Manila: Australia has announced a new PHP1.6 billion development program aimed at supporting education reforms in the Philippines, as reported by the Australian Embassy during an event in Manila. The announcement coincides with the visit of Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is in the city to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings hosted by the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is titled Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) and is set to run over five years. The program's primary focus is to enhance the educational landscape in the Philippines by ensuring that school curriculums are tailored to meet the demands of a fast-evolving economy. The embassy noted that EQUIP aims to equip senior secondary school students with the skills necessary to improve their employment prospects in the future.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, emphasized the longstanding partnership between Australia and the Philippines in the field of education. "Australia and the Philippines have been working in partnership on education for over 30 years. As a trusted friend, Australia is proud to work with the Philippines on education reforms," he stated. Innes-Brown further highlighted that a robust and accessible education system at the senior secondary level would supply businesses and industries with the skilled workforce required to foster economic growth in the Philippines.

The Australian Embassy indicated that the EQUIP program mirrors Australia's commitment to supporting the Philippine government's investment in human capital skills. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the country's economic expansion. By implementing targeted initiatives, EQUIP will create more opportunities for learners to develop skills, gain practical experience, and obtain nationally recognized certifications in sectors where employment demand is high.