Australia donates P413 million in drone technology to PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The Australian government has pledged A$10 million (P413 million) in cutting-edge drone technology and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced yesterday.

Wong announced the news during her visit to the PCG headquarters at Port Area in Manila as the two countries commemorated 80 years of diplomatic relations.

She added that the latest pledge brings Australia’s drone support to the Philippines to about P600 million since April 2025.

The drones previously handed over by the Australian government are being used by the PCG to beef up its capabilities in maritime security, search and rescue and environmental protection operations.

Wong also said that under Australia’s Civil Maritime Initiatives, Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support (CMAPS), “I am pleased (that) we are doubling our funding to P678 million over four years to support this partnership.”

DepEd program

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Wong also launched the P1.6-billion Department of Education-Australia program at the Mariano Marcos Memorial High School in Manila to align the Philippines’ senior high school system with modern industry demands.

Angara said the five-year Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) program will be implemented alongside the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority led by TESDA secretary-general Jose Francisco Benitez.

EQUIP is structured to run from 2025 to 2030.

Angara said the partnership includes a potential extension of an additional A$20 million over three years, driving the total potential investment to A$60 million over an eight-year timeline until 2033.

He said EQUIP is a major operational milestone under the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership, which was formally elevated by President Marcos and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sept. 8, 2023.

Angara said EQUIP would foster inclusive economic growth by producing senior high school graduates who are work-ready, technically proficient and highly adaptable to the demands of a rapidly changing economy. — Bella Cariaso, Pia Lee-Brago