Marcos: World Bank to boost PH agenda on health, jobs, resilience

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang launch at ceremonial turnover ng World Bank Group Philippines Country Partnership Framework para sa 2026–2031, na tumutugma sa Philippine Development Plan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabuti ng health at education services, paglikha ng mas maraming private sector jobs, at pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng bansa na harapin ang mga sakuna at epekto ng climate change. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday hailed the launch of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Philippines for fiscal years 2025 to 2031, saying it would help bring the government’s development agenda closer to ordinary Filipinos through targeted investments in health, education, job creation, and disaster resilience.

Speaking at the ceremonial turnover of the CPF at the Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos said the partnership reflects the priorities he laid out in his fourth State of the Nation Address and aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

“The Philippines has accomplished much over the past two decades… However, we are well cognizant of the fact that much more needs to be done to ensure that the progress is truly felt by every Filipino, wherever they may be,” the President said.

Marcos outlined three major outcome areas supported by the CPF: improving access to quality health care and education, opening more private sector jobs, and strengthening the country’s disaster resilience in the face of climate change.

“We are improving the delivery of public health services, especially in underserved areas, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he added.

He cited the ongoing Phase One of the Philippine Health Systems Resilience Project as a key initiative in building capacity to respond to health emergencies and improving equitable access to care.

“With more equitable health care, we are giving our people not only longer lives, but hope, security, and dignity,” Marcos said.

On education, he stressed the need to address learning gaps and align student skills with market demands.

“We are also focused on addressing students’ learning gaps… to ensure that our students will grow into future leaders, innovators and visionaries,” he added.

To drive job creation, Marcos said the government will continue simplifying business regulations, enhancing infrastructure, and attracting more investments.

“Binubuksan natin ang mas maraming dekalidad na trabaho sa pribadong sektor (We are opening more quality jobs in the private sector)… By raising every Filipino household’s productivity and income, we fuel growth in our key sectors,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.

“Pinapalakas natin ang kakayahan ng bansa na harapin ang mga sakuna at epekto ng nagbabagong klima (We are strengthening our capacity to face calamities and the effects of climate change)…We are redefining resilience to mean learning from our shortcomings and preparing the way ahead, way ahead of time,” Marcos said, adding that this includes building evacuation centers, early warning systems, and social protection mechanisms.

The CPF will contribute to eight of the World Bank Group’s 15 target outcomes, including healthier lives, digital connectivity, learning, climate resilience, and improved private investment.

Marcos thanked the World Bank for nearly 80 years of partnership, citing its financial and technical assistance in infrastructure, climate action, and governance reforms.

To Filipinos affected by recent flooding and disasters, the President assured continued aid and rehabilitation efforts.

“Patuloy po kaming maghahatid ng tulong upang muli tayong makabangon at makapagsimula (We will continue to provide assistance so that we can rise and start again),” he said.