Budget department releases P4.6B for PPP program

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P4.60 billion to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the implementation of projects under the administration's public-private partnership (PPP) program.

Budget Secretary Butch Abad said the amount will be charged against the DOTC's budget for project development funds for PPP transport infrastructure projects under this year’s General Appropriations Act.

"The release will support the improvement or creation of more gateways into the Philippines, given the administration's campaign to cement our position as a prime tourist and investment hub," Abad said.

"The projects identified under the fund release will directly support this initiative, primarily through the much-needed rehabilitation and development of key airports across the country," he added.

The DBM allocated P1.64 billion for the rehabilitation of Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Part of the renovation include the immediate repair of the terminal's mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, as well as the retrofitting of the overall structure.

Another P2 billion has been set aside for the New Legazpi (Daraga) Airport development project, which will entail the detailed engineering of the airport's runways and taxiways.

Some P800 million will also be used to support the Tacloban Airport's growing traffic demand, including the development of the Tacloban Airport terminal building and other ancillary facilities.

The budget department also allotted P160 million for the development of an access point to Central Mindanao via North Cotabato through the Central Mindanao Airport. The airport will help facilitate the transport of high-value crops in and out of the Central Mindanao, as well as support agricultural development in the area.

"This administration intends to fulfil its commitment to improve conditions in many of our airports through fruitful engagements with the private sector. Through the PPP program, we can make project implementation much more efficient and reform-oriented, so that the gains we make through the initiative will be sustained in the long term," Abad said.

He also expressed confidence in the DOTC's new leadership under incoming secretary Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya.

"We welcome the appointment of Secretary Abaya and trust that under his leadership, the DOTC will sustain the progress that has already made by Secretary Roxas. This -- together with the administration's vigorous campaign for more transparent, accountable, and open governance – will help speed up our PPP efforts and catalyze further economic growth in the country," he said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)