Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has commended the introduction of the World Bank Group's Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Philippines, covering fiscal years 2025 to 2031. He noted that this initiative would advance the government's development agenda by focusing on health, education, job creation, and disaster resilience, bringing tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement was made during a ceremonial event at the Malaca±an Palace in Manila. The CPF aligns with the priorities Marcos set out in his recent State of the Nation Address and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Marcos emphasized the CPF's role in supporting three major outcome areas: enhancing access to quality health care and education, expanding private sector job opportunities, and bolstering the nation's disaster resilience in response to climate change.
The President highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public health services, particularly in underserved regions such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He pointed to the Philippine Health Systems Resilience Project as a significant effort to enhance emergency health response capabilities and equitable access to medical care.
On education, Marcos underscored the importance of addressing learning gaps and aligning student skills with market needs. He stressed the government's commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators through education reforms.
In terms of job creation, Marcos stated that the government aims to simplify business regulations, enhance infrastructure, and attract investments to open more quality jobs in the private sector. He asserted that increasing household productivity and income is crucial for fueling growth in key economic sectors.
The President also addressed the necessity for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. He described efforts to strengthen the country's capacity to handle natural disasters and the impacts of climate change, including the construction of evacuation centers, development of early warning systems, and establishment of social protection measures.
The CPF will support eight of the World Bank Group's 15 target outcomes, including healthier lives, digital connectivity, learning, climate resilience, and increased private investment. Marcos expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its longstanding partnership, highlighting its contributions to infrastructure, climate action, and governance reforms over nearly eight decades.
For Filipinos affected by recent floods and disasters, the President promised ongoing aid and rehabilitation efforts to help communities recover and rebuild.
