History of Australia–Philippines relations in Timeline

Australia and the Philippines maintain multifaceted relations encompassing political, economic, development, defense, security, and cultural domains. Both nations are situated in the Western Pacific Ocean and are members of APEC. Australia has an embassy in Manila, while the Philippines has an embassy in Canberra and multiple consulates across Australia. Universities in both countries are also part of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, showing strong educational ties. Overall, relations reflect a broad and cooperative partnership.

February 1942: President Quezon moves to Australia

On 19 February 1942, President Manuel L. Quezon of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, along with his family and officials, relocated to Australia aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress due to World War II.

March 1942: Quezon meets MacArthur in Melbourne

In March 1942, President Quezon's group traveled from Adelaide to Melbourne to meet with General Douglas MacArthur, his wife, officials, and friends. While in Melbourne, Quezon addressed the Filipino people about his forced departure from the Philippines.

April 1942: Quezon leaves for Washington to establish government-in-exile

On April 9, 1942, after the fall of Bataan, President Quezon and his group departed Australia for Washington to establish a government-in-exile.

1942: Australian civilians interned in Tacloban

In 1942, following the fall of the Philippines, Australian civilians in Tacloban were interned by the Japanese and were among the first prisoners of war and internees in the Pacific to be freed.

1942: Japanese ship SS Montevideo Maru sunk

In 1942, the Japanese ship SS Montevideo Maru was sunk, carrying 1,000 Australian Service personnel and civilian prisoners of war.

1943: HMAS Hobart damaged by torpedo

In 1943, HMAS Hobart was seriously damaged by a torpedo and was replaced by Australia warship after it suffered kamikaze damages.

October 1944: HMAS Arunta I travels to Leyte Gulf

On 13 October 1944, HMAS Arunta I made its way to Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, joining Task Group 77.3. On 25 October 1944, HMAS Arunta I participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait.

October 1944: Leyte Gulf Landings begin

On 20 October 1944, the liberation of the Philippines began with the Leyte Gulf Landings. The naval invasion fleet included the Australian frigate HMAS Gascoyne and Fairmile motor launch HDML 1074, along with several Australian soldiers in landing craft liaison teams. Protecting the force were Allied warships including the Australian cruisers HMA Ships Australia and Shropshire and destroyers HMA Ships Arunta and Warramunga.

November 1944: HMAS Arunta I leaves Leyte area

On 16 November 1944, HMAS Arunta I departed the Leyte area for Manus, Papua New Guinea.

November 1944: Australian aircraft attack targets in the Philippines

On 22 November 1944, Australian aircraft carried out their first attacks in the Philippines, targeting enemy supply lines. Boston light bombers of 22 Squadron attacked Bunuwan harbor on Mindanao Island, and Beaufighter strike-fighters of 30 Squadron attacked barges in Davao Gulf. During November 1944, Catalina flying boats of 76 Wing dropped mines in Manila Bay.

December 1944: Last mission of RAAF Catalina A24-64

On 14 December 1944, the Royal Australian Air Force Catalina A24-64 personnel, known as "The Dabster", flew their last mission together. The crew of 43 Squadron Black Cat Catalina A24-64 flew their last mission together on 14 December 1944, the night before Australian and US forces were to land at San Jose on the island of Mindoro. 24 Catalinas were tasked to lay mines at a very low altitude to stop the Japanese leaving Manila Bay and interfering with the Mindoro landing.

December 1944: Airfield Construction Squadron RAAF lands at Mindoro

On 15 December 1944, the Three Airfield Construction Squadron RAAF landed at Mindoro to build airfields. During unloading, Japanese aircraft attacked, and Leading Aircraftman William Barham was killed. By night, the Australians had unloaded their equipment and moved inland to begin constructing the first airfield.

January 1945: HMAS Australia suffers kamikaze damage

Between 5 and 9 January 1945, the HMAS Australia suffered considerable damage from kamikaze attacks, resulting in the deaths of 25 crewmen. The warship was withdrawn for repairs and replaced by the returning HMAS Hobart. The Arunta also lost two men when a kamikaze barely missed the ship.

