THE NATIONAL Capital Region (NCR) and Mindanao hosted the most official development assistance (ODA) projects in 2024, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.
“ODA support was geographically distributed, with Mindanao and NCR receiving larger allocations,” DEPDev said in its ODA Portfolio Review Report issued on Thursday.
ODA refers to the a form of aid, typically loans and grants, provided by governments or international organizations to developing countries to support their social and economic development.
Overall, $11.88 billion supports 123 loans or grants to Philippine regions. Overall ODA commitments amounted to $39.61 billion in 2024.
Some 30.1% of ODA commitments are region-specific, 38.53% nationwide, and 31.47% multi-regional.
The DEPDev said the NCR received the largest region-specific allocation at $5.35 billion across 28 projects, accounting for 45% of the total region-specific portfolio.
“As the country’s primary economic center, NCR received ODA directed towards urban development, transport infrastructure, and public service improvements, including efforts to reduce congestion and enhance productivity,” it said.
If the NCR is excluded from Luzon, Mindanao received the largest share among the three island groups, accounting for $2.68 billion across 62 loans and grants, or 23% of region-specific ODA.
“This reflects continued support for peacebuilding, post-conflict development, and inclusive infrastructure in the island group. Major interventions were concentrated in the Davao Region (Region XI), which received $1.93 billion for 12 projects — making it the highest among all regions,” DEPDev said.
Among the regions excluding the NCR, Davao Region received $1.93 billion, Central Luzon $1.55 billion, Central Visayas $1.46 billion and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao $585.89 million.
Some 43 projects were identified as “at-risk,” most of them being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante