Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the Philippines is ready to help Australia as it battles bushfires in parts of the country.

Locsin expressed the country’s offer of solidarity and hope in a speech during the Australia Day reception.

He expressed optimism that Australia will be able to “overcome this staggering catastrophe” as he also noted the “ever strengthening ties” between the Philippines and Australia.

He added the two countries’ military cooperation "should be a model for other alliances.”

Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson noted that Filipinos and Australians are both resilient people and that the two countries have been “quietly supporting each other in good times and bad.”

The ambassador thanked the Philippines and various people and organizations that have offered support amid the bushfires.

Filipino-Australian Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also urged those present during the event to give back to their countries and support the efforts of a Filipino-Australian group raising funds for Australian firefighters and servicemen fighting the bushfires and relief efforts for those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.