Saturday, May 24, 2008 Aussie aid to RP hiked to Aus$109 million
THE Official Development Assistance (ODA) extended by the Australian Government to the Philippines has been increased to Aus$109.3 million for the fiscal year of 2008 to 2009.
Based on the report released by the Australian Embassy, the funds will be channeled through the Australian Government's agency for international development, AusAID, which has reportedly provided more than Aus$670 million worth of projects and financial assistance to the Philippines for the last ten years.
The funding will focus on economic development, basic education, and on national stability and human security.
"Australia has long been a strong development partner of the Philippines, with our development cooperation program going back to the 1950s," as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Rod Smith was quoted in the report of the Australian Embassy.
"Over the years, the Philippines aid program has become one of our largest globally," Smith added.
Australia will continue to work with the Philippines to pursue necessary economic reforms, sustain fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability, and strengthen planning and management of infrastructure investments.
From 2008 to 2009, Australia will increase its support to the Philippines' infrastructure initiatives and provide over P425 million (A$11.2 million) to help upgrade and maintain critical road infrastructure at the national and local levels.
Australia is also helping public schools in the Philippines to reach and maintain higher standards of basic education and to increase access to education. Australia's basic education initiatives are contributing to enhanced teaching and learning outcomes and assisting thousands of educators and school children in 18 provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao. (CPM)
