Friday, January 27, 2006

Aussie Aid To Zambo Praised

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 27 Jan) Vice Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco on Friday praised Canberra for its continued support and assistance to Zamboanga City that benefited thousands of people here.

Climaco was guest at the Australian Embassy celebration Thursday of the Australia Day in Manila. She was invited by Australian Ambassador Tony Hely and spouse Wendy Jeffery and also represented Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, who was busy with urgent matters.

Australia Day commemorates the landing of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788.

She said the Australian government through its AUSAID program has assisted the local government, other national agencies and non-government institutions based in Zamboanga City in the conduct of various projects which aim to develop and help improve the well being of Filipinos.
One of AUSAID beneficiary in Zamboanga City is the Human Development and Empowerment Services (HDES), a non-governmental organization which helps street children and child laborers.

The HDES, headed by Malou Lim, was previously selected as one of the beneficiaries in the two-year rice and educational assistance program for the children. It benefited some 200 children from 10 villages from 2001 to 2003.

Aside from the HDES, the AUSAID also funded the construction of the Social Development Center in Sta. Barbara village.

Climaco is optimistic that Canberra will continue its humanitarian assistance to Zamboanga City that would benefit mostly poor families here.
"We are so grateful with Australia for its continued support and humanitarian assistance to Zamboanga City. Our people are forever grateful," she said.

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