Australian Embassy
The Philippines

SP140715 - Speech at the Pacific Partnership Closing Ceremony

Speech by Ambassador Bill Tweddell
Pacific Partnership Closing Ceremony
Leyte
15 July 2014

 

• Mayor of Tacloban City, Hon Alfred Romualdez
• Secretary of National Defense, the Hon Voltaire Gazmin
• Ambassador of the United States, His Excellency Philip Goldberg
• Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Mr Tetsuro Amano
• Commander CENTCOM, General John Bonafos
• Commander US 7th Fleet, Admiral Robert Thomas
• Commander 8th Infantry Division, General Jet Vellarmino
• CAPT Matsui, Japan Maritime DEFENCE Force
• Members of the Pacific Partnership
• Ladies and Gentlemen

Maupay na kulop (Good afternoon).

I first came to Tacloban in October last year with the Australian Defence Attaché, Col Bruce Murray, to attend ceremonies to commemorate the 69th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing and the Liberation of the Philippines during World War Two. Also present were the Ambassador of Japan, Ambassador of New Zealand, US Representatives and other Defence Attachés.

I was captivated by the enterprising people of Leyte and their eagerness to show off their beautiful city. The enthusiasm of the young people assigned to look after us was palpable and infectious. I enjoyed the locally produced Tuba - Coconut Wine - and I witnessed a performance of your internationally acclaimed Filipino dancers in the brand new Palo Community Centre that had been officially opened by Mayor Matin Petilla just the day before.

None of us could predict the tragedy that would unfold on the 8th November.

I returned to Tacloban a number of times in the weeks that followed Typhoon Yolanda, leading up to the visit by Australia’s Foreign Minister, The Hon Julie Bishop MP, and was shocked and stunned by the devastation. Unable to recognise the places that I had visited and deeply concerned for the welfare of our Filipino friends who had hosted us so warmly in October.

But I was also inspired - by the resilience and indomitable spirit shown by the Filipino people. This I will remember and admire for the rest of my days.

The Australian Government responded quickly to the tragedy, with a Medical Assistance Team flown in from Darwin on our military C17 transporter, soon to be followed by more C130 transport aircraft and our Naval Ship HMAS Tobruk. By early December, well over 500 Australian military and civilian personnel were on the ground providing assistance here and in Ormoc. This military contribution complemented approximately Php1.64 billion in life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Australia’s response is ongoing – with significant financial support to construct, schools and early childhood centres, rebuild community livelihoods, and undertake risk mapping to help governments and communities build back better and prepare for future emergencies.

Today, I am once again proud of the efforts of our Australian military personnel and their colleagues from the United States and Japan, under the Pacific Partnership Program – working shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Those close bonds were evident last week when a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) nursing officer, Flight Lieutenant Ben James, joined with his Exercise Pacific Partnership colleagues to save the life of a nine year boy at a Tacloban medical clinic.

The challenge to rebuild Tacloban and improve the lives of many thousands of people affected is an enormous undertaking. Every time that I return to Leyte and Samar I am impressed by the enormous progress that has been made. I am delighted to see us once again working together to make a difference – saving lives and supporting reconstruction.

None of this occurs without steadfast resilience, united by strong community leadership. I commend the Mayor of Tacloban Alfred Romualdez and all public officials for your tremendous achievements.

I can proudly say, as an Australian, that we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines through the good times and the bad, as true friends should.

I look forward to returning on 20 October to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Landings.

Maraming salamat po at magandang hapon (Thank you and good afternoon).