New ADB Country Director Eyes Greater Capital and Expertise for PH

Newly appointed Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for the Philippines, Andrew Jeffries, has expressed optimism about the impact of programs and projects under his watch, as the Bank continues to strengthen support for the country’s push toward upper-middle-income status.

Jeffries brings over 34 years of professional experience, including 18 years with ADB. (Photo: ADB Philippines)

The ADB announced his appointment on 18 August 2025, noting: “Beginning his new role today, Mr. Jeffries will lead ADB operations in the Philippines, the bank’s host country with an active portfolio of around $13 billion.

He will oversee the implementation of ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy 2024–2029 and manage ADB’s relationships with the government, private sector, and development partners.”

“My immediate priority is to ensure ADB does everything we can to support the Philippine government’s development priorities. I am also eager to grow ADB’s role in mobilizing private capital and expertise as an integral part of our assistance,” Jeffries said.

“I am delighted to be back working in the Philippines, a country which many of us in ADB call home. The economy is at a critical juncture, with major infrastructure and social protection investments beginning to bear fruit. But more needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind and that risks such as climate impacts are mitigated as the country strives toward upper-middle-income status,” he added.

Jeffries, a U.S. national, holds a master’s degree in international affairs with a specialization in international economic policy from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bucknell University.

He brings over 34 years of professional experience, including 18 years with ADB.

He previously served as Advisor for Energy Transition Mechanism and Partnerships, overseeing a regionwide initiative, and was ADB’s Country Director for Vietnam from 2020 to 2023.

Prior roles include Director of the Southeast Asia Energy Division (2016–2020), head of energy operations in India (2013–2016), and leadership of South Asia energy infrastructure projects.

Before joining ADB in 2007, he held senior positions at Fortis Capital Corp. and GE Capital’s Global Energy Division.

Founded in 1966, the Manila-based ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 of them from Asia. It deployed $39.2 billion across Asia and the Pacific in 2024 to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.

In the Philippines, ADB financing and co-financing reached $6 billion in 2024—the second largest among members after India, which received $7.3 billion.

Of this, $2.2 billion supported the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network, Climate Change Action Program, Project Development and Monitoring Facility, and Public Financial Management Reform Program.

An additional $12.6 million supported trade, supply chain finance, and microfinance programs. Private-sector projects received $162.1 million in non-sovereign financing.

This year, ADB said it has about $4 billion in program and project loans for the Philippines. Recently, it approved a $400 million loan to expand the country’s food stamp program, aimed at addressing hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition among marginalized groups.

“With our increased financial firepower and sharper strategic focus, ADB is turning commitment into concrete results. We are financing more affordable and efficient energy and transport systems, supporting a vibrant private sector that creates better-quality jobs, and strengthening basic services in education, health, and social protection,” the Bank underscored.