British envoy cites inclusion of RP in UK economic governance program

The Philippines’ inclusion in Britain’s Economic Governance Program indicates the country’s importance to its economic interests and objectives, according to the British Embassy in Manila.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham said the P30-million program in the country has been running for a year and has played a role in encouraging greater competition.

He said the program has been endorsing better corporate governance and it contributed in improvements in the country’s investment climate.

The projects launched by the British government under this program include the improvement of public service delivery through Citizen’s Charters in Laoag, Sorsogon, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Digos and Iligan; enhancing an e-auction for the National Food Authority; developing an anti-corruption communications campaign; strengthening local governance, targeting poverty incidence in Bohol; capacity building on economic issues for the judiciary and technical assistance to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Beckingham added that "the British Government intends to continue the program for two more years and that the Embassy is in constant search for new program partners and welcomes proposals from government agencies and the civil society."

The envoy said British investments in the country continues to pour as he expressed optimism that it will be boosted by the upcoming major business process outsourcing event that will be held in London next month.