The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday, May 15, unveiled the Philippine Sustainable Agriculture Transformation (PSAT) Program, backed by a USD1-billion World Bank (WB) financing package, aiming to modernize the country’s agriculture, boost productivity, and strengthen food security.
PSAT marks the Philippines’ first project under the World Bank’s Program-for-Results (PforR) model, which releases funds based on measurable outcomes rather than upfront disbursements. The project is a vote of confidence in the DA’s reform agenda and a shift toward results-driven development financing.
Complementing the loan is a USD24.5-million Technical Assistance for Sustainable Agriculture Transformation (TASAT) grant, including a USD14.5 million contribution from the UK through its Just Rural Transition Support Programme—underscoring a dual strategy of large-scale investment paired with capacity building.
PSAT and TASAT could become a test case for results-based financing in the Philippines, emphasizing measurable impact over mere fund availability. ### (Photos by Darrel Gultia, DA-OSEC Comms)
