[June 7, 2025] Australian Ambassador to the Philippines (center), Her Excellency HK Yu PSM FCPA (Aust), at the Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival in Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City [Photos by the author]
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Last June 7 and 8, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines hosted the Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.
“The Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival is a celebration of shared values, cultures, and the powerful connections between people from the two nations. The Festival celebrates the longstanding connection between Australia and the Philippines -- from the Manila Men of the 1800s to today's vibrant community of over 400,000 Filipinos living in Australia.”
Her Excellency HK Yu PSM FCPA (Aust), Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, welcomed everyone with her warm opening remark. She said, "The Friendship Festival is only possible with the strong support of Australian business investing in the Philippines."
"Firms such as Anko, AMS Global, Macquarie, Sekuro, ANZ Bank, GHD, Leighton, OceanaGold, Qantas, SMEC, Telstra and many more are helping deepen our ties and supporting local jobs -- a testament to the talent and potential of Filipinos."
The Festival was hosted by the lively and well-loved TV personalities Drew Arellano and Filipino-Australian star Iya Villania. The opening program celebrated the fascinating eight-month journey of Anko -- an Australian home and lifestyle brand in the Philippines. Anko Country Manager, Rachel Turner, expressed her gratitude to the Filipino shoppers who are avid supporters of Anko.
Makati City Mayor, Honorable Abby Binay-Campos graced the event with an inspiring Welcome Message. Honorable Leila M. de Lima, former Secretary of Justice of the Philippines, was also present during the celebration.
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Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency HK Yu PSM FCPA (Aust)
During the Friendship Festival, Ambassador Yu took time to have an informal private session with the press. She discussed Australian Government's continued support for the Philippines, with great interest in helping the Philippine mining industry, despite her upcoming departure from the Philippines to conclude her post in this country as ambassador.
She stated, “What the Australian Government has done is to launch Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 which was launched in September 2023. It is not just the strategy. What the Government is doing is putting money where our mouth is, putting action where our strategy is.”
“So that has led to a lot of fantastic work, not just the Australian Government, but Australian businesses as well to try and explore real opportunities in the Philippines. We have progressed so much! What we are seeing are some real, tangible results in terms of actual investments by Australian companies into the Philippines and increased interest as well.”
“…What we want to focus on also is mining. We [Australia] have achieved that prosperity largely thanks to our mining sector as well and want to work with the Philippines to help you really explore the mining sector in a way that is environmentally sustainable, and in a way where the profit is shared with the community as well. So mining is another area where we have a lot of interest in.”
Ambassador Yu also mentioned the Australian Government’s support for the Philippines in the area of digital economy and cybersecurity.
“We all know that President Marcos, Jr. has a big ambition to digitalize the whole Philippines and ensure that the Filipinos are all connected online and through that, Australian companies have a lot that they can offer in terms of services and cybersecurity on digital economy.”
“So those are some of the examples of sectors where we believe Australia has a lot to contribute and we want to help the Philippines achieve your economic growth objectives.”
Moreover, she said, "There will always be plenty of business missions. We are, in fact, organizing a mining business mission in the second half of the year. But just to give you a sense of it, we have actually carried out four business missions in just over a year where we brought Australian business people to the Philippines to show them the amazing opportunities that are available in the Philippines.”
“...We've also done business missions the other way around as well, taking Philippine business people to Australia to see what opportunities are available there, how they might be able to partner with Australian companies in the areas of mining and education. So those business missions will continue.”
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In relation to mining partnerships with Australia, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Ms. Luisa Rust, recently led a Philippine Delegation to Brisbane for the GRX25 Global Resources Innovation Expo. This was held on May 20-22, 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. This is a collaboration between Austmine and AusIMM, aiming to showcase innovation and collaboration in the global resources industry. The event includes a conference, exhibition, and networking opportunities.
Ms. Rust brought 25 delegates representing 13 Philippine mining and distribution companies led by the Honorable Yulo-Loyzaga, former Secretary of DENR.
One of the highlights include the participation in the Australia Philippines Business Council Resources Forum where participants from Philippines and Australian mining sector shared insights and a great discussion on sustainable mining technology and practices.
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On the evening of 9 June 2025 at the Manila House, the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM) Board of Directors hosted a heartfelt farewell dinner in honour of Ambassador Yu and her husband, Fergus Murphy. Led by ANZCHAM President Benjamin Romualdez, they paid tribute to Ambassador Yu’s meaningful and memorable engagement with the Chamber and her enduring contribution to strengthening Australia–Philippines relations.
From a post by ANZCHAM, “Throughout her tenure, Amb. Yu has been a steadfast supporter of the Chamber and the broader business community. From joining ANZCHAM’s International Women’s Day celebration, sharing her message at our Annual General Meeting, to engaging in year-end dialogues on business outlook, she consistently made time to support and uplift the Chamber’s mission. Her thoughtful presence and leadership have helped strengthen the ties that bind our nations together.”
“Wherever she goes, Amb. Yu brings people together with grace, warmth, and a deep sense of community. She continues to inspire all who have had the privilege of working with her.”
“As ANZCHAM bids farewell to Amb. Yu, we express our deepest thanks for her friendship, leadership, and outstanding service. We wish her every success and happiness in her next chapter.”
#AustraliaInThePhilippines #AusAmbPH #PhilippineAustraliaFriendshipFestival2025
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Photos by: Marcelle P. Villegas
