LRT 1 Cavite Extension and Operation & Maintenance Contract Signing Ceremony
Opening Remarks
by Executive Director Cosette Canilao
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
October 2, 2014

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon!

First, allow me to thank all of you who are present here today. We have witnessed yet another milestone in the PPP Program, the signing of the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension and O&M contract.

Through the collective efforts of the government and the private sector, we now bear witness to the successful tender of the eighth project to have been awarded since PPP was launched in 2010. Working together, we have achieved leaps and bounds in sustaining the momentum of the PPP Program. The public is assured of effective and improved infrastructure services through public-private partnerships.

As you may know, we have undergone quite a colorful journey during the tender of the LRT1 project. Coming from a failed bid, the government ensured that private sector concerns are addressed effectively and that the re-bidding will result to the best possible deal for the public and the private sector. I take great pride in seeing this project successfully tendered and signed today.

Allow me to congratulate the DOTC for their commitment to provide the public with safe and reliable means of transportation. Delivering transport projects is no easy task, but because of your hard work, it is achievable.

We would also like to give credit to the transaction advisors, the DBP and the IFC, who have helped us in the development and tendering of this project. Your valuable expertise have helped us make this project possible.

To the winning consortium, the Light Rail Manila Consortium, led by Ayala and the MPIC, we look forward to seeing this project become one of the best public transportation projects the Filipino people will be able to utilize. Congratulations on winning the bid and accepting the challenge. We are confident that this project will one day be an epitome of the essence of sustainable partnerships.

Again, thank you very much and a pleasant day to all.