NEDA-7 to set up PPP knowledge corners

The Central Visayas office of the National Economic and Development Authority will soon have a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Knowledge Corner to raise the uptake of PPPs at the regional level.

The NEDA and the PPP Center signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) jointly setting up PPP Knowledge Corners in NEDA regional offices including Region 7.

"This move will help step up the uptake of PPPs in the regions and provide the PPP Center a regional presence," NEDA said in a statement.

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.

“We recognize the essential role that PPPs will play to support the success of the government’s Build Build Build program. One of the recent strategic thrusts of the PPP program is focused on project development at the local level or at the LGUs,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

Pernia noted putting up the PPP Knowledge Corners will support the government’s intensified efforts to help develop and implement PPPs at the local level, a key in the PPP Center’s LGU PPP strategy.

The LGU PPP strategy is the PPP Center’s focused assistance to LGUs through capacity building and technical assistance in pursuing bankable local PPP projects.

Also part of the strategy is to foster stronger collaboration among local public or private capacity building institutions and other critical local development stakeholders, NEDA further noted.

Pernia also underscored the Duterte administration’s commitment to spread out economic growth to other regions. Of the administration’s 75 flagship infrastructure projects, 50 will be rolled out in the regions outside Metro Manila.

The economic planning chief said the strategy builds on the administration’s thrust to expand development in the regions and spread economic growth outside the capital.