Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the opening ceremony of the Global Development Network’s 14th Annual Global Development Conference

[Delivered at Asian Development Bank Headquarters, Manila, on June 19, 2013]

We hold this Global Development Conference in our country at an appropriate time. This is the 152nd birth anniversary of our national hero, Jose Rizal, who was largely responsible for steering our nation down the path of equality and, subsequently, development. Few people know that during his exile in Dapitan in Southern Philippines, Rizal took a hands-on approach to development. He established a school and started a medical practice, effectively taking the role of community-builder in a far-flung area of the Philippines.

More than a century after Rizal’s death, people all around the world continue to share that human desire to empower, as evidenced by your presence here. May I note in particular how Alvin Ang and Jeremiah Opiniano won the annual competition for Outstanding Research for Development in 2011. This is, I understand, the first and only time the Philippines has won this competition. For that, I thank you. As your annual competition within this conference shows, the problems that confront us, however, have changed since Rizal’s era. Countries the world over have found themselves beset by social unrest—unrest that roots from a prevalent public perception that the people’s voice is not being heard. This global flux has brought about significant social and economic consequences for the entire world—and it pushes us to evolve the way we think—from the way we approach development to the way we go about solving our problems. And this is precisely why we find ourselves here today.

We have long heard that the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging that there is a problem. But perhaps we can even build on this idea: The first step to solving any problem should be identifying the correct problem, otherwise any solution would be directionless, and therefore ineffective. This conference helps us do just that. It puts more solidity to the analysis of the problem, which will hopefully redound to more specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions.

For most of the developing world, the overarching problems can be summed up in a few words: poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education, corruption. These are not unique to any one country or people—each of us have seen or experienced them and their effects.

All these problems combined to deprive people of hope, initiative, and opportunities and while no one can guarantee outcomes, I believe, it is incumbent upon government to provide meaningful opportunities to individuals and an environment conducive to empowering our fellow citizens to seek out and maximize opportunities that come their way. We cannot have a society where a few flourish and the rest just make do with crumbs. We must have inclusive growth.

This is nothing less than a fair deal, a running start, for all with interventions by the government where it matters and can do the most good. In the first three years of our term, we focused resources on our Conditional Cash Transfer Program. Stay in school, see the doctor, be our partners in health and learning, and we will lend you a helping hand. We close the gap in classrooms and raised our budgets for education, from the primary all the way to the tertiary level.

The next three years will see continued interventions in the poorest of the poor but also a focus on the vulnerable but emerging sectors of society all  made possible by prudent public finance policies and honesty in public administration by continuing efforts to build mass housing on site and not in far flung areas by creating durable jobs in industry, tourism and agriculture.

This is what our government has chosen to do. The difficulty is that while the problems may be universal, the solutions are not. Each region, each country, each city, and town has its own reality—and the solutions we come up with must be tailor fit to local conditions. This means that our solutions might not be the best for your own communities, and we must study their effects and how to maximize positive interventions in a specific and thorough manner.

For example, our country has more than adequate coconuts to harvest—and hundreds of thousands of coconut farmers who could potentially benefit from growth in the sector. We likewise heard of a growing market for coco-water worldwide. So what we did was: We made the effort to connect our farmers to consumers from all around the world. The result: From 2009 to 2011, the value of our coco-water exports increased from 370,000 dollars to 15.1 million dollars—an increase of almost four thousand percent. From correctly reading local conditions, we were able to turn coco-water, which used to be a mere waste product, into an engine of empowerment. Another former waste product we have taken advantage of is coconut coir, which is extracted from coconut husk. We found that we could effectively use the material to strengthen our roads and prevent erosion, which is why our Department of Public Works and Highways has been using it in its projects–and this, may I add, has been such a success that we find ourselves with the shortage of this product due to massive exporting of the same. So, through approaching the problem in the context of its immediate environment, and with a dash of local ingenuity, we turned literal waste products into vibrant industries.

In this case, the broad solutions may strike us as common sense solutions: Identify our competitive advantages, build on them, and try to move up the value chain. But the true question of development hinges largely on a thorough knowledge of the local condition. It hinges on finding each region’s coco-water—an untapped opportunity for growth, empowerment, and synchronicity.

The studies we are sharing today root from a profound idea: that while it feels, at times, that the specific research we conduct is dwarfed by the enormity of the world’s troubles, all our work combined can form a constellation of knowledge that arms human civilization with the tools to combat inequality and to pursue growth that is truly inclusive.

Our continuing education—our acknowledgment that we do not know everything yet—makes certain that we will not become obsolete nor irrelevant. And perhaps that is the most resounding message of this conference: that we remain in pursuit of more knowledge—that we are saying yes to that natural human desire to get better. I am hopeful that in the span of this conference, we can hold a truly free exchange of ideas as regards development, so that we may advance the way we approach our world’s most pressing problems. I encourage you all to speak with one another and, above that, to listen, all for the sake of bequeathing coming generations a world better than we found it.

I thank you for listening and I bid you all a good day.

Toast
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
During the Vin d’Honneur for the celebration of Philippine Independence

[Delivered in Malacañan Palace on June 12, 2013]

Isang mapagpalayang araw sa ating lahat

One hundred and fifteen years ago, our nation gained its independence, and with it, the sacred responsibility of protecting and fulfilling the promise of liberty.

