Thank you very much to our Executive Secretary, Secretary Luc Bersamin.
[Please be seated.]
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; the other members of the Cabinet who are here with us; Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and the other DepDev officials; World Bank Division Director for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Mr. Zafer Mustafaoglu; World Bank Operations Manager for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Ms. Dandan Chen; and the other World Bank officials; my fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
A good day to you all!
The Philippines has accomplished much over these past two decades. Our economy has grown steadily. Investments continue to increase, creating quality jobs for our people. And because of that, unemployment has gone down.
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.
This is why we are looking forward to the launch of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework—or CPF—for the Philippines for 2025 to 2031.
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.
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.
In parallel, the CPF has three outcome areas that support the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
Una, kalusugan at edukasyon – health and education.
We are improving the delivery of public health services, especially in underserved areas—including Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Through Phase 1 of the Philippines: Health System Resilience Project, we are promoting the smarter use of quality health services, while building our capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies.
With more equitable healthcare, we are giving our people not only longer lives, but hope, security, and dignity.
We are also focused on addressing students’ learning gaps—preparing our youth for the 21st century workforce through better education and stronger support. Matching their skills with the market’s needs, we ensure that our students will grow into future leaders, innovators, and visionaries.
Ikalawa, binubuksan natin ang mas maraming de-kalidad na trabaho sa pribadong sektor.
We continue to deepen our efforts to simplify business regulations, establish stronger infrastructure, and entice more investments.
By raising the every Filipino household’s productivity and income, we fuel growth in our key sectors, make our economy more competitive.
Ikatlo, pinapalakas natin ang kakayahan ng bansa na harapin ang mga sakuna at epekto ng pagbabago ng klima.
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.
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.
Sa mga layuning ito, isinusulong natin ang mas responsable, tapat, at mas maaasahang pamahalaan.
Through digital transformation, we are advancing government systems, e-governance, connectivity, cybersecurity.
None of these, however, would have been possible without one of our most steadfast partners—the World Bank Group.
For eight decades, you have stood with us in confronting our most pressing challenges—from building critical infrastructure to boosting preparedness against climate change and natural disasters.
Beyond financial assistance, you have provided deep technical expertise, championed the most effective practices, and reignited a collaborative spirit that pushes us to deliver real, lasting impact for Filipinos.
For all of these and more, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sa ating mga kababayan na dumadanas ng pagbaha, pagkasira ng kabuhayan, pagkawala ng tahanan, at mga mahal sa buhay, patuloy po kaming maghahatid ng tulong upang muli tayong makabangon at makapagsimula.
Together, we are shaping a Bagong Pilipinas that is stronger, that is more inclusive, and that is more sustainable. A future where every Filipino has countless opportunities to live with courage, with confidence, and freedom.
Maraming, maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat!
And with this, we now look forward with even greater optimism to the future. Thank you and good afternoon! [applause]
— END —
