USAID gives Philippines P10 billion aid for development

MANILA, Philippines — The United States through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is extending $213 million or roughly P10 billion in aid to the Philippines to help the country boost its economic development and growth amid the pandemic.

“This new USAID and Department of Finance (DOF) bilateral agreement will expand our support to help the Philippines achieve long-term, private sector-led economic growth and strengthen economic governance. These programs will create jobs and help ensure more inclusive, broad-based economic development,” said USAID mission director Lawrence Hardy II.

In a statement, the US embassy said “new programs and activities will promote inclusive, broad-based economic growth, improve the business environment, expand economic opportunities through private sector-led innovation for medium and small businesses, and increase information and communications technology access.”

Through its assistance, USAID will continue to support the Philippine government objectives of improving public sector transparency and accountability; advancing the rule of law and the justice system and boosting local governments’ responsiveness to Filipino needs.

This bilateral agreement with the DOF is one of four new USAID programs with the Philippines this year, with expected total value of P32.7 billion ($675 million) over five years. The other new agreements include:

• Department of Health: To improve underserved Filipinos’ health by strengthening health systems while improving the quality of health services, especially in treating tuberculosis, providing access to those who seek family planning services and community-based drug dependence treatment;

• National Economic and Development Authority: To protect ecosystems by promoting sustainable use of natural resources, enhance energy security and build capacity to mitigate risks and respond to natural disasters; and

• Department of Education: To improve early grade reading, expand science and mathematics curricula and increase out-of-school youths’ access to education, professional and technical skills development that will lead to new job opportunities and strengthen education governance.

Over the past 20 years, the US has provided nearly P228.8 billion ($4.5 billion) in total assistance to advance the country’s development goals.