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Australian Ambassador visits Arroceros Forest Park, vows help for its expansion

Australian Ambassador visits Arroceros Forest Park, vows help for its expansion

By Erma Edera

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson vowed to support the expansion of the Arroceros Forest Park, the capital’s last forested area as he paid a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Thursday.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson (Australian Embassy in the Philippines)

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson (Australian Embassy in the Philippines)

This time aside from the usual courtesy call in the city hall, the envoy asked the Mayor to tour him at the Arroceros Forest Park.

Moreno and Arroceros Park employees even sang “Manila” by The Hotdog Band for the envoy during his visit.

The Arroceros Forest Park is a 2.2-hectare lot where a gym was supposed to be built for Manila universities.

"We are interested in where we can potentially help the mayor in terms of his endeavor here because we think this is a wonderful opportunity to the people if this can be expanded or improved,” Robinson said.

Robinson also said Australia will look for ways to support public schools in Manila.

He bared Australia has donated P5.2 million to Manila’s education sector since 2008.

"I’ve been down to Tondo to look at what’s happening and we’re looking now at where we can best make a difference,” Robinson said.

"We want to support education for young kids and women. We want to support you as much as we can," he added.

In only a month and a half seated as the mayor of the nation's capital, the Mayor has been visited by 11 ambassadors and diplomats.

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