Ranking USAID official to visit PHL on Dec. 15 to 16

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): Ranking USAID official to visit PHL on Dec. 15 to 16

A ranking United States Agency for International Development (USAID) official will be visiting the Philippines coming Dec. 15 to 16.

Eric G. Postel's visit, USAID Assistant Administrator and Partnership for Growth (PFG), reinforces the American government's commitment to the Philippines' growth, the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

Postel will meet with high-level Government of the Philippines (GPH) officials and representatives from the business sector and civil society organizations to review ongoing programs under the PFG – a bilateral agreement with the Philippines to achieve broad-based, inclusive and resilient growth.

The PFG provides a new framework for deepening and strengthening engagement between the US and the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of only four PFG countries globally where the US government has brought its 15 federal agencies in a whole-of-government effort to advance economic development in the country.

Total PFG assistance to date is more than Php33.3 billion (USD739 million).

Three years into the PFG, the Philippines has achieved significant progress under the PFG Joint Country Action Plan.

The country has had record high GDP growth rates since 2011, including a 7.2 percent increase in 2013 that was second only to China in the region; investment grade sovereign debt ratings from international rating agencies which continue to increase; and a huge leap forward of 33 places in competitiveness rankings from 2010-2014.

In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, the Philippines ranked 85th out of 175 countries surveyed, up 20 notches from 2012 and nine notches from 2013.

President Benigno S. Aquino III's reforms have laid the basis for improved governance and competitiveness.

Postel will also witness the signing of a Sisterhood Agreement between the Cities of Batangas, Iloilo and Cagayan De Oro.

The three are the pilot cities of USAID’s Cities Development Initiative (CDI).  

As part of PFG, CDI seeks to advance the development of second-tier cities as engines of growth that is inclusive and environmentally sustainable and resilient through mutual responsibility and collaboration in the areas of economic growth and investment promotion, health, education, and the environment.

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