Today, as one nation, we reaffirm this commitment. Just as our heroes and martyrs paid the ultimate price for our freedom, as Filipinos, each and every one is asked to do his part in building an even more progressive nation, whether one is in the highest ranks of government, or an employee in a local company, or an OFW working on distant shores. As we focus our efforts on lifting our nation to greater heights, let us remember that it is by being productive and responsible citizens—by performing our tasks to the best of our abilities and by giving to our fellow men their due—that we contribute to making our society truly more just and more equitable.

On this day, we also renew our collective pledge to foster an international environment of positive engagement. Your Excellencies, as you work to strengthen cooperation and promote dialogue, you will always find partners in the Filipino people and their government. It is my hope that, as my administration strives for more meaningful and lasting reform in our country, you will continue working with us in realizing the full potential of the Filipino people and in finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face.

On this note, Your Excellencies, fellow workers in government, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to join me in a toast:

To the continued partnership between all our nations—may we always endeavor to promote peace, amity, and unity for the advancement of humankind;

To my fellow workers in government—may you remain faithful to serving our people and our republic;

To our Overseas Filipino Workers, for their dedication and sacrifice—may their hard work redound and further contribute to a Philippines that they can come home to with pride and confidence;

And to the future and continued success of the Filipino people—may the examples of our heroes be our guide as we tread the straight path to equitable progress.

Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
During the 2013 Philippine Independence Day celebration

[This is a translation of the speech delivered at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, on June 12, 2013]

This morning, here in Bonifacio Plaza, we witnessed the raising of the flag in front of the monument of the Katipunan’s Supremo to celebrate the 115th anniversary of our proclamation of independence. It is clear what his statue represents: that it is an honor to risk one’s life for one’s country; that those who have contributed to our freedom can hold their heads high. At the same time, Bonifacio’s stern gaze seems to pose a challenge to all of us: Filipino, what have you done for your flag and for your fellow men?

The time of revolt against the oppression of colonizers has come and gone: Rizal and Bonifacio, the Katipuneros, and other Filipino heroes have already done their part. They did this firm in the knowledge that no one else was going to fight for our rights; no one else was going to work for the future of our country; no one else would push for our freedom—no one but we Filipinos. No one else. Thanks to them, we have been declaring our freedom to the world for one hundred and fifteen years.

As we reflect today on the value of our independence, your government remains aware of its responsibility to protect this independence. This is why we have always stood up for our rights as a country with its own sovereignty, as a nation that spilled its blood in the name of freedom, as a Philippines with its own flag, equal to all others. It is clear: While the government is responsible for the security of our country, it is also our duty to focus on the primary needs of the people.

What we need is thorough planning, not impulsive decision-making. Only this will result in meaningful solutions to our most significant problems. This is how we have been able to put up 21,800 houses for Phase 1 of our housing program for our soldiers and policemen. We have also finished almost 14,000 houses for Phase 2, a number that will rise to 31,200 come July. In the next five years, we will also be able to spend 75 billion pesos on National Defense due to the New AFP Modernization Act being passed into law. In truth, even before this Act was passed, in the space of one year and seven months, the 28 billion pesos in funds that we allotted to the AFP Modernization program came close to equaling the 33 billion pesos allotted to the same program by the past three administrations. This signifies our drive, not only to modernize our armed forces, but also to raise the dignity and morale of our soldiers.

We need to weigh our decisions carefully when it comes to these matters. As we stand for our rights, we must continue exhibiting the values Filipinos are known for: Aggression does not run in our veins, but neither will we back down from any challenge. And while we will protect our rights and continue to build consensus with all parties to promote calm and understanding, we must also increase the capabilities of our Armed Forces. Together with all these, we must also think of the lives of the millions of Filipinos that may be affected by the decisions we make as leaders.

We have no other desire than to take care of what is rightfully ours. We have never trampled upon the rights of others. We have not claimed or demanded territory that clearly belongs to another. We have neither condescended upon nor oppressed others. Harming others or sowing discord with other countries is not in our history. Similarly, it has never been the policy of the Philippines to take advantage of other countries.  If there has been disagreement, the whole world has witnessed our willingness to sit down and conduct dialogues in a peaceful manner. The only thing we have asked is that our territory, rights, and dignity be respected, in the same way that we have respected the territory, rights, and dignity of other peoples. We are doing this precisely because we know that this is the key to maintaining stability, and by doing so, to continue the journey towards widespread and lasting progress, not only in our country, but also in our region and in the whole world.

It was Andres Bonifacio himself who said: “Reason teaches us that we must be of one will and one mind to gain the strength we need to search out the evil that reigns in our Nation. This is the time for the light of truth to dawn; this is the time for us to show that we have our own sentiments, our own honor, our own shame and solidarity.”

What Andres Bonifacio wanted to say is clear. According to him, it took three hundred years before Filipinos resolved to come together and triumph in their revolt against the Spaniards. Let us not wait three hundred years, or three decades, or even three years, before we resolve to come together and gain freedom from hunger, poverty, or whatever threatens our sovereignty and security. It is not right for Filipinos to have to stand suffering for even one minute longer. If it had only been possible, these problems should have been solved yesterday. But since this is impossible, let’s do it today. This is the time for our spirits, minds, and voices to become one. This is the time for us to offer our time and our strength. This is the time for us to act as one nation, so that we can realize our collective aspirations for the Motherland. I know that we can do this because we have the blood of heroes, and if Rizal, or Bonifacio, or even Ninoy or Cory asks, “Filipino, what have you done for your flag and your countrymen?” we will meet their gaze, unafraid, and say, “This is what I have done for my country; I have given my heart and soul to uplift my nation.”

