CBC to launch first PPP initiative in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Business Club (CBC) in partnership with Research, Education and Institutional Development (REID), will be launching the first Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative in Cebu called “Partnership for Better Infrastructure,” or PBI.

To be formally launched on May 13, 2011 the PBI will broaden participation in the allocation and implementation of infrastructure investments to support economic development and poverty reduction.

In a formal CBC statement on this announcement, the business group said that while Cebu is a leading investment center in the country, however it still facing major challenges especially in infrastructure development.

REID is a policy research advocacy group based in Pasig City. It selected Cebu as one of the six provinces where it will implement the PBI.

The REID Foundation, through a Memorandum of Agreement, will work in partnership with the CBC to advocate for better infrastructure in Cebu.

REID Foundation will provide technical assistance through a series of workshops on the national and regional economy, national budget, and procurement, among others. These activities are supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through The Asia Foundation (TAF).

Convinced of Cebu’s need for more and better infrastructure, several business chambers and civil society organizations partnered with CBC to support the PBI.

During the launch on Friday, they will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to support the PBI. To pursue the aim of the PBI, the Parties of the Coalition will agree under the MOC to jointly undertake the several activities, such as identify, prioritize and make a ready list of economically, socially and environmentally sound infrastructure projects which are critical for the development of Cebu, including the gaps in infrastructure development that need to be filled up.

Also, the project aims to participate and engage the government to ensure that recommended list of priority infrastructure projects for Cebu are considered and included in the National Government Budget, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), and implemented with greater transparency, accountability and responsibility.

PBI will also develop strategies to assist the DPWH, Department of Tourism, DOTC and other government agencies involved in infrastructure development in asset preservation and in the preparation, budgeting, procurement, and monitoring the implementation of approved and funded infrastructure projects for Cebu.

Significantly, the PBI will also strongly advocate with the government to consult, utilize, consider and respect the expertise of other groups and individuals in the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure projects.

Before the MOC signing, Prof. Enrico L. Basilio, REID Foundation President will give a briefing on the BPI. Governor Gwen Garcia, Chairperson of the Metro Cebu Development Board and Mayor Mike Rama, Regional Development Council Chair, will follow to outline their strategies for infrastructure development in their respective areas and support for the PBI.

CBC President Dondi Joseph and businessman Andoni Aboitiz will chair the CBC Infra Committee, and the PBI Launching.— (FREEMAN)