THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE Partnership (PPP) Center has 71 projects in the pipeline for Mindanao, while 33 are already under implementation, an official revealed during the Habi at Kape forum on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
PPP Center director Feroisa Francisa Concordia told reporters that the total includes both national and local projects, as well as solicited and unsolicited proposals.
Pipeline projects refer to those in the concept stage, under feasibility study, awaiting approval, or already out for bidding.
“We do have an increasing number of interests in the Mindanao area,” Concordia said.
Concordia said the Department of Education’s (DepEd) classroom project, which will have the private sector build school buildings, is still in project preparation. It covers Regions 9 to 13, including areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
After preparation, the project must go through approval before DepEd can invite bidders.
She described the DepEd initiative as the biggest Mindanao-specific project for now.
Concordia added that the Mindanao Railway is also in project preparation, with operations and maintenance expected to form part of the PPP arrangement.
The official said local government units have shown interest and exploration in transportation, water supply, information and communications technology projects, property development, tourism, and renewable energy.
“Definitely for Mindanao, there are opportunities for transportation projects. We know that there needs to be good connectivity to bring goods to the market in order to have an effective transport system,” Concordia said.
Under the PPP Code, the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlalawigan is the approving body for local PPP projects, with the local chief executive implementing them.
Some local projects need the Regional Development Council’s endorsement, while others only need confirmation from the Local Development Council before going to the Sanggunian.
She urged LGUs and implementing agencies to invest in good feasibility study preparation as it serves as the basis for decisions by local councils and shows whether a project is viable for private investors.
Under the PPP Code, all unsolicited proposals from private firms must be submitted to the PPP Center, which has 10 calendar days to check them for completeness, as incomplete proposals are not forwarded to implementing agencies.
PPP Center was in Davao City for a capacity development workshop on PPP projects for the implementing agencies and local governments. The workshop was the third in a series focused on the PPP project review and approval process.
Earlier sessions covered project concept notes and capacity building, including the setting up of PPP units in LGUs.
Concordia said capacity development is critical, as many agencies are used to traditional procurement and are still adjusting to the new law.