Clean Ganga Mission is one of the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to ensure the quality of water and environmentally sustainable development of the Ganga River, important and considered holy and purifier of Hindus. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte initiated the cleanup project of Boracay, one of the country’s most famous resort islands. Boracay was closed for six-month rehabilitation and re-opened to tourists in October 2018. Recently, President Duterte also ordered the cleanup of Manila Bay, a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila. On January 27, 2019, thousands of volunteers and government workers kicked off a historical cleanup drive of the Manila Bay, hauling tons of garbage to improve the surroundings. These efforts are part of the Philippine commitment to address environmental issues and protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

-H.E. (Mrs) Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Ambassador, Republic of Philippines to India

The Philippine agriculture sector continues to play a pivotal role in the economy and remains the country's largest single employer. Involving about 40 percent of Filipino workers, the country's agricultural sector contributes an average of 20 percent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Philippine agriculture sector is expected to sustain the growth momentum amid better Government support. The country's agricultural output grew by 5.28 percent in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the previous year. This growth could be attributed to the good climate and favorable conditions in the farming sector. Like India, the Philippines is also among the top 10 producing countries of rice, banana, coconut, pineapple, among others. While the Philippine agriculture sector has shown a positive outlook, there is much more work to be done to sustain the growth of this sector and improve its contribution to the country's economy. The Philippines is looking forward to collaborate with India in this sector particularly in various agricultural training programs.

-H.E. (Mrs) Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Ambassador, Republic of Philippines to India

With 7,107 islands, nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich biodiversity, numerous historical landmarks, distinctive culture and tradition, arts and crafts, and world famous Filipino hospitality, the Philippines is one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia. The travel and tourism industry continues to be an important sector of the Philippine economy contributing a total of P1.43 trillion to the Philippines in 2015. The Philippines has been engaged in a concerted effort to attract more visitors, with intensive investments in marketing and infrastructure to support the tourism industry. With the liberalization of the foreign investment law, 100% foreign equity may be allowed in all areas of investment except those reserved for Filipinos by mandate of the Philippine Constitution and existing laws. India became one of the Philippine major tourism markets, posting 22.36 per cent year-on-year growth through the granting of visa-free entry privilege for Indian nationals with valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACCSUK) visa or permanent residence permit.

-H.E. (Mrs) Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Ambassador, Republic of Philippines to India