During the 13th Public-Private Consultation Meeting with the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region III shed light on the persistent challenges it faces in securing right of way (ROW) for critical infrastructure projects across Pampanga.
DPWH representatives highlighted several issues, including land acquisition difficulties, the complex expropriation process, and coordination hurdles with utility firms, particularly the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for electrical line relocation. They also noted the distinct ROW standards imposed on railway projects due to stricter loan conditions. To address these, DPWH is actively streamlining procedures by updating land titles, enhancing coordination with stakeholders, and adopting more strategic land acquisition approaches.
While DPWH did not make any formal requests for assistance, it acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration with the private sector. PamCham’s role in offering insights, advocating for project prioritization, and supporting infrastructure development through public-private partnerships was highly valued. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and mutual cooperation to overcome implementation barriers and drive forward Pampanga’s infrastructure agenda.
