The United States government on Thursday rolled out an $11-million program meant to enable nine Philippine cities to create a viable economic environment that would attract more investments.
The nine cities are Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
The program involves a five-year Urban Connect project through which the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide technical assistance and work with pertinent government agencies to develop e-government solutions and improve local regulatory environment for private investment in the nine cities.
The project will also help enhance the cities’ delivery of basic service notably in health and education by strengthening public financial management.
“The project was conceived with a clear understanding that our cities are not only key engines of progress, but also powerful levers for creating a better and more equitable future for all citizens within the context of sustainable development,” said USAID Urban Connect Activity chief of party Alex Brillantes Jr. during the project launch in Quezon City.
Apart from helping the cities overcome institutional and regulatory constraints, Urban Connect will also instrumental in crafting strategies to attract new investments.
The initiative will likewise review how e-services and online platforms could be more accessible for the people, businesses, and other government agencies.
“Our approach is comprehensive, touching on various as pects of urban life from economic development to development of health and education, from improved public services to increased private sector engagement. USAID will align efforts across sectors to develop holistic solutions that address the root causes of complex development challenges,” said USAID Philippine mission director Ryan Washburn.
The USAID began identifying its partners last August and will meet with representatives of the nine cities next month.
The program will be implemented from 2023 to 2028 and will work with numerous partners, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the Department of Finance, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Mindanao Development Authority, and various leagues of local government units, as well as civil society and non-government organizations.
The project will also work in partnership with the private sector, including business chambers and trade associations.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez, who were present at the launch, both committed their agencies’ full support to the initiative.
Also present at the event to convey messages of support were NEDA Assistant Secretary Sarah Lynne Ducanes and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua.