Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster and a C-130J Hercules transported Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMat) to the typhoon Haiyan-battered Philippines. Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston announced that the two planes departed from Darwin on Nov 13.

The two heavy lift aircraft carried the civilian medical team and 22 tonnes of associated equipment to Mactan Air Field in Cebu, Philippines. Once they get to Cebu, the C-130J Hercules will transfer the medical team to Tacloban.

"The RAAF's C-17A Globemasters provide an experienced and important capability when responding to disasters in our region. Sadly, our ability to respond rapidly has been called on in tragic circumstances in recent years to support missions following the tsunami in Japan and the Christchurch earthquake," Mr Johnston said.

"The C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules will be supported by a RAAF Mobile Air Load Team (MALT), an Aircraft Security Operations Team and Aeromedical Evacuation specialists. These personnel will be responsible for enabling the delivery of the medical specialists and their equipment to the Philippines," he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade designated crisis response specialist and consular staff to help the AusMAT team to attend to the most affected area in the Philippines. The crisis team consists of two Rapid response Team personnel for humanitarian assistance and two Emergency Response Team officers to assist the Australian Embassy, Manila.

Defence said that it will be on a standby for any immediate request for assistance.

Defence has established Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST to support international Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Meanwhile, Australia had also pledged a monetary help to the Philippines, amounting to $10 million, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that the government is willing to send more if needed.

"This comprises the urgent deployment of an Australian medical assistance team - at a cost of about $1 million, $3 million to be deployed through Australian non-government organisations, $4 million to the United Nations flash appeal. "[We will also contribute] $1 million for additional food items and non-food items, which includes the funding already announced - so tarps, mosquito nets, water containers and the like, and $1 million to the Red Cross to assist in their disaster response efforts," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

Belen Anota, the Philippines' Ambassador to Canberra, expressed the country's gratitude to Australia.