance of PPPs in overcoming barriers to growth, especially in underserved regions.
PPP Center Executive Director Cynthia C. Hernandez joined as a panelist in the session on “Global and Regional Trends in Inclusive Infrastructure Development,” where she shared her insights on international infrastructure trends that prioritize inclusivity. She highlighted how the evolving Philippine PPP framework is adapting to global best practices, ensuring that infrastructure projects serve the needs of all Filipinos. Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines, which has made local partnerships more accessible, was identified as a key factor in overcoming barriers in project development and implementation.
The Center’s Deputy Executive Director, Jeffrey I. Manalo, led the session on “Digital Infrastructure and Technology as Enablers of Inclusivity.” He discussed how the Philippines’ PPP projects are increasingly focused on advancing digital infrastructure, which will accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
In addition, PPP Center Director Raphael M. Badillo contributed as part of the panel on the discussion regarding “Financing Inclusive Infrastructure Projects.” He explained that, in the evaluation conducted by the PPP Center, inclusivity is a core consideration from the very start of a project, with a focus on social inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and environmental protection. These factors are carefully integrated into the feasibility study to ensure that every project aligns with the country’s broader goals of sustainable and inclusive development.
The summit underscored the importance of continued collaboration across borders, industries and sectors to deliver sustainable, inclusive infrastructure that benefits all Filipinos. As the Philippines looks ahead, the PPP Center, in partnership with PwC Philippines and other stakeholders, remains committed to driving infrastructure projects which are not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
