Catalog

Philippines Country Office Opens
Mindanao will be a focus of assistance

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Asian Development Bank President Tadao Chino officially opened the Philippines Country Office (PhCO) at ADB headquarters on March 1.

The new office, which has a staff dedicated solely to operations in the Philippines, will strengthen ADB's partnership with the Government, other funding agencies, the private sector, and civil society. As ADB President Tadao Chino noted, "The country office will improve the responsiveness of our Philippine operations and strengthen our client orientation by establishing a streamlined and coordinated communication channel."

PRESIDENTIAL OPENING: Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ADB President Tadao Chino, and Günter Hecker, Director for the Philippines Country Office.

President Chino said ADB plans to lend the Philippines US$1 billion over the next three years. "A total of 16 projects have been identified and the focus will be on socio-environmental projects and poverty alleviation," he said. The Philippines is one of ADB's active clients, borrowing some US$400 million annually during the last decade. To date, the Philippines has borrowed nearly US$8 billion to finance key development projects. ADB has had its headquarters in the Philippines since it opened in 1966.

Günter Hecker, Director for PhCO, said the office "will be a one-stop shop for our operations in the Philippines. It will provide a sharper focus on operations, better coordination, and effective representation. Policy dialogue with the Government will be elevated and this will improve implementation of our portfolio."

ADB aims to sign a milestone poverty reduction partnership agreement with the Philippines by the second quarter of 2001. "This is a big step that will be a basis for determining our country strategy for the Philippines," said Mr. Hecker. ADB is entering such partnerships with every developing member and has signed agreements with several members.

The Office will have an initial staff of 10, including five Philippine nationals.

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