The Australian government is donating about 1.8 million AUD (1.4 million USD) worth of technical assistance for programmes on poverty alleviation in the Philippines, according to Australian broadcast ABC on June 22.

Philippine Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral has welcomed the donation, saying it will be used for pro-poor programmes that encourage families to keep their children in school and avail of health services.

The assistance will also initially benefit eight poor municipalities in the Philippines, the secretary added.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said the fund will come from the Australian Agency for International Development.

Australia has earlier allocated 109 million AUD in financial aid to the Philippines for safety, social and economic development projects, said the ABC./.