Thank you. May we all have a meaningful Independence Day.

Basahin ayon sa pagkakabigkas

Talumpati
ng
Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III
Pangulo ng Pilipinas
Sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kalayaan

[Inihayag sa Liwasang Bonifacio, Maynila, noong ika-12 ng Hunyo 2013]

Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat. Maupo ho tayo.

Secretary Albert del Rosario; excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Joel Villanueva; Chairman Francis Tolentino; Chairperson Maris Diokno; Mayor Alfredo Lim; Mr. Cesar Sariño; Postmaster General Josefina Josie dela Cruz; members of the House of Representatives and local chiefs present; the Chief of Staff, General Manny Bautista; Police Director General Alan Purisima; our service commanders, Lt. Gen. Larry dela Cruz; Vice Admiral Alano; Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes; Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena of the Philippine Coast Guard; our Medal of Valor awardees present: Col. Custodio Falcon and Col. Bartolome Bacaro; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan:

Talagang isang malaya at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Ngayong umaga, sama-sama nating tinunghayan ang pagtataas ng bandila dito sa Liwasang Bonifacio, para sa isandaan at labinlimang anibersaryo ng proklamasyon ng kalayaan, sa harap ng rebulto ng Supremo ng Katipunan. Maliwanag po ang pahiwatig ng kanyang tindig: Karangalan ang magtaya ng buhay para sa bayan; taas-noo nating maipagmamalaki ang mga naiambag natin para sa kalayaan. Kasabay nito, tila mapanghamon din ang titig ni Bonifacio. Tila ang sinasabi: Ikaw, Pilipino, ano na ang nagawa mo para sa bandila at kapwa mo?

Lumipas na ang panahon ng pag-aaklas laban sa paniniil ng mga mananakop: ginawa na ito nila Rizal at Bonifacio, ng mga Katipunero at iba pang bayaning Pilipino. Ginawa nila ito dahil mulat silang walang ibang magtatanggol sa ating karapatan; walang ibang magsusulong para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan; walang ibang magtutulak para sa ating ganap na kalayaan, kundi tayo ring mga Pilipino. Wala nang iba. Salamat sa kanila, isandaan at labinlimang taon na nating ipinapahayag sa mundo na tayo’y isang bansang malaya.

Habang nagbabalik-tanaw at binibigyang halaga natin ang ating kasarinlan, mulat ang pamahalaan sa tungkulin nitong pangalagaan ang kalayaang ito. Kaya naman naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan bilang bansang may sariling soberanya, bilang bayang nagbuwis na ng buhay para sa kalayaan, bilang Pilipinas na may sariling bandila na kapantay ng lahat.

Malinaw po: habang may responsibilidad ang estado na ipagtanggol ang bayan, tungkulin din nating tutukan ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng taumbayan.

Ang kailangan natin: masusing pagpaplano, sa halip na padalus-dalos na desisyon. Ang bunga nito: makabuluhang solusyon na tumutugon sa mismong problema. Kaya nga nakapagpatayo na tayo ng 21,800 na tahanan para sa para sa ating mga sundalo at pulis. Halos 14,000 na po ang natatapos na bahay para sa Phase 2, na aabot sa 31,200 pagdating ng Hulyo. Pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo rin ang mailalaan natin sa Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon dahil sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act. Sa katunayan, bago pa man maipasa ito, sa loob lamang ng isang taon at pitong buwan, halos pantayan ng mahigit dalawampu’t walong bilyong piso na inilaan natin para sa AFP Modernization Program, ang tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong pondo na nailagak sa nasabing programa sa nakalipas na tatlong administrasyon. Ganyan ang tutok natin: hindi lamang para sa modernisasyon ng ating tanggulan, kundi para rin maitaas ang dangal at moral ng ating mga kawal.

Kailangan nating timbangin ang ating mga hakbang ukol sa mga usaping ito. Habang iginigiit natin ang ating karapatan, kailangan din nating ipakita ang tunay na katangian ng mga Pilipino: Wala sa lahi natin ang pagiging agresibo, pero hindi rin tayo titiklop sa anumang hamon. At habang naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan, at nakikipag-ugnayan sa lahat ng panig upang maghari ang hinahon at pagkakaunawaan, kailangan din nating iangat ang kakayahan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Kasabay nito, kailangan din nating isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng milyun-milyong Pilipinong maaaring maapektuhan ng ating mga desisyon bilang pinuno.

Wala naman tayong ibang pakay kundi ang pangalagaan ang tunay na sa atin. Hindi natin tinatapakan ang karapatan ng iba. Hindi natin inaangkin o sinasaklaw ang teritoryong malinaw namang nasa bakod ng iba. Wala tayong minamaliit, wala tayong inaapi. Wala sa kasaysayan natin ang manakit, o gumawa ng anumang hakbang para magtanim ng sama ng loob ang ibang bansa sa atin. Hindi kailanman naging polisiya ng Pilipinas ang manlamang sa ibang bansa. Kung may di-pagkakasunduan, saksi ang mundo sa kahandaan nating umupo at makipagdayalogo sa mapayapang paraan. Wala tayong ibang hinihingi kundi ang igalang ang ating teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao, tulad ng paggalang natin sa teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao ng ibang lahi. Ginagawa natin ito dahil mulat tayong ito ang susi upang mapanatili ang stabilidad, at nang sa gayon ay magpatuloy ang pagtungo sa malawakan at pangmatagalang kaunlaran, hindi lamang sa loob ng ating bansa, kundi sa ating rehiyon, at maging sa buong daigdig.

