MANILA — The World Bank Group will finance up to $23 billion to back the Philippine government’s development programs from 2025 to 2031. This substantial support is part of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, designed to propel the nation’s growth over the next six years.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally accepted the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace. The framework outlines a strategic path aligned with the government’s priorities, emphasizing better healthcare, education, job creation, and disaster preparedness.
World Bank Group’s Financing Breakdown
The CPF document specifies that between $22 billion to $23 billion will be allocated to implement the framework. Of this, $18 billion will come from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, while $4 billion to $5 billion is earmarked for the International Finance Corporation. This blend of funding aims to support both public sector projects and private sector growth.
President Marcos emphasized that the CPF complements the administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and the long-term AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision. The framework focuses on four main outcomes: enhancing healthcare and education, generating more quality jobs, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing digital transformation.
Enhancing Healthcare and Education
The framework prioritizes human capital development, particularly in underserved regions such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Investments will promote universal health care, child nutrition, and primary care, aiming to extend quality health services to an additional 19 million Filipinos.
“With more equitable healthcare, we are giving our people not only longer lives, but hope, security, and dignity,” President Marcos remarked.
In education, the CPF supports curriculum reform, teacher training, and digital learning platforms. These efforts will benefit around 15 million students, offering improved educational opportunities nationwide.
Boosting Investments and Job Creation
The International Finance Corporation’s involvement targets mobilizing $2 billion in private capital to create four million better-quality jobs. The government is simplifying business regulations, enhancing infrastructure, and attracting investments to boost competitiveness.
“By raising every Filipino household’s productivity and income, we fuel growth in our key sectors and make our economy more competitive,” the President noted.
Building Climate Resilience and Social Protection
The CPF aims to increase the country’s resilience to climate change and shocks by supporting programs like the modernized Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). It plans to expand adaptive social protection to cover 12.5 million beneficiaries.
Improved infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and better disaster risk financing will help 13 million Filipinos withstand climate and disaster risks.
“We are redefining resilience as learning from our shortcomings and preparing the way ahead — way ahead of time,” the President said. “It means planning green cities, conserving our environment, and bouncing back stronger.”
Driving Digital Transformation and Governance
The CPF also focuses on transforming government services through digitalization. The aim is to enable 20 million Filipinos to access public services online, making government more accessible, accountable, and efficient.
Zafer Mustafaoğlu, division director for the Philippines at the World Bank Group, highlighted the CPF’s role in enhancing public sector efficiency and supporting the PDP’s goals to reduce poverty and strengthen social inclusion.
President Marcos expressed gratitude for the World Bank Group’s unwavering partnership for eight decades, noting their vital role in infrastructure development and climate preparedness.
Collaborative Strategy for Sustainable Growth
The CPF is a joint strategy of the IBRD, IFC, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, all under the World Bank Group umbrella. These institutions will provide financial support, advisory services, and guarantees to encourage investments and effective program implementation.
The World Bank Group remains the third-largest official development assistance provider to the Philippines, with $5.79 billion committed as of March. This funding supports loans and grants critical to the country’s development agenda.
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