January 1945: Australian warships participate in Lingayen Gulf invasion

In January 1945, Australian warships participated in the American forces' landing at Lingayen Gulf for the invasion of Luzon. Frigates Gascoyne and Warrego performed survey tasks and escort duties. The Kanimbla, Manoora, and Westralia transported American troops, accompanied by Shropshire and Australia, as well as destroyers Arunta and Warramunga.

January 1945: HMAS Arunta I takes part in landings at Lingayen

In January 1945, HMAS Arunta I participated in the landings at Lingayen as part of Task Group 77.2. On 9 January 1945, the landings were completed amid aerial assaults, and Arunta I was damaged when a kamikaze narrowly missed her.

July 1945: The Dabster crew never came back

The crew of "The Dabster" never came back to Jinamoc on completion of the mission. Until 5 July 1945, the crew of nine was among the first 56 Australians who died over the next 23 days during the Mindoro and Lingayen Gulf landing phase of the liberation of the Philippines.

May 1946: Australia Opens Consulate General in Manila

In May 1946, Australia established a Consulate General in Manila, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

May 1946: Establishment of Australian Consulate General in Manila

On 22 May 1946, Herbert Peterson, an Australian official who later became Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, established the Australian Consulate General office in the Manila Hotel, marking the beginning of bilateral relations between Australia and the Philippines.

May 1946: Opening of the First Australian Consulate-General in the Philippines

On 22 May 1946, the first Australian Consulate-General in the Philippines opened at The Manila Hotel, with Herbert Peterson appointed as the first Consul-General.

July 1946: Philippines and Australia exchange messages of friendship

In July 1946, following the end of World War II, President Manuel Roxas and Prime Minister Ben Chifley exchanged messages of friendship to mark Philippine independence. President Elpidio Quirino later sought out Australia as a potential strategic partner.

July 1946: Events preceding the Foundation of the Republic of the Philippines

In July 1946, the events that took place weeks before the foundation of the Republic of the Philippines on 4 July 1946.

December 1946: HMAS Arunta I departs to Japan

On 3 December 1946, HMAS Arunta I departed Sydney to Japan with Shropshire.

1947: Establishment of the First Philippine Mission in Sydney

In 1947, the Philippines established its first Philippine mission in Sydney, Australia.

April 1948: Establishment of the Philippine Consular Office in Sydney

On 15 April 1948, Consul General Manuel A. Alzate and his eight colleagues established a consular office at a property located at 11 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, which was purchased by the Philippine Government.

March 1949: Reciprocity Immigration Bill introduced in the Philippines

In March 1949, Congressman Hermenegildo Atienza introduced House Bill No. 2613, the "Reciprocity Immigration Bill," in the Philippine House of Representatives, which was aimed at Australia due to its immigration policies.

December 1949: New Australian government allows Gamboa to enter the country

After a change of government in December 1949, the new Australian government allowed Gamboa to enter the country, although his treatment continued to be remembered by Filipinos for many years.

1949: Upgrade of Philippine Consular Office to a Legation

In 1949, the Philippine consular office was upgraded to a Philippine Legation.

1956: Elevation of Philippine Legation to an Embassy

In 1956, the Philippine Legation was elevated to a Philippine Embassy with Roberto F. Regala as the first Philippine Ambassador to Australia.

1957: Appointment of the First Australian Ambassador to the Philippines

In 1957, Keith Charles Owen "Mick" Shann was appointed as the first Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, based in Manila.

March 1961: Relocation of the Philippine Embassy to Canberra

In March 1961, the Philippine embassy was moved from Sydney to Australia's capital city, Canberra.

June 1964: Inauguration of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra

On 12 June 1964, the official inauguration of the Philippine Embassy took place at 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT, under the leadership of Philippine Ambassador to Australia Mariano Ezpeleta.

December 1967: President Marcos attends Harold Holt's memorial service

From 21 to 24 December 1967, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. visited Australia to attend the memorial service of Prime Minister Harold Holt.

September 1971: Philippine Airlines Expands Operations to Melbourne

On 9 September 1971, Philippine Airlines expanded its Australian operations to Melbourne.

1974: Creation of the Australian Business Group

In 1974, the Australian Business Group (ABG) was created by the Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner to provide a platform for Australian businessmen based in or visiting Manila.

April 1975: Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) Started

In April 1975, the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) was established as the leading private sector organization dedicated to fostering trade and investment between Australia and the Philippines.

November 1981: Incorporation of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philippines, Inc.

On 19 November 1981, the incorporators of the Chamber, in the presence of Richard Woolcott and John Skinner, signed the Articles of Incorporation of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philippines, Inc.

December 1987: ICTSI as a leading operator in its field

Since December 1987, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has been a leading operator, innovator and pioneer in its field of obtaining, improving, handling and working container ports and terminals worldwide.

1987: Australia Third Largest Migration Area for Filipino

In 1987, Australia was the third largest migration area for Filipinos, following the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

1994: ICTSI Commences International Expansion

In 1994, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) commenced its international and domestic expansion initiative after combining and reinforcing its foundation and leading operations at the Manila International Container Terminal in the Philippines.

August 1995: Memorandum of Understanding Between the Philippines and Australia on Cooperative Defence Activities Signed

On 22 August 1995, the Philippines and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Defence Activities in Canberra, Australia. This cooperation promoted their common security interests and allowed for visits between elements of the Forces of each Party.

1995: State visit of President Ramos to Australia

In 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos had a state visit to Australia.

2000: Enactment of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act

In 2000, The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) was established, setting standards for institutions offering courses to international students on student visas in Australia. The goal of ESOS is to protect the interest of international students and enhance Australia's track record when it comes to education.

2001: Australians with Filipino Lineage

In 2001, it was reported that 129,000 Australians claimed to have Filipino lineage. By 2011, this number had increased to 225,000.

2003: Start of the Philippines-Australia Port Security Capacity Building Project

In 2003, The Philippines-Australia Port Security Capacity Building Project (PAPSCBP), funded by AusAID, was part of the A$10 million Counter-Terrorism Assistance Package to the Philippines from 2003 to 2010.

2003: Nudie Juice Founded

Nudie Juice was started in 2003 by founder Tim Pethick.

2005: Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Australia and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration

In 2005, Australia and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share expertise on effective border control to detect and deter human trafficking and other forms of irregular migration.

2006: Australian Assistance to Philippine Indigenous Peoples

Since 2006, Australian assistance to Philippine Indigenous peoples has helped improve education with the implementation of indigenized curriculum in Mindanao. The DAP has provided approximately Php4 million to programs which contribute to Indigenous peoples' welfare and income-generating capacity.

May 2007: State visit of President Arroyo to Australia

In May 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a state visit to Australia.

May 2007: Australia and the Philippines Signed the Agreement of SOVFA

On 31 May 2007, Australia and the Philippines signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). The agreement includes real-world issues including immigration and customs; measures for visiting forces to wear uniforms while in the other country; and criminal and civil jurisdiction over these visiting forces while in the other country.

May 2007: Signing of the Philippine-Australia Visiting Forces Agreement

On 31 May 2007, the Philippines and Australia signed the Philippine-Australia Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

September 2007: 7–9 September 2007

Events that happened from 7–9 September 2007

September 2007: President Arroyo attends APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Australia

In September 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a second visit to Australia for the 15th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

2008: Australia Funds the Building of the Forensic Explosives Laboratory and Bomb Data Centre

In 2008, Australia funded the building of the Forensic Explosives Laboratory and Bomb Data Centre in Davao, Mindanao. This continues to provide world class counter-terrorism and counter IED work.

2008: First Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting

In 2008, Australia hosted the first Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM).

February 2009: Memorial plaque presented in Lingayen

On 20 February 2009, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan presented a memorial plaque in Lingayen to honor the Royal Australian Navy's contribution in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf during World War II. A wreath laying ceremony was held.

July 2009: Montevideo Maru plaque unveiled at Hellships Memorial

On 1 July 2009, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Rod Smith, unveiled the Montevideo Maru plaque at the Hellships Memorial.

2009: Australia Provides Short-Term Training and Long-Term Scholarships

In 2009, Australia started providing short-term training and long-term scholarships for post-graduate study in Australia. The scholarship value is set at A$73 million from 2009 to 2019.

October 2010: Philippine Airlines last commenced operations in Brisbane

October 2010 was the last time Philippine Airlines commenced operations in Brisbane.