Si Andres Bonifacio na mismo ang nagsabi, “Itinuturo ng katwiran na tayo’y magkaisang-loob, magkaisang-isip at nang tayo’y magkalakas na maihanap ang naghaharing kasamaan sa ating Bayan. Panahon na ngayong dapat na lumitaw ang liwanag ng katotohanan; panahon ng dapat nating ipakilala na tayo’y may sariling pagdaramdam, may puri, may hiya, at may pagdadamayan.”

Malinaw ang nais ipabatid ni Gat Andres Bonifacio. Ayon sa kanya, umabot ng mahigit tatlondaang taon bago nagpasyang magkaisa at matagumpay na nag-alsa ang mga Pilipino laban sa mga Kastila. Huwag sana tayong maghintay pa ng tatlondaang taon, o ng tatlong dekada, o kahit ng tatlong taon, bago tayo magpasyang magbuklod para maging malaya tayo mula sa gutom, kahirapan, o anumang banta sa ating soberenya’t seguridad. Hindi tama na mapahaba pa ang pagtitiis ng mga Pilipino ni isang minuto. Kung pwede lang sana, kahapon pa ito nagawa. Pero dahil imposible nang mangyari ito, gawin na natin ito ngayon. Ngayon na mismo ang panahon para tayo’y magkaisang-loob, magkaisang-isip, at magkaisang-tinig. Ngayon na mismo ang panahon upang ialay ang ating oras at lakas. Ngayon na mismo ang panahon upang isang bansa tayong kumilos para sa katuparan ng mga kolektibong hangarin natin para sa Inang Bayan. Alam kong magagawa natin ito, dahil lahi tayo ng mga bayani, at oras na tanungin tayo ni Jose Rizal, o ni Bonifacio, ni Ninoy, o ni Cory, at itanong “Pilipino, ano ang nagawa mo para sa bandila at kapwa mo,” maaari natin silang titigan, mata sa mata, at sabihing “Narito ang mga inambag ko sa aking bayan, at ibinuhos ko ang aking buong puso’t kaluluwa upang mapabuti ang kanyang kalagayan.”

Muli, maraming salamat po. Isang makabuluhang Araw ng Kalayaan sa atin pong lahat.

Read this in English

Talumpati
ng
Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III
Pangulo ng Pilipinas
Sa inspeksyon ng paliparan Laguindingan

[Inihayag sa Misamis Oriental noong ika-11 ng Hunyo 2013]

Maraming salamat po. Maupo ho tayong lahat.

His Excellency Lee Hyuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines; Secretary jun Baya; Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Lou Antonino; Govnernor Oca Moreno; Director General William Hotchkiss; Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; of course, Archbishop Tony Ledesma; Representative Peter Unabia; Vice Governor Norris Babiera; Mayor Lawrence Cruz; Representative-elect Klarex Uy; other local chief executives present; partners from the aviation industry and the business sector; officials and staff of the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal kong kababayan:

Maayong buntag. Mukhang napag-isip po na naman kayo baka mahalo ko na naman ang Ilonggo sa Cebuano, may magalit ho. [Laughter]

Bilang arkipelago, binubuo ng libu-libong magkakahiwalay na isla ang ating bansa. Habang ginagawa nitong mas makulay at mas dynamic ang magkakaiba nating kultura, minsan ay nagiging sagabal din ang agwat na ito sa mabilis na paghahatid ng serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino. Gayumpaman, sa ilalim ng mabuting pamamahala ay hindi hadlang ang anumang layo o pagitan para kumilos at maglingkod sa ating mamamayan.

Narito nga po tayo ngayon sa Laguindingan Airport, na kongkretong patunay sa isa na namang makabuluhang proyekto ng inyong gobyerno. Kasabay nito ang pag-inspeksyon natin sa mga pasilidad nito upang siguruhin ang epektibo nitong operasyon at serbisyo. Kompiyansa po tayong magiging bukal ito ng mas malakas na turismo, at mas malawak na oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan.

Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa pamahalaan ng South Korea sa tulong pinansyal na kanilang ipinagkaloob para isakatuparan ang proyektong ito. Saludo rin tayo sa pagtutulungan ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno sa pangunguna ng DOTC upang gawing posible ang pagkumpleto sa proyektong ito—na magsisilbing lunsaran ng kaunlaran sa Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, at sa kalakhang bansa. Sa pamamahala naman po ng DPWH, tiniyak nating may maayos na kalsada patungo sa bagong paliparang ito.

Suma tutal: 7.85 billion pesos ang inilaan na pondo para dito. Tutugunan nito ang limitasyon ng Lumbia Airport sa Cagayan de Oro at Balo-i Airport sa Lanao del Norte, sa ligtas na operasyon ng mas malalaking eroplano. Sa pamamagitan naman ng Passenger Terminal nito na kayang maasikaso ang hanggang 1.6 milyon pasahero kada taon, mabibigyang daan natin ang maayos na serbisyo para sa mas maraming bilang ng manlalakbay.

