Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar lauded the 27 DPWH personnel who are now well-trained in handling and analyzing data for proper infrastructure planning after completing a special training program conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Congratulations to the 27 graduates who completed the months-long training so that we can improve our capacities in project planning. I am confident that we will soon reap the benefits of these technical skills in our future projects,” said Secretary Villar during the online graduation program held Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
The program dubbed USAID-DELIVER (Delivering Effective Government for Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth) Training was conducted from March 13, 2021 to August 20, 2021. Under the training, a total of 20 training sessions were held which covered modules on Value of Money, Financial Modelling, Risk Analysis, Economic Cost Benefit Analysis.
Utilizing “learning by doing” approach, the training was conceptualized to equip participants with skills in applying value for money and financial analysis methodologies to asses viability of prospective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, with Metro Cebu Expressway Project as one (1) of its case studies.
“On behalf of the DPWH, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the USAID for providing technical assistance to our agency. We commit to put these international best practices, perspectives, and skills in good use, advantageous to our current Build, Build, Build Program and beyond,” added Secretary Villar.
The virtual graduation ceremony was attended by DPWH Undersecretary for Information Management, Planning, and PPP Services Maria Catalina E. Cabral, USAID Acting Mission Director Sean E. Callahan, USAID-DELIVER Project Team Leader Ronilo M. Balbieran, DPWH PPP Service Director Alex G. Bote among others.