Now, we get to the exciting part

In my final TV interview with Karen Davila last week, she asked me – what legacy would I be leaving behind?

It was a big question but, to me, it had a very simple answer. I am leaving behind a bilateral relationship between Australia and the Philippines that, while already strong when I got here, is now in even better shape – it is broader and deeper than ever before.

Today, sadly, my wife Rhonda and I will be flying home to Australia, wrapping up our diplomatic posting in Manila. It has been the most rewarding and fascinating three and half years.

We arrived in January 2019 and within a few days, I was at Malacañang Palace presenting my credentials to then president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Much happened in between, but on 30 May 2022, my wife and I again were in the same room at Malacañang Palace. This time, president Duterte conferred on me the Order of Sikatuna with the Grand Cross Rank of Datu.

The honor I was given is a recognition of our deep bonds – what I call our “mateship and bayanihan” – that has grown and flourished despite the pandemic. So, allow me to reflect on how we got here, what we have achieved together, and the future of our relationship.

How we got here

My links to the Philippines really began over 40 years ago when, as a 21-year-old, I first visited Zamboanga and Cebu with my parents. I learned then that to get to understand and know the Philippines, it is important to see beyond the capital Manila.

In the intervening years before I arrived on long-term posting, I got to know the country quite well through my work, visiting on a number of occasions. In the last three and a half years as Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, I have visited 53 provinces. It is through these travels that I have seen the history and the growth of our relationship.

My experiences traveling through the Philippines have been as diverse as its 81 provinces and as broad as our partnership.  I have met a wonderful array of people – but nearly everyone I have spoken to is a reminder that people’s everyday lives are being improved by the work Australia does in the Philippines – and that makes everything we do so very worthwhile.

I have met local government executives and seen first-hand that, despite the distinct needs of each region, good governance plays an important role in delivering solutions for the people.

I have met business people and micro and agri-entrepreneurs, and learned how economic reforms can boost investment and job creation in big cities as well as small towns.

I have met our local partners who have been helping us empower grassroots organizations and social enterprises.  From them, I have learned the value of community action to create positive change.

It is in meeting people face-to-face that we understand and build relationships and friendships. And it is these linkages, which become even more important when we face common challenges.

I hope that our partners will continue to offer the same warmth, hospitality, genuineness – and candor – to Team Australia as they continue to travel and keep in touch across the country.

What we have achieved together

I recall that it was at a lunch at the Australian Residence with Secretaries Carlito Galvez, Francisco Duque and Vince Dizon that we first discussed how Australia’s development cooperation could support the Philippines’ COVID-19 response in a practical and meaningful way. Together, we identified the urgent needs of the country, and how Australia’s expertise, particularly in logistical support (given our vast continent), could help roll out vaccines to remote communities. We listened to our friends and tailored our responses so that our support could be flexible and responsive to the real needs of the Philippines.

So we increased our commitment to COVID-19 vaccine access and delivery in the Philippines to a total of P1.8 billion over two years. This support has been directed towards vaccine procurement, vaccine delivery support and the provision of expert health advice, in line with the priorities of the Philippine Government.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I am also very pleased about our continuing cooperation in areas of defense and security. I am proud that during my time as Ambassador we have established a permanent Joint Australia-Philippines military training team with an ongoing program, continued military exchanges and ship visits, and expanded our cooperation across counter-terrorism into new areas such as civil maritime security and cyber.

I recognize the importance of an economic-led recovery from the pandemic and with our economic and Austrade teams at the embassy, we have laid the groundwork to enhance our current commercial engagement. There are already over 300 Australian companies in the Philippines employing in excess of 44,000 Filipinos, despite the pandemic. Our trade and investment continues to increase, create jobs and enhance livelihoods in both our countries.

Shaping our future

Even when things are going well, we can do better. The highlight of my time in the Philippines has been the work that both our governments have put in to elevate our formal diplomatic relationship.

Australians know that we are stronger when we work together with those we trust – we can’t realize our goals for a more peaceful, safe and prosperous region without our friends.

At the end of this year, Australia and the Philippines will sign up to a Strategic Partnership. What this means is that we will work even more closely on all areas of mutual interest and respond together to the challenges of our current times.

I’ll be excited to witness my successor, Ambassador-designate H.K. Yu PSM, progress the outcomes of the strategic partnership and continue our tradition of mateship and bayanihan.

While I am very sad to be ending my posting, I know that I am leaving behind a bilateral relationship brought closer by friendship, mutual respect and trust.  And now we are just getting to the exciting part! There is so much more to follow.

My wife, Rhonda, and I send our thanks to our friends, partners, our alumni and all the individuals who have worked so tirelessly with us over the past three and a half years.  It has been one of the key highlights of my 40-year career.

So farewell for now and Mabuhay!

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Steven J. Robinson AO has been the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines from Jan. 15, 2019 to July 21, 2022. Follow the Australian Ambassador on Twitter @AusAmbPH.