Australia-Philippines development cooperation - a true partnership

Mabuhay! For over 50 years, the development partnership between Australia and the Philippines has stood the test of time, and it’s now reaching new heights.

Dear friends,

On Oct. 17, the Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ms Jan Adams AO PSM visited Manila to officially launch the Philippines-Australia Development Partnership Plan (DPP) 2024-29.

The DPP is a strategic blueprint for our development cooperation over the next five years.

The plan was co-launched by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), with numerous Philippine government agencies, and members of the Supreme Court and Congress in attendance.

This DPP underscores our commitment to deepening our genuine partnership, based on respect, listening and learning from each other. Australia is providing over P4 billion (A$104 million) per year in capacity building and development support to the Philippines. This includes P3.6 billion (A$94.2 million) in Official Development Assistance, which makes the Philippines our fifth largest bilateral program globally.

This collaboration is a reflection of our aligned priorities and shared vision. The DPP was informed by consultations with over 85 stakeholders, including Philippine government agencies, development partners, academia and civil society. We worked hard to ensure our efforts are deeply integrated with the needs and ambitions of the Filipino people, and aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Our Development Partnership Plan will focus on three key pillars: supporting stability; bolstering inclusive and sustainable economic growth; and strengthening resilience.