Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests: Good afternoon.

Let me begin by extending my sincerest gratitude to the French Government for this historic milestone that will significantly contribute towards achieving economic security and prosperity for the Filipino people.

This landmark signing of the Agreement on Financial and Development Cooperation between our two governments is more than just a financial partnership.

It ensures uninterrupted delivery of programs and projects benefiting all Filipinos through wider access to additional sources of concessional funding as well as innovative and blended finance.

With the agreement now in place, we anticipate strengthened cooperation with France across high-impact sectors crucial to our country’s development.

This includes areas aligned with our national priorities and where France has a comparative advantage such as agriculture, agro-industry, mining, water and sanitation, infrastructure, transportation, and renewable energy.

We are very enthusiastic about the numerous pioneering and exciting projects that will be developed through this agreement, especially those that have never been done before in the Philippines.

With the broad range of development areas covered, this agreement will certainly serve as a key poverty-fighting force that will help us establish a solid foundation for a thriving, inclusive future for Filipinos.

On the Department of Finance’s part, we will ensure the efficient implementation of this agreement and see to it that all relevant agencies will be fully compliant with the processes and protocols agreed upon.

I am eager to see very soon the concrete outcomes of this cooperation and look forward to all that we can achieve together in the years ahead.

Once again, thank you for your steadfast support for the Filipino people. Mabuhay po kayo, at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!