The Philippines has taken a major step toward safeguarding its schools from natural disasters by securing a €466.07 million ($500 million) loan from the World Bank. This initiative, known as the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools Project, aims to improve the safety and resilience of school facilities across nine regions in the country.
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Enhancing School Safety and Resilience
The project focuses on mitigating risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tropical cyclones. Key activities include:
- Repair and Rehabilitation: Schools damaged by recent calamities will undergo extensive repairs and upgrades.
- Retrofitting and Reconstruction: Structural improvements will ensure that school buildings meet modern safety standards.
- Site Improvements: Measures such as better drainage and landscaping will help reduce future risks.
The World Bank estimates that these efforts will enhance learning environments for over 700,000 students, half of whom are girls.
Target Regions
The project will prioritize areas with the highest risks and most significant damage to school infrastructure. These regions include:
- Bicol
- Caraga
- Central Luzon
- Central Visayas
- Cordillera Administrative Region
- Davao Region
- Eastern Visayas
- Soccsksargen
- Western Visayas
Partnerships and Implementation
The project will be jointly implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). It will run until 2029, with repayment of the loan starting in 2035 and concluding in 2052.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the initiative will also enhance DepEd’s operations and maintenance protocols, equipping both national and local authorities with updated tools and guidelines for managing school facilities in the aftermath of disasters.
World Bank Support and Broader Loans
This loan forms part of a larger financing strategy by the World Bank to support the Philippines. In fiscal year 2024, the Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest borrower from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), securing concessional loans worth $2.35 billion.
The country’s borrowing plans for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025) are even more ambitious. Two major loans have already been approved:
- $750 million for the Second Digital Transformation Development Policy Loan.
- $287.2 million for the Digital Infrastructure Project.
Upcoming projects include funding for climate action, healthcare resilience, transportation improvements in Mindanao, and education system upgrades.
A Broader Commitment to Resilience and Development
This new loan underscores the Philippines’ commitment to investing in disaster preparedness and resilience, particularly in education. By strengthening school infrastructure, the government aims to protect students and communities while fostering a more secure learning environment.
The World Bank’s continued support reflects confidence in the country’s development agenda and its ability to implement large-scale, impactful projects.
Stay tuned for updates as these initiatives roll out, bringing hope and security to millions of students across the Philippines.
Source: ManilaBulletin
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