The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, in partnership with the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) and Georgetown University Law Center, has successfully concluded its certificate course, “Essentials of Infrastructure Contracts: Structuring, Financing, and Negotiating.” The program took place from October 14 to 16, 2024, at the Westin Manila, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

The PPP Center’s Executive Director, Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez, delivered the Welcome Remarks, emphasizing the significance of this course in enhancing the skills of legal professionals involved in PPPs. The course kicked off with 80 hours of online, on-demand content released on August 23, allowing participants, comprising lawyers and legal professionals from various government agencies including the PPP Center, Department of Finance, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, National Economic and Development Authority, Office of the Solicitor General, and Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, to build foundational knowledge essential for navigating public infrastructure development.

The first day focused on the PPP Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, covering its new processes, timelines, and documentary requirements. Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey I. Manalo provided crucial insights into the PPP concepts, the new legal framework, and an overview of the solicited and unsolicited processes for PPP projects.

In-person sessions on the second and third days emphasized practical exercises, bid optimization, and dynamic panel discussions, equipping attendees with essential skills to navigate the complexities of infrastructure contracts. This course aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of raising private capital for public infrastructure projects, addressing critical documents and financing issues while exploring the diverse motivations of stakeholders involved.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in negotiation exercises that simulated real-world scenarios, focusing on negotiating provisions within a sample PPP agreement.

The PPP Center remains committed to facilitating professional development and collaborative initiatives that promote effective and sustainable infrastructure projects throughout the country.