Australian Assistance for Philippines Drought

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

I am pleased to announce that the
Australian Government will provide up to A$1 million (24 million pesos) in
emergency drought relief assistance to the southern Philippines island of
Mindanao.

The assistance will help vulnerable rural
communities in the upland areas of southern Mindanao which are experiencing
critical food shortages following the recent El Nino event.

Indigenous groups have been particularly
affected by a series of crop failures over the past two years as a result of
drought and infestations of pests.

Escalating prices due to the economic
crises in Asia have also severely reduced the ability of poor remote communities
in Mindanao to purchase staple foods.

Australian Government assistance will
consist of food aid, agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertiliser and
medical supplies to be provided through Australian non-government
organisations.

This drought assistance is in addition to
the $59.8 million in Australian aid committed to the Philippines this year which
is aimed at reducing poverty through targeted activities in health, education
and training, water supply, agriculture and governance.

Australian aid is increasingly focussed on
Mindanao, which is one of the more disadvantaged areas of the Philippines.

In particular, Australia is an active
supporter of the peace process in Mindanao. In addition to the provision of
basic household amenities and infrastructure for former Moro National Liberation
Front combatants and their families, current Australian development activities
in areas covered by the Special Zone of Peace and Development total some $40
million.

MANILA