The Australian government remains committed to fostering strong relationship with the Philippines by funding long term peace and stability in the southern part of the country, particularly in rehabilitating Marawi City following its devastation after four months of occupation by ISIS-backed terrorists.
As part of its continued support, the Australian government has earmarked at least P975 million (AUD 25 million) for the recovery of Marawi.
“As the tragedy of the siege of Marawi unfolded in 2017, we wanted to do more. Once the scale of the devastation became apparent, the Australian government quickly announced humanitarian assistance for those displaced from Marawi and support for the city’s recovery,” said Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely.
The Ambassador made the statement during her visit to Marawi last October to meet with government and community leaders to discuss ongoing recovery efforts.
Ambassador Gorely met with Task Force Bangon Marawi Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr. and Sultan Nasser Sampaco, chairman of the Marawi Reconstruction and Conflict Watch.
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Australia has been a strong supporter of development, peace and stability in the southern Philippines for over 20 years. As well as the longstanding support for education, Australia is supporting development projects in conflict-affected communities in Muslim Mindanao.
In addition to its ongoing development programs in education, Australia is funding:
• School feeding for 50,000 children and food assistance for families displaced from Marawi;
• Education and child protection activities to support children affected by the conflict;
• Psychosocial services and livelihoods assistance under the Marawi Recovery Project; and
• Technical assistance to Task Force Bangon Marawi for recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Through civil society partners, Australia is also supporting religious and traditional leaders to build community resilience to the influence of terrorist groups.
While in Marawi, the Ambassador also visited the Sarimanok Evacuation Center in Barangay Poblacion. She met with some of the 134 families at the center benefitting from Australia’s livelihood support.
“As a good friend and neighbor, Australia is committed to providing humanitarian assistance when necessary,” said Ambassador Gorely. “Through our partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi and our work with civil society organizations, we are supporting people affected by the Marawi crisis.”
