The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has underscored the importance of public-private Partnerships (PPPs) as a mechanism that can address the financial needs of infrastructure and services of national and local governments.

“NEDA views PPPs as an alternative way for local government units (LGUs) to effectively and efficiently deliver basic services,” said Socio-economic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. in a recent meeting with NEDA regional officials.

Paderanga said that NEDA will provide a checklist or template to help LGUs get into PPP-type arrangements in delivering basic services.

“With LGUs being at the forefront in local development, it is important that the options available for the implementation and financing of local initiatives are clear to them,” he said.

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, in his State-of-the-Nation Address, identified PPPs as a strategy to finance government projects like infrastructure and basic services through the assistance of the private sector.

Paderanga also stressed the need to link multi-modal transport systems among identified growth centers in the regions that could facilitate PPP projects in the areas.

“Addressing transportation gaps and completing the whole transport infrastructure towards these centers should be prioritized as these will help lessen the cost of doing business in the country,” he explained.