by Gloria Jane Baylon, Manila Bulletin, Philippines - Citing the quality of the first budget of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the Government of Australia is among the first of Manila’s development partners to commit early to his anti-poverty and reforms program as unveiled last week at the Philippine Development Forum.

With the Department of Finance, the PDF was co-chaired by World Bank Philippine country director Bert Hoffman, who said it sent signals to the global community that the Aquino administration is ready to work with both local and international partners in pursuing poverty alleviation programs.