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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider JICA: PPPs key to build, maintain quality roads, bridges in Philippines

JICA: PPPs key to build, maintain quality roads, bridges in Philippines

Published Dec 8, 2024 09:15 pm

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is committed to assisting the Philippines in rolling out quality road and bridge infrastructure projects paving the way towards inclusive, resilient as well as sustainable growth and development.

"JICA is in the unique position to support the Philippines by using various cooperation schemes, combining hard and soft support, with our firm philosophy of quality infrastructure," JICA Philippines chief representative Takema Sakamoto told the Philippines-Japan third workshop for technical and business cooperation on the road construction and operation and maintenance (O&M) last Friday, Dec. 6.

"While duly recognizing the huge needs of new infrastructure construction, such as the 186 infrastructure flagship projects worth over P9 trillion, I dare to emphasize the importance of ensuring longevity as a critical priority," Sakamoto added, referring to the Marcos Jr. administration's ambitious "Build Better More" program.

"There is no doubt that proper and effective O&M of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, is definitely crucial for safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness," Sakamoto pointed out.

The JICA Philippines chief cited that the Japanese government's aid arm is co-financing—through cheap official development assistance (ODA) loans—the construction of hard infrastructure projects like the Cebu-Mactan fourth bridge and coastal road, Dalton Pass east alignment road, Davao City bypass road, and Metro Manila priority bridges seismic improvement.

"These noteworthy projects involve long tunnels, long span bridges, and rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing major bridges, using Japan's technology, know-how and experience," he noted.

On top of hard-infrastructure assistance, Sakamoto said JICA Philippines also extends "soft" or technical assistance through capacity development to projects as well as implementing agencies, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Also, Sakamoto emphasized the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in ensuring the high quality of roads and bridges through daily inspection, overloading control and preventive maintenance activities.

"For the government, it is essential to foster an environment that encourages private sector's engagement, based on the concept of fair responsibility sharing, contractual commitment and open communication, which can build full trust and confidence in the market," he said.

"Providing transparent processes, ensuring timely issuance of permits, securing project sites without concerns of delays in land acquisition, and guaranteeing timely payment through sufficient budget allocation, are fundamental steps to facilitate private sector participation," he added.

As for private contractors, Sakamoto enjoined them to "showcase expertise, technologies, and innovative solutions that can contribute to the quality infrastructure development," especially in O&M.

"By introducing advancements such as predictive maintenance tools and durable materials, as well as by sharing global best practices, private companies can significantly help the promising Philippines build resilient and efficient infrastructure... Rest assured, JICA remains committed to bridging both [public and private] sectors' aspirations, whether through traditional ODA or innovative financing mechanisms," according to Sakamoto.

Related Tags

JICA PPP projects Public Private Partnerships Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
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