The World Bank on Thursday approved two loans to support the Philippines’ efforts to recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, improve competitiveness, and build resilience against shocks and natural disasters. The second loan, an additional $300 million for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) National Community Driven Development Project (KC-NCDDP), aims to help address rural poverty. “Community-driven development approaches have shown to be effective in accelerating community reconstruction following disaster events and efficiently putting money for priority needs of communities around the world,” Diop said. The KC-NCDDP is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The World Bank said communities can also secure funding for isolation facilities, improvements in water and sanitation and construction or upgrading of health stations.

Source: Manila Times December 17, 2020 16:30 UTC