DAVAO CITY (PIA) - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently spearheaded discussions for the country's future development programs with the Canadian government.
NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan led the delegation, which presented the Aquino administration's directions in the drafting of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and Medium-Term Public Investment Program to the officials of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). He told them that these plans will be anchored on achieving inclusive growth, generating employment, and reducing poverty.
On the other hand, CIDA Senior Director Michael Brownell said that the Canadian government will be focusing 80 percent of its bilateral aid to 20 countries under the three priority themes of sustainable economic growth, securing the future of children and youth, and food security.
Although the Philippines is not among these 20 countries, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to assist the country in the area of sustainable economic growth. Once the MTPDP for 2010-2016 is finalized, talks will resume next year to further discuss program ideas between the two countries.
