By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In his brief remarks at the launch and ceremonial turnover of the World Bank Group Philippines’ Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for fiscal year 2025-2031 this Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the importance of international support in helping to further the country’s progress in key areas such as health, employment, and disaster resilience.
“The CPF lays out a clear and strategic path for our next six years. It echoes the commitments that I shared yesterday, during the State of the Nation Address: better access to healthcare, stronger support for our students, more jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people,” President Marcos emphasized, linking the event’s significance to the contents of his 4th SONA on Monday.
“To sustain our gains, we are also prioritizing disaster preparedness throughout the construction of more evacuation centers, more modern early warning systems, and faster, more coordinated response efforts,” he added, noting the CPF’s alignment with the government initiatives under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
In the aspect of health, the Chief Executive noted the improvements in the delivery of public health services, notably in underserved areas including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which he cites as part of the push towards smarter use of equitable healthcare vis-à-vis capacity building for prevention, preparation, and response to health emergencies.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s focus towards improving education by addressing students’ learning gaps, thereby aligning their skills with the needs of the ever-progressing market that would prepare the learners to become part of the 21st century workforce.
President Marcos, moreover, vowed to make further efforts geared towards streamlining business regulations and opening up opportunities to facilitate growth in key sectors that would boost the country’s economic competitiveness.
“We are preparing ourselves for the new normal and the effects of global climate change. We are modernizing our data systems, expanding social protection, delivering faster, more effective responses in times of crisis,” the President said, underscoring the need to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
“We are also redefining resilience to mean learning from our shortcomings and preparing way ahead of time. It is about planning green and sustainable cities, conserving our environment, and bouncing up and forward,” he added, noting the timeliness of incorporating sustainable practices moving forward.
The Chief Executive concluded his speech by extending his gratitude to the World Bank Group, which he cites as a beacon of technical expertise and a reliable partner in providing financial assistance to address issues and propel the country into the future.
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