World Bank Boosts Philippines Anti-Poverty Project
The World Bank will lend $100 million to the Philippines to bolster a government scheme that helps millions of poor families give their children proper schooling and healthcare, it said Wednesday.
The extra funding will mean 200,000 more households are given a monthly subsidy of not more than $34 in return for ensuring children under 14 go to school and get regular health checks.
The government program already covers three million families, and has kept 7.9 million children in school while also requiring that pregnant mothers must receive proper care, the bank said.
"Ultimately, (the fund transfers) will help prevent the transmission of poverty from one generation to the next by helping today's children become more productive members of society," said Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, according to a World Bank statement.
More than a quarter of the Philippine's population of nearly 100 million live on a dollar a day or less.
World Bank country director Nazmul Chaudhury said a recent World Bank study showed improved school enrollment and attendance, and increased access to health centers.
"(The program) is clearly changing the spending patterns of poor households," he said.
Under the program each household gets 500 pesos a month for health and nutrition expenses and 300 pesos a month per child to cover the school expenses of up to three children.
The terms of the loan, approved by the bank board in Washington, were not immediately disclosed.
Source: Agence France Presse
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