Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson paid a courtesy call on Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso 15 August 2019.
Robinson was impressed with what Mayor Moreno has been able to achieve within one-and-a-half months that he’s been in office. According to him, the mayor discussed the things that he want to do for the city of Manila.
“We have just been talking about his plans for the future which are impressive,” Ambassador Robinson said.
After a brief meeting and at the ambassador’s request, Mayor Isko and Robinson visited the 2.2-hectare Arroceros Forest Park, the so-called “last lung” of the nation’s capital.
“We are interested in where we can potentially help the mayor in terms of his endeavour here because we think this is a wonderful opportunity to the people if this can be expanded or improved,” Robinson said.
The Mayor earlier announced that he intends to expand the forest park as part of his plan to make the city of Manila green. According to Moreno, the capital city needs to plant 1,600 hectares of trees to meet DENR’s recommendation to make Manila eco-friendly.
The Australian envoy also said that Australia is keen to support public schools in Manila. Robinson said that since 2008, Australia has donated more than P5 million for the welfare of the people, education and future plans of the city.
“I’ve been down to Tondo to look at what’s happening and we’re looking now at where we can best make a difference,” Robinson said.
“We want to support education for young kids and women. We want to support you as much as we can,” he added.
Robinson stayed on for coffee while Mayor Isko and the teachers serenaded him with the song “Manila” by The Hotdog Band.
Robinson was the 11th ambassador who paid a courtesy call since Moreno became mayor.
