ADB Offers Up to $1.75 Billion in Support to Help PH Weather Iran Crisis

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has offered up to $1.75 billion in additional funding support to help the Philippines mitigate the economic impact of tensions involving Iran as conflict in the Middle East continues.

ADB President Masato Kanda meets with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss financial support amid economic risks linked to Middle East tensions. (Photo: Presidential Communications Office Facebook)

ADB President Masato Kanda personally made the offer to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a meeting at Malacañang Palace.

“The Philippines is ADB’s home, and we see the strain this crisis is placing on Filipino families, workers and businesses,” Kanda said, noting that the regional lender’s headquarters is located in Mandaluyong City.

“ADB will act swiftly to support the government in protecting vulnerable communities, managing fiscal pressures and strengthening the economy’s resilience,” he added.

According to the ADB, the Philippines has been significantly affected by the Middle East conflict due to its heavy reliance on imported oil, fertilizers and other global commodities.

The bank cited government measures such as the declaration of a national energy emergency and the rollout of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT).

The aforementioned includes fuel subsidies, excise tax reductions on select oil products and financial assistance for transport workers, farmers, fishers and repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

The ADB said the proposed support package would help the Philippines manage fiscal pressures through additional policy-based and countercyclical lending of up to $1.75 billion, along with trade financing if needed.

The offer is on top of roughly $2 billion in policy-based loans already being prepared for the Philippines this year.

Kanda said the ADB is also coordinating with Philippine government agencies to strengthen long-term resilience, including support for fertilizer security, social protection, energy security, clean energy, energy efficiency and mass transit investments.

The Philippines received $6.81 billion in ADB financing in 2025, including loans, grants and co-financing for various projects and programs.