France, through its development arm Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is readying a major support package for the Philippines to strengthen its fisheries, marine biodiversity, and climate adaptation programs.
The plan includes a €200 million policy-based loan, still under discussion, alongside a €500,000 technical assistance grant. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are set to benefit directly from the initiative.
Marie-Cécile Thirion, Deputy Head of AFD’s Agriculture, Rural Development, and Biodiversity Division, explained: “We are looking at the 200 million euro. It’s still under discussion. It’s a budgetary aid for Philippines. It will be normally co-financed with the Asian Development Bank. And we are discussing with the Ministry of the Philippines on different reforms that we have an impact on the ocean.”
She said the project will also cover rehabilitation of abandoned aquaculture areas, helping boost coastal resource management. “We are discussing with the Philippines management of fisheries to specifically assist coastal resources and especially the aquaculture rehabilitation of old aquaculture areas that… have been left over and that need to be rehabilitated,” Thirion added.
Cyrille Bellier, AFD’s Director of Operations in Asia, noted that their partnership with Manila goes beyond fisheries. “We are currently working on the Blue Economy project with the Filipino government,” he said, calling 2025 “an important year” as AFD increases commitments in the country.
The move comes as the Philippines grapples with climate change, heavy reliance on coal, and growing public demand for cleaner, more sustainable policies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement.
Philippe Orliange, AFD’s Executive Director of Operations, emphasized France’s readiness to expand its role: “I’m tempted to say that the Philippines is certainly a country in which we’d like to work more in the community. Using the entire toolbox available, from budget support to projects with a strong business, matches the expectations of the Philippine government.”
AFD underscored that local concerns—such as air pollution in urban centers—could drive reforms forward, noting that health risks often push governments to act faster.
The new package builds on AFD’s previous projects in the country, including a 2020 coral reef restoration effort in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan.
