UPLB gets PPP Center support for agro-industrial, IT parks

THE PUBLIC-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has approved the provision of project preparation and transaction advisory support for the 70-hectare Agro-Industrial and Information Technology Parks Project of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna.
 

According to the PPP Center, the approval, which came from its Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) committee last May 30, will cover project feasibility study and project structuring, preparation of bid documents and assistance during PPP bidding process, and assistance and advisory until financial close.
 

The PDMF is a revolving fund used for developing bankable PPP projects, and is available to all national and local government units (LGUs) in the country.
 

“Through its institutional framework, the project aims to establish a robust academe-industry partnership wherein facilities such as the Institute of Plant Breeding, BIOTECH — Philippine National Collection of Microorganism, and National Crop Protection Center, among others, will be utilized in delivering innovative products and services by working with their respective pool of experts,” the PPP Center said in a statement on Tuesday.
 

The park would be located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
 

“A close collaboration between UPLB and SEZ locators is seen to provide synergetic opportunities to technology development and augmentation of the labor market. The private sector partner is expected to construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure facilities, utilities, communication system, sewerage and drainage systems, garbage collection system and other amenities,” the PPP Center said.