The World Bank Group, in coordination with the Ateneo de Naga University, through the Knowledge for Development Community (KDC) and the Center for Local Governance, conducted the Consultation on the Systematic Country Diagnostic and Country Partnership Framework for the Philippines on 13 June 2019 at the Arrupe Convention Hall. 

Gabriel Demombynes, Program Leader for Human Development World Bank, provided an analysis through the presentation of Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) in consultation with diverse stakeholders and the government which seeks to identify the most critical constraints and opportunities facing the Philippines’ efforts to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity in a sustainable manner.

The World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Philippines 2019-2022 which was introduced by Yolanda J. Azarcon, Senior Country Operations Officer, focuses and set priorities for support in the Philippines, including lending and non-lending programs and services through consultation which will be especially helpful for gathering views on potential priority areas for World Bank engagement over the next five years.

To further facilitate the discussion, participants coming from different sectors namely: Local Government Units, Academe, CSOs/NGOs, Migrant Families and Youth represented by Sangguniang Kabataan officials in Camarines Sur were grouped during the breakout session to solicit the views regarding the economic status of our country. The input and feedback will be used by World Bank as a basis to develop the CPF in a manner that maximizes WBG program impacts and responsiveness to the main concerns of Filipino citizens.

— by Camille Faye R. Badong