THE Marcos administration has secured €200 million or roughly P14 billion in financing from France to strengthen the protection of marine ecosystems in the Philippines.
Funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) will support the Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program, Subprogram 1 (Mebed 1), which aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said this could expand sustainable livelihood opportunities for more than three million Filipinos as the government seeks to unlock the economic potential of the country’s blue economy.
“By securing our marine resources, we are protecting the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents and strengthening our defenses against climate change,” he said.
“Cleaner oceans mean a healthier, more productive blue economy,” Go added.
The program is designed to link environmental protection with economic development by supporting reforms that can make marine-based industries more sustainable while addressing threats to coastal ecosystems.
The Finance department said the financing would help advance reforms covering marine ecosystem protection, solid waste management and investments in the blue economy.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also co-financing the initiative, highlighting the role of development partners in supporting the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
The ADB approved a $500-million policy-based loan for the Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program in December 2025. The program is intended to support sustainable management of marine ecosystems, rejuvenate coastal areas and promote a resilient, low-carbon blue economy.
For France, the financing reflects its continuing partnership with the Philippines on environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said the marine ecosystems and blue economy program would help protect marine biodiversity, reduce plastic marine debris and promote sustainable economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, AFD Country Director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon said France and the Philippines shared a longstanding partnership focused on sustainable growth and ecosystem and population resilience.
“As a development partner, the French Development Agency is proud to help translate these shared commitments into concrete projects and tangible impact,” he said.
In June 2025, AFD provided €250 million in concessional financing under the Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 2, to support the country’s climate actions and transition toward a more resilient, low-carbon economy.
