NEW YORK, USA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. discussed his administration's priorities with the World Bank, particularly agriculture and post-pandemic economic recovery.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said this after Marcos met with Manuela Ferro, the Regional Vice President of the World Bank for East Asia and the Pacific, on September 21.
In a statement, Angeles said Marcos and Ferro discussed how to align the work of the Bank with the President's priorities, such as agriculture, clean energy, education, and economic recovery post-Covid-19.
The two leaders exchanged views on the importance of research and development. They likewise discussed the government's efforts to establish an agency similar to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and an Institute of Virology.
"The President noted that there are many Filipino experts who need to be trained further," Angeles said.
In addition, Angeles said President Marcos and Vice President Ferro exchanged views on the state of Philippine agriculture and the areas that need to be addressed.
The President also noted the needs and requirements of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue to become viable and competitive.
Also discussed were financial inclusion and the target to have about 50 percent of personal transactions be digital by 2023.
In a series of tweets, President Marcos lauded the World Bank for standing with the Philippines in the most challenging times, bringing resources, linkages, and partnerships to bear on the country's social, economic, and environmental initiatives since 1945.
"We are incredibly grateful and proud to continue partnering with the World Bank to improve the lives of Filipinos," he wrote.
Marcos was accompanied in the meeting by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Meanwhile, Ferro was joined by Erivaldo Gomes, the World Bank Executive Director for the Philippines.