2 PPP projects approved

The National Economic and Development Authority board has approved two infrastructure projects that will enhance the country’s trade activities in Southeast Asia and improve the quality of education in the country.

The Neda identified the projects as the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) and the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project (PPADP).

The PSIP, which will be implemented by the Department of Education, is estimated to have a total project cost of P9.89 billion.

The PSIP will involve the construction of 9,623 classrooms within one-story and two-story buildings for 2,300 elementary and secondary schools in Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon).

“The project will expand the supply of classrooms in all public school systems in the shortest time possible and solve the current shortage nationwide,” said Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr.

Paderanga said the PSIP could help balance the supply and demand of classrooms within 10 years and eliminate the backlogs and shortages considering the implementation of the K+12 program, among others.

Given the current classroom shortage of 66,800 units that is projected to balloon to about 150,000 by 2016, it is estimated that around 30,000 classrooms are needed annually within the next five years.

“The proposal to carry out the project within the Public-Private Partnership framework is expected to fast-track the construction and delivery of classrooms, reduce cost for government and introduce innovation in design, construction methods and new materials,” said Paderanga, who is also Neda director general.