An archipelago of more than 7,500 islands, the Philippines spans three geographical areas — Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Focusing on strengthening economic growth, democratic governance, health and education, USAID partners to advance sustainable, inclusive development for all Filipinos. USAID also aims to forge lasting peace and stability in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, improve natural resource management, and boost environmental resilience.

ECONOMIC GROWTH, GOVERNANCE, HEALTH AND EDUCATION

Limited foreign investment, constrained access to quality public services and a controversial anti-drug campaign threaten the prosperity and security of the Philippines. To encourage investment, USAID promotes reforms that create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, including American companies. Bolstering democratic governance, USAID strengthens access to justice, political participation and local governance. Supporting the Philippines’ commitment to improving health and education, USAID helps the country achieve its goal of sustaining a healthy population, boosts early-grade reading and strengthens university education curricula.

PEACE AND STABILITY IN MINDANAO

Seven of the Philippines’ 10 poorest provinces are located on the southern island of Mindanao, stamping out opportunities for young people and making way for rebel groups and extremists — including from other countries — to take root. In response to the 2017 ISIS-linked insurgency in Marawi City, which displaced hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, USAID supports humanitarian and longer-term revitalization efforts for displaced populations and offers alternatives to violent extremism.

ENVIRONMENT

Millions of Filipinos rely on agriculture, forestry and fisheries for their livelihoods; yet, frequent natural disasters — which cost the Philippines about $5 billion annually — threaten these critical natural resources. Bolstering the country’s environmental resilience, USAID helps improve the management of over 90 percent of the Philippines’ forests which help prevent erosion and provide energy and water.

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