Quezon City – The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Planning Development Authority (BPDA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted a key benchmarking activity on October 1, 2024, aimed at laying the groundwork for the establishment of the BARMM PPP Center. The initiative marks a significant step toward creating a dedicated PPP Code that will facilitate the implementation of public-private projects across the region.
Held at the PPP Center Board Room in Quezon City, the session allowed BPDA representatives to gain valuable insights into effective PPP practices and innovative strategies, building upon previous benchmarking engagements between BARMM and the PPP Center. A prior session in May 2023 had introduced BPDA to the PPP Center’s roles in policy formulation, capacity building, and project assistance throughout the development and implementation phases of PPP projects.
During the activity, the BARMM delegation provided a comprehensive overview of their progress in developing a regional PPP program, highlighting key milestones, including the first reading of its proposed PPP legislation. The delegation emphasized its goal of creating a sustainable PPP framework that would attract investments and bring critical infrastructure and services to the region.
The PPP Center shared its experiences in developing the national PPP Code, offering insights into lessons learned and challenges faced. Key stakeholders provided feedback on the PPP Code’s effectiveness, noting how it provides clear guidelines for project implementation, improves efficiency, and enhances accountability throughout the lifecycle of PPP projects.
Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez, Executive Director of the PPP Center, stressed the importance of developing a robust project pipeline. “Establishing a clear project pipeline is essential, as stakeholders will inevitably inquire about the specific projects and tangible outcomes we can expect from this institution,” Hernandez said. She further emphasized the need to prioritize key projects early in the development process to achieve immediate impacts, especially given the limited resources available in the region.
The discussions also touched on opportunities for collaboration between the PPP Center and BARMM, including potential partnership agreements that could align resources and project goals. External technical assistance was highlighted as a critical tool to further support BARMM’s efforts in implementing its PPP initiatives.
As BARMM moves forward in drafting its PPP Code, the collaboration with the PPP Center is expected to create an effective framework that will drive sustainable economic development in the region. The partnership is anticipated to facilitate impactful projects that will enhance infrastructure, promote regional growth, and uplift communities across BARMM.
