NEDA, PPP Center to step up regional development

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center signed an agreement to set up regional information hubs on PPP projects as part of efforts to boost regional development.

In a statement on Wednesday, the NEDA said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and PPP Center Executive Director Ferdinand Pecson signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to jointly set up PPP Knowledge Corners in 15 NEDA Regional Offices across the country.

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

“The knowledge corners will serve as information hubs on PPPs, where local government units (LGUs), government implementing , 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,” it said.

The LGU-PPP strategy is focused assistance to LGUs through capacity building and technical assistance in pursuing bankable PPP projects.

Part of the strategy is to foster stronger collaboration among public or private capacity building institutions and other critical stakeholders in development.

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

“This LGU PPP strategy builds on the administration’s thrust to expand development in the regions and spread economic growth outside Metro Manila,” Pernia said.

NEDA has regional offices in the 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. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News