Public and private sector leaders are pushing for a stronger pipeline of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Central Visayas, as local governments seek to accelerate infrastructure delivery under the Philippine PPP Code.
The push took shape during the two-day “PPP Ready: Institutional Readiness and Developing a Robust Pipeline of PPP Projects for Local Implementing Agencies” seminar and consultation workshop held July 28 to 29 in Cebu City.
Organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region VII (DEPDev 7), the PPP Center, and Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the program brought together local government leaders, planning officers, and infrastructure practitioners from Cebu and Bohol.
AIC, led by President and CEO Cosette Canilao, who previously served as executive director of the PPP Center, supported the initiative as part of its continuing push for stronger government-private sector collaboration in infrastructure development.
Anthony L. Noel, Regional Development Council 7 Infrastructure Development Committee chairperson, said effective PPPs require government and business to work as partners, with institutional readiness and trust serving as foundations.
AIC First Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba said the initiative aims to help local governments turn infrastructure priorities into investment-ready projects.
The program included technical sessions, workshops, consultations, and project critiques covering project identification, prioritization, value-for-money principles, procurement, and the preparation of bankable PPP proposals.
PPP Center Executive Director Undersecretary Rizza Blanco-Latorre said the agency wants local governments to independently develop and pursue well-prepared projects while providing technical guidance and capacity-building support.
Participants also explored PPP opportunities beyond conventional infrastructure, including health, education, agriculture, solid waste management, and climate-resilient projects.
AIC highlighted its experience in airport PPPs, including the operations and modernization of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, chairperson of RDC 7, said stronger cooperation among national government, local governments, and the private sector is critical to delivering infrastructure that supports inclusive growth.
DEPDev Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno said well-prepared PPPs can help local governments manage greater responsibilities under full devolution while improving public services.
For Central Visayas, the message is increasingly clear. Infrastructure ambitions are plentiful, but turning them into bankable projects will determine which ones actually get built.
