The Program Development Objective (PDO) of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project in the Philippines is to strengthen the Philippines' capacity to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness.
The project consists of four components:
BIC has been working with disabled persons organizations (DPOs) in the Philippines to monitor the World Bank-funded Philippines COVID-19 Emergency Response Project. Our initial concerns about this project were that the specific needs of persons would not be assessed or addressed until project implementation. That meant that barriers to project benefits or specific harm mitigation strategies would happen during project implementation, too late in the process to easily make project design changes that would promote inclusion. It also appeared when we began dialogue with the Bank that consultations on the project, especially with marginalized groups, were not being prioritized. Our partners were particularly concerned about how those who are deaf or rely on sign language interpretation because information about COVID-19 spread, testing, and treatment was not being distributed in an accessible way.
As a result of advocacy with our partners, DPOs were included in the general government consultation about the project, and our partners raised many of their concerns in that consultation relating to inclusive project design and implementation. The Department of Health (DOH) then had a specific follow-up meeting with disability organizations to address their specific concerns relating to virtual sign language interpreters, accessible health promotion materials, and guidelines on personal assistants to persons with disabilities in health facilities. The Bank and the DOH in the Philippines have made strides in addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 health response, and we hope that this will continue in health projects in the future in the Philippines.
As the World Bank responds rapidly to the health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is financing numerous projects to aid countries in their response. Despite the urgent nature of the response, the Bank must support projects that are effectively engaging with stakeholders and benefiting marginalized groups.
The International Bank For Reconstruction And Development is covering the entire project cost of $100 million.
Consultations with stakeholders, especially consultations with marginalized groups, should begin immediately, so the project can adequately address the risks and mitigation measures for these groups. While movement restrictions have limited in-person consultations, the Bank can work with the Department of Health to pursue innovative strategies, such as virtual meetings or surveys, to carry out more inclusive consultations for this project. By working with the Department of Health to engage project stakeholders and affected groups, the Bank can help to facilitate project implementation that benefits all. These inclusive consultations will prove essential in pursuing the Bank's goal to protect marginalized groups in its COVID-19 response.
