Makati Business Club (MBC) vice chairman Roberto F. De Ocampo emphasized the importance of the public-private partnership (PPP) program in the achievement of sustainable growth for the Philippines.
In his talk during a conference themed "Economic Forum 2012: Realizing Opportunities for Growth in the Philippine Economy" held at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati, De Ocampo said the pursuance of PPP projects in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy is key in sustaining the country's growth despite the decelerating global economy.
He noted that the recorded 6.4% growth of the economy in the first quarter of 2012 is a result of the PPP program of the administration.
"The PPP program will be just the right thing to get things moving," he said.
In line with the program, De Ocampo laid emphasis on the responsibility of the business community to attract more investors especially in the infrastructure, manufacturing and energy sectors.
He also expressed the optimism of the business sector about where the country presently is and where they think the country is going despite the slow implementation of PPP projects.
"Even though things are still slow, the slowness to some extent presents challenges which can be turned into opportunities," said De Ocampo.
Speaking about the energy sector, he said the Philippines should conduct as many explorations as possible to find more energy sources that will address the higher energy demands of the generations ahead.
The administration has listed a total of 21 projects under the PPP scheme. So far, the only project that has been awarded is the P1.96-billion Daang Hari-South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) project.
"The business community remains hopeful the remaining projects in the pipeline will be rolled out before this administration is finished," said De Ocampo.