P900-M program for kids in South launched

DAVAO CITY — The Australian government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched here last Thursday a P900-million, five-year program aimed at bridging the gap between children in depressed and developed areas in the country.

The Australian-funded project dubbed as the "Child-Friendly Movement: Accelerated Efforts to Reduce Disparities in Southern Philippines" is expected to benefit disadvantaged children in 10 areas in Mindanao and Northern Samar where children aged below 18 comprise 43 percent of the local population.

Identified as focus areas of the UNICEF-AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development) project are Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao City and Northern Samar.

Australian Ambassador Tony Hely and UNICEF representative to the Philippines Nicholas Alipui led the launch, which was attended by officials of the focus areas.

Australia is reportedly the largest donor to the UNICEF’s Country Program for Children in the past six years.

Hely said the Australian government is pleased to continue its partnership with UNICEF in promoting the welfare of Filipino children.

"We have been partners (with UNICEF) since 1990 and this new Australian funding reaffirms our commitment to help the Philippines reduce poverty and promote sustainable and equitable development," he said.

Hely said Australia always considers helping children an excellent investment, ensuring that the Philippines will continue to have well-rounded citizens in the future.

Australia’s continued contribution to UNICEF has reportedly helped achieve significant improvements in the various programs for children in the Philippines.

These successes included an increase in the cohort survival rate in public primary schools as well as a decline in the under-five mortality rate nationwide from a high of 80 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to only 36 in 2003.

Australia’s contribution to UNICEF also helped make possible the establishment of nearly 2,000 women and children’s desks.