The government is stepping up efforts to draw major construction firms into public infrastructure projects, with top officials from the housing and public works sectors meeting industry leaders to widen private sector participation.

On Monday, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon met with executives and representatives of some of the country’s largest construction companies to encourage greater involvement in state-led infrastructure programs.

Both officials emphasized the importance of partnering with established and highly rated contractors, noting that stronger private sector engagement would help accelerate project rollout and stimulate economic activity.

The outreach follows the active participation of several Quadruple A-rated contractors in the administration’s flagship housing drive, the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program under Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Among those involved is Megawide Construction Corp., which has taken part in building housing units under the recalibrated initiative.

Aliling said he hopes the same level of engagement seen in the housing sector will extend to other public works projects under the DPWH. Since assuming office, he has introduced adjustments to the 4PH program aimed at expanding options for homebuyers and developers, while adopting an open-door approach with stakeholders and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.