PH Signs MOU on the Sustainable Development of Manila Bay with The Netherlands

Socio-Economic Secretary and NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia and Dutch Ambassador Marion Derckx exchange the signed documents of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines and the Netherlands concerning Cooperation on the Sustainable Development of the Manila Bay Area.

31 January 2018 – The Philippines and the Netherlands signed the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Cooperation on the Sustainable Development of the Manila Bay area on 22 January. Under the MOU, both governments will work towards that formation of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan (MBSDMP), which will provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and management of the entire area of the world-famous bay.

Secretary Pernia said the MOU will address an issue of critical importance: the balance between the growth of the economy and the sustainability of the environment. He praised the Dutch for having unparalleled and extensive knowledge and experience in programs and projects that protect vulnerable coastal zones, adding that having the Dutch as partners is valuable for the Philippines.

For her part, Ambassador Derkcx said that as in similar projects that they had in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia, they will not only contribute to the local expertise and sustainable development, but will also learn from working with their Filipino partners, thus enriching the Dutch’s own knowledge in developing partnerships.

Finally, Secretary Pernia described the signing of the MOU as a solid commitment to preserving our proud heritage for future generations of Filipinos. END