The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines conducted a benchmarking activity with the Bangsamoro Planning Development Authority – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BPDA-BARMM) on October 1, 2024 at the PPP Center Board Room, Quezon City. This initiative is a crucial step towards the establishment of the BARMM PPP Center, alongside efforts to develop a dedicated PPP Code that will facilitate the projects under a PPP program in the region. The benchmarking activity presented an opportunity for the BPDA to acquire knowledge from the PPP Center about effective practices and innovative strategies regarding PPPs.
This activity builds on previous benchmarking engagements between BARMM and PPP Center, one of which took place on May 25, 2023. That session revolved around the PPP Center’s roles in policy formulation, capacity building, and project assistance throughout the entire development and implementation process.
The BARMM delegation presented a comprehensive overview of its PPP development journey, highlighting key milestones and the first reading of the PPP legislation.
During this activity, the PPP Center provided insights into the development of the PPP Code, sharing key lessons learned throughout the process. Stakeholders utilizing the PPP Code offered initial feedback, underscoring its effectiveness to offer clear guidelines for PPPs, promoting efficiency and accountability throughout the project’s life cycle.
Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez of the PPP Center emphasized the critical importance of developing a robust project pipeline, noting, “Establishing a clear project pipeline is essential, as stakeholders will inevitably inquire about the specific projects and tangible outcomes we can expect from this institution.” She further pointed out the need to prioritize key projects early in the development stage to achieve immediate impacts, particularly in light of the limited resources available.
Additionally, opportunities for collaboration were discussed, including the potential for partnership agreements that could align resources and project goals between the parties. It was noted that leveraging external expertise and technical assistance could further support BARMM in its PPP initiatives.
As BARMM moves forward in crafting its PPP Code, the collaboration with the PPP Center sets the stage for an effective PPP framework that lead to sustainable economic development in the region. This partnership is timely and optimistic, as the PPP Center is poised to share valuable lessons from its own experiences, ensuring that the BARMM PPP Code reflects best practices and positions the region for future success. Together, these efforts will pave the way for impactful projects that can transform the local landscape and uplift communities across BARMM.
