The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors has approved a USD60-million Threshold Program for the Philippines to strengthen energy security and create a more conducive environment for investments in the country.
The Philippines is among only a select group of countries chosen for the MCC Threshold Program, which supports nations in addressing key policy and institutional constraints to economic growth and preparing them for future MCC compact assistance.
The MCC is an independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that provides time-limited grants to support reforms that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen public institutions.
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go described the approval as a strong vote of confidence in the Marcos Jr. administration’s reform agenda.
“The approval of the USD60-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,” Secretary Go said.
As the Philippine government’s lead agency for engagement with the MCC, the Department of Finance (DOF) will work closely with the corporation and relevant government agencies to develop and implement the program.
The Threshold Program will support the Energy Development Governance Efficiency Project, which seeks to improve governance and operational efficiency across the country’s electricity sector.
The project has two components. The first will support policy and regulatory reforms to streamline energy planning, programming, and permitting, accelerating the development of energy projects. The second will finance targeted investments that reinforce these reforms and improve the efficiency of energy sector operations.
Together, these initiatives are expected to reduce delays in project implementation, improve the reliability of electricity supply, and encourage greater private investment in the 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,” Secretary Frederick Go added.
The Philippines qualified for the Threshold Program after meeting the MCC’s policy performance standards across the areas of economic freedom, ruling justly, and investing in people.
