Toast

of

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

During the Vin D’honneur

[Delivered at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, January 7, 2011]

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to propose a toast to the New Year that we usher in today. It is a year in which record numbers of Filipinos anticipate with optimism that their lives undoubtedly will improve.

Their optimism will be validated. This year, businesses will invest more in this country, creating new jobs for families. This year, government resources will be spent to uplift the lives of the poor. This year, the Philippines will once again be a voice in the world for freedom and fairness.

There will be challenges ahead—from an uncertain outlook for the global economy, to a noisy minority who want to rekindle the malicious practices of the past.

But if we work together, we will overcome the challenges and fulfill the promise of the year ahead. We have much to look forward to.

Your Excellencies, may we lift our glasses to a prosperous and peaceful New Year for all of us in 2011.

Happy New Year to all.