The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, in collaboration with the Philippine Water Works Association, Inc. (PWWA), capacitated water districts (WDs), local government unit (LGU)-managed water systems, and private sector representatives during the capacity building activity (CBA) titled Introduction to the PPP Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) held on November 20, 2024 at the Angel Garden Resort, Busuanga, Palawan.

Assistant Secretary and PPP Center Deputy Executive Director (DED) Jeffrey I. Manalo opened the session with a walkthrough of the history of the partnership between the PPP Center and PWWA. He commended the efforts of PWWA in engaging stakeholders from the water sector and creating an avenue to familiarize them with the new PPP legal framework.

In the main discussion, Director Feroisa Francisca T. Concordia of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service provided an updated view of the Philippine PPP Program, PPP concepts, PPP institutions, and necessary initial submissions from the Implementing Agencies such as the Comprehensive List of Investment Programs and List of PPP Projects.

Following this, DED Manalo talked about the detailed processes, timelines and documentary requirements for the solicited and unsolicited PPPs, and other salient provisions in the PPP Code and its IRR.

Throughout the session, the participants actively engaged in the discussion by raising their concerns and seeking clarifications, particularly concerning the implementation stage of PPP projects given that several water PPP projects were implemented under the old PPP legal frameworks.

During the closing activities, PWWA Director and Baliwag Water District General Manager Ma. Victoria E. Signo expressed her gratitude to the participants and PPP Center resource persons. She also conveyed optimism that the partnership between the PPP Center and PWWA will continue to bring future collaborative activities for PPP stakeholders in the water sector.

Around 90 participants from WDs, water systems, and the private sector attended the activity.