US Government participates in Philippine Development Forum in Davao City

 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo acknowledge the development initiatives of donor agencies that support the government’s 10-Point Agenda and the Philippine Medium-Term Development Plan, during the 2005 Philippines Development Forum in Davao City. Mr. Joachim von Amsberg, World Bank Philippines Country Director, presented the issues, concerns, and ‘venues for collaboration’ identified by participants at each of the five topical sessions designed to accelerate reforms and foster development.

 

Key issues concerning the country’s economic fiscal reforms; investment growth; decentralization and local government finance; social progress; and good governance were discussed by the more than 200 delegates from various donor agencies, embassies, national and local government units, legislative and judicial branches, civil society, and the private sector. An outline on possible actions and solutions were agreed upon to support the main reform challenges of the country.

 

U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone discusses the day’s highlights with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman before the arrival of President Macapagal-Arroyo at the Forum. Also in photo are Department of Education Secretary Florencio Abad (foreground, left) and former Department of Energy Secretary Vince Perez.

USAID Mission Director Michael Yates and Kay Freeman, USAID Deputy Director of the Asia and the Near East Bureau/East Asian Affairs exchange views with Ambassador Ricciardone.