The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has announced it has named Ferdinand A. Pecson as new Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines.

The new Executive Director (ED) said he plans to optimize PPP processes amid previous setbacks for the agency.

Mr. Pecson said the benefits of working in partnership with the private sector include raising the standard of construction for government projects, including safety aspects, because project proponents often bring in international expertise.

Mr. Pecson previously held a professorship at the University of the Philippines. Prior to that, he was in the private sector in the field of engineering for 20 years. His previous employers include FLSmidth, Holcim Philippines, Deere & Company, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

According to the statement, Mr. Pecson has a PhD in Energy Engineering from the University of the Philippines, 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.

Mr. Pecson, said:

“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.”

Last week, NEDA approved two PPP projects at a board meeting — the New Nayong Pilipino to be built at Entertainment City, and the South line of the North-South Railway.