The Australian Agency for International Development pledged USD31 million to boost an education reform program in the Philippines. The Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda, or BESRA, aims to enhance the country’s basic education system services through the implementation of policy and institutional reforms. “This strategic partnership will be a huge contribution to the advancement of BESRA goals,” said education secretary Jesli Lapus. “We are grateful for this assistance that is, above all, a recognition of the urgent need to increase resources for basic education.” AusAID assistance is in support of the World Bank’s Philippine Country Assistance Strategy for 2006 to 2008. “The time is ripe for us to implement strategic reforms in the education sector since resources from various bilateral financial institutions are pouring in,” Lapus later said. (Press Release: Education reforms get additional WB, AusAID support/Philippine Information Agency)
