Visit of the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific to Cotabato

L-R Former Anak Mindanao Party List Representative Ariel 
Hernandez, ARMM Executive Secretary Atty Laisa Alamia,
 Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely,Regional Governor Mujiv 
Hataman, Australia’sMinister for International Development and 
the Pacific,Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Butig Mayor Dimnatang
Pansar, and DepEd-ARMM Secretary, Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Jr. 
(Photo Courtesy by Australian Embassy)

Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, visited Cotabato City on  May 2 to highlight Australia’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in Mindanao.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells met with the Regional Governor of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao The Hon Mujiv Hataman and representatives of non-government organisations and youth leaders. 

“Australia is committed to supporting our friends in the Philippines to prevent the spread of violent extremist ideologies” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells. “The devastation of Marawi City, the loss of life and forced displacement of people all show the terrible impact that these ideologies have.”

Australia is working with local partners in Mindanao to provide humanitarian relief to people displaced from Marawi, support the recovery and reconstruction of the city and promote peace and tolerance in communities.

“I welcome the efforts of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and other local partners, to counter the messages of terrorist groups and keep people on the path to peace” added Senator Fierravanti-Wells.

In the last 12 months Australia as provided over $20 million in development assistance for programs in Mindanao, including for basic education and peace and stability. 
(Press release by Australian Embassy)