Lapu-Lapu City has become the first city in Region 7 to establish a formal partnership with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines as it explores potential projects with private sector participation.
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan signed a memorandum of agreement with the PPP Center, giving the city access to technical assistance and capacity-building support in identifying, developing and evaluating possible PPP projects.
The partnership comes as the city government continues to assess development opportunities and projects that could respond to its growing needs.
“This partnership is an important step as we continue to plan for the growth of Lapu-Lapu City,” King-Chan said.
Under the agreement, city officials can work with the PPP Center in assessing potential projects and studying possible arrangements with private sector partners.
The assistance will cover technical guidance and capacity-building for city officials and personnel involved in preparing and evaluating PPP proposals.
King-Chan said the support would help the city make more informed assessments before proceeding with potential investments.
“With the guidance and expertise of the PPP Center, we can strengthen our capacity to assess projects, explore opportunities with the private sector, and make sound decisions that respond to the needs of our communities,” she said.
The agreement does not immediately identify specific projects for implementation. Instead, it establishes a framework for the city and PPP Center to identify and evaluate possible opportunities based on Lapu-Lapu’s development plans and requirements.
The capacity-building component will also allow city personnel to gain technical knowledge relevant to the preparation, evaluation and development of projects that may be pursued through public-private cooperation.
PPP Center Undersecretary and Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre attended the signing, along with Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director Eleazar E. Ricote, Director III Atty. Cyris Ann Ng-Santiago and Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey I. Manalo.
Representing the Lapu-Lapu City Government were City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Misaellee Tejano, City Treasurer Claire Cabalda and Lapu-Lapu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Anthony Noel.
The formal agreement provides Lapu-Lapu with an additional avenue for working with private sector partners while strengthening the city government’s capacity to assess major development proposals.
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