EU official arriving tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs is visiting the Philippines for the first time from Nov. 10 to 12 to strengthen development cooperation and provide new support for the peace process.

Piebalgs will explore ways on how to further advance bilateral development cooperation between the European Union and the Philippines.

During his visit, Piebalgs will hold high-level meetings with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balicasan, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia.

During his visit, the EU and the World Bank will sign on Monday a grant of eight million euros (about P45 million) in support of the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Ahead of his visit, Piebalgs said, “I am pleased to see rapid economic growth in the Philippines in the past few years. However it is now important to deepen the economic reforms and make this growth more inclusive. The EU is ready to support the Philippines on its path to reduce poverty, strengthen the rule of law and support Mindanao’s peace process.”

Piebalgs will also visit the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture supported by the EU Trade Related Technical Assistance project. – With Jose Rodel Clapano