Local government units in Central Visayas were urged to strengthen their capacity to develop public-private partnership (PPP) projects as the government seeks to expand infrastructure investments across the region.
The call was made during a two-day seminar and consultation workshop organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) 7 in partnership with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. on July 28 and 29 in Cebu City.
The “PPP Ready: Institutional Readiness and Developing a Robust Pipeline of PPP Projects for Local Implementing Agencies” program brought together local government leaders, planning officers and infrastructure practitioners from Cebu and Bohol.
The program focused on strengthening the ability of local implementing agencies to identify, evaluate, prepare and manage PPP projects under the Philippine PPP Code.
Anthony Noel, chairperson of the Regional Development Council 7 Infrastructure Development Committee, said effective PPPs require cooperation between government and the private sector.
“Public-private partnerships are at their best when the government and the private sector work as true partners—bringing together their respective strengths to deliver infrastructure that creates lasting value for communities,” Noel said.
The workshop included technical sessions, consultations and case studies covering project identification, prioritization, value-for-money assessment, procurement and the preparation of investment-ready proposals.
PPP Center officials also discussed ways for local governments to develop projects that can attract private sector participation while maintaining transparent and competitive procurement processes.
PPP Center Executive Director Undersecretary Rizza Blanco-Latorre said the agency aims to help LGUs turn priority infrastructure needs into sustainable projects.
“Our goal is not only to help local governments understand the PPP process but to empower them to confidently pursue well-prepared, investment-ready projects that respond to the needs of their communities,” Blanco-Latorre said.
The participants also explored possible PPP applications beyond traditional infrastructure, including health, education, agriculture, solid waste management and climate-resilient projects.
Aboitiz InfraCapital First Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba said the initiative seeks to give LGUs the tools needed to translate development priorities into projects that can attract investment.
“Through PPP Ready, we hope to equip local government units with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to turn priority infrastructure needs into bankable projects that create lasting impact,” Camba said.
The PPP Center led the technical sessions, with Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey Manalo among the resource speakers. Project Evaluation Service Director John Emmanuel Pronto also guided LGU representatives on project preparation and the development of PPP proposals.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, chairperson of the RDC 7, said stronger cooperation among national agencies, LGUs and the private sector is needed to address the region’s infrastructure requirements.
“Strong partnerships between national government, local governments, and the private sector are essential to delivering the infrastructure our communities need,” Baricuatro said.
DEPDev Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of preparing projects that are aligned with national and regional development priorities, particularly as LGUs assume greater responsibilities under full devolution.
“The success of public-private partnerships begins with strong project preparation,” Capuno said.
The workshop was intended to help build a stronger pipeline of PPP projects in Central Visayas and improve the capacity of LGUs to deliver infrastructure and public services through partnerships with the private sector.
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