Duterte meets with ADB president on enhanced cooperation, dev’t agenda support

MANILA, Philippines —  President Rodrigo Duterte sought for the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) continued support of the government’s infrastructure projects as he vowed enhanced cooperation between the bank and the Philippine government.

“We look forward to ADB’s enhanced support to our Build, Build, Build Program,” Duterte said during ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa’s courtesy call at the Department of Finance (DOF) in Manila on Monday.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte extends a warm welcome to Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Department of Finance Building inside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex in Manila on February 24, 2020. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

During the meeting, the President expressed support for Asakawa’s vision for ADB which he said was “in line with the development strategy of his administration,” particularly “in accelerating infrastructure spending and human capital development as well as bolstering macroeconomic strength.”

Duterte also thanked ADB for its continuously supporting the Philippines.

“I would like to express my appreciation to ADB for its unremitting assistance to the Philippines,” Duterte told Asakawa.

In a statement by ADB, it promised its continued support for the Philippines’ development goals, including the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure development program.

“ADB’s partnership with our host country, the Philippines, has never been stronger. ADB is committed to supporting the government’s effort to reduce poverty and create high-quality jobs for Filipinos by building a competitive economy and caring society,” Asakawa said.

ADB said its lending to the Philippines is expected to reach a record high of US$3.3 billion this year, half of which supports the government’s infrastructure programs, such as the South Commuter Railway, the EDSA Greenways Pedestrian Walkways, and the Angat Water Transmission Aqueduct 7.

GSG