Australia has supported the opening of a new sexual and reproductive health clinic in Davao City as part of efforts to deepen its long-standing development partnership with the Philippines, particularly in underserved communities in Mindanao.
Operated by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), the clinic was launched May 16 at the WH Vertex Building along Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Davao City’s Poblacion District.
The project is part of broader cooperation with the Philippines on public health, gender equality, and community development, especially in areas where access to reproductive healthcare remains limited.
Australia funded the refurbishment and transfer of the clinic to help it meet Department of Health and PhilHealth accreditation standards, allowing the facility to continue providing reproductive health services in Mindanao.
Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines, Nicholas Kay, said improving access to sexual and reproductive health services remains an important part of Australia’s partnership with the country.
“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 during the launch.
“This initiative is part of our long-standing commitment to and partnership with the Philippines,” he added.
The clinic forms part of RESPOND, or Responding with Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, an Australian-funded regional program supporting reproductive healthcare and rights-based services across the Indo-Pacific.
In the Philippines, the program will receive ₱232 million or AUD 5.28 million over four years under Australia’s broader annual development assistance to the country valued at more than ₱4 billion.
Australian officials said the initiative focuses on women, girls, young people, and marginalized sectors that often face barriers in accessing family planning, HIV screening, maternal care, and protection services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Since August 2024, the RESPOND program has delivered more than one million sexual and reproductive health services in the Philippines, screened over 17,000 people for HIV, and provided comprehensive sexuality education to nearly 60,000 individuals.
The program has also supported more than 40,000 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, with Australia saying around 80 percent of beneficiaries came from vulnerable or underserved communities.
The launch comes as Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Aside from the clinic inauguration, Kay’s visit to Mindanao includes meetings with local government officials, military and police leaders, business groups, and Australia Awards alumni involved in development initiatives in the region.
Australia said it remains committed to supporting programs tied to health security, inclusive growth, and stronger people-to-people ties with the Philippines.
