DOTr pushes PPP for ‘big-ticket’ projects
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is encouraging private participation and actively pursuing the “Public-Private Partnership” (PPP) scheme in completing big-ticket transportation infrastructure projects throughout the country, according to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.
At the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Bautista explained that with other DOTr projects encountering limited budget allocations, the private sector’s participation, including members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (PCCI), in completing such projects will be “crucial.”
“Allow me to emphasize the need to undertake crucial transport infrastructure projects in collaboration with the private sector,” the transportation secretary said.
“We are therefore actively pursuing the Public-Private Partnership scheme to complete a number of these projects,” he added.
Bautista explained that the government is “confident” that the expertise and capabilities of the private sector can bring such ambitious undertakings can be brought to completion.
He disclosed that the DOTr will invite private sector participation in privatizing projects such as the EDSA Busway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), ten provincial airports, and a network of seaports in the country.
“We plan to invite as many private sector participation in our infrastructure projects, such as the privatization of the EDSA Carousel, the operation of our seaports, the privatization of ten provincial airports, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project and many more,” he said, adding that completing these projects will increase the efficiency and productivity of Filipinos.
He added that the PPP scheme will generate investments and generate employment for Filipinos while promoting transport connectivity and reducing logistics costs.
