National transport plan in the works for PPP thrust

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday said it is crafting a National Transport Plan aimed at easing the economic integration between and among regional growth centers in the country. In a statement, NEDA Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga said the plan will give policy directions for a complete network of transport infrastructure.

He said there is a need to link multi-modal transport systems among identified growth centers that could facilitate public-private partnerships (PPP) projects in the areas.

Multi-modal transport systems involve air, sea and road transportation modes within and between the country’s islands.

“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,” Paderanga said.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino 3rd identified PPP as a strategy to finance infrastructure and basic services through the assistance of the private sector.

“NEDA views PPP as an alternative way for local government units [LGUs] to effectively and efficiently deliver basic services,” Paderanga said.

He said 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.

“It is important that the LGUs have already pre-identified projects for PPP, so that the more transparent solicited mode of procurement will be undertaken,” he added. –DARWIN G. AMOJELAR SENIOR REPORTER, Manila Times