Written by 
Australia has strengthened its partnership with the Philippines through the recent visit of Jan Adams, Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), who, in a ceremony at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) headquarters in Manila, formally handed over 21 ultra-compact marine radios to Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to bolster maritime communication in Palawan.
Adams formally handed over the portable marine communication radios to Gavan, a donation aimed at enhancing maritime communication in Palawan.
The Australian Embassy in Manila underlined the donation’s strategic value, stating it will aid PCG Palawan’s capacity to monitor maritime incidents, respond to emergencies, and coordinate operations effectively, aligning with ongoing modernization efforts.
Commodore Dennis Rem Labay, district commander of PCG District Palawan, also attended the turnover ceremony.
Secretary Adams’ visit included the launch of the Philippines-Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024-29, designed to support inclusive development aligned with Philippine priorities.
Prepared in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and over 50 stakeholders, the plan represents Australia’s fifth-largest development partnership worldwide, with an investment of AUD94.2 million (₱3.6 billion) earmarked for Financial Year 2024-25.
Over the past two decades, Australia has contributed more than AUD1.6 billion (₱63 billion) in development aid to the Philippines.
During her two-day visit, Adams engaged with senior officials, including Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina Roque, and National Security Advisor Eduardo Año.
Their meetings reinforced commitments to defense collaboration and a mutually beneficial trade and economic agenda under the strategic partnership between the two nations.