MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on Thursday to discuss possible collaboration for the development of infrastructure, water, and energy sectors.
On its official Facebook page, the Office of the President (OP) shared several photos taken during Marcos’ meeting with PSAC at Malacañang Palace in Manila.
“President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. meets with members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can help the Philippines improve its infrastructure, water, and energy services,” the OP said.
Malacañang has yet to give more information about the meeting.
In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos vowed to put a premium on various fields, including infrastructure, health and energy.
Since taking office on June 30, Marcos conducted a series of meetings with the PSAC.
During its meeting with Marcos in August, the PSAC sought the expansion of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to create more job opportunities for Filipinos.
After his meeting with the private sector, Marcos ensured that the revival of MSMEs is one of the administration’s priorities.
MSMEs account for 99.51 percent of business establishments in the country and employ approximately 63 percent of the workforce.
Also in August, Marcos met with the PSAC to express his support for the plan to offer a “ladderized” program for nurses to strengthen the health sector and address the supposed “brain drain,” or the departure of professionals from the country for better pay or living conditions.
The University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila and select local government units (LGUs) have already implemented the proposed ladderized program which will be adopted by the national government.
As part of the program, UP Manila provides a two-year scholarship to midwives who return to the community to serve after completing their studies. They return to UP Manila to study nursing for another two years after gaining experience.
In July, Marcos, who also serves as head of the Department of Agriculture, expressed excitement about the possible partnership with the private sector to improve the agricultural sector.
The PSAC aims to provide the President with regular updates on the situation on the ground and make recommendations for the development of modern policies.
