As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge public healthcare systems and disrupt social order, economies around the world are also suffering at an unprecedented rate. Governments must not only cushion the impact of the pandemic on their health systems, but they must also prevent their economies from collapsing. With the possibility of a severe global recession, world leaders have turned to their economic teams to device a sound and efficient economic recovery plan to survive and successfully emerge from the pandemic.

In line with this, the Philippine government has underscored the importance of continuing its flagship infrastructure development program to generate jobs, stimulate economic growth and recover from the initial economic impact of the pandemic.

According to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, infrastructure remains to be the best driver of economic growth due to its multiplier effects in terms of employment and shared prosperity. However, with the current public health crisis, key infrastructure projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program are now at risk of being delayed or canceled. In light of this situation, the Philippine government must shift to more reliable sources and maximize the participation of the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to increase the government’s capacity to meet the growing demand for infrastructure development. This would also allow the Philippines to address the economic impact of the pandemic and fast-track its economic recovery plan. This effort demands a transparent and collaborative discussion between the government and the private sector in order to align proper approaches and commit feasible participation.

The vRTD focused on the importance of utilizing the private sector through the PPP in addressing the economic impact of the pandemic. In addition, the experts also discussed their insights regarding the current reality of the infrastructure sector in the Philippines and analyze the challenges and opportunities that come along with it.

Program

Introduction
MR. FRANCESCO “PACO” A. PANGALANGAN
Executive Director
Stratbase ADR Institute

Opening Remarks
PROF. DINDO MANHIT
President
Stratbase ADR Institute

Speakers

SEN. GRACE POE
Chairperson
Senate Committee on Public Services

REP. EDGAR MARY SARMIENTO
Chairperson
House Committee on Transportation

MR. CALIXTO CHIKIAMCO
President
Foundation for Economic Freedom

PPP and Philippine Infrastructure Development: ADRi Special Study on Metro Manila’s Water Privatization
DR. PHILAMER TORIO
Associate Professor
Ateneo School of Government

Reactors

MR. ROMEO BERNARDO
Philippine Partner
GlobalSource Partners

MR. COCO ALCUAZ
Executive Director
Makati Business Club

MR. EDUARDO YAP
Chair, National Issues Committee,
Financial Executives of the Philippines

MS. COSETTE CANILAO
President and Chief Executive Officer, Aboitiz InfraCapital;
Former Executive Director, Public-Private Partnership Center

MR. CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ
Executive Vice President and Global Corporate Head, ICTSI

MR. NOEL KINTANAR
Chief Operating Officer, AC Infra

ATTY. ROMULO “JUNJI” QUIMBO
Senior Vice President and Head of Communications and Stakeholder Management,
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

ATTY. RICO DOMINGO
First Vice President, Philippine Bar Association;
Professor of Law, Ateneo School of Law

MR. TERRY RIDON
Convenor
InfraWatch Philippines

MR. LOUIE MONTEMAR
Convenor
Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3)

MR. ORLANDO OXALES
Convenor
CitizenWatch Philippines