The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has proposed to President Marcos a series of initiatives to improve infrastructure and, ultimately, the quality of life for every Filipino family.

This developed after President Marcos met with the PSAC in Malacañan last Aug. 29.

In a statement, the PSAC said it focused its recommendations on enhancing energy affordability and securing a reliable water supply nationwide.

"These initiatives are crucial to driving progress and uplifting communities. By focusing on affordable energy and reliable water supply, we aim to create a foundation for long-term development that benefits every Filipino," PSAC lead convenor and Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said on Saturday, Aug. 31.

"The private sector stands ready to collaborate with the government by sharing expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to make these goals a reality," he added.

During the meeting, the PSAC stressed the need to reevaluate the Philippine Energy Plan, focusing on affordability while also considering energy self-sufficiency, as a supporting strategy.

The group also recommended revising capacity auctions, including the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), and aligning Power Supply Procurement Plans to drive down electricity costs for consumers.

Regarding water security, the PSAC emphasized the importance of implementing flood control basins as part of the government’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects, particularly concentrating on the 88 rivers identified by the Integrated Water Resources Management Office (IWRMO).

The council also urged the government to expedite the privatization of water utilities in other metropolitan centers facing water supply challenges, following the successful model in Metro Manila.

"This move would improve water distribution systems, reduce non-revenue water losses, and streamline permit processing," the PSAC said.

It called for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) to closely monitor the Enhanced Lifeline Program to provide greater discounts to low-income consumers, particularly those who are marginalized or beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The PSAC also proposed that the IWRMO study the feasibility of improving water service levels in the provinces, balancing investment needs with efforts to expand coverage and enhance service quality.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos thanked the PSAC for its insights and recognized the importance of these recommendations in achieving the administration's goals of accessible, affordable, and reliable essential services.

"I sat down with the PSAC to discuss opportunities to improve the lives of every Filipino family through critical infrastructure that will lower electricity rates, ensure a reliable water supply, and enhance flood protection," Marcos said.

"I am grateful to our private sector partners who are committed to helping us achieve these goals," he added.

President Marcos created the PSAC to create and strengthen innovative new synergies between the private and public sectors. PSAC comprises business leaders and experts across six main sectoral groups — Agriculture, Digital Infrastructure, Jobs, Healthcare, Build-Build-Build, and Tourism.