Nakakuha ang Pilipinas ng US$60-million grant mula sa U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold Program para palakasin ang energy security at pagandahin ang investment climate sa bansa.
Kinumpirma ni Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go ang approval ng MCC Board of Directors sa grant, na ibibigay sa Pilipinas bilang isa sa piling bansang napili para sa Threshold Program.
Sinusuportahan ng programa ang mga bansang tumutugon sa policy at institutional constraints sa economic growth at naghahanda para sa posibleng future MCC compact assistance.
Ayon kay Go, ang approval ay isang vote of confidence sa reform agenda ng Marcos Jr. administration.
“The approval of the US$60-million MCC Threshold Program affirms the Philippines’ commitment to good governance, transparency, and sound economic management. It reflects the confidence of our international partners in the reforms we are pursuing to strengthen institutions, improve the ease of doing business, and create more opportunities for Filipinos,” sabi ni Go.
Bilang lead agency ng Philippine government sa engagement sa MCC, makikipagtulungan ang Department of Finance (DOF) sa corporation at relevant government agencies para buuin at ipatupad ang programa.
Susuportahan ng Threshold Program ang Energy Development Governance Efficiency Project, na layong pagbutihin ang governance at operational efficiency sa electricity sector.
May dalawang bahagi ang proyekto: policy at regulatory reforms para pabilisin ang energy planning, programming, at permitting, at targeted investments para patibayin ang mga reforms at pahusayin ang operasyon ng energy sector.
Inaasahang mababawasan nito ang delays sa project implementation, mapapabuti ang reliability ng electricity supply, at mahihikayat ang mas malaking private investment sa energy sector.
“This grant comes at an opportune time and provides a significant boost to our efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security. We thank the MCC for its continued partnership with the Philippines as we pursue reforms that deliver more reliable services, attract greater private investment, and sustain faster, more inclusive economic growth,” dagdag ni Go.
Nakapasok ang Pilipinas sa Threshold Program matapos pumasa sa MCC policy performance standards sa economic freedom, ruling justly, at investing in people.
Ang MCC ay independent U.S. foreign assistance agency na nagbibigay ng time-limited grants para suportahan ang reforms na nagpapalago ng ekonomiya, nagpapababa ng poverty, at nagpapalakas ng public institutions. /Bistado