India has signed with the Philippines an agreement that will serve as a framework for its upcoming projects in the country— a move that its top diplomat sees as "a milestone" in the bilateral relations of the two Asian nations.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran on Monday inked with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos a pact that would allow the quick implementation of New Delhi’s Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in the Philippines.
The QIP, according to its embassy in Manila, would be based on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s identified focus areas, such as agriculture, health and education.
"Ambassador Kumaran stated that in all these sectors, India's recent successes in digital technology driven developmental experience could be introduced to the Philippines through the QIPs," the Indian Embassy in Manila said.
The framework, which will come following the signing of the agreement, will facilitate India's implementation of small projects for socio-economic development in the country. This might include the creation or improvement of social infrastructure—such as of education, health and sanitation and of physical infrastructure—such as roads and local community centers.
"Each project with an indicative value of about US$ 50,000, would be focused implementation and quick in creating beneficial impact on the localcommunities in different provinces/cities across the Philippines," the embassy said.
"The Agreement will come into force after completion of requisite internal formalities by both the sides," it added.