Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson paid a courtesy call on Vice President Sara Duterte in a bid to further strengthen ties between the Philippines and Australia, especially in the area of education.
Robinson visited Duterte on Wednesday, July 14, at the main office of Department of Education (DepEd), an agency which she leads under the Marcos administration.
In a statement, Duterte said that she looks forward to continue working with Australia in enhancing the education sector.
She expressed her gratitude to the Australian envoy for his country’s support to the Philippines.
“The DepEd intends to set targets for gauging the improvement in student performance, and continues to review the effectiveness of the K-12 curriculum,” Duterte noted.
READ: As DepEd Chief, VP-elect Sara to focus on the effects of pandemic, K to 12 program
During their meeting, the Vice President was apprised by Robinson about the programs in education that Australia is pursuing in the Philippines.
Among these include the construction of 509 classrooms nationwide, training for 33,500 teachers, and implementation of curriculum development for children.
There are students who have benefited from Australia’s Education Pathways program, such as those in madrasahs as well as students who need technical training.
The Australian Embassy emphasized that all these programs are being implemented through and in cooperation with the DepEd.
Robinson also shared that Australia provides 80 scholarships for Filipinos to study Masters and PhD degrees.
The Philippines and Australia are celebrating 76 years of diplomatic relations this 2022.
Australia’s aid program made significant contributions to efforts of the Philippines in developing basic education, training and human resource development, public financial management, health, rural and community development, governance, assistance to vulnerable groups, infrastructure, and support to the Mindanao peace and development process.