CRC convened government oversight and infrastructure agencies such as DEPDev and DOF to review the methodology and initial assessment of the quality of information being disclosed on foreign-funded infrastructure projects as part of Infrastructure Watch Philippines. The transparency assessment report will be publicly presented in October 2026.
An international initiative to promote greater transparency, accountability, and public trust in infrastructure development was launched on July 21, 2026 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas by the Center for Research and Communication – Institute for Local Development (CRC).
Dubbed “Infrastructure Watch Philippines,” this initiative is part of the global program “Infrastructure Watch in Asia and Africa” implemented by the US-based Center for International Private Enterprise that covers 11 priority countries. The program monitors large-scale foreign-financed infrastructure projects, assessing the proactiveness of government agencies in disclosing vital information on these official development assistance (ODA) projects.
The launch was attended by representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry – Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, the National Irrigation Administration, the Philippine Constructors Association, and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The launch was preceded by a stakeholder consultation on the methodology and initial assessment of infrastructure projects to gather feedback and help ensure that the assessment captures the correct information and processes.
Economist Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, one of the co-founders of CRC and Professor Emeritus at the University of Asia and the Pacific said in his opening message that “the Philippines has to be careful not fall into the middle-income trap — a phenomenon that has seen countries like those in South America remain stuck in middle income status for more than two decades now. A key to accelerating growth and achieve upper income status is increased infrastructure spending, but we need to attract more foreign direct investments. For that to happen, we need to demonstrate our commitment to good governance and make our processes more transparent and accountable,”
“Philippine government’s engagement with Infrastructure Watch Philippines demonstrates this commitment and signals an openness for dialogue and reform that can help strengthen both investor and public confidence,” Villegas added.
Infrastructure Watch Philippines will examine publicly available information on foreign-funded infrastructure projects and provide an evidence-based platform for engagement among government, industry, civil society, researchers, and other stakeholders. It will identify opportunities to improve disclosure, strengthen accountability, and encourage more transparent infrastructure planning and implementation. The final assessment of Philippine government’s disclosure practices on ODA-funded infrastructure projects will be presented to the public in October 2026
About the Center for Research and Communication
Established in 1967, the Center for Research and Communication is an independent research institution and the research, advocacy, and development arm of the University of Asia and the Pacific. CRC conducts evidence-based research and facilitates dialogue on economic development, governance, business, and public policy. For more information, contact [email protected].
Senior Infrastructure Economist Roni Balbieran presented the initial disclosure assessment results during the launch of Infrastructure Watch Philippines on July 21, 2026.
CRC’s Local Governance Lead Caloi Enriquez facilitated the stakeholder consultation workshop for Infrastructure Watch Philippines last July 21, 2026.
(From L-R) DEPDev Assistant Secretary Erick Planta, CRC Co-Founder and Research Dr. Bernie Villegas, and CRC-ILD’s Project Director Mir Tillah during the Stakeholder Consultation and Launch of Infrastructure Watch Philippines.
Mr. Alec Ladanga (leftmost), Assistant Executive Director of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., shares his insights on the importance of transparency in public infrastructure projects.
Mr. Jose Jeremiah Pasay (leftmost) from the Department of Finance’s International Finance Group (DOF-IFG) shares insights on foreign-assisted infrastructure projects during the Infrastructure Watch Consultation Workshop.