2010: End of the Philippines-Australia Port Security Capacity Building Project

In 2010, the Philippines-Australia Port Security Capacity Building Project (PAPSCBP), funded by AusAID, ended. It was part of the A$10 million Counter-Terrorism Assistance Package to the Philippines from 2003 to 2010.

June 2011: Australian Government Announces "Future Unlimited" Brand

In June 2011, the Australian Government introduced "Future Unlimited" to promote Australian education globally, highlighting international education as a path to a better future and showcasing the quality and practicality of Australian academic institutions.

October 2011: Philippines-Australia Public Financial Management Program (PFMP) Started

In October 2011, the Philippines–Australia Public Financial Management Program (PFMP) was launched. The Australian Government committed $30 million (AUD) to the program for five years.

2011: Australians with Filipino Lineage

In 2011, it was reported that 225,000 Australians claimed to have Filipino lineage, an increase from 129,000 in 2001. The Australian Parliament has an Australia-Philippines Parliament Group.

July 2012: Ratification of the Philippine-Australia Visiting Forces Agreement

On 24 July 2012, the Philippine Senate ratified the Philippine-Australia Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), providing a legal framework for the presence of forces in each other's countries.

July 2012: Ratification of SOVFA Agreement by the Philippines

On 24 July 2012, the Philippines ratified the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia. The Philippine Senate passed the resolution for SOVFA on second reading with seven negative votes.

September 2012: Opening of Cotton On stores in the Philippines

Since its opening in September 2012, there are 21 Cotton On and six Cotton On Kids stores nationwide in the Philippines.

2012: Australia Sponsored the Establishment of the Cyber Counter Terrorism Team

In 2012, Australia sponsored the establishment of the Cyber Counter Terrorism Team in Camp Crame, Manila.

2013: Australia Largest ODA Source for the Philippines

In 2013, Australia was the largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the Philippines, providing A$170.1 million (approximately PHP6.8 billion) for the 2013-14 financial year, according to NEDA statistics.

2013: Australian Federal Police assisted the Philippines after Typhoon Yolanda

In 2013, Australian Federal Police members deployed to Tacloban to assist the Philippines' response to Typhoon Yolanda. The Australian Federal Police also gifted A$180,000 in radios and forensic supplies to the Philippine National Police.

2013: Australian Medical Mission Teams help Typhoon Yolanda victims

In 2013, Australian medical mission teams worked alongside other Filipino and international humanitarian communities in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

2013: Introduction of additional PAL routes to Australia

In 2013, Philippine Airlines introduced two additional routes reaching three Australian cities using Airbus A320 jets: Manila-Darwin-Brisbane vice versa (three times weekly) and Manila-Darwin-Perth vice versa (four times weekly).

February 2014: Philippines hosted the 4th Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting

In February 2014, the Philippines hosted the 4th Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM), which is a forum to discuss initiatives and activities to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

February 2014: Fourth Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting

On 20 February 2014, Philippine and Australian officials met for the Fourth Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting, agreeing to continue bilateral co-operation on defence and security matters, and noting the successful implementation of SOVFA.

September 2014: Australian Ambassador Discussed the New Colombo Plan to Filipino Education Officials

On 10 September 2014, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell discussed the New Colombo Plan to Filipino education officials.

October 2014: Philippines honors Australians in Leyte

On 18 October 2014, the Philippines honored 92 Australians at Palo, Leyte, for their sacrifice in liberating the Philippines during World War II. The memorial is near General Douglas MacArthur's landing spot.

2014: Perdon cites Australians use of Philippine sugar for rum distillation

In 2014, Perdon notes that Australians utilized the sugar purchased from the Philippines for the distillation of rum.

2014: Australian Government Provides Development Assistance to the Philippines

In 2014, the Australian Government provided an estimated PHP5.7 billion (A$143 million) in official development assistance to the Philippines.

April 2015: The New Colombo Plan was Launched in the Philippines

On 20 April 2015, the New Colombo Plan was launched in the Philippines.

October 2015: HMAS Arunta II visits the Philippines

From 7–11 October 2015, HMAS Arunta II visited the Philippines and has two Filipino-Australian sailors serving as part of the ship's company, namely Able Seaman Electronics Technician Aaron Scott and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry.

November 2015: 'Philippines and Australia: The First 70 Years' exhibition launch

In November 2015, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines launched the 'Philippines and Australia: The First 70 Years' exhibition, highlighting milestones in the shared history between Australia and the Philippines.

November 2015: Australian Government Launched a Child Protection Program

On 17 November 2015, the Australian Government launched a child protection program with the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, providing $2 million to support the protection of children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.

November 2015: Signing of Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership

On 18 November 2015, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who was visiting the Philippines for the first time, and they signed the Joint Declaration on Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership.

2015: Australia sponsors the establishment of the joint Cyber Counter Terrorism Team

In 2015, Australia sponsors the establishment of the joint Cyber Counter Terrorism Team in Zamboanga, Mindanao—providing training and state of the art computer systems and other necessary equipment.

2015: Australia Attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit

In 2015, Australia was one of the countries that attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit hosted by the Philippines.

2015: Australian and Philippine LEA Successfully Dismantled an International Paedophile Ring

In 2015, Australian and Philippine law enforcement agencies (LEA) successfully dismantled an international paedophile ring in Mindanao, earning positive worldwide publicity for Philippine law enforcement.

2015: Monde Nissin Acquires Nudie Juice

In 2015, Monde Nissin (Australia) Pty. Ltd. acquired Nudie Juice, a manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of pure premium juices in Australia.

2015: Philippine PFM Reform Roadmap: Towards Improved Accountability and Transparency

In 2015, The Philippines–Australia Public Financial Management Program (PFMP) supports the Philippine Government to implement its Philippine PFM Reform Roadmap: Towards Improved Accountability and Transparency, 2011–2015.

2015: Philippines Acquires Landing Crafts from Australia

In 2015, the Philippines acquired three former Australian Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy (LCH) vessels. The first two, BRP Ivatan and BRP Batak, were donated and commissioned into the Philippine Navy.

2015: Philippines hosts APEC

In 2015, the Philippines hosted APEC, of which both Australia and the Philippines are members.

June 2016: Philippine Embassy in Canberra celebrates anniversary

On 20 June 2016, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra celebrated its anniversary with a diplomatic reception co-hosted by Philippine Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz and Australian Foreign Affairs Secretary Peter Varghese. Delia Domingo-Albert received the 70th Anniversary Friendship Award.

2016: Australia Largest Grant Donor to Education Sector in the Philippines

In 2016, Australia was the single largest grant donor to the education sector in the Philippines, having supported Philippine education for almost two decades. Australia has been described as a "partner of choice" when it comes to technical expertise on basic education reform.

2016: Australian Defence Force Personnel Participated in "Exercise BALIKATAN 2016"

In 2016, Australian Defence Force personnel participated in "Exercise BALIKATAN 2016", a multi-faceted exercise hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Pacific Command.

2016: End of Philippines-Australia Public Financial Management Program

In 2016, The Philippines–Australia Public Financial Management Program (PFMP) was concluded, which was a long-term partnership between the Philippines and Australia to improve the efficiency, accountability and transparency of public fund use in the Philippines.

2016: Indigenous Australians trace ancestry to the Philippines

In 2016, a group of Indigenous Australians, descendants of the Manila Men, visited the Philippines to trace their ancestry and meet Filipino relatives, highlighting early Philippines-Australia relations.

2016: Celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations

In 2016, the Philippines and Australia celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations, marking the anniversary of the opening of the Australian Consulate General in Manila.

2016: Australian Official Development Assistance to the Philippines

In 2016, the total Australian Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines was estimated to be A$81.9 million.

2019: Australia Provides Short-Term Training and Long-Term Scholarships

In 2019, Australia continued providing short-term training and long-term scholarships for post-graduate study in Australia. The scholarship value is set at A$73 million from 2009 to 2019.

December 2023: Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership

In December 2023, the Australian government posted a joint declaration of a strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia.

February 2024: President Marcos visits Australia

In February 2024, President Bongbong Marcos visited Australia.

August 2024: Joint Navy Patrol in the South China Sea

In August 2024, Australia, the Philippines, the USA, and Canada conducted their first joint navy patrol in the South China Sea, demonstrating military strength and cooperation in the face of Chinese aggression.