Key takeaways:
- The U.S. government has initiated an $11 million program to boost economic growth and services in nine Philippine cities.
- These cities include Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
- The Urban Connect project, with USAID’s support, aims to enhance the business environment in these cities, encourage private investments, and improve essential services.
- The project takes a comprehensive approach, addressing various urban life aspects, from economic development to health, education, and public services.
- Partnerships with multiple government agencies, civil society, and the private sector are central to this transformative initiative, set to run from 2023 to 2028.
The United States government has launched a $11 million program to stimulate economic growth and improve services in nine cities across the Philippines. These cities include Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
The initiative, known as the Urban Connect project, will span five years and is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Urban Connect project seeks to enhance the business environment in these cities to attract investments. It will provide technical assistance and collaborate with government agencies to promote e-government solutions and improve the local regulatory environment, ultimately encouraging private investments.
In addition to boosting economic opportunities, the program aims to improve the delivery of essential services such as health and education by enhancing public financial management in these cities.
USAID Urban Connect Activity Chief of Party, Alex Brillantes Jr., emphasized the project’s significance in creating a more equitable future within the context of sustainable development.
The project takes a comprehensive approach, addressing various urban life aspects, from economic development to health, education, and public services. USAID is committed to developing holistic solutions to tackle complex development challenges at their roots.
To accomplish these ambitious goals, the program has partnered with a wide range of entities, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), various local government units leagues, civil society, non-governmental organizations, business chambers, and trade associations.
Government agencies are fully behind this transformative initiative. At the launch event held in Quezon City, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez pledged their agencies’ full support.
NEDA Assistant Secretary Sarah Lynne Ducanes and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua also conveyed messages of support during the event.
The program, set to run from 2023 to 2028, is already in progress. The USAID began identifying its partners last August and is scheduled to meet with representatives from all nine cities next month.
This significant development promises to usher in a new era of growth, opportunity, and improved services for these cities, making them more attractive to investors and a better place to live for their citizens. ◼
Business Bayani PH 
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