The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have agreed to develop a joint memorandum of agreement that will establish clear guidelines to expedite the implementation of their infrastructure projects.
Officials from DPWH and the DOTr in a meeting recently agreed to enhance collaboration on the implementation of their respective infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” agenda of the administration.
Discussions during the meeting included a DOTr proposal to devise a DPWH-DOTr Clash Resolution Agreement for appropriate adjustment on their projects whenever needed between the two agencies.
The DOTr reported some implementation concerns on the agency’s convergence projects, including the ongoing and upcoming projects with the DPWH which include the roads leading to ports and airports, other port and airport facilities, active transport infrastructure like bike lanes, and the EDSA Greenways Project, among others.
The DPWH, on the other hand, vowed close coordination with concerned DOTr offices to ensure that the projects undertaken by the agency are complementary with the other public infrastructure facilities.
“We hope to hold more coordination meetings with the DOTr and other agencies as we aim to really beef up our efforts in improving mobility across the country, pursuant to the administration’s vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’,” said Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH undersecretary for Planning and Public Private Partnership Services.
Recently, senior representatives from several key government agencies including the DPWH participated in a familiarization visit in the United Kingdom per invitation of the British Embassy Manila to the Department of Finance (DOF), to explore ways of financing and delivering new sustainable infrastructure projects in the country.
Part of the program is the sharing of insights and experiences of the UK from its various infrastructure development projects, including a mix of public and private investment strategies and approaches.
Emil Sadain, DPWH senior undersecretary, said investments in infrastructure have the highest impact on the economy as these create more jobs and encourage more businesses to open.
DPWH is working with the DOF and the National Economic and Development Authority for a mix of public funds, private investments and partnerships to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to infrastructure development in line with the “Build Better More” program.
The UK grants loans — concessional and market-rate — and mobilizes strategic private sector investments to help countries like the Philippines access resources needed for sustainable infrastructure investment, to enable economic growth as well as toward the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the best practices in the UK is that private sector capital invested in designing, building and operating public infrastructure projects.
This approach fosters the development of essential infrastructure projects, combining public objectives with private sector efficiency and financial capabilities.
