Nueva Ecija enacts code on public- private deals

CABANATUAN CITY – Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon’s largest province in terms of land area, has earned the distinction of being the first among the region’s seven provinces, in enacting its Provincial Code on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Gov. Aurelio Umali Wednesday said the enactment of the PPP provincial code would jump-start his administration’s efforts to pursue big-ticket projects in partnership with the private sector.

These projects include but are not limited to roads, bridges, public markets, power and renewable energy projects, bulk water supply, health care, classrooms and most importantly, agricultural modernization and irrigation, the province being the rice granary of the country.

Speaking before the business community in Nueva Ecija, Umali said the plan to advance PPP is consistent with the thrust of President Aquino to implement projects with the private sector.

“In using PPP as a development option, we shall ensure that the tariffs shall be affordable and reasonable, the general welfare shall be promoted and better services shall be delivered,” he said.