Napapansin ko po nakatingin sa akin ang papasok na mayor, Oca Moreno. Pinapaalala ho yata ‘yong 1.6 [million] ay naabot na, baka puwedeng dagdagan ang ating pasilidad. Congratulations sa inyong lahat at congratulations kay Secretary Abaya na bubuno ng problemang dumagsa lalo ang ating mga bisita.

Ang proyektong ito ay isa lamang bahagi ng mas malawak nating agenda ng pagpapaunlad sa ating transportasyon at turismo. Sa katunayan, naglaan na tayo ng halos 17 bilyong piso para sa pagpapagawa ng mga kalsada, paliparan at daungan na tinutumbok ang mga kilalang destinasyon sa bansa. Ang good news pa: Dahil sa ating mga reporma sa aviation industry, tinanggal na nga ng International Civil Aviation Organization ang Significant Safety Concerns na ipinataw nila sa Pilipinas. Isang hakbang po ito upang sa lalong madaling panahon, maalis na rin tayo sa watchlist ng European Union at Estados Unidos. Sa tulong nito, hindi lang mapapadali ang biyahe ng mga Pilipino, at ng ating mga kalakal sa iba’t ibang sulok ng mundo—dadagsa rin ang mga turistang nagbubunsod ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa CAAP sa mga tagumpay na ating naisasakatuparan sa sektor na ito sa pamumuno ni Director General William Hotchkiss. Sa itinatag nga pong Certificate Management Department ng CAAP, tinitiyak nating ligtas ang ating local carriers na bumiyahe sa ibang bansa. Tuloy-tuloy din ang pagsasanay ng ahensyang ito sa mga aircraft personnel upang mapayabong ang kanilang kaalaman at kakayahan sa serbisyo.

Bukod dito, naisabatas na rin natin ang RA 10378, na nagtatanggal sa tatlong porsyentong Common Carriers Tax para sa mga pasahero ng banyagang barko at eroplano. Tinatanggal din ng batas na ito ang dalawa’t kalahating porsyentong Gross Philippine Billings Tax sa mga pasahero ng banyagang barko at eroplano kung may katumbas ding pagtanggal ng buwis ang kanilang bansa. Ang resulta: mas mahihikayat ang mga international carrier na tumungo sa bansa, at lalo pang mapapalago ang turismo, gayundin ang mga industriyang kakambal nito. Malinaw po: Habang bumibilis ang biyahe sa Pilipinas, pumapaspas din ang pag-asenso ng ating ekonomiya at ang antas ng buhay ng ating mamamayan.

Ikinalulugod din po natin ang paglago ng ating turismo sa loob lamang ng maikling panahon. Isipin po ninyo: Dati, 35.5 million tourists ang target nating domestic tourism para sa 2016. Pero noong 2011 pa lang, nalampasan na natin ito nang maitala natin ang 37.5 million domestic tourists. Kaya binago na po natin ang target, at ngayon po ang bagong target po sa 2016 ay 56.1 million domestic tourist arrival, na tiyak namang lilikha pa ng dagdag na oportunidad sa atin pong bansa.

Sa kabila po ng mga positibong bunga ng ating reporma, batid nating hindi pa tapos ang ating trabaho. Kaakibat ng pagpapaunlad natin sa ating imprastraktura, kailangan ang de-kalidad nating serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan at mga dayuhang bumibisita sa ating bansa. Aanhin natin ang maunlad na imprastraktura kung magaspang naman ang pakikitungo natin sa mga manlalakbay? Empleyado ka mang humaharap sa mga pasahero, o pilotong nagpapatakbo sa eroplano; ikaw man ay security ka mang nagbabantay sa seguridad ng paliparan, o flight attendant na nag-aasikaso sa mga biyahero, ipakilala po natin ang serbisyong tatak Pilipino: tapat, ligtas, at mataas ang kalidad.

Klaro po, sagisag ang paliparang ito sa bagong mukha ng mga proyekto ng ating gobyerno: ang pagtiyak na tamang tao ang may hawak sa mga makabuluhang programa; at gagawin ito sa mas mura, mas mabilis, at tamang kalidad. Panahon na para sa lalo pa nating pag-angat at pag-arangkada. Ang gusto natin: magbunga ang mga ipinupunla nating reporma, hindi lamang para pakinabangan sa loob ng isa o dalawang taon, kundi upang maitaguyod ang kapakanan maging ng susunod na henerasyon. Malayo na po ang ating narating sa loob lamang ng halos tatlong taon, at nananatili pa rin ang batayang prinsipyo ng ating pamamahala: Ang sambayanan ang ating mga Boss, ang sambayanan ang ating lakas sa tuwid na landas. Patuloy po tayong makiambag sa solusyon, kapit-bisig tayong tumulak sa pag-asenso, at sabay-sabay nating abutin ang mas matatayog nating mithiin.

Siguro ho isa na lang ang gusto kong ibahagi sa inyo. Talagang napakarami ng mga proyektong ini-inaugurate natin ngayon na halos isang henerasyon ang umabot mula nang inisip at na-inaugurate. Siguro bago ho ako bumaba, inaambisyon ko ‘pag naisip ng Pilipino, hindi na ho sana henerasyon bago maging kaganapan. Sa tulong po n’yo mangyayari ‘yan.

Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa lahat.

