Democracy & Governance Annual Program Statement for FY2009

USAID/Philippines invites applications from US and non-US organizations, including Philippines, non-profit or for-profit entities to implement democracy and governance activities at the national level and in Mindanao under the US Foreign Assistance framework's objectives "Governing Justly and Democratically" and "Peace and Security". USAID/Philippines currently supports oversight and reform of government budgeting, anticorruption efforts, initiatives to improve the efficiency and integrity of the judiciary and access to justice, greater transparency and public participation in governance, a fair and transparent electoral process, an empowered civil society and the protection of vulnerable individuals from human trafficking. For FY2009, the priority areas for support are geared towards promoting greater political competition through free, fair and honest elections; promoting human rights; strengthening public participation in governance through reform advocates and civil society actors among others; enhancing transparency and accountability; reducing corruption; broadening access to justice and ensuring the fair and equal application of the law; and reducing conflict, particularly in Mindanao.