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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider Philippines secures ₱14 billion French loan for food security program

Philippines secures ₱14 billion French loan for food security program

Published Aug 12, 2026 12:53 am  |  Updated Aug 12, 2026 06:41 am

At A Glance

  • The French government is extending 200 million euros, or approximately ₱14 billion, in financing to help low-income Filipino families gain better access to nutritious food under a new food security and nutrition program.
The French government is extending 200 million euros, or approximately ₱14 billion, in financing to help low-income Filipino families gain better access to nutritious food under a new food security and nutrition program.
In an Aug. 11 statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) and France’s development agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), said they have teamed up to support the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project.
Implemented with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the project is expected to benefit around 750,000 low-income households through monthly electronic food vouchers that can be redeemed at accredited retailers.
“Vulnerable families will have direct, dignified, and timely access to nutritious food. By digitizing this process, we ensure that assistance is both transparent and highly efficient,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said during the ceremonial exchange of financing agreements.
Aside from food assistance, participating families will receive nutrition and livelihood support through sessions covering maternal and child nutrition, proper hygiene, healthy meal planning, and income-generating opportunities.
The REFUEL Project is co-financed by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB), strengthening the country’s ties with its development partners in addressing food insecurity and improving social protection.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel welcomed the Philippine government’s efforts to integrate climate action, ocean preservation, and social protection into its national development agenda.
“I am equally proud that our cooperation with the Philippines could also address the social dimension through the REFUEL Program supporting vulnerable communities and contributing to a more inclusive development,” AFD Country Director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon said. (Derco Rosal)

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Department of Finance (DOF) France loan deal
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