Public-Private Partnership Center Has New Executive Director

Malacañang has recently appointed Ferdinand A. Pecson as the new Executive Director (ED) of the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) of the Philippines.

The appointment was signed by President Duterte on November 15, 2016. On behalf of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia who is currently in Peru for the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, USec Rolando G. Tungpalan swore into office ED Pecson on November 21, 2016.

In line with the Duterte Administration’s socio-economic agenda aimed at addressing the challenges to inclusive growth through accelerating infrastructure spending, he is tasked to pursue the strengthening of the PPP program through pipeline development, policy reforms, and process improvement.

“It is continuing what has been started. The Center already built the foundations for the program and therefore I am very glad we are not starting from zero.” Pecson said, as he disclosed his plans for the PPP Center.

According to ED Pecson, the PPP Center’s role in infrastructure development is ‘very strategic’. He believes that there are benefits with the private sector participating in infra projects. These include raising the standards for construction, safety and how the projects should be done because they bring with them not just local but also international expertise.

The new PPP Center head aims to optimize PPP processes by learning about previous procurement bottlenecks, adapt established best practices and standardize lessons learned. Pecson also recognizes partnerships and will be working closely with implementing agencies and strengthening of the organization.

The former UP Assistant Professor has over twenty (20) years of experience in the private sector in the field of construction supply and engineering. He brings into government his expertise in managing an organization.

Prior to joining the government, ED Pecson held several international positions in FLSmidth offices for seven (7) years. He also served as the Vice President for Operations of Holcim Philippines in 2008. He also worked with Deere & Company as a Manager in 2002 and a Corporate and Operations Strategy Consultant for Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP in 2001.

He has a PhD in Energy Engineering from the University of the Philippines under a joint program with the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Philippines. (PPPCenter)