The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines is set to host a high-level infrastructure forum on April 29, 2025, at Makati Commerce Tower. Supporting organizations include Colliers, with Manila Bulletin serving as the media partner. This event will gather government officials and key stakeholders to delve into the future of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Philippines' infrastructure development.
The forum, themed “Public-Private Partnerships in Action: Transforming Infrastructure and Services,” comes at a crucial juncture as the government aims to unlock over ₱2.47 trillion in PPP projects spanning transportation, energy, water, social infrastructure, and digital connectivity.
Confirmed speakers include the Honorable Maricar Bautista, Transportation Spokesperson for Business Infrastructure at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Honorable Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez, Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center. Both are anticipated to provide essential updates on recent developments, such as the launch of significant regional airport PPPs, the expansion of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project, and the increasing involvement of international partners in project financing and delivery.
The forum will explore how recent policy reforms, including the newly enacted PPP Code, have established a more streamlined framework for private investment. Panelists will also discuss leveraging partnerships to address the country’s infrastructure needs while bolstering long-term objectives like sustainability, inclusive mobility, and economic resilience.
Transportation infrastructure will be a key focus, with the DOTr expected to highlight upcoming PPP initiatives, including projects to modernize seaports and airports and the introduction of Transit Facility Design Standards in collaboration with the United Kingdom. These endeavors are part of a larger strategy to enhance commuter experience, expand connectivity, and stimulate regional development.
Digital infrastructure will also be spotlighted, as PPPs are increasingly recognized as a practical approach to bridge the connectivity gap in underserved areas. The British Chamber intends to showcase how private sector innovation, when underpinned by clear regulatory frameworks and robust government coordination, can accelerate digital transformation and improve access to services.
BCCP Executive Chairman Chris Nelson stated that this “event is part of the Chamber’s broader initiative to foster productive dialogue between the public and private sectors, as well as international partners, to unlock the full potential of PPPs in the country.”