Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates warmly welcomed Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu and party during their courtesy visit.
Yu discussed potential areas of collaboration between Palawan and Australia, as well as the Filipino and Australian forces assault exercises held in the municipality of Rizal, Palawan as part of enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness.
“As true friends and partners, it’s really upon us working closely together, to protect what is important.”
“Thanks to your province for the support in making these exercises possible in Palawan… Along with that, with you facing the 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,” the ambassador added.
Among the explored areas of collaboration include maritime security, tourism industry, energy, telecommunications, and humanitarian response.
Meanwhile, Socrates shared the socio-economic situation of the province and his vision for the development of Palawan.
“I just want to make the system work. My primary concern here is the governance sector… But right now, the provincial government is very keen on tourism and agriculture [because] it is really our engine for growth,” the governor said.
He also expressed interest in future projects and collaborations with Australia that will be beneficial to the Palaweños, especially the vulnerable sector.
“The Australian government is committed to help in terms of boosting Palawan’s economy.”
In response, Yu declared that the Australian government is indeed committed to help in terms of boosting Palawan’s economy.
Present during the meeting were Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Officer Maribel Buñi, Provincial Planning and Development Office OIC Sharlene Vilches, Atty. Mary Joy Cascara of Provincial Legal Office, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Acting Director Niño Estoya.
