Australian ambassador visits Agusan Sur
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- In time with the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the Caraga Region, particularly in the province of Agusan del Sur, Australian ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu also arrived and met with the officials from various government agencies and provincial government of Agusan del Sur.
“Thanks, PGAS [provincial government of Agusan del Sur] and the people of Agusan del Sur who share the same values of resiliency and democracy with us. But for others who do not have interest in technology transfer and development, the scholarship is a waste for people who do not want help. I am glad and excited that Australia has engaged in close partnership with Agusan del Sur, for the people of the province. You are in control of the investments for development and our country is willing to be always of assistance to you,” the ambassador said.
A briefing for the Australian ambassador and her party was led by Josephine Ambongan, chief of staff of the Provincial Governor’s Office and a former scholar in Australia.
Ambongan further discussed the results of the knowledge, skills and on what they learned relative to the discharge of their functions upon their return from Australia.
It was followed with a talk on the level of governance PGAS is presently implementing and the ways forward on the need to upgrade the technology and resources in order to cope up with the demands of the times and the position that the former scholars are presently handling in order to apply their learning from their studies.
The presentation included how the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) program was conceived, being the brainchild of now 2nd district representative and then-Governor Eddiebong Plaza in 2013.
Also presented was another major project of the province designed to increase farmers’ income and alleviate their economic condition of which President Marcos Jr. inspected on February 16, 2024, the state-of-the-art soils laboratory, inspired by Australian technology and practices.
According to Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, the close relationship between the two countries and their people motivated Australian education to help the Filipino people.
Agusan del Sur Vice Governor Sammy Tortor also thanked the ambassador and Australia for the knowledge and technology that the provincial scholars gained during their foreign study that contributed much in the government operations and management of PGAS.
Tortor further expressed hope that the Australia and Philippines relationship, particularly Agusan del Sur will flourish and sustain its camaraderie so that more developments will come to the province. (PPIO AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
