The context for WBG partnership with the Philippines has evolved since the launch of the CPS in 2014, driven by several key factors. First, the election of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 marked an important political transition.
... See More + Grounded in a strong election mandate, the government is aiming to leverage the solid position of the Philippine economy to scale up public investment for poverty reduction, job creation and economic growth. While inclusive growth and poverty reduction remain at the center of the Philippine development agenda, the government has proposed new approaches for attaining these objectives in the context of a wide-ranging legislative agenda. Second, the Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, with growing access to finance for development. As the Philippine government’s demands for WBG services evolve, there is increasing focus on the need to maximize WBG comparative advantages to help address the most complex development challenges facing the country, including deep poverty in areas that are conflict-affected, remote, and/or highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. Third, the new Philippines Development Plan (PDP 2017-2022), launched in June 2017, reflects heightened ambition and aims to lift roughly six million Filipinos from poverty and to achieve upper middle income status by 2022. The PDP 2017-2022 also highlights a prominent priority of the government: delivering a comprehensive agenda for peace and development in conflict-affected areas. Challenges associated with conflict and internal security add urgency to the focus on accelerating gains in peace and development in the Philippines, particularly in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. The CPS aims to promote inclusive growth, poverty reduction and shared prosperity across five Engagement Areas (EAs): (i) transparent and accountable government; (ii) empowerment of the poor and vulnerable; (iii) rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth; (iv) resilience to climate change, environment, and disaster risk management; and (v) peace, institution building, and social and economic opportunity, with focus on conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. Dialogue with the government, partners and stakeholders affirm strong strategic alignment between the CPS and the PDP 2017-2022. WBG engagement for peace and development in Mindanao is also gaining new prominence. Looking ahead, WBG partnership for delivery on the PDP 2017-2022 will require building on the strengths of the WBG program, tackling implementation weaknesses, maximizing synergy across IBRD, IFC and MIGA, and addressing key risks.
See Less -
Country Assistance Strategy Document 117771 AUG 31, 2017
