The Philippine government has signed a $500-million financing agreement with the World Bank–International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (WB-IRD) to rebuild over 3,000 schools damaged by typhoons with climate-resilient infrastructure.
Agreement Details
The Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools Project, worth $555.56 million, will be co-financed by the WB-IRD ($500 million) and the Philippine government ($55.56 million). The agreement was signed on November 18 by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and World Bank country director Zafer Mustafaoğlu.
The project aims to repair, rehabilitate, retrofit, and reconstruct school facilities damaged by natural disasters since 2019, covering all regions outside Metro Manila. Implementation is set from 2024 to 2029, spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Addressing Climate Resilience
Finance Secretary Recto emphasized the importance of resilient educational facilities:
“Damaged school buildings directly threaten our goal of climate resilience and economic security. Poor facilities affect both students and teachers, weakening human capital, reducing productivity, and driving poverty. Prioritizing investments in resilient school buildings secures a better future for our children and our country.”
Broader World Bank Support
The agreement follows other World Bank initiatives, including a $287.24-million funding approved last month for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, which aims to enhance broadband connectivity.
National Debt Context
The Philippines’ sovereign debt reached a record high of ₱15.893 trillion as of September 2024, a 2.2% increase from August, according to Bureau of the Treasury data
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