ODA portfolio grows 6% to USD39.61B in 2024, Japan leads with USD13.23B

The Philippines' total official development assistance (ODA) portfolio increased by 6 percent to USD39.61 billion in 2024, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

Japan remained the country's largest partner with USD13.23 billion in active commitments, supporting 82 loans and grants.

Infrastructure projects accounted for much of the increase, driven by nine fresh loan commitments worth USD8.2 billion that supported the Marcos administration's Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs).

Transport and connectivity infrastructure received the largest share of the ODA portfolio at USD42.81 billion, while governance and institutions development followed with USD6.4 billion.

Social reform and community development projects were also significant, receiving USD5.4 billion for 113 loans and grants in areas like health, education, social protection, and human capital development.

DEPDev emphasized the importance of enhancing project readiness, improving budgetary support, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and integrating cross-cutting themes to maximize ODA impact.