Philippines gets $24.9M World Bank, FAO grant

The Philippines has secured a funding grant from the World Bank and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aimed at bolstering the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to future animal and human health threats. 

In a news release on Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Philippines is among the 50 countries selected to receive a Pandemic Fund Grant, which totaled to $547 million, approved by the World Bank last month and in September.

The Philippines, in particular, will be receiving $24.9 million under its Resilient Philippines project, pitched by the DA, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Finance (DOF) as well as the FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD).

The Agriculture Department said the grant will help enhance the country’s health systems, from bolstering disease surveillance and early warning systems, to strengthening laboratory networks and cross-sectoral collaboration.  

“This grant will not only enhance our pandemic preparedness but will also strengthen nation’s agricultural sector, which is vulnerable during outbreaks. We can build a more resilient Philippines that is better equipped to protect both public health and food security,” said DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., for his part, highlighted the broad impact of the initiative, especially on agriculture. 

“The Pandemic Fund is a game-changer for the Philippines. It will not only reinforce our capacity to respond to future pandemics but also ensure the continuity of essential sectors, such as agriculture. By investing in disease surveillance and health infrastructure, we safeguard food security, protect our farmers and secure the well-being of the entire Filipino community,” said Tiu Laurel.

The DA said the grant will enable the Philippines to invest in critical areas such as disease surveillance, early warning systems, laboratory infrastructure, and the development of a skilled health workforce. 

The Pandemic Fund was launched in 2022 by the G20 —composed of the world’s biggest economies— as a direct response to the global vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Fund finances critical investments aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness and resilience in the most at-risk countries. —AOL, GMA Integrated News