Remarks
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the Philippine luncheon hosted by Ayala Corporation

[Delivered at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on June 7, 2013]

[Greetings]

I was asked earlier if I would be entertaining questions, and I said, that I think is the main purpose of being here, until I saw the ballroom, and I was told that there are about 300 of us here. One question per person—I wonder when I’ll finish answering all of your questions. [Laughter] But I will do try to maximize my participation today.

Allow me first to congratulate the government of Myanmar, led by His Excellency, the President, not only hosting this year’s World Economic Forum on East Asia, but for more importantly paving the way for greater economic and political inclusiveness in this very beautiful country. This truly serves to inspire others to pursue and institute meaningful social reform.

Three years ago, I came into office faced with the task of uprooting a long-entrenched culture of corruption and impunity in government, knowing that therein lay the key to reviving the economy and fostering broad-based growth for my countrymen. In our first weeks, and actually first months in office, we uncovered new and bigger problems every day—problems that seemed to have been, in large part and for the longest time, ignored by the people who created them. But we did not allow ourselves to be daunted: the Filipino people had elected us into office for a reason, and so we rolled up our sleeves and went straight to work.

We reformed the procurement and budgeting processes, taking funding away from programs that did not work, and pouring our resources into those that would benefit our people the most—from social services, to health and education, to key reforms and infrastructure development. All this was done while adhering to strict standards of accountability and transparency. These same standards allowed us to make improvements to our revenue collection mechanisms, with our Bureau of Internal Revenue collections growing by 28 percent. May we add that this was achieved without raising taxes. All of you will agree with the simple belief that guides our reform agenda: corruption breeds waste.

Today, it is clear: good governance has created a climate of confidence in the Philippines. Our stock market has soared over the past three years, while analysts the world over have given different names to our success. I have heard our country called a hotspot, Asia’s Rising Tiger, or the brightest spark in Southeast Asia, just to name a few. These accolades are not unwarranted. For the first time in history, the Philippines is rated investment grade by two major credit rating agencies. These agencies have cited our robust growth as well as the low and stable inflation rate in the country—all while many other economies are experiencing slowdowns. In fact, the Philippine economy has consistently surpassed all expectations so far: full-year growth for 2012 was at 6.8 percent—higher than our growth assumption of six percent—while in the first quarter of 2013, our economy expanded by 7.8 percent.

On the production side, this first quarter growth was the result of the expansion of all major sectors: agriculture expanded 3.3 percent, services, by 7 percent, and industry, by 10.9 percent. I should emphasize that the key drivers of industry were manufacturing, which grew by 9.7 percent, and construction, which grew by 32.5 percent. On the demand side, I am told investment was just as significant a contributor to growth as household consumption. In particular, fixed capital formation grew by 16.8 percent due to vast increases in both public and private construction activity, as well as investments on durable equipment.

I hope you do not mind my going into some detail. I do so only because these most recent numbers, together with our other achievements, tell a story that might be of interest to you. For example, manufacturing increased despite an 8.4 percent decline in goods exports; this implies large domestic demand—large enough to offset lowered international demand. Public and private construction activities have expanded, indicating great improvements in our infrastructure. That this kind of economic growth is happening when we have just been upgraded to investment grade means that development can take place at an even faster rate—opening more sources of financing, and redounding to lower borrowing costs not only for our government, but also for businesses and investors.

The lesson? This is the perfect time to invest in the Philippines. More and more opportunities have been created, both as a result and as an affirmation of our commitment to reform, and we are here today to share these opportunities and invite you to work with us.

The development of infrastructure is necessary for the growth of all other sectors. Right now, the Philippines is behind its ASEAN counterparts in this regard, including the state of our roads. Instead of seeing this as a setback, we choose to see it as an opportunity to make quality investments into infrastructure. So, we have increased our budget for infrastructure, from 4.86 billion dollars in 2012 to 5.94 billion dollars in 2013. This more than one billion dollar increase will go towards paving all unpaved sections of our national road network, and developing airports and other transport hubs in the country.

At the same time, we also know that harnessing the expertise of the private sector will help us accelerate infrastructure development, which is why we are fostering greater engagement and partnership between the public and private spheres. We have already rolled out a number of projects; some are under construction, while others are still open for participation—from the construction of classrooms, and the rehabilitation, operation, and management of hydroelectric power plants, to the construction of highways, among others.

Agriculture and tourism are our other two priority sectors not only because they make the most of our country’s strengths, but also because they create jobs, complement existing livelihoods, and ignite rural development. Lack of infrastructure and support to farmers, among others, hampered the growth of our agriculture sector in the past. To remedy this, we went back to basics, improving irrigation systems, and constructing and rehabilitating farm to market roads.

We are also moving up the value chain and discovering new uses for certain products. For example, the coconut water that was once discarded as a waste product today has become a booming industry in its own right. From 2010 to 2011 alone, coco water exports increased by more than 700 percent in value and more than 800 percent in volume, with large demand coming from countries like the United States, Australia, and the Netherlands—and the sector is still growing.

Tourism is another sector whose attraction is obvious, not only to those who are looking to invest or set up business, but also to those just looking to enjoy themselves. The Philippines is in high demand, with 4.3 million tourists in 2012 discovering that, indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines. With publications like Conde Nast Traveller, the New York Times, and Travel and Leisure Magazine trumpeting our beaches, nightlife, and diving—not to mention the Filipino hospitality that has made our people so famous—we are confident that we will meet, and hopefully even surpass, our 2016 target of 10 million tourist arrivals.

