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 sat down with executives and representatives of some of the country’s largest construction companies to encourage greater involvement in state-led infrastructure programs.

Partnering with highly-rated contractors

Both officials underscored 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.

4PH program adjustments

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.

These measures, he said, have strengthened private sector trust in both the housing program and the department.

Monday’s meeting was attended by officials and representatives from DMCI Holdings, EEI Corporation, Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, Megawide Construction Corp. and C.M. Pancho Construction Inc., among others.

The two departments signaled that closer collaboration with reputable builders will remain a priority as the government advances its infrastructure pipeline, viewing private contractors as key partners in delivering large-scale projects efficiently and transparently.