Summary

This document (1998) provides a history and overview of the Australian Government's overseas aid program to the Philippines.

Description

The Australian Government's aid program to the Philippines recognises that Filipinos face great challenges in keeping their country on the path to sustainable and equitable growth.

Although the Philippines has in recent years made good economic progress, more than a third of households, the majority of them in rural areas, still live on incomes below the poverty line.

In close cooperation with Filipinos, the Australian Government is contributing to projects in areas such as health, education, rural development and infrastructure.

There will also be, over the next few years, a focus on aid projects which promote good governance, and on projects in the southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao, home to 30 per cent of the country's poor.

The Australian aid program recognises that among other needs, one third of Filipino children do not complete primary education and that malnutrition and preventable diseases are significant health problems.

The emphasis on governance reflects the Australian Government's belief that aid funding is more effective if the domestic policy settings of partner countries are conducive to development. Effective governance means competent management of a country's resources in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, equitable and responsive to people's needs.

All Australian aid projects are designed and implemented in cooperation with Filipinos. The long-term strategy for development cooperation is reviewed regularly by the Australian Government in consultation with the Philippine Government.

Australia and the Philippines–Partners in Development [PDF 3mb]

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