Australia increases official development assistance to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Australia’s official development assistance to the Philippines will increase to approximately A$123 million in fiscal year 2009-10, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Rod Smith, has announced.

Australia will continue to be one of the three largest grant aid donors to the Philippines. Australia’s aid has grown significantly in the last five years with more than P16 billion invested in development cooperation programs over this period.

Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia’s aid program in the Philippines is focused on three areas: supporting economic growth; strengthening basic education; and contributing to national stability and human security.

“Australia will work with the Philippine Government to ensure that more children are educated, that the poor have access to health services, farmers and traders can use serviceable roads, and budgets are used in a transparent and effective way,” Smith said.

“Australian support will continue to increase access to quality education of Filipino girls and boys, including those with disabilities, Muslim and indigenous children and children in disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas,” he added.

Australian aid has helped to build constituencies for peace and essential infrastructure in Mindanao, and reduced deaths and the number of sick from malaria. In the midst of the global economic crisis, the Australian government has increased aid globally to support employment generation, protect vulnerable populations and maintain essential health and education services. Australia’s aid program will help lay the foundations for recovery and future prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.