Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines, Mr. Nicholas Kay, officially inaugurated the clinic located at the WH Vertex Building along Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Poblacion District, Davao City.

The facility, operated by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), was refurbished and relocated with Australian support to comply with Department of Health and PhilHealth accreditation requirements. The initiative aims to ensure the sustainable delivery of quality sexual and reproductive health services across Mindanao.

“Access to quality sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, reduces maternal and newborn mortality, prevents the spread of HIV, and supports the health and well-being of women and young people,” Mr. Kay said. “This initiative reflects Australia’s long-standing partnership and commitment to the Philippines.”

The clinic forms part of the Responding with Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (RESPOND) program, a regional Australian initiative that seeks to expand access to rights-based sexual and reproductive health services for women, girls, and marginalized communities throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Through RESPOND, Australia works closely with FPOP to strengthen locally led programs that promote gender equality, health equity, and the empowerment of women and girls, aligned with Philippine Government priorities.

In the Philippines, RESPOND will provide ₱232 million (AUD 5.28 million) over four years. Since August 2024, the program has delivered more than one million sexual and reproductive health services, screened over 17,000 individuals for HIV, provided comprehensive sexuality education to nearly 60,000 people, and supported more than 40,000 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Around 80 percent of beneficiaries belong to vulnerable or underserved communities.

Mr. Kay’s visit forms part of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines. The visit also includes engagements with local government officials, police and military leaders, business representatives, and Australia Awards Philippines alumni contributing to sustainable development in Mindanao.

Australia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Philippines in advancing health security, inclusive growth, and stronger people-to-people ties.