BIZLINKS...

The International Finance Corporation, alongside the World Bank’s Global Infrastructure Facility, is quite proud of having concluded this 25-year concession contract that will manage the expanded Clark International Airport in Pampanga. Currently, the first phase of the airport modernization and expansion is proceeding on schedule, and will be completed by 2020. With an increased capacity of 8 million people, the bigger airport would help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals in Metro Manila. Hopefully, there will be more projects in the BBB list that will start soon now that the Duterte administration has hurdled the “prototyping” stages of getting key projects off the ground through ODA and hybrid PPP formats. For other projects outside the BBB list, such as the San Miguel Corp.’s New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, the Makati City Subway, and the Metro Cebu Expressway, private business’ commitment is crucial, but government resolve to give the green light is even more important. Support for the PPP Center needs to be strengthened to provide an efficient machinery to churn out equally big projects not covered in the BBB list. Project development support had recently been approved for the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Asset Development Project, the Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project, and the development, operation, and maintenance of the General Santos Port. With the Philippine economy showing continued resilience in spite of all the uncertainties brought about by global trade concerns, Brexit, and the economic slowdown in other parts of Europe and China, the private sector – both local and foreign – are bullish about investing in our infrastructure projects. Our PPP system has matured and has earned a good reputation for having an established framework in preparing, procuring, and contract management. It currently is swamped with proposals, many of them forwarded by companies waiting in the wings, eager to invest. Let’s not lose this momentum. We are actively using two social networking websites to reach out more often and even interact with and engage our readers, friends and colleagues in the various areas of interest that I tackle in my column. Please like us on www. facebook.com/ReyGamboa and follow us on www.twitter.com/ ReyGamboa. Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@ yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www. BizlinksPhilippines.net.