Phl to get $130.6 M aid from Australia

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Australian government said today that it will provide an estimated P5.7 billion ($130.6 million) in assistance to the Philippines.

David Dutton, Charg d'Affaires of the Australian embassy here, said in a statement that the amount will be used to boost the Philippine government's implementation of the Kindergarten to Year 12 (K to 12) program.

Dutton said Australia will assist in training teachers and provide advice on curriculum development.

He also said Canberra will continue to support the Philippine government's public-private partnership scheme and the peace process in Mindanao.

The assistance will be made available to the Philippines for the next fiscal year starting July 1. The Philippines is the fourth largest recipient of Australian bilateral assistance.