PH seeks World Bank loan for pandemic fight

Another loan from the World Bank is forthcoming for the Philippines, this time to finance the country's fight against epidemics by strengthening both human and animal health systems to improve pandemic preparedness.

- By BEN ARNOLD DE VERA

According to a Aug. 12 concept environmental and social review summary disclosed by the Washington-based multilateral lender on Aug. 13, the Philippines is seeking an investment project financing (IPF) for the so-called Pandemic Fund-Resilient Philippines.

According to this World Bank document seen by Manila Bulletin, the upcoming loan is aimed at “[improving] the country’s capacity to detect, report, and respond to existing and emerging pathogens with epidemic potential among humans, animals, and wildlife.”

The World Bank’s board is expected to approve this loan on Nov. 28, 2025.

The project will be implemented by the departments of Agriculture (DA) and of Health (DOH), as well as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).