The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Joint Venture (JV) of Isla Lipana & Co. and Cabrera & Company signed the consultancy contract for the project preparation and transaction advisory for the Poro Point Seaport Modernization Project (PPSMP).

Through its Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF), the PPP Center procured the services of the JV of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network, and Cabrera & Company as transaction advisor for the project. The JV will assist the BCDA in preparing the PPSMP and advancing the transformation of the port facilities into a maritime gateway for Northern Luzon. Under the engagement, the transaction advisor will conduct market studies, determine the economic and financial viability of the project, assist in securing all required government approvals, prepare bid and tender documents, and provide post-contract signing advisory services.

The PPSMP involves upgrading port infrastructure and logistics, including container handling, larger storage capacity, and modern terminal operations management. This redevelopment is expected to spur regional economic growth, attract new investments, establish a more competitive trade route for industries across Northern Luzon, and significantly improve the Philippines’ overall maritime logistics capabilities.

The contract signing follows the Technical Assistance Agreement executed in August 2025 between the PPP Center, BCDA and PPMC, enabling the use of the PDMF to procure consultants for project preparation and transaction advisory services. The engagement highlights the PPP Center’s support to implementing agencies through the PDMF, providing technical assistance and project development expertise to help ensure PPP projects are thoroughly prepared, efficiently structured and capable of supporting sustainable regional development while delivering long-term public value.