ADB still open to funding more flood control projects

But stresses strict oversight amid corruption issues

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday expressed openness to support more flood protection projects in the country, stressing that safeguards are in place to ensure the proper use of funds amid recent corruption issues in flood control works.

Andrew Jeffries, ADB country director for the Philippines, told reporters on the sidelines of the Arangkada Philippines Investment Forum 2025 that while the multilateral lender is cautious about funding government projects given the corruption issues, there are safeguards to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose.

“So it doesn’t stop our work, but it makes the processes we have in place all the more important,” he said.

With the Philippines viewed as a shareholder of ADB, the multilateral lender said its role is to help the country address its problems, including flooding.

“So there may be discussions in the future on how we can help with that problem,” he said.

Jeffries said the ADB is currently supporting a river basin project in Mindanao.