A NEW sexual and reproductive health clinic in Davao City was officially launched on Saturday, May 16, through the Australian government.
In a statement, the Australian Embassy Manila said the health clinic is operated by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).
Nicholas Kay, Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines, officially launched the clinic at the WH Vertex Building, Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Poblacion District.
The initiative is part of Australia’s annual development assistance to the Philippines, valued at more than P4 billion (AUD 104 million).
“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,” Kay said.
“This initiative is part of our long‑standing commitment to and partnership with the Philippines,” he added.
Australia supported the refurbishment and transfer of the clinic to meet Department of Health and PhilHealth accreditation requirements, to ensure sustainable delivery of sexual and reproductive health services in Mindanao.
The clinic is delivered under Responding with Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (RESPOND), a regional Australian program expanding access to quality, rights‑based sexual and reproductive health services for women, girls and marginalized communities across the Indo‑Pacific.
Australia works with FPOP to support locally led efforts that advance gender equality, health equity, and the empowerment of women and girls, in line with Philippine Government priorities.
Since August 2024, RESPOND has delivered over one million sexual and reproductive health services, screened more than 17,000 people for HIV, provided comprehensive sexuality education to nearly 60,000 people, and supported over 40,000 survivors of sexual and gender‑based violence, where 80% were considered vulnerable or underserved.
The embassy stated RESPOND is set to provide P232 million (AUD 5.28 million) over four years in the country.Kay’s visit is part of a series of activities marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines.
Their activities include engagements with local government officials, police and military leaders, business representatives, and Australia Awards Philippines alumni contributing to sustainable development in Mindanao.
“Australia remains committed to working closely with the Philippines to advance health security, inclusive growth and strong people‑to‑people connections,” the embassy stated.
