WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States aims to scale up infrastructure development aid in the Philippines by leveraging over $3 billion in public and private financing to support the construction of quality transport systems in the country.
This was among the matters discussed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden in their bilateral meeting on May 1 here.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) “is launching a new partnership to scale up infrastructure development in the Philippines and support the construction of high-quality railways, ports, and transport systems.”
“Additionally, over the course of 2023, USTDA (U.S. Trade and Development Agency) will launch new sustainable infrastructure activities intended to leverage over $3 billion in public and private financing,” read the fact sheet released by the White House on the meeting of the two leaders.
The move aims to strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety, and support healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Modernization of US-PH air transpo links
Both leaders also agreed on expanding air connectivity and modernizing their bilateral aviation ties.
“The United States and the Philippines intend to expand air connectivity and modernize our bilateral aviation relationship, which will strengthen our economic and people-to-people ties,” both Presidents said.
The US and Philippine aeronautical authorities will formalize a technical aviation dialogue at the upcoming APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Detroit to enhance policy and regulatory alignment, with a view towards modernizing the US-Philippines air transportation agreement.
Space pact
Both countries also committed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on space situational awareness and the use of space for maritime domain awareness, including through the first-ever US-Philippines Civil Space Dialogue.
Based on the fact sheet, both countries will collaborate on the use of space-based technology in the areas of disaster management and emergency response, healthcare, mapping of resources and accessibility, pollution monitoring, deforestation, land use and infrastructure planning, and maritime awareness.
The leaders welcome the strengthening of bilateral cooperation on the Landsat Program, including the possibility for the Philippines to download imagery directly from Landsat satellites to its ground stations, it added.
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