WELCOME REMARKS
Delivered by
COSETTE V. CANILAO
Executive Director, Public-Private Partnership Center
During the 45th ADB Board of Governors Annual Meeting
Host Country Seminar entitled
Building Infrastructure, Driving Growth: PPP as a Catalyst for Transformation
at the
Philippine Corporate and Investment Pavilion
May 2, 2012, Function Room 1, SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
Amenities:
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Chairman, HUDCC
Socio Economic and Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr.
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, of the Department of Public Works and Highways
Secretary Enrique T.Ona, of the Department of Health
Undersecretary Francisco M. Varela, of the Department of Education
Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, of the Department of Public Works and Highways
Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco, of the Dept. of Transportation and Telecommunications
Mr. Gerardo A.I. Esquivel, Administrator, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
Mr. Augusto F. Manalo, President, Philippine Constructors’ Association
Distinguished panelists
Honored guests.
Our partners from the private sector.
My colleagues in government.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good morning
First of all please allow me to welcome our esteemed delegates to the Asian Development Bank Board of Governor’s Meeting.
This will be the 14th time that the Philippines plays host to the ADB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. The first time it was held in Manila was in 1968. It was also the First Annual Meeting of the ADB after its inaugural in 1966.
Indeed, the Philippines is well entrenched in the history of the ADB and we are deeply honored that after 12 years, the Annual Meeting is back in Manila.
Along with this prestigious event, the Public-Private Partnership Center with the support of the Philippine Contractors Association, is staging its first ever international Conference and Exhibit under the Philippine Corporate and Investment Pavilion.
PPP Program Accomplishments: Letting the numbers speak
As our theme suggests, this entire Conference and Exhibit narrates the journey of the PPP program in the Philippines and the stages that it went through.
In a span of 17 months, since its re-launching in November 2010, the Philippine’s PPP program was accelerated, picking up speed as momentum is gained with the closing of its first PPP project the Daang Hari_SLEX Link Road project.
It took only 13 months to get our first project tendered. In between, we worked on laying the foundations to build productive partnerships and instituted mechanisms and facilities that helped our implementing agencies to undertake projects that are properly prepared, relevant and economically viable for both government and the private sector.
This is an exciting time to be part of the Philippines’ PPP program. And this is what we want to share with you today.
The Programme: What’s in store
We took great care to build today’s sessions to reflect the optimism and dynamism of the country’s PPP program and the inspiring support that we have gained from the leaders of both the public and private sector.
For our panel discussions you will find an interesting mix of experts in the various fields of PPPs in urban renewal, tourism and social infrastructure. They will share their experiences, plans and overall vision for the future of the country’s PPP program.
We have prepared several video clips which we will set the tone for each session as well as enlighten you on the current state of PPPs not only in the country but also from other parts of the world, as told from the point of view of our panelists.
We have also tapped the expertise of three of the country’s most respected names in the field of journalism to guide and moderate the discussions.
We invite you to actively participate in our sessions. We want to hear your thoughts about the program and how you think we should proceed with this undertaking.
Closing
It is our hope that by the end of today’s activities, you, our stakeholders and partners, will come away with a wholistic view and renewed appreciation for what the country’s PPP program is all about — properly prepared projects that are guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Let me close by thanking all our distinguished speakers who unselfishly shared with us their precious time and knowledge.
We wish to acknowledge our brilliant moderators for sharing their time and expertise.
I also take this opportunity to thank our sponsor, the Philippine Contractors Association.
Finally, to the invaluable support of the Asian Development Bank, our most sincere gratitude.
Thank you all and we hope that you enjoy and learn from today’s sessions.
Good morning.
