Foreign Minister Stephen Smith reaffirmed Australia's support for the Philippines when he and Trade Minister Simon Crean attended the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting in Manila from October 8-9 2008.
During the Ministerial meeting, Mr Smith and Mr Crean, along with their Philippine counterparts, reaffirmed a shared commitment to their bilateral relationship. They also agreed that efforts to address poverty and promote greater economic and social development in the Philippines were essential.
Australia is particularly committed to improving education in the Philippines. While there, Mr Smith visited the Baseco Elementary School, a strong example of cooperation between AusAID and the Philippines Department of Education. During his visit to the school, he announced an additional contribution of $13 million for a Muslim and Indigenous Peoples' Education Facility. This facility will improve access to and quality of primary education for some of the Philippines' most disadvantaged girls and boys. The new three-year program will expand teacher training, develop culturally appropriate curriculum and learning materials and build more classrooms, particularly in remote areas.
During the Ministerial meeting Australia also committed to improving economic opportunities for the poor and access to basic health services in the Philippines. Australia's support includes $100 million contribution over five years to improve roads in Mindanao and the Visayas, $5 million to combat malaria and $1.8 million to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Australia is the second largest development assistance donor to the Philippines, providing nearly $110 million in 2008-09. Our support is focussed on providing basic education, inclusive economic growth and human security.
The 3rd Philippines-Australia Ministerial meeting will be held in Australia in 2010.
For further information see:
Australia provides $13 million to support education in the Philippines
Joint Ministerial Statement: Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting