Manila: The Philippines' total official development assistance (ODA) portfolio increased by 6 percent to USD39.61 billion in 2024, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) announced. In a recent briefing, DEPDev Undersecretary Joseph Capuno highlighted that the 2024 ODA Portfolio Review Report showed ODA-funded projects distributed across 426 loans and grants.
According to Philippines News Agency, Capuno detailed that the portfolio comprises 92 project loans, 19 program loans, and 315 grants. Japan remains the Philippines' largest partner, with USD13.23 billion in active commitments supporting 82 loans and grants. Other significant partners include the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and South Korea.
The report indicated that infrastructure-focused loan commitments contributed to the portfolio's growth, with nine out of 17 new loans, valued at USD8.2 billion, supporting the Marcos administration's Infrastructure Flagship Projects. Key beneficiaries include the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project Phase I, and projects like the Metro Manila Subway Project.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the government's commitment to transformative investments, citing projects like the North-South Commuter Railway as crucial for regional integration and economic resilience. Transport and connectivity infrastructure dominated the 2024 ODA portfolio, accounting for USD42.81 billion and involving 120 loans or grants.
A significant portion, USD6.4 billion, was allocated to governance and institutional development, covering 79 loans and grants. This sector focuses on governance reforms, fiscal management, and institutional development. Social reform and community development accounted for USD5.4 billion, earmarked for health, education, social protection, and human capital development.
In support of the climate agenda, DEPDev reported 60 ODA-funded projects addressing climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. These projects include 33 loans and 27 grants financing infrastructure resilience and renewable energy initiatives.
Balisacan highlighted a whole-of-government approach to maximize development assistance by aligning financing with priorities to accelerate socioeconomic progress. He stressed the importance of enhancing public-sector capacity for project preparation and execution to ensure timely results for Filipinos.
In 2024, major ODA projects were completed across various sectors, including the Department of Public Works and Highways' Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III and the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, which enhanced regional connectivity. Other completed projects include flood management initiatives and health and social services programs that supported post-pandemic recovery.
The 2024 ODA Report called for advancing early-stage project readiness, addressing implementation challenges, and integrating themes like gender and climate integration. Balisacan underscored efforts to align ODA with national priorities and improve monitoring systems to maximize development impact.
DEPDev is tasked with conducting the annual ODA Portfolio Review to assess project status, identify challenges, and ensure alignment with the Philippine Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals. The review aims to provide recommendations for improving ODA utilization.
