Why what we do matter

Dear friends,

Today I am writing to you from the beautiful province of Leyte, where I am attending the 79th Anniversary of the landings to liberate the Philippines in the Second World War.

We are honoring the Filipino, Australian and US forces who fought and died here, but also remembering the terrible cost of the war on all sides, especially its devastating impact on civilians.

Many of you will be aware of the significant contribution Australia made during the liberation of the Philippines. Thousands of Australian service personnel served here in 1944 and 1945 to help bring peace and a significant number paid the ultimate sacrifice. At Leyte, Surigao and Lingayen, Royal Australian Navy ships, including our heavy cruisers and destroyers, were at the center of much of the fierce action.

The spirit of friendship and sacrifice which our two nations first demonstrated in Leyte has continued between us ever since. Filipino and Australian Defence personnel have taken part in peacekeeping missions around the world, in joint exercises and in training and educational exchanges.

Just this August, we conducted our largest ever bilateral defence exercise, Exercise Alon, which I witnessed firsthand alongside President Marcos, Secretary Teodoro and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles.

Just as important as our military engagements has been our longstanding humanitarian cooperation. Australian Defense personnel have played a significant part in major disaster response missions in the Philippines, especially during Super Typhoon Yolanda which occurred here in Leyte almost ten years ago.

Our embassy also works with a range of civilian agencies on disaster relief and preparedness, with the aim of reducing vulnerability to, and the impact of, natural disasters which are increasing in intensity as a result of climate change.

While what we do together is important, it is just as important to take a moment to reflect on why.

As Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, remarked when he was in Manila last month, Australia regards the presence of an open, stable and prosperous region as being absolutely critical.

We have a collective