ADB Board of Directors today approved a $400 million loan to support the expansion of the Philippines- conditional cash transfer program, known locally as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a cornerstone of the country-s social reform efforts in the wake of the global economic crisis.

ADB plans to issue its inaugural Clean Energy Bond to support its clean energy projects in Asia and the Pacific.

ADB is extending a $100 million equivalent loan for a cross-border electricity initiative between India and Bangladesh that will provide impetus for increased power trading in South Asia.

ADB is providing technical assistance to help remove barriers to microinsurance development in the People-s Republic of China and Mongolia which could benefit millions of poor families and unlock household savings for productive economic use.