THE British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) hosted "Concrete Investments: A Look Into the Philippine Infrastructure Industry" at Dusit Thani Manila on Feb. 28, 2024 as part of the Trade & Connect monthly event focusing on various sectors in the Philippines to give an industry outlook to the UK audience.

Moderated by BCCP executive director Chris Nelson, the event featured speakers and panelists that included Private-Public Partnership Center (PPP) executive director Jeffrey Manalo, Aboitiz InfraCapital President and CEO Cosette Canilao, and IPE TripleLine Consulting Limited Urban Development and Infrastructure specialist Royston Brockman.

Manalo stated that there are new and ongoing solicited PPP projects which are expected to be submitted for approval the year of 2024. Among these are capacity building initiatives, upskilling government agencies concerned, possible partnerships with colleges and universities to expand opportunities, and the additional new and critical sectors.

Canilao noted that British companies are supporting and helping in accomplishing projects in Davao. Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD), provides safe and sustainable water supply.

She said that "partnerships are essential" as Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with the government continuously develops world-class airports, strategized highways and roads, and projects on residential with commercial spaces which creates an economic ecosystem that is attractive to investors.

Aboitiz projects are comprehensive in water, waste management solutions, renewable energy and estate spaces sectors, such as the Apo Agua Hydroelectric Power Plant in Davao City, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, Lima Estate Lipa City Malvar, Batangas, and a new estate project in Tarlac with 200 hectares of land.

Brockman mentioned that infrastructure projects must be inclusive as investment choices are impactful on the project implementation.

BCCP is keen and committed to advocate for green economy, public-private partnerships and infrastructure development.