The World Bank has approved three grant agreements worth a combined $4.13 million for the preparation of large-scale development projects by various government agencies, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, the DOF said the grants—while still subject to government approval—will “drive employment and reduce poverty,” while being provided at no cost to the Philippine government, “fully funding critical preparatory work and enabling the government to preserve fiscal space while advancing priority projects.”

The funding comes from the World Bank’s Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP), a support mechanism that provides grant-based assistance to help borrowers overcome project-preparation barriers, ensuring projects are well-structured, investment-ready, and aligned with global best practices.

The GFPP provides financial backing for preparatory work, allowing agencies to complete complex planning requirements without immediately drawing from the national budget. The DOF said this approach helps speed up delivery timelines, reduce implementation risks, and ensure projects meet international standards for environmental protection, financial sustainability, and social safeguards.

According to the DOF, three initiatives from three government agencies secured support from the GFPP this year.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secured $1.71 million—the largest among the approved grants—for the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project Scale-Up (Phase II). The initiative will expand broadband connectivity in underserved areas, particularly Western Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The DOF said the funding will cover feasibility studies, engineering plans, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building for implementing agencies.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture’s Improving MSME Access to Finance and Resilience to Climate Shocks Project received $1.21 million to strengthen agricultural financing systems, modernize insurance mechanisms, and reinforce rural development institutions. The initiative is expected to help raise farm productivity, improve rural incomes, enhance food security, and strengthen farmers’ ability to cope with climate-related shocks.

Another $1.21 million will support the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippines SME COMPETE Project, which aims to improve the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises by helping them expand operations, access wider markets, and create more jobs. The grant will fund technical design work, safeguards planning, and coordination mechanisms needed before full implementation.

The DOF added that Finance Secretary Frederick Go is currently spearheading the swift facilitation of government clearances for the three grants. Once approved, the agency said the funding will help ensure “sound technical, financial, environmental, and social foundations that minimize delays and accelerate project delivery.”

“I thank the World Bank for its continued support to the Philippines,” Go said. “These grants are vital for project development, and we will ensure they are finalized and signed without delay so the benefits reach our fellow countrymen as soon as possible.”

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