ADB president and Philippine finance secretary recap strong cooperation in 2018

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Mr. Takehiko Nakao and Philippine Finance Secretary Mr. Carlos Dominguez III discussed cooperation in 2018, including four loans expected to be signed by the end of the year worth in total $1.38 billion, the successful hosting of the ADB Annual Meeting in Manila in May, and increasing ADB assistance going forward.

“ADB is committed to supporting the Philippine government as it pursues more inclusive growth across the archipelago. Boosting the government’s effort to build up infrastructure and expand financial services in underserved areas of the country will help reduce income inequality in the country, which has persisted despite sustained strong economic growth in recent years,” said Mr. Nakao.

ADB’s operations in the Philippines are growing significantly, with a focus on transport, flood control, livable cities, local economic development, and investing in people. Total commitments will increase to $7.4 billion during the three-year period 2019-2021, or about $2.5 billion annually, which is more than double ADB’s annual assistance from 2011-2017.

One of the loans ADB is considering in 2019 is additional financing for the technical assistance (TA) loan Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility, with $100 million already committed in 2017. These TA loans will help prepare well-designed projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, which seeks to raise public spending on infrastructure to 7.4% of the gross domestic product by 2022 from 5.1% in 2016.

“It is encouraging that the Philippine economy is continuing on a sustained, high growth rate and the robust banking sector is helping build resilience amidst global volatility,” said Mr. Nakao.

ADB expects a growth rate of 6.4% this year and 6.7% in 2019. Inflation shows initial signs of decline, thanks to proactive measures by the government and prudent monetary policies. Mr. Nakao commended the Philippine government’s efforts to raise revenue and rationalize tax systems, which ADB is supporting through technical assistance.

This year, the first signed loan in January was a Mindanao road sector project worth $380 million. This is ADB’s biggest infrastructure investment in the island region, which seeks to improve 280km of national roads and bridges in Mindanao. This project is innovative, with strong measures for governance and transparency. All project roads will be geotagged with information accessible on the internet so the public can monitor road investment projects throughout the project lifecycle, including procurement and construction.

The Expanding Private Participation in Infrastructure Program, policy-based lending worth $300 million, was signed in August. The program supports government reforms to strengthen financial support to PPPs, expand the pipeline of projects, and strengthen the legal and regulatory frameworks for PPPs.

The Inclusive Finance Development Program, another policy-based lending worth $300 million, was signed in October. It aims to increase financial inclusion of the poorest 40 percent of the adult population. The program will support government reforms to expand financial products and services to the poor, promote financial literacy, and invest in support networks and infrastructure such as the national retail payment system and the new national identification system.

ADB expects to sign upon Board of Directors approval later this year the Emergency Assistance for the Reconstruction and Recovery of Marawi, amounting to $400 million in loans and $8 million in grants. The loan will finance projects under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan covering infrastructure, and the restoration of public services and livelihoods.

Original source: ADB
Published on 10 December 2018