Ilocos Norte, PPP Center forge tighter ties to bolster progress

Art Dumlao — March 9, 2025

Ilocos Norte, PPP Center forge tighter ties to bolster progress

The Ilocos Norte provincial government officially recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines to attract more investors, while strengthening infrastructure and economic development in the northern province.

 

The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines, under the National Economic Development Administration, coordinates and monitors all PPP projects nationwide. It also advocates policy reforms to enhance legal and regulatory frameworks, maximizing the impact of these initiatives.

 

During the MOA signing Friday last week, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships with both public and private stakeholders to ensure the efficient implementation of projects, attract more investments, and create more sustainable opportunities for economic growth and community development in Ilocos Norte.

 

Authorized under Provincial Resolution No. 388-2025, the agreement secures Ilocos Norte’s support from the PPP Center for project development, monitoring, and capacity-building.

 

The province will also be included in the PPP Center’s roster of local government unit partners, and receive priority referrals for potential PPP investment opportunities.

 

Executive Director of the PPP Center, Undersecretary Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez said, “This signed MOA symbolizes our joint efforts, shared commitments, and goal of implementing sustainable and well-structured infrastructure and development projects and services through the PPP modality.”

 

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan also expressed support for the partnership, emphasizing the crucial role of PPPs in driving inclusive and sustainable growth by mobilizing resources for infrastructure and economic development to benefit all Filipinos.

 

The Ilocos Norte provincial government, vowed Manotoc, “remains committed to strengthening its position as the premier commercial hub of Northern Luzon by attracting investments, improving infrastructure, creating business opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth.


Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

By Malou Laxamana Pascual • May 5, 2025
As the May 12 election nears, a quiet but growing movement is making itself heard in Baguio City. It does not come from the traditional campaign stage or the usual political dynasties. It is not funded by machinery or driven by name recall. It comes from the ground, from the young, and from those who are tired of the cycle. Tired of the same names, the same faces, the same families. Tired of watching opportunity slip away as public service is reduced to a personal brand.
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

By Art Dumlao • May 4, 2025
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom
Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

By Art Dumlao • May 3, 2025
Abra lawmaker Menchie Bernos bested five of her Cordillera congressmen-colleagues at the most recent job performance assessment ‘Boses ng Bayan' by RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD).