AUSTRALIA RECEIVES RAJAH SIKATUNA AWARD FROM BOHOL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
The Australian Government, represented by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Tony Hely (center), received the Rajah Sikatuna Award from the Provincial Government of Bohol for its aid assistance to promote poverty reduction and sustainable development in the province. Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado (right) and Vice Governor Atty. Julius Caesar Herrera (left) presented the award to Ambassador Hely during the recent celebration of the province’s 153rd Foundation Day. The Rajah Sikatuna Award is the highest recognition given by Bohol to international donors who are its partners in development. Aid assistance to Bohol, managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), are all in the form of grant like all Australian-supported development initiatives in the Philippines. Currently, Australia’s aid program to Bohol focuses on strengthening local governance, basic education, enhancing the delivery of and access to basic services by the rural poor, and support for improving livelihoods and agriculture.