ADB commits support for Philippines infra program

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed Monday to support the country’s ambitious infrastructure program through continued financial and technical assistance. 

During the Philippine Transport Forum held at the ADB headquarters, bank president Takehiko Nakao said ADB is now preparing the $100 million technical assistance sought by the government for use in the conduct of pre-investment activities for key infrastructure projects. 

The loan under the bank’s Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) will help key line agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) finance the conduct of feasibility studies, design and procurement for critical projects. 

“This facility will fast-track priority projects and move them forward for delivery under this administration,” Nakao told participants in the forum. 

ADB also committed to provide a $5 million technical grant for the program called Strengthening Infrastructure Capacity and Innovation for Inclusive Growth. 

“This technical assistance will develop a project management and information system that will assist oversight agencies in monitoring the progress of projects, identify bottlenecks and deliver solutions,” Nakao said. 

For fiscal years 2018 to 2020, ADB is prepared to fund $4.2 billion worth of projects in the pipeline which cover transport, energy, education, social protection and rural development. 

“Transport is a major focus of our support,” said Nakao.

“One of ADB’s priorities is to improve traffic along EDSA, perhaps the most important transport route in Metro Manila. ADB will support the government deliver an integrated transport solution for EDSA, catering for all road users, and helping commuters to travel more efficiently,” he added. 

Nakao said the lack of adequate infrastructure is one of the most significant constraints to the country’s growth prospects. 

In 2016 to 2017, the World Economic Forum Global Competitive Index ranked the Philippines 95th out of 138 countries in terms of infrastructure quality, well below other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia  which ranked 24th, Thailand  which placed 49nd, and Indonesia  which ranked 60th.