The Philippines national team is made up of a mixture of local expats and players like Hill, who hold a Filipino passport.

Hill is eligible for a passport through his mother, who was born in the Philippines and he is one of four passport holders in the team, which includes three other Australians.

As part of their development, the Philippines Cricket Association organised a tour of Hong Kong on September 19 and 20, where they played two Twenty 20s and one 50-over game.

The Philippines came up against the Hong Kong Cricket Association Dragons in their opening game, a team made up entirely of players of Chinese descent.

In very hot and humid conditions, Hill made an even 50 runs in the Philippines innings, where they made 5/186 from their 20 overs, and went on to win the game.

Hill then made 78 the following day in a 50-over game against the Hong Kong under-19s, where the Philippines posted 9/230 from their 50 overs.

Although the Hong Kong under-19s went on to win by six wickets, it was a significant achievement for the team to bat out their 50 overs, as many of their players have limited experience in 50-over cricket.

Hill is one of four Australian players in the team, which he said is the strongest they’ve put together during his involvement.  

‘‘I’ve been with the team for three years and this is easily the strongest outfit that we’ve fielded, so it’s promising signs for Filipino cricket,’’ he said.

‘‘I’d love us to compete really well in the ICC Twenty 20 qualifiers and with the addition of these new players, I think we’re a really big chance to break into the World Cricket League.

‘‘That will give us a chance to work on our 50-over game and batting with a bit of patience. I think we’ve definitely got the bowling attack to take us there.’’

The Philippines Cricket Association, largely led by national team coach Iain Sinclair and team manager Faisal Khan have introduced to development program into the local schools.

They have a small team of development officers who visit the schools and give the kids the chance to learn cricket.

It is also something Hill has volunteered to do on his visits to the country.

‘‘It’s just so uplifting to see so many young kids being introduced to cricket,’’ he said.

‘‘I did a school visit in 2012 and it was quite emotional. As a Filipino growing up in Australia, to come back and share the game over here was really moving.’’

While there is a lot of hard work going into producing local players, Hill is always on the look out for Australians with Filipino heritage who could be eligible to play.

His scouting mission has already brought in Daniel Smith, a half Filipino who plays for Gordon in the Sydney first grade competition, but Hill believes there are more to be found.

‘‘I’m always on the lookout, because I reckon there’s still heaps of players out there who are yet to be unearthed.

‘‘I’ve got my eye on Shane Wallace, he used to play at Bomaderry and he played at a very high level, and I know he’s half Filipino.’’

Hill’s passion for growing the game comes down to lifelong love of cricket and he insists he wouldn’t change a thing, even if it does lead to a bit of sledging from his team mates and opponents in the Shoalhaven.

‘‘They enjoy having a dig, and you can’t blame them, because the Philippines aren’t renowned.

‘‘I get sledged all the time, but it’s all in good fun. I’m sure they would do exactly the same thing (if they were) in my situation.’’