The government expects 4 million more jobs, wider internet access, and additional capital for Filipinos under the World Bank’s (WB) new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Philippines.

For the next six years, the Department of Finance said the CPF will also help the government expand internet access to 19 million Filipinos and support critical projects of the private sector through a $2-billion fund.

The CPF encompasses the country’s primary concerns and their solutions, including financing strategies, which will be refined through engagement between the government, various stakeholders, and the World Bank. The global institution said the CPF’s impact will be measured by “well-defined and focused outcomes.”

Most urgent needs addressed

“By anchoring the CPF in the President’s vision, we ensure that development financing addresses our most pressing needs and delivers genuine impact in improving the lives of Filipinos,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific Manuela Ferro said the government and private projects should enhance the country’s disaster resilience, education, healthcare and digital connection. In the process, she said more job opportunities will arise.

“The CPF is designed to help the Philippines build on this positive momentum to create more jobs for its young population, build resilience to shocks, further reduce regional disparities, and invest in education and health,” Ferro said.

The World Bank expects the CPF to create better healthcare for 19 million Filipinos and high-quality education for 15 million students.

The global institution also aims to improve social protection programs for 12.5 million Filipinos and enhance climate change protection for vulnerable communities of 13 million people.