09 December 2013 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario met yesterday, December 8, with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, who pledged the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to the Philippines’ rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The Foreign Minister had earlier visited Leyte to personally survey the scale of the destruction as well as the ongoing post-disaster response on the ground.
In her meeting with Secretary Del Rosario, Minister Bishop was briefed by Secretary for Public Works and Highways Rogelio L Singson; Secretary for Socioeconomic Planning and Director-General of the National Economic and Develoment Authority Arsenio M Balisacan; and Department of Energy Undersecretary Raul B Aguilos on the Philippine Government’s recovery and reconstruction efforts and long-term plans as well as areas in which Australia can provide its support and assistance.
Secretary Del Rosario reiterated the Philippines’ deep appreciation for the prompt and generous assistance of Australia in the aftermath of Yolanda (Haiyan), including the A$30 million (PhP1.2 billion) in disaster aid, the deployment of two 37-member medical assistance teams and a Disaster Victim Management Team, and the use of military aircraft and the Royal Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Tobruk, to help in humanitarian efforts. Minister Bishop informed the Secretary that the Australian Government would provide an additional A$10 million in assistance which would be coursed through UNICEF, the UN Population Fund, WHO, and local NGOs.
In addition, Secretary Del Rosario thanked Australia for its substantial development assistance in the areas of education, and disaster response and disaster risk reduction as well as the promotion of peace and stability in Mindanao. Australia has also consistently provided assistance in response to previous disasters such as the earthquake in Central Visayas in October and the humanitarian crisis in Zamboanga and Basilan. The two foreign ministers also discussed bilateral matters as well as issues of regional concern. END