MANILA, Philippines – Nakakuha ang Pilipinas ng 200 milyong euro na pautang (humigit-kumulang ₱14 bilyon) mula sa pamahalaan ng France, sa pamamagitan ng Agence Française de Développement (AFD), para sa pangangalaga ng marine ecosystems at pagpapalawak ng blue economy.
Ayon sa Department of Finance (DOF), ang Marine Ecosystem for Blue Economy Development (MEBED) 1 ay susuporta sa mga repormang magpapalakas sa proteksiyon ng yamang-dagat, mas maayos na solid waste management, at pamumuhunan sa blue economy.
Inaasahang makikinabang dito ang mahigit tatlong milyong Pilipino, kabilang ang mga mangingisda, aquaculture operators, at tourism workers, sa pamamagitan ng mas matatag at pangmatagalang kabuhayan.
Sinabi ni Finance Secretary Frederick Go, “By securing our marine resources, we are protecting the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents and strengthening our defenses against climate change. Cleaner oceans mean a healthier, more productive blue economy.”
Ayon sa DOF, ang programa ay kasamang pinopondohan ng Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Sinabi naman ni French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, “The marine ecosystems and blue economic development program represent an important step forward in protecting marine biodiversity, reducing plastic marine debris while promoting sustainable economic opportunities.”
Dagdag pa ni AFD Country Director Benedicte Gazon, “France and the Philippines share a long-standing partnership grounded in joint action for sustainable growth and the resilience of ecosystems and population. As a development partner, the French Development Agency is proud to help translate these shared commitments into concrete projects and tangible impact.”
Nagpasalamat si Go sa AFD at muling tiniyak ang pangako ng pamahalaan na tiyaking magdudulot ng pangmatagalang benepisyo sa mga Pilipino ang bawat pamumuhunan.
Noong Martes, inanunsyo rin ng DOF na nakakuha ang Pilipinas ng isa pang 200 milyong euro na pautang mula France para sa Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) project. RNT/MDS
