The World Bank Group Partnership with the Republic of the Philippines, 2009-2018
                                  Country Program Evaluation

                   Report to the Board from the Committee on Development Effectiveness
                                               Subcommittee Report ∗

                                             Meeting of November 22, 2019


       The Subcommittee of the Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) met to discuss the
IEG evaluation entitled The World Bank Group Partnership with the Republic of the Philippines, 2009-2018
Country Program Evaluation (CODE2019-0053) and Draft World Bank Group Management Response
(CODE2019-0055).

        The CODE Subcommittee welcomed the opportunity to discuss the report. Members appreciated
the Country Program Evaluation’s (CPE) recognition of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) substantial
contribution to the improved economic performance of the Philippines and its progress towards
Upper-Middle-Income Country status, as well as the positive impact on the alleviation of poverty and
promotion of shared prosperity in the country. They also highlighted that the WBG’s continued engagement
in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao had been a key contribution to the peace and reconciliation
processes. Members encouraged the WBG to continue developing innovative approaches to support
macroeconomic management and governance reform agenda, human capital development, social
protection, community-driven and rural development programs, resilience-building to disasters, inequality
and decentralization.

        Management’s clarifications on the government’s current program being consistent with the
WBG’s development objectives and priority investment areas were well received by the Committee.
Members acknowledged IEG’s commitment to revise the report’s wording on the current administration’s
key priorities alignment with the long-running interventions where the WBG had proved to be successful
and have a comparative advantage.




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    This report is not an approved record.