Meting out justice complements economic development

The Philippines relies significantly on the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its long-term, big-ticket infrastructure and related development projects. According to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), formerly NEDA, the country’s total active Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio reached $39.6 billion in 2024, a six percent increase from $37.3 billion in 2023.

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Along with the Japanese government, the ADBandthe WB each fund a significant portion (around 20 percent each) of the Philippines’ infrastructure projects, complementing local funding and private sector participation. In 2024, the Philippines was the ADB's second-biggest recipient of financial assistance, receiving $6 billion in total financing and co-financing.

The ADB has committed over $36.5 billion in public sector support to date, with a large portion dedicated to transport projects like the North-South Commuter Railway system. The WB plans to extend as much as $23 billion in loans and other financing from mid-2025 to mid-2031.

This relationship underscores a mutually beneficial partnership, where the Philippines receives essential capital and expertise for its ambitious infrastructure goals, and the WB and ADB support key development and economic growth initiatives in a major regional economy.