Cebu South Bus Terminal. (CDN File Photo)
Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III has offered to potential Japanese investors the management of 16 hospitals and redevelopment of the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Davide made the pitch during the 10th International Forum on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Tokyo, Japan on August 4.
“The Province of Cebu is ready to engage and offer prospective investors that right investment environment and opportunities,” the governor was quoted as saying in a statement.
Davide said there’s a need to partner with the private sector to run the 16 hospitals in the province and provide better health care, hospital facilities and equipment.
He also invited forum participants to look at the proposed redevelopment of the Cebu South Bus Terminal into a multi-story mixed-use complex that will include a bus depot, shopping mall and, possibly, a hotel or condominium on the top levels.
The bus terminal was among the six province-owned properties that were recommended early this year by the Economic Enterprise Council for redevelopment as part of efforts to maximize the potentials of over 3,000 properties owned by the Capitol.
“The possibilities (for PPP) are endless in Cebu,” the governor told the forum.
He also wanted to revive a proposal by some Japanese investors to provide training to some hospitals and medical schools in Cebu.
Other possible projects in Cebu are related to water supply, waste management, drainage, transport and disaster risk reduction and management. Davide said the provincial government needs technical assistance in these areas.
He also invited Japanese investors to help build a disaster risk reduction resource center, which is envisioned to serve the entire country.
“We want to lead the Philippines in this field and we want it done in Cebu,” he said.
The forum, hosted by Toyo University through its Asia Public Private Partnership Institute, was also attended by former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.
Toyo sent a team to Cebu last February to explore possible PPP projects. The team’s report, presented to the governor last April, focused on land use, disaster preparedness, health, and urban infrastructure.
“Through this (PPP study report), we are able to review and confirm other opportunities and ways of addressing various issues and problems given our limited resources,” Davide told the forum. The governor cited the low cost of doing business in Cebu, which was recently recognized by the National Competitive Council for being the third most competitive province in the country.