RP, EU ink P4.12-B development cooperation deal

THE PHILIPPINES and European Union (EU) yesterday signed a three-year development cooperation deal worth 69 million euros (P4.12 billion), the bulk of which will go to health programs.

The Multi-Annual Indicative Program (MIP) for 2011-2013, which grants the Philippines 23 million euros (P1.37 billion) annually, was inked by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. and EU Ambassador Alistair MacDonald.

The figure is higher than the 2007-2010 annual grant of 15 million euros (P896.08-million), Mr. MacDonald said, adding that the main priority — the improvement of basic health services — will account for 35 million euros (P2.09 billion).

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in a statement, said funding would also be provided for the following:

* governance programs (17 million euros or P1.02 billion) covering public finance management reforms, access to justice for the poor, advocacy against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and migration management;
* support for vulnerable populations (12 million euros or P716.87 million) to support the Mindanao peace process and climate change adaptation and mitigation; and
* trade-related technical assistance (five million euros or P298.69 million).

“Through the MIP 2010-2013, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership in advancing the principles of aid effectiveness as expressed in the Paris declaration, specifically ownership, harmonization, alignment, managing for results and mutual accountability,” Mr. Paderanga said.

The grant is part of other EU commitments to the Philippines.

“I should point out … that the funding covered by this indicative program refers only to our bilateral government-to-government cooperation,” Mr. MacDonald said.

The grant, he added, is on top of EU global and regional development programs which the Philippines can avail of, plus humanitarian assistance in times of disaster.

Among others, the EU has funded local government and civil society group projects involving local governance, human rights, environment and sustainable development.

From 2007-2010, this amounts to an additional nine million euros (P537.65 million) annually.  –Businessworld