The Philippines is working closely with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to shape the country’s development priorities for 2026 to 2028, according to Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
Balisacan met with Nianshan Zhang, the newly appointed director-general of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, at DEPDev’s office in Mandaluyong to review ongoing and upcoming initiatives. He highlighted the ADB’s role as the Philippines’ leading multilateral development partner and second-largest source of official development assistance.
Discussions focused on the 2026–2028 lending program, with Balisacan assuring that DEPDev will continue rigorous evaluation of project proposals, early identification of potential challenges, and strict alignment with national priorities.
Priority sectors under the proposed program include infrastructure development, digitalization, climate resilience, and human capital development.
Zhang, who now oversees ADB operations across Southeast Asia, previously led the implementation and monitoring of the bank’s safeguards policy.
Balisacan said the government looks forward to deeper collaboration under Zhang’s leadership to deliver more effective development programs for the Philippines.
Also present during the meeting were DEPDev officials Joseph Capuno and Joseph Norley Capistrano, alongside ADB representatives Andrew Jeffries and Joris Van Etten.