Again, may I take this opportunity to invite you to come and visit the Philippines, whether for a vacation, for business—perhaps to explore the hotel industry, or for the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014, which will be held in our country. Whatever it is that you may be looking for—business opportunities in the sectors as I have mentioned, or in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and information technology and business process management; a secluded and beautiful beach in Palawan, or the most lively street dancing in any of our festivals—whatever it is, I am certain that you will find it in our country, and find it more fun at that.

Tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure have played big roles in the revival of our economy; they remain our focus because we believe in their potential to contribute to job creation. This is why our investments into these priority sectors have been matched by great investments in our people—in healthcare, education, social services, among others. These ensure that, when investors set up shop in the Philippines, they will find a healthy and capable labor pool ready to man their workstations, and empowered consumers able to patronize their products and services. This is also why we have instituted key reforms and policies to level the playing field, minimize regulatory risk, and ensure a stable environment.

At the same time, we know that sustained, inclusive growth that benefits investors and the public alike can only be achieved through longevity—the longevity of reform and the good governance that has built trust, confidence, and optimism in the Philippines. And we have taken steps to secure our country’s future. Key legislation on subjects such as responsible parenthood and sin taxes, which have been enacted, even as a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, paving the way for a final, enduring peace in the southern part of our country.

As you may know, the Philippines has recently concluded midterm elections to elect candidates to our Senate and Congress—a process I viewed as a referendum on my first three years as President. The idea was that, if the public were in agreement with the direction in which my administration was taking the country, they would elect our candidates into the legislature. Of the 12 Senate seats up for election, the voters gave us nine. In Congress, the Liberal Party and its coalition partners also have a very, very  significant majority.

To me, this is an affirmation of the mandate that I won in 2010 and a vote for continuity. If the public continues to share my vision for the country, as they have done in the past years, then anyone who aspires to succeed me would do well to continue down the path we have taken—and continue the tradition of good governance and public service, as well as the reform agenda that has brought the country so much success to our country.

Today, all the factors are in place: political stability, low inflation and low borrowing rates, opportunities for growth in almost all sectors, a government committed to integrity and empowerment, and a people known the world over for their industry, loyalty, and creativity. In our country, you have the recipe for sustained, inclusive growth that benefits investors and public alike. All that is left is for us to engage each other, and work together—and this is precisely why we are here today. In fact, members of my Cabinet are seated among you now, and I encourage you to approach them and ask questions—if you do have them—about our plans for the Philippines or about opportunities for investment. They will only be too happy to give you the information you require. After all, we are here to form partnerships with you. We are here because we are certain that, together, we can achieve great things for your businesses, for our economy, and for our people.

Thank you. Good day.

Pahayag
ng
Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III
Pangulo ng Pilipinas
Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013

[Inihayag sa NAIA Terminal 2, Lungsod Pasay, noong ika-7 ng Hunyo 2013]

Members of the Cabinet present; Mayor Tony Calixto; General Emmanuel Bautista; Police Director Alan Purisima; our service commanders; Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino de la Cruz; Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano; Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes; Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena; General Manager Jose Angel Honrado; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan:

Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Ngayong umaga, tutulak po tayo patungong Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar upang makilahok sa World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013. Kasama ang mga pinuno’t namumuhunan mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng daigdig, layunin ng pagpupulong na ito na patibayin, hindi lamang ang ugnayang pang-ekonomiya ng mga bansa, kundi maging ang kooperasyon at pagtutulungan sa iba’t iba pang larangan.

Lalong nagiging makabuluhan ang pagdalo natin dito dahil nakatakdang ganapin ang World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014 dito po sa atin sa Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin, pagkakataon ito upang ipaalam ang kakaibang sigla na tinatamasa ng ating ekonomiya sa tuwid na landas, at hikayatin pa ang mga pinuno at negosyante na huwag sayangin ang pagkakataong makasabay sa pag-angat ng kinikilalang “brightest spark” ng Timog Silangang Asya: walang iba kundi ang minamahal nating Pilipinas.

Magkakaroon din po tayo ng bilateral meeting kasama si Pangulong U Thein Sein ng Myanmar, upang bumuo ng mga mekanismo para paigtingin ang pagkapit-bisig ng ating mga bansa sa kalakalan, pulitika, at seguridad. Nasasabik rin po tayo sa pakikipagpulong natin kay Madam Aung San Suu Kyi, ang pinuno ng National League for Democracy, na nagkamit ng Nobel Peace Prize noong 1991, dahil sa kaniyang paninindigan at kabayanihan para sa demokrasya. Umaasa po tayong magiging mabunga ang palitan ng mga ideya kasama ang mga nasabing pinuno, upang pagmulan ng mga kasunduang magpapatibay sa ugnayan, at magdudulot ng kaunlaran sa ating mga bansa.

Agad din po tayong makakabalik mamayang gabi, bitbit ang mga positibong oportunidad mula sa Myanmar. Sa ganitong mga biyahe, hindi natin kailanman kinakalimutan ang pangunahing pakay namin bilang mga lingkod-bayan: Ang mag-uwi ng mas marami pang makabuluhang pagkakataon para mga Pilipino, at ibandila ang bagong mukha ng Pilipinas—isang bansang handang makipagbayanihan sa ibang nasyon tungo sa maaliwalas na ekonomiya’t pagnenegosyo; isang bansang tunay na nagniningning at tinitingala ng mundo.

