The Government of India and the Government of Philippines signed an agreement today, 7 February, on Indian grant assistance for the implementation of Quick Impact Projects.
The Agreement was signed by Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, and Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government. The signing ceremony, held at Cape Crame, Quezon City, was witnessed by the senior officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Finance, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Embassy of India.
Kumaran described the agreement as a milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, as it will mark the beginning of new phase in the people-centric partnership between two democracies in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement will provide a legal framework for bringing India’s rich and varied development experience to the Philippines, Kumara said, adding that the choice of QIPs would be based on the priorities of the Philippines Government.
Along this line, the Ambassador pointed out that Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr had identified several focus areas such as agriculture, health, education etc., and that in all these sectors, India’s recent successes in digital technology-driven developmental experience could be introduced to the Philippines through the QIPs.
On behalf of the Philippine government, Abalos thanked the Government of India for the grant funding offered through the QIPs, adding that such developmental support was the first of its kind for the DILG. Abalos expressed confidence that the QIPs would support development efforts of local government units across the Philippines and reinforce ongoing related efforts of the department. The implementation of the QIPs would lead to many success stories in the Philippines leading to meaningful changes in the lives of people, he said.
The agreement provides an enabling framework for facilitating Indian grant assistance to implement small projects for socioeconomic development in the Philippines. The projects would include, but not be limited to, the creation or improvement of both social infrastructure (such as education, health, sanitation, community development, etc.) and physical infrastructure (such as roads and local community centers).
Each project with an indicative value of about $50,000 would focus on implementation and quickly creating beneficial impact on local communities in different provinces and cities across the Philippines. The agreement will come into force after completion of requisite internal formalities by both sides.
A Joint Project Selection Committee comprising representatives from both Governments will be set up to undertake the call for project proposals, set up criteria, appraise project proposals, provide grants, and monitor project implementation.
The signing of the Agreement signifies the commitment of both countries to the continuing growth of a stronger developmental partnership between India and the Philippines.