RP participates in Millennium Challenge roundtable

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines participated in the 1st Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) Compact Development Roundtable for Ambassadors as the government expressed confidence that its compact agreement with MCC will further strengthen the country’s governance institutions.

The roundtable was hosted by MCC chief executive officer (CEO) Daniel Yohannes.

The event was attended by ambassadors or representatives of MCC countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Jordan, Malawi, Zambia and Moldova.

During the meeting, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa expressed confidence that the Philippines’ compact agreement with MCC will further strengthen the country’s governance institutions that will be beneficial in the long-term.

MCC CEO Yohannes reiterated both President Barack Obama’s and Secretary of State and MCC Chairperson Hillary Clinton’s support to the MCC process, a key element in the smart US foreign assistance focused on good policies, country ownership, and results.

In December, the Philippines had assured the MCC that the government will continue to work hard and improve on the various aspects of the MCC program.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo called on MCC Chief Executive Officer Yohannes to formally convey to the Philippine Government’s profound appreciation to the MCC for its re-selection as compact eligible for fiscal year 2010. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the selection of a country as compact eligible is a prerequisite to signing a compact agreement.

With its declaration as Compact eligible, the DFA said the Philippines’ compact bid is now on track.

“We will continue to work hard and improve on the various aspects of the MCC program,” Romulo said during the meeting with the MCC official.