The picturesque province of Palawan welcomed an esteemed guest as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Hae Kyong Yu, paid a courtesy visit to Palawan Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates. The diplomatic interaction took place on August 22 and marked an important step towards fostering stronger ties between Australia and Palawan.
During the meeting, Ambassador Yu engaged in discussions centered around potential areas of collaboration between Palawan and Australia. A highlight of their conversation was the recent joint forces assault exercises conducted by Filipino and Australian troops in the municipality of Rizal, Palawan. This exercise aimed to enhance the preparedness and operational readiness of both forces.
Ambassador Yu extended her gratitude to Palawan for facilitating the successful execution of these exercises. She also acknowledged the challenges posed by the province’s proximity to the West Philippine Sea and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations to safeguard their respective sovereignties.
“Thanks to your province for the support in making these exercises possible in Palawan… Along with that, with you facing West Philippine Sea [concerns], hopefully we’ll see more and more engagement in Australia because as true friends and partners, it’s really upon us working closely together, to protect what is important and that’s our sovereignty,” Yu said.
The deliberations also explored a diverse range of potential collaborations, including maritime security, tourism, energy, telecommunications, and humanitarian response efforts. The discussion highlighted the mutual benefits that could arise from such partnerships, contributing to the advancement of both Palawan’s and Australia’s socio-economic landscapes.
In turn, Governor Socrates shared insights into the socio-economic landscape of Palawan and his vision for the province’s development. He stressed the importance of effective governance and expressed keen interest in bolstering the tourism and agriculture sectors, recognizing their pivotal role as engines for growth.
“I just want to make the system work. My primary concern here is the governance sector… But right now, provincial government is very keen on tourism and agriculture [because] it is really our engine for growth,” Governor Socrates stated.
Governor Socrates also expressed enthusiasm for future collaborative projects that would directly benefit the vulnerable sectors of Palawan’s population. Ambassador Yu assured the governor of Australia’s commitment to supporting the province’s economic growth.
He also expressed enthusiasm for future collaborative projects that would directly benefit the vulnerable sectors of Palawan’s population. Ambassador Yu assured the governor of Australia’s commitment to supporting the province’s economic growth.
The meeting included the presence of key officials, including Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Officer Maribel Buñi, Provincial Planning and Development Office OIC Sharlene Vilches, Atty. Mary Joy Cascara of the Provincial Legal Office, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Acting Director Niño Estoya.
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