Magandang araw po muli. Maraming salamat po sa lahat.

Toast
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
During the state lunch in honor of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste

[Delivered in Malacañan Palace on June 6, 2013]

His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; Speaker Sonny Belmonte; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno; Honorable Jose Luis Gutierrez, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Cooperation; Honorable Emilia Perez the Minister of Finance; Honorable Mariano Asanami Sabino, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Secretary Albert del Rosario; other members of the Cabinet present; His Excellency, Archbishop Pinto; excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; members of the Senate and the House of Representatives; Ambassador Jovencio de Jesus Martins, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Philippines; Ambassador Aileen Bugarin, our Ambassador to Timor-Leste; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen:

Good noon.

Your Excellency, when you visited the Philippines 13 years ago, you had the opportunity to meet my mother, who like you valued and fought for the promise of freedom. Back then, my mother shared with you the many difficulties my people experienced in order to restore democracy and justice in our country.

Your visit came at an important time for both our nations: the Philippines was at a crucial juncture in its democratic history, while Timor-Leste was treading the path to self-governance and independence. Then, you saw a country whose growth was stunted by years of misgovernance and neglect. Today, you return to a Philippines that has undergone meaningful transformation—transformation that has empowered our countrymen to take part in building a more just, more progressive society.

As Timor-Leste endeavors for greater social reform, you will always find a partner in the Filipino people, a country ready to work hand in hand with the Timorese government towards mutual progress, a nation determined to further advance regional dialogue and positive engagement in our part of the world.

Your Excellency, it is through continued cooperation that we will be able to realize our aspirations for our peoples and our region.

On this note, may I propose a toast:

To the good health and success of Your Excellency, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and His Excellency, President Taur Matan Ruak;

To the prosperity of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the well-being of all Southeast Asian nations;

And to the enduring friendship between our two peoples.

Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the oath-taking ceremony of the Newly Elected Officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, Inc. and ceremonial turnover of a two-Classroom School Building

[June 5, 2013]

Thank you. Good Morning. Please sit down.

Secretaries Greg Domingo and Mar Roxas; Senator Frank Drilon; Senator Ed Angara; Dr. Alfonso Siy; Mr. Tan-Ching; Dr. Robert Sy; Officials of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), fellow workers in government, honored guests; ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning.

I have always found it especially auspicious that the induction of your new officers coincides with the turnover of more classroom units under the FFCCCII’s Operation: Barrio Schools project. To me, this symbolizes your pledge to the government and, more importantly, to the Filipino people—not only to contribute to economic growth through your businesses, but also to help empower our countrymen by investing in their future.

With more than 9,000 classrooms constructed all over the country since 1961, the FFCCCII has opened doors of learning—and consequently, of opportunity—to so many of our students. This tradition of giving continues today, with your turnover of approximately 80 million pesos in pledges, which will be realized through the construction of 400 classrooms, or 200 school units. I am also told that, in celebration of your 60th anniversary next year, you are granting four-year scholarships to 60 high school graduates pursuing a degree in Education. On top of building classrooms and sending children to school, I know that you are also supporting volunteer fire brigades; donating to disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts; and fostering healthy minds in healthy bodies by means of your medical and dental missions. Once again, let me express my deepest gratitude: to sha din long tsong. Kumpletuhin na rin po natin: Maraming, maraming salamat po.

It is always encouraging for those of us in government to see businessmen going above and beyond what you would expect from an ordinary citizen. For our part, we are doing our level best to forge an environment that is even more conducive to business. I am sure the results have not escaped your notice: The Philippines is now rated investment grade for the first time in history by, I believe, three major credit rating agencies. Our economy grew by a remarkable 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Add to this countless other indicators of economic growth, and you have a situation where even greater prosperity is within reach.

And even as we invest in infrastructure and institute reforms that level the playing field, we continue to channel the hard-earned money of our taxpayers into health, education, social services, and other initiatives to empower our countrymen—making them true, productive contributors to the continuing cycle of opportunity and progress. I am very optimistic that we will be able to sustain these initiatives, especially since our economic resurgence is granting us greater fiscal space to pursue our agenda of social and economic inclusiveness.

Let me make it clear: We are all for your success, which we know leads to the expansion of your businesses and the creation of more jobs. At the same time, as you continue to reap benefits from our economic revival, I hope that you will also be more willing to share the fruits of your hard work—not only through your philanthropic activities, but also by setting the good example as citizens who fulfill their obligations on time and by the book. It is my hope that as you continue to give generously, you also take to heart the civic duties and responsibilities of every Filipino. This is what will allow our already-strong partnership to flourish in the years to come.

You have some of the most powerful and most prosperous businessmen in the country as your members. Add to this a readiness to lend a helping hand to your countrymen. As Dr. Siy said earlier, with this combination of means and initiative, your Federation has the potential to play an even greater role in building a Philippines that is truly a wellspring of opportunity for all. Today, as we witness the beginning of another chapter in the history of your organization, it is my deepest hope that we can continue working together and building on each other’s achievements in order to foster a culture of shared prosperity and empowerment in the Philippines as true partners do.

Congratulations to your newly elected officers. More power to you all. Thank you, and good day.