The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines has signed new agreements with Asia Pacific College and Ateneo de Manila University to strengthen links with academia and support the development of future infrastructure professionals.
The Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), signed on 30 March 2026, aim to expand internship and practicum opportunities for students while increasing awareness and understanding of the Philippine PPP Programme.
Building a pipeline of PPP talent
The partnerships are designed to give students practical exposure to PPP delivery, providing hands-on experience within government-led infrastructure initiatives. The initiative reflects a broader effort to build capacity in a sector that relies heavily on specialist knowledge across finance, delivery, and governance.
Undersecretary and Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre, who signed on behalf of the PPP Center, emphasised the dual focus on skills development and public service awareness.
“We also want to be part of that agenda of introducing public service to our students. So, we thought that through this engagement, we would achieve two things: capacity building and encouraging our students to know more about what we do in the government sector,” Usec. Blanco-Latorre said.
Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director Eleazar E. Ricote highlighted the long-term value of academic partnerships in strengthening the PPP ecosystem.
“We’ve been in partnership with several academic institutions helping us reach our stakeholders and train them about PPP. Now, we are happy that the academic institutions send their students here to train them on how PPP works, encouraging them to be part of this sector, as well as contributing to nation-building through their professional service,” Assistant Secretary Ricote said.
Strengthening practical learning pathways
For participating institutions, the agreements offer structured pathways for students to bridge academic learning with real-world application.
Asia Pacific College President Ma. Teresita P. Medado welcomed the partnership, noting its broader purpose beyond technical training.
“We thank the PPP Center for this opportunity where the students will work with you and will be immersed in your processes and the way you think about the country. It’s more than just our institution and your institution. It is about breeding the right people to serve,” APC President Mercado said.
Ateneo de Manila University also underlined the role of the programme in shaping career direction and civic responsibility.
“We truly appreciate the time and mentorship your team will provide their students. And I am very confident that the knowledge and skills they will gain with your agency will help them discern their future careers,” said Director Ronald Y. Rodriguez.
Aligning education with infrastructure delivery needs
The initiative aligns with national guidelines under the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 104, Series of 2017, ensuring that internship programmes are structured, safe, and integrated with academic frameworks.
For the PPP Center, the move reflects a strategic focus on long-term capability building. As infrastructure programmes grow in scale and complexity, the need for professionals who understand PPP models, stakeholder alignment, and delivery frameworks continues to increase.
By embedding students within real project environments, the Centre is not only supporting education but actively shaping the next generation of professionals who will deliver infrastructure across the Philippines.
