Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza led the discussion with Australian Ambassador H.E. Marc Innes-Brown on August 26, 2026, on potential areas of cooperation under Australia’s Promoting Growth, Resilience, Economic Stability and Sustainability in the Philippines (PROGRESS) program.
The discussion builds on the Subsidiary Arrangement for PROGRESS signed by the Australian Government and the Department of Finance (DOF) on March 25, 2026, marking a key step in the implementation of Australia’s A$45-million inclusive economic growth program for the Philippines.
PROGRESS is Australia’s flagship program aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth in the Philippines and supporting the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. It seeks to strengthen the business-enabling environment and economic management while supporting investment, trade, climate resilience, economic security, and priority sectors.
The program will be implemented in coordination with DOF, alongside the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the BIR identified as a key agency under DOF in advancing the initiative.
Also present during the meeting were BIR Deputy Commissioner Marissa O. Cabreros (Strategic Reforms Group), OIC-Assistant Commissioner Eunisa R. Castillo (Project Management and Implementation Service), and OIC-HREA Grace T. Dizon (Planning and Management Service). Ambassador Innes-Brown was accompanied by Daniel Simson, First Secretary (Economic) of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.
