The Philippines, in partnership with the Australian Embassy, launched the P1.5-billion Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) program Thursday in Makati City.
The initiative from the Australian government, unveiled during the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) annual Partnership Forum, aims to strengthen social protection, inclusion and gender equality in the Philippines.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed a subsidiary agreement for the SPRING program, which will run from 2024 to 2029.
The five-year program will see the Philippine and Australian governments collaborate as Strategic Partners to reduce poverty and create equal opportunities for all Filipinos.
SPRING will enhance the Philippines’ social protection systems through technical assistance, capacity-building, and evidence-based policy reforms. It will also focus on improving gender budgeting, disability data for better services, and access to resources for Indigenous Peoples (IP).
Yu emphasized the program’s significance in advancing the shared vision outlined in the Australia-Philippines Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029.
“Australia is committed to working with the Philippines to achieve its development goals, and through SPRING, we are stepping up our support for the most disadvantaged Filipinos,” she said.
SPRING builds on Australia’s long-standing support for social protection in the Philippines, reflecting the two nations’ mutual goal of fostering a more prosperous and resilient Philippines.
“The DSWD recognizes the diversity and constant evolution of our country. That’s why we are committed to forging partnerships and innovating our approach to remain dynamic and responsive. We thank the Australian Government for investing in strengthening the Philippine Government’s systems to reduce poverty, combat gender inequality, and promote social inclusion,” Gatchalian said.
