USAID launching new partnership to scale up PH infra development

WASHINGTON—The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will launch a new partnership to scale up infrastructure development in the Philippines.

According to a White House fact sheet, this will support the construction of high-quality railways, ports, and transport systems.

"Additionally, over the course of 2023, USTDA will launch new sustainable infrastructure activities intended to leverage over $3 billion in public and private financing to strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety, and support healthcare infrastructure across the Philippines," the White House said.

The fact sheet was posted following the bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden.

Manila and Washington are expected to expand air connectivity and modernize bilateral aviation relationships that will strengthen the countries' economic and people-to-people ties.

The aeronautical authorities of both countries will formalize a technical aviation dialogue at the upcoming APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Detroit to enhance policy and regulatory alignment and modernize their transportation agreement.

When it comes to space cooperation, they will strengthen bilateral cooperation on space situational awareness and the use of space for maritime domain awareness.

The two countries will collaborate on the use of space-based technology in the areas of disaster management and emergency response, healthcare, mapping of resources and accessibility, pollution monitoring, deforestation, land use and infrastructure planning, and maritime awareness.

Marcos and Biden welcomed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation on the Landsat Program, including the possibility for the Philippines to download imagery directly from Landsat satellites to its ground stations.  

Meanwhile, the US also intends to establish a brick-and-mortar Open RAN Interoperability Lab in Manila, pending Congressional notification.

This lab aims to provide hands-on training to current and aspiring 5G professionals and provide an opportunity for vendors and operators deploying Open RAN worldwide to teach and educate local engineers on how to design, build, and operate these open, secure, and interoperable networks. —NB, GMA Integrated News