Makati City, October 2024 – The Australian Embassy in the Philippines has unveiled a five-year development partnership under the Australia–Philippines Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029 (DPP), designed to align with both countries’ shared development priorities. Officially launched by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Secretary Jan Adams and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu, the plan outlines Australia’s strategic support to bolster the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The DPP reflects the principles agreed upon in the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership and sets clear objectives for collaboration aimed at advancing economic and social development, enhancing stability, and increasing resilience to shocks such as natural disasters and climate change.
Focus on Shared Objectives
The DPP centers around three main objectives:
- Enhancing stability – This includes supporting peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), civil and maritime cooperation, and justice system strengthening.
- Inclusive and sustainable growth – The plan aims to aid key economic reforms, support infrastructure, renewable energy, and foster digital innovation. Additionally, it includes human capital development, with a focus on secondary education pathways.
- Resilience building – Through initiatives like climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and poverty alleviation, the DPP will support both institutional and community resilience.
Ambassador Yu, in her remarks, emphasized that this long-term plan for Australia’s development efforts is unprecedented, noting the thorough consultations held with over 85 government agencies and organizations in crafting the partnership.
Economic and Climate-Related Support
Beyond government-to-government collaboration, Australia’s private sector will also be contributing significantly to key projects, in line with the partnership’s broad scope. The DFAT chief highlighted that Australia has been committing over PHP4 billion annually in capacity building and development aid. This figure is expected to grow as the DPP is implemented, bringing more funds and investments into critical sectors such as infrastructure, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
The DPP also strengthens Australia’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change. Adams affirmed Australia’s support for the Philippines in both climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as efforts to protect the marine environment. Australia will also remain an active partner in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Partnership for National Development
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Joseph Cupino commended the development plan, stating that the partnership will accelerate the Philippine Development Plan’s goals, particularly in protecting Filipino families from vulnerabilities and expanding opportunities for women.
Cupino noted that Australia’s support would have a lasting impact on vulnerable communities while driving critical reforms in governance, education, and infrastructure.
A Coordinated and Long-Term Vision
The DPP’s approach is comprehensive, combining Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) with other non-ODA initiatives, including regional and global development activities. A mid-term review of the DPP will ensure that progress is monitored, with Australia and the Philippines continuing to engage in dialogue to ensure that the plan remains aligned with evolving national priorities.
This plan, launched amidst the growing cooperation between the two countries, promises to create a long-lasting and sustainable partnership, benefiting both nations economically, socially, and environmentally.
