MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce an Australian contribution of $2 million towards
peace and development efforts in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao.
AusAID, Australia's Agency for International Development will provide the
funds through the United Nations to the Southern Philippines Council for Peace
and Development.
On 2 September 1996 the Government of the Philippines and the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) signed a peace accord bringing to an end more than two
decades of armed conflict in the southern Philippines.
Since the accord was signed the Philippines Government, the private sector
and international donors, including Australia, have made Mindanao a focus for
further medium to long-term investment. Over the next few years AusAID expects
to provide health, water supply and agricultural projects valued at $100 million
in Mindanao in addition to current projects.
The peace process in Mindanao, one of the Philippines' poorest regions, is at
a critical point. Inequities, particularly between the Muslim and Christian
communities, have contributed to the conflict in the past and have the potential
to do so again.
The funds will be used to support emergency programs in Mindanao's isolated
post conflict areas and to help former MNLF soldiers pursue alternative
livelihood opportunities.
MANILA
Media contact:
Canberra: Innes Willox (Minister's Office)
02 6277 7500 / 0411 414 695 Mark Giffard (AusAID) 02 6206 4966
Manila: Greg
Hunt (Minister's Office) 527 2025 / 0912 202 6790