Filipino businesses have called for transparency in the bids and awards of contracts on government infrastructure projects even as they favor continued implementation of projects under the Build, Build, Build Program and complete them as scheduled.
This is part of the 8 actionable recommendations presented by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George T. Barcelon at the Sulong Pilipinas Consultative Workshop on Tuesday, April 5.
“Continue the Build, Build, Build program, complete projects as scheduled, and ensure transparency in the bids and awards of contract,” PCCI said in its recommendation for the Infrastructure Development Sector.
To ensure economic recovery, the PCCI has called for further improvement of the ease of doing business by compelling the participation of national and local government agencies in centralized government portals (e.g., Central Business Portal and TRADENET) and enforce penalties for non-compliance through the Anti Red Tape Authority.
From the Agricultural Development and Modernization Sector, the PCCI noted the need to improve agricultural modernization. This means government should allocate a larger budget to the agriculture sector and provide financial assistance and capacity development for farmers, the PCCI said.
To promote Innovation, Technology, and Research and Development Sector, PCCI said the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and Industry should begin rolling out the regional innovation centers and complete them by May 2023.
On the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Resilience Sector, the country’s largest business organization has proposed for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to impose stricter rules and standards and implement sustainable management guidelines within the year.
The government was also asked to reform the Technical Education, Skills Development Authority and the Commission on Higher Education. PCCI would like to place early childhood care under the Department of Education, and improve qualification standards for professions.
The PCCI has also proposed that government improve access to tourist destinations urging the Department of Tourism (MARINA, TIEZA), in cooperation with other national government agencies to develop a road network for more organized provisions of tourism services
To promote financial inclusion, the BSP must collaborate more closely with the private sector to promote financial literacy and responsible borrowing or lending.