Australia extends P2.8-B ODA to PH

THE AUSTRALIAN government is providing an estimated $81.9 million Australian dollars (roughly P2.8 billion) in official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, aimed at “promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, and enhancing stability” in the country.

According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the aid program would focus mainly on three objectives, namely enhancing the foundations for economic growth; building stronger institutions for transparent and accountable governance; and improving conditions for peace and stability.

“Australia and the Philippines have been partners for development for many decades. Our development cooperation program in the Philippines is at P2.8 billion ($81.9 million) and aligns with the development goals of the administration. We will continue to stand by the Philippines as a partner for change,” Australian Embassy Charges d’Affaires Mat Kimberley said in a statement.

“Last year, our two countries signed The Joint Declaration on Philippines Australia Comprehensive Partnership, which marks a new era for our bilateral relations. The Comprehensive Partnership acknowledges the breadth and depth of our relations and sets the tone, pace and direction of our relationship in the years ahead. It affirms our commitment to intensify cooperation across a broad range of activities, including on trade, development, defense, education, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime issues,” Kimberley added.

Australia’s DFAT noted that it would deliver targeted advice and technical assistance that are expected to have a “catalytic effect” both on reform efforts and capacity development of the Philippine government.

Given the Philippines’ current positive economic position, DFAT said the Australian government would shift its focus from basic service delivery, such as classroom construction, toward supporting the Philippine government to better manage its own resources.

Australia’s aid will align with the priorities of the Philippines government, which has sought to put the country on the path of accelerated, inclusive growth.

“The Philippine government has had an ambitious reform agenda in recent years to tackle poverty, improve governance and address corruption, while pushing through important social sector reforms, including education, and promoting peace in the Southern Philippines,” the DFAT added.

The Philippines is one of Australia’s longest-standing partners, with shared interests and values, supported by strong people-to-people links.

Australia is home to more than 250,000 people of Filipino heritage, with over 10,000 Filipino students enrolled in Australian universities and vocational institutions in 2015.

Australia’s interests in the Philippines will be pursued through the development of a well-managed and stable Philippine government and a more prosperous, inclusive and open economy.

A more open economy will not only benefit Filipinos, but also allow both nations to continue to pursue a mature economic partnership, DFAT said. Amy R. Remo