Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 21) — Over a dozen new programs and partnerships between the Philippines and the United States will be launched during US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the country, the White House announced Monday.
Climate action, energy security, sustainable infrastructure
The two countries will establish a policy dialogue to discuss further collaboration on the area of energy, the White House said.
Among the topics for discussion is civil nuclear cooperation, particularly the “123 Agreement” which will provide the legal basis for US exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines.
The US said it will also back the development of a nickel and cobalt processing facility in the Philippines, which will expand the production of refined nickel and cobalt by 20,000 metric tons per year.
It added that a geothermal project will be developed in Mindanao through a partnership between the US and Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation. This is seen to expand access to clean energy, reduce emissions, and bring down energy costs for consumers, the White House said.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will open an office in the embassy in Manila to help American firms and financiers invest in the local market, specifically in the sectors of energy and infrastructure.
Lastly, the US said it will help build partner capacity to mitigate cybersecurity risks in critical seaport infrastructure.
Defense and security
Harris’ visit will also reaffirm the security alliance between the two nations, including the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the White House said.
The deal signed in 2014 allows the US to build temporary structures in the Philippines for its troops and for equipment storage. The US said it has allocated over $82 million towards implementation of EDCA at all five existing sites, adding that more funding is on the way.
Officials earlier said there are proposed additional EDCA sites, specifically in Zambales, Cagayan, Isabela, and Palawan.
Food security, sustainable agriculture
The US is also expected to establish a food security dialogue with the Philippines “to create resilient food systems and discuss best practices for agricultural innovation and sustainability.”
Additionally, the country will issue a $20-million loan to enable Agri Exim Global Philippines, Inc. – a local processor of organic coconuts into derivative products – to grow its processing facilities. The White House said this aims to help thousands of local farmers get organic certification and connect to global supply chains and customers.
Upskilling, the digital economy
The fact sheet also states that USTDA eyes working with local telecom operator NOW Telecom for the deployment of 5G technologies to enable broader and more reliable internet access.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID), meanwhile, will launch a five-year project that seeks to expand the participation of small and medium enterprises in the e-commerce ecosystem.
It also plans to support the new Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance, the White House said. “Leveraging $5.3 million in private sector contributions from seven Philippine companies, this public-private partnership will work with government, industry, and academia to create a highly skilled and adaptive workforce that meets the evolving requirements of the high-tech manufacturing sector,” it noted.
The US also committed to provide a $15.5-million loan guaranty to support ASA Philippines Foundation, a microfinance institution helping women entrepreneurs access capital for their businesses.
Health security
The US announced that it intends to invest $5 million to further accelerate COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Philippines through the Global VAX initiative.
“The United States will also invest $8 million, subject to the availability of funds, to strengthen our global health security partnership with the Philippine health system, which will help prevent avoidable outbreaks, detect health threats early, and respond rapidly and effectively when outbreaks occur,” it said.
Additionally, the Philippine ally vowed to ensure that Filipino veterans of the US military, as well as their families, can benefit from the PACT Act signed by US President Joe Biden in August which expands health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pots and other toxic substances.
Human rights
The US said it plans to provide financial support for the three-year United Nations Joint Programme for Human Rights to enhance the Philippines’ ability to fulfil its international human rights obligations and commitments.
It added that it will launch a new program with World Hope to combat the online sexual exploitation of Filipino children, as well as extend assistance to survivors of the crime.
The list covers a wide range of issues, including addressing the climate crisis, advancing clean energy, ensuring food security, and improving the Philippine health care system.
Below are the initiatives, based on a fact sheet released by Washington on Harris’ first full day in Manila.
