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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE
Performance of Selected Government
Institutions Improved
This program supports improvements in judicial efficiency, improvements in government policy and administration, and promotion of innovations in trade and investment.
Background
The performance of the Philippine economy has shown notable improvements in the last two years, as reflected in the GDP growth rate exceeding target, steady improvement in the government fiscal position, rising exports and increasing investments. In the first half of 2007, the country’s GDP grew by 7.3 percent. Government revenue increased from 14.4 percent of GDP in 2004 to 16.3 percent in the first half of 2007. Exports grew by 6.6 percent from 2006 to first half of 2007, while investment approvals increased by 30 percent. At the broad level, there is still much more to be done to sustain the economic gains. Reform efforts should focus on sustaining good fiscal sector performance, and removing barriers to investment and competition associated with corruption, inappropriate or poorly enforced regulations, and backlogged courts.
USAID through the Office of Economic Development and Governance(OEDG) implements economic growth, democracy, and governance activities. USAID's economic development and governance activities support transparent institutions, better tax collection, efficient and corruption-free customs valuation, reform of government budgeting and procurement at national and local levels, rule of law, improved transparency and public participation in governance, empowered civil society, and fair and transparent electoral process.In addition, OEDG also manages LGU development activities that focus on broadening participation in public policy. This includes assisting local governments to improve performance, strengthen community participation, and support Leagues of Local Government to learn and share best practices among local governments.
Other Activities include USAID support for smaller programs such as educating the deaf, helping the handicapped, and protecting vulnerable individuals from human trafficking.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Judicial Efficiency Improved - USAID will continue to assist Philippine partners to help the legal-judicial system become more transparent and predictable in enforcing laws and policies.
Government Policy and Administration Improved - USAID will continue to assist Philippine partners in strengthening economic governance in key government agencies through increasing accountability and transparency.
Innovations in Trade and Investment programs Promoted - USAID will continue to assist Philippine partners to facilitate the country's implementation of its WTO commitments, support liberalization of agriculture policy, promote increased competition and private sector involvement in shipping and telecommunications, strengthen financial market development, assist the GRP in the implementation and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and support the removal and/or modification of administrative impediments to business.