Australia, PH launch 5-year development partnership plan

MANILA, October 21 ------ Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Jan Adams and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu led the launch of the Australia-Philippines Development Partnership Plan (DPP) in Makati City.  

The DPP between the two countries, which will be implemented from 2024 through 2029, will mean increased cooperation and Australian support for the Philippines’ development priorities. “When it comes to development programs we should be in it for the long haul, thus the 5-year time frame that you are seeing with the DPP. Two, that for the first time, we should be coming up with this plan in consultation with the host country. That it shouldn’t be just Australia driven, it should be created through true partnership,” Yu said.   

The DPP was created in consultation with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), in order to align with the country’s development targets. For over 20 years, Australia has provided the Philippines with P63 billion from its strategic partnership alone, which translates to an average of P4 billion per year, including 3.6 billion dollars in official development assistance.  

With the DPP, the assistance is expected to increase. Under the DPP, Australia aims to contribute to the Philippines’ stability, inclusive economic growth and resilience, prioritizing areas such as civil maritime security, peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), climate change and trade. “These are fundamental, fundamental to the well-being of Filipino people. And it is in absolutely Australia’s interest to make sure the Philippines is peaceful, stable and prosperous. Why? Because we live in the same region as you. And right now, you are at the forefront of protecting the rules-based order on behalf of the global community,” Yu explained. 

Yu lamented another incident involving dangerous actions made by Chinese maritime militia vessels against a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Pag-asa Island. According to Yu, Australia will continue to push for a rules-based international order to promote peace and stability in the region. “All countries should adhere to international law, in particular UNCLOS. That remains our position and always will be. And every time there are incidents like that, as you all know, I’m one of the first to tweet in support of the Philippines,” Yu said.  

Aside from maritime security, Yu also emphasized Australia’s efforts in maritime protection and conservation, including scientific approaches to address plastic pollution and coral restoration. Yu is also optimistic that the DPP will help the Philippines create an environment conducive for business, in order to encourage more Australian investors to come into the country. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com