ASOG holds roundtable on partnership options toward economic recovery and shared prosperity with LGUs, private sector leaders

Last October 7, 2022, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC) held a roundtable discussion (RTD) titled “Public Private Collaboration to Foster Economic Recovery and Shared Prosperity: Options and Challenges at the Local Level”. The RTD provided a small group of local chief executives and private sector leaders with an opportunity to discuss potential collaborative arrangements, given the increased role of local government units (LGUs) in the provision of basic social services. 

Addressing the RTD participants, Ateneo President Fr Robert C. Yap, SJ, recognized how during the pandemic, “community, collaboration, and communication” became crucial to address evolving challenges the nation faced. He emphasized how public-private partnerships (PPPs) are “critical components in any development plan for inclusive growth”. Indeed, as ASOG Dean Randy P. Tuaño, PhD highlighted, the private sector is a vital partner in the “whole-of-nation” approach to post-pandemic recovery.  
 

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara and local government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., who both shared recorded messages, recognized how economic recovery and the effective delivery of basic services are being facilitated by public-private collaborations. They likewise expressed the desire for more partnerships with the private sector, both at the national and local levels of government. In separate addresses, Ayala Corporation Chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala talked about private sector and industry initiatives, while Livable Cities Challenge Chair Guillermo Luz noted the importance of setting up regulatory frameworks to ensure that partnerships are sustainable. Also enriching the discussions with their insights were local government leaders and representatives from seven (7) LGUs and private sector and industry leaders. 

A policy note based on the discussions during the closed-door RTD is forthcoming.