Sunday, November 19, 2023

U.S. provides P625M to boost competitiveness of 9 cities in PH

MANILA – USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn and Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Urban Connect project in Quezon City on October 27 with representatives from USAID’s Cities Development Initiative and its partner to help fast-track the economic development of nine cities outside Metro Manila.

USAID’s five-year, Php625-million ($11 million) Urban Connect Project will fund capacity-building initiatives and provide technical assistance that will help build thriving economic hubs in nine partner cities: Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

Under this program, USAID will work closely with partner cities’ local governments to facilitate enterprise growth, streamline the business permit system, reinforce public financial management, promote e-governance transition, and enhance cooperation between neighboring cities.  

In addition to economic advancement, the project will also improve health and education services, promote climate resilience and disaster readiness, and champion gender equality and social inclusion in partner cities.

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