‘Info hubs’ to push PPP model out to local gov’t level

THE NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on Monday to establish information hubs to boost the development of PPP projects at the local level.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and PPP Center Executive Director Ferdinand A. Pecson signed the MoA, which would set up “PPP Knowledge Corners” in NEDA’s 15 regional off ices nationwide.

“The knowledge corners will serve as information hubs on PPPs, where local government units (LGUs), government implementing agencies and other stakeholders can get accurate and updated information and knowledge on PPPs including access to all PPP Center’s services to help them develop and implement bankable PPP projects,” NEDA said in a statement yesterday.

“This move will help step up the uptake of PPPs in the regions and provide the PPP Center a regional presence,” it added.

Mr. Pernia added that the hubs will also help the government push development out into the countryside.

The government shifted its focus away from the pure PPP model, citing delays in getting projects started.

To fast-track infrastructure development, the government turned to a hybrid PPP model, under which treasury funds or Off icial Development Assistance finance the early stages and construction of projects, leaving the private sector to bid for operations and maintenance contracts.

The PPP Center said in December that “there has to be more attention” to local-level infrastructure projects.

The Knowledge Corners will be set up in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccksargen, and Caraga region.

The administration seeks to spend P8.44 trillion until 2022, which would boost economic growth to 7-8% and reduce poverty to 13% by the end of its term. —