The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP) briefed the Iloilo Provincial Government on major reforms under the PPP Code.
PPPCP Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre presented the briefing to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and provincial office chiefs, outlining the scope and coverage of public-private partnerships in the Philippines and providing updates on projects under implementation and in the pipeline at both the national and local levels.
Latorre also highlighted existing PPP initiatives in the province and city of Iloilo which included the Passi City Water Supply and Distribution System, Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, and the establishment of Hemodialysis Centers in Iloilo Provincial and District Hospitals, among others.
She said the PPPCP is reaching out to local government units as part of its target to support at least 10 LGUs this year.
The PPP Code establishes a comprehensive legal framework covering all PPP projects at both the national and local levels, including joint ventures, replacing what had previously been a patchwork of separate laws and regulations governing PPPs.
Under the law, LGUs have autonomy in approving their own PPP projects, with local proposals approved by the respective local Sanggunian, following prior confirmation by the local development council (LDC).
PPP project preparation may be funded either through the Project Development and Monitoring Facility or other sources, with the PPP Center extending this and other technical assistance to local implementing agencies including LGUs.
The PPP Center's LGU-focused support is also growing. An Asian Development Bank loan approved in December 2024 is expected to back PDMF-funded project preparation with particular focus on LGUs.
The Code also established a separate PPP Risk Management Fund to help manage project risks.
Defensor welcomed the briefing and presented the proposed Iloilo Provincial Government Center in Santa Barbara as a potential PPP project.
The Iloilo Smart Green Government Center is envisioned as a four-storey multipurpose building on a 6.3-hectare provincial lot spanning Barangays Bolong Oeste and Inangayan in Santa Barbara town, intended to consolidate government offices and modernize frontline service delivery for the public.
The facility is planned as a smart and green complex featuring an eco-park, training center, sports and recreation areas including a stadium, an integrated emergency response station, and a commercial area.
Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building has been allocated a P100-million budget under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, with the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6 preparing detailed engineering and structural designs for the project.
The provincial government is also seeking funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority for a convention and events facility that would anchor the government center complex.
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