Local Government Leaders Champion PPPs at MBC Business-Government Partnership Forum

15 November 2024 – Local government leaders, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Iloilo Governor Toto Defensor, Bataan Governor Joet Garcia, and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, participated in the Makati Business Club’s inaugural Business-Government Partnership Forum in  Pasay City. The forum underscored the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving economic growth and innovation in their respective regions, and provided a collaborative platform for LGU leaders and business executives to discuss strategies to uplift the lives of Filipinos through effective PPPs.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay discussed the city’s strategic collaborations with the private sector, which have driven the development of innovative infrastructure, enhanced public services, and improved the quality of life for Makatizens. She highlighted how PPPs have accelerated and streamlined service delivery, pointing to key initiatives in transportation, healthcare, and digital innovation.

Iloilo Governor Toto Defensor presented the MoRProGRes (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo) initiative, aimed at fostering a strong, business-friendly environment through public-private partnerships. He outlined how the province is boosting growth and enhancing the investment climate by upgrading infrastructure, including utilities such as water, power, telecommunications, and road networks.

Bataan Governor Joet Garcia highlighted The Bunker, a WWII-themed building constructed at no cost to the government, now housing local and national agencies. He introduced the FAB Expansion Project, including The Colonnade, and Bataan’s 100-Year Sustainability Plan. He also discussed the province’s pioneering Public-Private Partnership and Investment Center (PPPIC) to attract private investments and boost economic opportunities for local governments.

Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong presented potential PPP projects, including the Integrated Transport Terminal, the Market Redevelopment Project to transform the Baguio Public Market into a world-class facility, and the Smart Urban Mobility Project, which introduces advanced systems for traffic management, public transport, and smart parking. He also highlighted the development of the Asin Hydro Power Plants to enhance sustainable energy in the city.

The “Business-Government Partnership Forum” is part of MBC’s contribution in providing a forum for collaboration between LGU leaders and business leaders.

The event was supported by SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation.