US 2001 Speeches

	PGMA's Departure Statement for her State Visit to US
	Development, Tolerance, and Mutual Respect for a World at Peace - Address by H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. (New York, 16 Nov 2001)
	PGMA's Speech during the Filipino Community
	PGMA's Speech during the Fil-Am Chamber
	PGMA's Speech during the Luncheon at Investors Briefing organized by the Citigroup
	PGMA's Speech during the Memorial Mass for the Victims of the September 11, 2001 Tragedy
	PGMA's Speech before Georgetown University
	PGMA's Press Statement after a meeting with U.S. Pres. George W. Bush
	PGMA's Speech during a Meeting with the Filipino Community
	PGMA's Arrival Statement from her State Visit to the U.S.A. and Mexico

PGMA's Departure Statement for her State Visit to US (14 Nov 2001)

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

I LEAVE TONIGHT FOR THE UNITED STATES ON A MISSION THAT BRINGS US CLOSER TO THE WORLD’S STRONGEST POWER AND TO THE HOME OF THE LARGEST GROUP OF FILIPINOS OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES.

I DEPART AFTER ATTENDING A SERIES OF REGIONAL AND GLOBAL MEETINGS IN ASIA AND AFTER RECEIVING A NUMBER OF FOREIGN LEADERS IN MANILA. FOREIGN POLICY HAS RISEN TO A HIGHER IMPORTANCE IN THE AGENDA OF GOVERNMENT. THE CONDUCT OF FOREIGN POLICY BANNERS AT ALL TIMES THE INTEREST OF THE REPUBLIC AND THE FILIPINO NATION. WE ADVANCE THIS INTEREST WITH OUR DIALOGUE WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES AND TREATY PARTNERS.

I LEAVE FOR THE UNITED STATES ON THE INVITATION OF PRESIDENT BUSH. ON THE AGENDA, OUR TALKS ON THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM AND AGAINST POVERTY. AT THE SAME TIME, I SHALL MEET WITH THE LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE HUGE FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN AMERICA. I SHALL TAKE UP WITH PRESIDENT BUSH THREE MATTERS.

THE FIRST ITEM IS WHAT THE PHILIPPINES HAS DONE UNILATERALLY, BILATERALLY AND REGIONALLY TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNPRECEDENTED TERRORISM.

THE SECOND IS TO DEFINE WHAT THE PHILIPPINES NEEDS TO SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTE THIS CAMPAIGN. IT IS A WIDE RANGING FRONT, RANGING FROM MILITARY ACTIONS TO MEASURES THAT REDUCE MASS POVERTY.

THE THIRD IS TO ESTABLISH A FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENT TO SUSTAIN PHILIPPINE–AMERICAN RELATIONS ON THE BASIS OF MUTUALITY, PRACTICALITY AND GLOBALISM.

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED SINCE SEPTEMBER 11. WE LIVE IN A LESS SECURE, LESS SAFE AND LESS STABLE PLANET.

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE ARE MORE COMPLEX AND MORE DAUNTING. BUT WE HAVE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SWIRL OF EVENTS THAT ARE ENVELOPING THE ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL MILIEU. WE HAVE TO GET HOLD OF THE VARIOUS STRANDS AND ORGANIZE THEM IN A MEANINGFUL CONTEXT. WE HAVE TO COLLATE THE NEW, MANY AND SWIFT EVENTS AROUND US AND BREATHE SENSE AND SYNTHESIS TO THEM. WE HAVE TO PEER INTO THE ECONOMIC AND SECURITY HORIZON IN TERMS OF INTERLOCKING RELATIONS AND IN RELATION TO OUR GROWTH AND SURVIVAL AS A NATION.

THE PHILIPPINES IS LINKED INTERMINABLY WITH THE WORLD, AND EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS ON THIS EARTH IMPACTS ON OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE.

THERE IS A RELATIONSHIP, FOR INSTANCE, BETWEEN CHINA’S ACCESSION TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION AND THE FUTURE OF OPEN MARKETS -- INCLUDING A NEW SHOPPING CENTER FOR PHILIPPINE GOODS AND PRODUCTS. THERE IS A CLOSE LINKAGE BETWEEN THE DECLARATION AGAINST TERRORISM OF THE APEC AND THE ASEAN AND THE ADVANCE OF THE GLOBAL COALITION AGAINST OSAMA BIN LADEN AND THE AL-QAIDA TERRORIST NETWORK.

OUR AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND OUR BID TO FORGE A TRILATERAL COALITION ON TERRORISM WITH INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA STRENGTHEN OUR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE ABU SAYYAF AND THE BORDER LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST TERRORISM IN OUR SHORES AND IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD.

THE ENTIRE ARRAY OF DEFENSE ALLIANCES, AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WEAVE A REGIONAL FABRIC OF SECURITY, STABILITY AND COOPERATION IN ASIA AND BEYOND. ENJOYING SECURITY AND STABILITY MEANS THAT WE CAN PURSUE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN PEACE, AND THAT WE CAN BUILD BUSINESSES, PRODUCE JOBS AND PROMOTE INCOMES WITHOUT THE IMPEDIMENT OF VIOLENCE AND THREATS AS WELL AS POVERTY, IGNORANCE, DISEASE, AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE.

MY TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES STANDS ON THE PRINCIPLE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM. DEMOCRACY IS THE DURABLE FOUNDATION OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES. WE SHALL REAFFIRM AND STRENGTHEN IT. DEMOCRACY IS ALSO THE HALLMARK OF PHILIPPINE SOCIETY. MY TRIP WILL TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT FILIPINOS ENJOY A VIGOROUS PRESS, FREE ELECTIONS AND STRONG HUMAN RIGHTS.

MY TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES ALSO STANDS ON OUR COMMON FRONT AGAINST TERRORISM. THE PHILIPPINES IS A PARTNER IN THE COALITION AGAINST TERRORISM. IN ASEAN, WE HAVE INITIATED THE EFFORT TO ORGANIZE THE FRONT AGAINST THE OSAMA BIN LADENS OF THE REGION.

LASTLY, MY TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES STANDS ON THE DETERMINATION TO SHAPE OUR RELATIONS WITH AMERICA IN CONSONANCE WITH FILIPINO INTERESTS, OUR SHARED GOALS AND EXISTING TREATIES.

AS FAR AS THE VISIT IS CONCERNED, THESE INTERESTS FOCUS ON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILLIPPINES, MODERNIZING OUR STRATEGY AGAINST TERRORISTS IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND MAKING THE PHILIPPINES A STRONGER PARTNER IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM.

WE SHALL TALK ABOUT MILITARY AND POLICE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR OUR SECURITY, DEFENSE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS. WE SHALL DISCUSS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TRADE AND INVESTMENTS. THE SUSTENANCE OF OUR TOURISM PROGRAM IS ON THE LIST. I SHALL ASK AMERICA’S HELP IN EMPOWERING THE LANDLESS, THE SMALL ENTREPRENEURS, AND IN DEVELOPING MINDANAO, BASILAN AND SULU. AMERICAN ASSISTANCE TO MUSLIM FILIPINOS WILL HELP BROADEN INTERFAITH DIALOGUE. IT WILL ACCELERATE THE RETURN OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES.

I WISH TO BRING UP WITH PRESIDENT BUSH THE PLIGHT OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS WHOSE BENEFITS COMPARE POORLY WITH THOSE OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS. IF THERE IS TIME, I SHALL ASK FOR A REVIEW OF TOXIC CHEMICALS REMAINING IN FORMER U.S. MILITARY BASES IN THE PHILIPPINES.

AMERASIAN CHILDREN BORN OF FILIPINO MOTHERS AND AMERICAN FATHERS ARE ASKING FOR A PLACE IN AMERICA’S IMMIGRATION …. SOME OF THESE CONCERNS MAY NOT BE DISCUSSED AT THE WHITE HOUSE , BUT FILIPINO OFFICIALS ACCOMPANYING ME WILL TAKE THEM UP WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE APPROPRIATE CABINET DEPARTMENTS.

I SHALL MEET THE LEADERS OF THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY. I SHALL WITNESS THE SIGNING OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS. WE SHALL TEAM UP WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINE BUSINESS SECTOR TO INFORM AMERICANS ABOUT BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES HERE; HOW WE HAVE BOOSTED INVESTMENTS, CUT RED TAPE, EXPANDED INFRASTRUCTURE, DEVOTED MORE ENERGY TO PUBLIC SAFETY, AND TO MAKING DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES PLEASURABLE AND PROFITABLE.

I SHALL ADDRESS THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY. PART OF MY AGENDA IS AN ADDRESS ALSO AT THE NEW YORK BASED COUNCIL OF FOREIGN RELATIONS.

WHILE IN NEW YORK CITY, I SHALL VISIT THE RUINS OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND HEAR MASS FOR THE DEPARTED AND THE SURVIVORS. I SHALL CONVEY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THE WORLD THE CONDOLENCES OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. IT WILL BE MY PLEASURE TO CONDUCT WIDE RANGING DIALOGUES WITH A HUGE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES.

I SHALL THANK THEM FOR BOOSTING THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY AND FOR SHORING UP OUR NATIONAL STABILITY THROUGH THEIR FOREIGN EXCHANGE REMITTANCES TO MANILA. I SHALL TELL THEM THERE IS MORE THEY CAN DO FOR THEIR COUNTRY.

I SHALL ASK THE MORE THAN 2 MILLION FILIPINOS AND FILIPINO AMERICANS TO INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES AND TO HELP LAUNCH NEW BUSINESSES AND GENERATE MORE JOBS AND INCOMES.

I SHALL ASK DOCTORS, NURSES AND DENTISTS TO CONTINUE THEIR MEDICAL MISSIONS. FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS TOO HAVE BEEN ACTIVE DONATING BOOKS, MEDICINES AND FOOD TO OUR BARANGAYS.

I SHALL ASK THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR GENEROSITY. I SHALL ASK THEM TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES MORE OFTEN. AND AS THEY RENEW THEIR ACQUAINTANCE WITH THEIR HOMELAND, IT WOULD NOT BE A BAD IDEA TO BRING AMERICAN FRIENDS ALONG, OR TO URGE AMERICANS TO TASTE OUR HOSPITALITY.

I SHALL ASK THOSE FACING RETIREMENT TO CONSIDER SPENDING THE AFTERNOON OF THEIR LIVES HERE.

I SHALL ASK FILIPINO-AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. TO FEDERATE THEMSELVES AND ORGANIZE THEMSELVES INTO A COALITION FOR FILIPINO PROGRESS. THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED SO MAY ADOPT A BARANGAY, A TOWN, A SCHOOL, A STREET OR A NEIGHBORHOOD. AS FOSTER PARENTS THEY WILL HELP REBUILDTHE STRUCTURES AND PLACES AND MAKE THEM SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITIES.

I SHALL ASK THEM TO KEEP AN INTEREST IN PHILIPPINE AFFAIRS. THERE ARE MANY PROPOSALS IN CONGRESS THAT WILL AFFECT THEM OR THEIR FAMILIES, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN TE PHILIPPINES.

THE ABSENTEE VOTING BILL WILL ENABLE CONTRACT WORKERS AND EXPATRIATE PROFESSIONALS TO VOTE IN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTIONS. THE BILL PROPOSING TO GRANT DUAL CITIZENSHIP WILL BENEFIT FORMER FILIPINO NATIONALS.

THE NOVEMBER 26 ELECTIONS FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO IS IMPORTANT IN ENSURING STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES.

I LEAVE TO VISIT THE WORLD’S STRONGEST POWER, THE ONLY SUPERPOWER AND THE LEADING BEACON OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY IN THE WORLD.

I LEAVE TO VISIT THE HOME OF THE BIGGEST CONCENTRATION OF FILIPINOS OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES. TWO MILLION PINOYS AND STILL GROWING. I CONSIDER THIS COMMUNITY AS A SECOND PHILIPPINES.

IN MY DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENT BUSH AND OTHER FEDERAL OFFICIALS, WE SHALL MAKE SURE THAT THEY HEAR THE HIGHEST PRIORITIES OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT.

IN MY MEETING WITH AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN AND INVESTORS, WE SHALL BANNER THE FLAG OF FILIPINO CAPITALISM -- A VIGOROUS AND OPEN MARKET THAT REWARDS THE INDUSTRY AND SENSE OF PIONEERING THAT AMERICANS ARE KNOWN FOR.

IN MY HUNTAHANS WITH OUR KABABAYANS IN THAT GREAT NATION, I SHALL APPEAL TO THEIR PATRIOTISM AND DEVOTION TO FAMILY. THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES HAVE ENJOYED CLOSE FRATERNAL BONDS FOR OVER A HUNDRED YEARS. THAT TIE HAS STRENGTHENED AND HAS BECOME MORE IMPORTANT IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW CHALLENGES OF TERRORISM AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES FACING US.

AMERICA IS ALSO HOME TO FILIPINO DOCTORS, NURSES, DENTISTS, ENGINEERS, I.T. PROFESSIONALS, MEMBERS OF THE U.S. NAVY, PROFESSIONAL SERVANTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, PROFESSIONALS IN THE FEDERAL AND STATE SERVICES, STUDENTS AND BUSINESS, ALL OF WHOM HAVE HELPED ENRICH THE U.S. ECONOMY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.

I ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT AS I EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY. THANK YOU.

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Development, Tolerance, and Mutual Respect for a World at Peace

Address by H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. (New York, 16 Nov 2001)

LET me begin by congratulating Your Excellency Han Seung Soo on your election as President of this Assembly. I am especially gratified to be addressing this Assembly when a distinguished Asian is again at its helm.
I congratulate as well Your Excellency Kofi Annan for the Nobel Prize you have received together with the United Nations. It is the international community's recognition of the indispensable role and the necessary work done by the U.N. under your watch towards peace and justice in the world.

At the most elemental level, we feel most deeply the sad and traggic impact of those inhuman acts of terrorism-the lives lost, the orphaned children, the widowed spouses, the parents struck with the unimaginable grief of outliving their children. Worse yet, of watching them die.

As we watched the horror unfold, we felt as though it was happening to us-as indeed it was, for these United Nations are in a sense one family. But the blow that was struck at this international city was felt as directly by the rest of the world.

As people the world over stopped to watch in horror as the twin towers came down, the world's economies ground to a virtual halt.

Business activity stopped, investments withdrew, markets shrank, tourism dried up-and jobs were further lost, living standards dropped even further, destitution spread, the very conditions that favor terrorism spread and deepened. Our misgivings about a world slowing deepened into the certainty of a recession that will be felt most deeply by those least able to endure it. Not just classes but whole countries. The average G.D.P. growth rate of developing countries could fall from last year's 5.5% to 2.9%. For most poor countries that will translate to sub-zero growth.

Mr. President, the face of terrorism that this city saw over a month ago is a familiar one to Asians. It has taken a terrible toll in the lives of our people and in the economies of the region. It has destroyed our credit and deterred investments. It has caused Asian Governments profound embarrassment at being caught flat-footed and unable to offer their citizens the most basic security. In the southwestern part of the Philippines, it has taxed our resources and our patience to the limit. For terrorism is the argument of those who are not really interested in reasoning but only in getting whatever they want, on their terms alone.

We know terrorism. We are fighting it in southwestern Philippines. The perpetrators of the first attack on the World Trade Center were apprehended by our police.

Short of dismembering our country and dispossessing our people of their homes, we have been negotiating with secessionist groups.

But we have thrown the full weight of the law, including the use of force, at those who have resorted to terrorism.

We know the enemy and we know that these are not people you talk to; these are people you fight. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, "there are those who will hate and who will kill even if every injustice is ended."

You must fight them in the field, when they take to the field, and hunt them in cities when they hide inside.

It was in the light of this experience in southwestern Philippines that we immediately condemned the terrorist attacks on the United States, for we recognized them immediately as the desperate and despicable act of that violent minority which seeks to enslave the world with fear. And indeed they have given the world good reason to be afraid. The attack on the World Trade Center which aimed to take the lives of the 50,000 people who worked inside it shows us an enemy without pity, without compunction, prepared to use any means to achieve the greatest destruction.

The Philippines did not need to join the war on terrorism, it was in that war already, in the southwestern part of our islands. The Philippines could not have done otherwise than renew her commitment to fight terrorism in a wider field, in the wake of September 11. We know that this is an enemy that must be fought everywhere so that it cannot strike at will anywhere it pleases again.

This is a fight between tolerance and bigotry, between reason and fanaticism, between law and anarchy, between justice and murder pretending to be just. In that fight, there is no other side to choose but the one where the civilized nations of the world - long-time allies and former enemies - have chosen to stand united, not least here in this plenary hall.

The Secretary-General has declared that the September 11 attacks "struck at everything our organization stands for: peace, freedom, tolerance, human rights, and the very idea of a united human family."

I don't know if the future belongs to our side, but I am convinced that there will be no future if our side does not prevail in this fight - at least no future that any of us will care to live in. In fact, it will not be a future in which most of us will be allowed to live. It is a future where happiness is suspect, delight is blasphemy, beauty is a cause for shame, and independent thought a capital crime.

But while terrorism cannot be placated, and no terrorist should not be appeased, there is no doubt in our minds either that we must address the concerns that they pretend are the inspiration of their terrible deeds.

"If the world can show that it will carry on, that it will persevere in creating a stronger, more just, more benevolent and more genuine international community across all lines of religion and race, then terrorism will have failed."

No, terrorism will not stop but will have failed. To stop terrorism, the terrorists themselves will have to be stopped.

What we can do however is to strip them of their moral pretensions and take upon ourselves the causes that they have perverted.

No nation will indefinitely endure the yawning gap between rich and poor - a gap that is only growing bigger not just within but across the countries of the world. It is this growing disparity between the ever fewer richer and ever more poor that has given terrorism the freedom of movement and impunity from accountability that it has enjoyed.

Poverty can be reduced partly by national economic growth. But societies have to adopt deliberate policies to ensure that the income levels of the poor rise faster than those of the rich.

Recent developments in the global economy have displayed the perils of over-dependence on external markets. We must expand domestic demand and increase the purchasing power of the masses of our people.

This is largely the responsibility of each nation. We in the Philippines are addressing the affront of mass poverty through housing, education, lower medical costs, more efficient power, transportation and communications, infrastructure in the countryside, credit to small farmers and micro-industries, productivity, protection of the environment, and developing the areas farthest from our center of political power and economic activity.

The international community also has a responsibility for the elimination of poverty. The commitments to devote a certain percentage of GDP to official development assistance have a place. But the most effective and least costly anti-poverty measure on a global scale is for developed countries to open their markets wider to the products of the developing countries, including particularly those products turned out by the poor people in the poor countries - agricultural commodities, textiles, clothing, and footwear, as well as electrical and electronic appliances and components.

The global trading system cannot allow developed countries to subsidize heavily their agricultural exports while the developing countries are without the means to help their own farmers.

The recent ministerial meeting of the world trade organization decided to launch a new round of multilateral trade negotiations. To ensure that the WTO does not lose credibility at this crucial time, our top priority is to ensure that the Doha round is truly a development round.

The effort to conquer poverty must embrace all cultures, all ethnic groups, and all religious communities. The nation must allow all to preserve their own cultures.

We must make political autonomy accessible to regions that want it. At the same time, no one must be allowed to resort to terrorism to further their political aims.

Respect for culture and religion, resources for development, openness to political autonomy within the sovereignty of the nation, and rejection of terrorism are the foundations of the Philippine approach to our ethnic diversity and the uplifting of our Muslim and tribal minorities.

The vision of nations where poverty is rapidly reduced cannot be attained in places where women and girls are mistreated and their rights trampled upon. As the woman, Head of State, woman Head of Government and woman Commander-in-Chief of the world's 14th largest nation, I say: we cannot conquer poverty without liberating women and girls where they are oppressed. The gender gap is a part of the development gap and must be addressed with equal vigor.

The fight against terrorism, the struggle to eliminate poverty, the work on behalf of social and international justice, the strengthening of the rule of law, the promotion of tolerance and mutual respect, the practice of humanitarian compassion, the liberation of women, the never-ending toil for peace-these have long been on the UN agenda. We have been doing these in cooperation with our neighbors, in our region.

The heightened virulence of terrorism, the renewed sense of insecurity among the world's people, and the alarming slowdown in the global economy have intensified the urgency and importance of our work. Together, let us get on with the job. It is serious. It is essential. It is urgent.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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PGMA's Speech during the Filipino Community Grand Ballroom, Hyatt Hotel San Francisco, USA - Nov 14, 2001

MARAMING SALAMAT AMBASSADOR ALBERT DEL ROSARIO.

CONSUL GENERAL DELIA ROSAL; ANG AKING MGA KAPWA PANAUHIN, SI SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON; I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET HIS WIFE, MS. MILA DRILON; SI SENATOR NENE PIMENTEL, NANDITO RIN IYONG KANYANG MAYBAHAY SI MRS; BING PIMENTEL. SI SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA LEVISTE AT ANG KANYANG ESCORT SI BOI GOVERNOR SI TONY LEVISTE; NARITO RIN ANG ATING SECRETARY OF FINANCE SI LITO CAMACHO AT SAKA SI SECRETARY NOEL CABRERA NANDITO KASAMA KO KANINA WALA NA YATA DITO. AND MAY I ALSO GREET OF COURSE OUR LEADERS IN PUTTING TOGETHER THIS WONDERFUL AFFAIR-- RENE PASCUAL PRESIDENT AND FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE IBP; MRS. ALICE BULOS COMMISSIONER FOR THE AGED. SABI KO NGA I MET ALICE IN FVR'S TIME, I MET HER IN ERAP'S TIME, I AM HAPPY TO MEET HER IN MY TIME. MR. MARK TAYO, FOUNDING AND PAST PRESIDENT OF STO. NINO DE CEBU, U.S.A. AND AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE UNION CITY LIONS CLUB; MR. MARICO ENRIQUEZ, PRESIDENT OF THE FILIPINO FARMERS COOPERATIVE; BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PASEGENIANS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH INITIATIVE; MS. ORA SEYLER MEMBER OF THE FILIPINO AMERICAN ORGANIZATION OF THE BAY AREA AND THE FILIPINO AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

MGA MINAMAHAL KONG KABABAYAN, MAGANDANG GABI PO SA INYONG LAHAT!

CARING CABALEN KONG CAPANGPANGAN MAYAP A BENGI KO QUECONGAN; KET NAGADO DAGITI KAKAILYAK TE BANGIR NI MAMANG CO, NAIMBAG NGA RABII YU AMIN APO; SA MGA KASIMANWA SAN AKONG BANA, KAG KASIMANWA NI SENATE PRESIDENT DRILON, MAAYONG GAB-I SA INYO NA TANAN; SA ATUNG MGA KAIGSUONAN GIKAN SA , O, KASIMANWA NAMAN NI SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA NA TAGA-ANTIQUE; KAG SA ATUN KAIGSUONAN GIKAN SA MINDANAO , ASAN NA GIKAN SI SENATOR PIMENTEL? ( APPLAUSE) UG ASA GIKAN DAKO MAYONG GABI KE KANINYONG TANAN:

NAGAGALAK AKONG MAKAPILING KAYONG LAHAT MGA MAHAL KONG KABABAYAN NA NAKATIRA HINDI LAMANG PALA SA BAY AREA KUNG HINDI SA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

AKO NAMAN MALIBAN SA MGA BINANGGIT KONG MGA OFFICIALS KASAMA KO RIN NGAYONG GABI ANG AKING KABIYAK NAMAN, SI ATTY. JOSE MIGUEL ARROYO NARITO RIN EWAN KO KUNG NANUNUOD NG T.V. O NANDITO BA SA HALL NA ITO ANG AKING MGA ANAK: SI VICE -GOVERNOR MIKEY ARROYO NG PAMPANGA AT SAKA SI DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO. SI MIKEY AY ISANG OLD-TIMER SA SAN FRANCISCO SAPAGKAT NAG-ARAL SIYA NOONG ARAW SA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKLEY.

I WISH TO COMMEND RANKING LEADERS OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE BAY AREA FOR SUCCESSFULLY ORGANIZING THIS DINNER: RENE PASCUAL, ALICE BULOS, MARK TAYO, JR., MARICO ENRIQUEZ, ORA SEYLER THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THEY WALKED THE EXTRA MILE TO HELP CONSUL GENERAL DELIA MENEZ ROSAL MAKE THIS INDEED A SUCCESSFUL WELCOME. THEIR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF THIS EVENT SPEAKS HIGHLY OF THE QUALITY OF FILIPINO LEADERSHIP IN THE BAY AREA AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION FILIPINOS ON THE WEST COAST, WHICH INCLUDES CALIFORNIA, OREGON AND WASHINGTON. DEMOGRAPHERS ESTIMATE THAT THERE ARE OVER 2 MILLION FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES.

BECAUSE OF YOUR NUMBER, FILIPINO-AMERICANS CONSTITUTE A VERITABLE SECOND PHILIPPINES. NOWHERE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU FIND THIS MASS OF FILIPINOS OUTSIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES ITSELF. AND ACCORDING TO THE 1990 CENSUS REPORT, TAGALOG IS THE 6TH MOST SPOKEN FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN AMERICAN HOMES.

NGAYON NATUTUWA AKO'T MAKAKAUSAP KO KAYO NANG MASINSIN SA KAUNA-UNANG PAGKAKATAON BILANG PANGULO NG ATING BANSA. AND SO, LET US TALK IN CANDOR.

I THINK ITS NO SECRET THAT I INHERITED AN ECONOMY WITH 4 MILLION JOBLESS FILIPINOS COMPARED TO 2.5 FOUR YEARS AGO,AN ECONOMY WITH A 40% POVERTY INCIDENCE, AND A BUDGET DEFICIT THAT THREATENED TO BALLOON TO P225 BILLION INSTEAD OF THE P1 BILLION SURPLUS IN 1997.

TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS, WE PUT TOGETHER A RESPONSIVE ECONOMIC AGENDA AND A DOABLE PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT. TO EMPHASIZE THE GOALS, MY FIRST STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS ANNOUNCED AN ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAM THAT STRESSED FOUR CRITICAL COMPONENTS.

THE FIRST IS AN ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21ST CENTURY. PAGNENEGOSYO PARA DUMAMI ANG TRABAHO.

THE SECOND IS A MODERNIZED AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOUNDED ON SOCIAL EQUITY. PALAGUIN ANG ANI AT KITA NG MGA MAMBUBUKID.

THE THIRD IS A SOCIAL BIAS TOWARD THE POOR TO BALANCE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. PAGKALINGA SA MGA NAIIWAN NG KAUNLARAN.

AND THE FOURTH COMPONENT IS THE IMPROVEMENT OF MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. MORALIDAD SA GOBYERNO AT LIPUNAN BILANG SALIGAN NG KAUNLARAN.

WITH STRONG POLITICAL WILL, WE HAVE TURNED MUCH OF OUR ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AROUND. DESPITE THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN THAT STARTED EARLY THIS YEAR, I AM PROUD TO CONFIRM THAT THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY REMAINS STABLE AND HAS PROVED TO BE REMARKABLY RESILIENT. I SAY THIS BECAUSE:

    * OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IS 3.4% BETTER THAN MOST OF OUR NEIGHBORS AND TRADING PARTNERS.

    * INFLATION IS DOWN. IT IS AT ITS LOWEST IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

    * OUR FISCAL SITUATION REMAINS STABLE FROM AS I SAID EARLIER THREATENING TO RUN AWAY TO P225 BILLION, WE BELIEVE IT WILL BE ABLE TO GO DOWN TO P145 BILLION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

THE PHILIPPINES AS YOU ALL KNOW AND YOU HAVE CONGRATULATED ME FOR IT EARLIER IS A MEMBER OF THE GRAND COALITION AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM AND ACTIVE IN THE REGIONAL EFFORT TO ORGANIZE AS SAID IN THE INVOCATION A SPECIAL ANTI-TERRORISM PROGRAM IN THE ASEAN COMMUNITY.

I WISH TO THANK PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH FOR HIS INVITATION TO THE UNITED STATES ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE PHILIPPINE-U.S. MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY, A CORNERSTONE OF OUR SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS.

PRESIDENT BUSH AND I WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO REITERATE THE SUPPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE U.S.-LED COALITION.

I SHALL SEEK SUPPORT FROM THE UNITED STATES FOR THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM AND THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY.

I WILL FOLLOW UP OUR CONCERNS FOR THE FUTURE OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS. I SHALL SEEK TO SECURE RIGHTFUL EQUITY FOR THEM AND I SHALL HAND DELIVER THE RESOLUTION YOU GAVE ME TONIGHT.

MANY OF YOU HERE IN CALIFORNIA HAVE RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WHO DIED OR WERE HURT IN THE SEPTEMBER TRAGEDY. I PRAY FOR YOU AND FOR THEM.

I WISH TO COMMEND MR. RENE PASCUAL AND THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN THE BAY AREA FOR MOBILIZING THEMSELVES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE FILIPINO VICTIMS OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND THE PENTAGON ATTACKS.

EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO ME, IS THE CHANCE TO COME TALK TO OUR KABABAYANS IN THE UNITED STATES AND TO EXTEND TO YOU THE GRATITUDE OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. FILIPINOS ARE INDEBTED TO YOU, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE UNITED STATES FOR MANY REASONS:

    * THE FILIPINO-AMERICANS, WHO CONSTITUTE 34% OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS, CONTRIBUTE 71% OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE REMITTANCES TO THE PHILIPPINES.

    * YOUR REMITTANCES HAVE BUILT AND REPAIRED THOUSANDS OF HOUSES, SENT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, LAUNCHED NUMEROUS SMALL BUSINESSES, PRODUCED A GREAT NUMBER OF JOBS, IMPROVED INCOMES, BOOSTED PURCHASING POWER, AND ENERGIZED COMMUNITIES.

    * COLLECTIVELY, YOUR REMITTANCES HAVE BUOYED UP THE ECONOMY AND HELPED GOVERNMENT MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PRIORITIES.

    * FILIPINO DOCTORS, SURGEONS, DENTISTS AND NURSES CONDUCT REGULAR MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSIONS IN MANY PARTS OF OUR HOMELAND.

    * AND THROUGH THE DONATIONS OF BOOKS, FOOD, AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES, FIL-AMS HAVE MADE A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR POOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE BARRIOS.

MUCH AS YOU HAVE BEEN DOING, YOU CAN STILL DO MORE.

    THIS IS A GOOD TIME FOR YOU TO PUT IN YOUR INVESTMENT OR EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN YOUR HOMELAND. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO PUT YOUR SAVINGS IN YOUR COUNTRY. AND LET ME TELL YOU WHY:

    * INTEREST RATES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST POINT IN 40 YEARS. A GOOD TIME TO BORROW FOR CAPITAL IN THE PHILIPPINES TO DO BUSINESS THERE.

    * THE LOW PRICES IN THE DOMESTIC REAL ESTATE MARKET ARE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO BUY PROPERTY BECAUSE NOW FILIPINOS WHO ARE CITIZENS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY CAN BUY PROPERTY.

FRANK, WASN'T THAT YOUR AMENDMENT TO THE LAW THAT I SPONSORED IT WAS CALLED, THE LAW WAS CALLED FURTHER LIBERALIZATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND THERE WAS A PORTION THAT FRANK INTRODUCED A PROVISION ON INVESTMENT BY FORMER FILIPINOS. AND THERE IT SAYS YOU CAN BUY PROPERTY FOR YOUR RESIDENCE AND ALSO FOR YOUR BUSINESS. I HOPE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
    * ON THE STRENGTH OF THE DOLLAR AGAINST THE PESO THIS INCREASES THE PURCHASING POWER OF YOU THE DOLLAR EARNERS IN THE PHILIPPINES. IT OPENS NEW AVENUES FOR INVESTING IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES.
    * AND FOR THOSE NEARING RETIREMENT, THE PHILIPPINES IS AN IDEAL PLACE TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON OF YOUR LIFE.

AND WE ASK YOU KEEP SUPPORTING PHILIPPINE GOODS AND PHILIPPINE-MADE PRODUCTS. SUPORTAHAN ANG ATING SARILI. MILYUN-MILYONG MANGGAGAWA ANG INYONG MATUTULUNGAN. LIBO-LIBONG HANAPBUHAY ANG INYONG ITATAGUYOD. ISANG LIPUNAN AT ISANG BANSA ANG MAKIKINABANG SA INYONG TULONG.

KEEP VISITING YOUR COUNTRY ESPECIALLY STARTING TOMORROW BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IS RECRUITING AS OF THE 16TH OF NOVEMBER 1,700 NEW POLICEMEN ALL COLLEGE GRADUATES IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT FILIPINOS AMERICANS AND ANYBODY ELSE WILL BE SAFE IN METRO MANILA.

THUS, YOU CAN EVEN ENCOURAGE YOUR AMERICAN FRIENDS TO VISIT US. WE HAVE WORLD-CLASS HOTELS AND TOURIST FACILITIES THAT OFFER COMPETITIVE PRICES AND EXCELLENT STAFF, SERVICES ARE INEXPENSIVE.

AND EVEN IF YOU HAVE ELECTED U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR ARE A PERMANENT RESIDENT, I AM SURE YOU KEEP AN INTEREST IN PHILIPPINE AFFAIRS.

EARLIER, THEY ASKED ME IN AN INTERVIEW : WHY SHOULD FILIPINOS WHO ARE NOW IN AMERICA WHY DO STILL EXPECT THEM TO BE INTERESTED IN THE PHILIPPINES. WELL I SAID EVEN IN AMERICAN CULTURE YOU HAVE A SAYING: YOU CAN TAKE A GIRL OUT OF TEXAS BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE TEXAS OUT OF A GIRL. YOU CAN TAKE A FILIPINO OUT OF THE PHILIPPINES, YOU CAN'T TAKE THE PHILIPPINES OUT OF THE FILIPINO.

AND THAT IS WHY I KNOW YOU SUPPORT AND IT EVEN ANTICIPATE THE ABSENTEE -VOTING BILL, BECAUSE MANY FILIPINOS ARE DISENFRANCHISED BY THE PRESENT SYSTEM.

AND I KNOW YOU BELIEVE IN DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

OUR SENATE PRESIDENT HAS A BILL PROMISING TO EXTEND DUAL CITIZENSHIP TO FILIPINOS.

OUR THREE SENATE LEADERS THEREFORE, SENATE PRESIDENT DRILON, MAJORITY LEADER LOREN LEGARDA AND MINORITY LEADER NENE PIMENTEL WELCOME THE RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED TONIGHT, CO-SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES, CALIFORNIA CHAPTER, AND BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO URGING THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO APPROVE THE ABSENTEE VOTING BILL AND THE CITIZENSHIP RETENTION ACT.

I AM ALSO VERY GRATEFUL TO MELPITAS MAYOR HENRY MANAYAN WHOM WE ARE VERY PROUD OFF, HENRY YOU�RE SO POPULAR. FOR USING HIS LEADERSHIP IN SILICON VALLEY TO ASSIST THE PEOPLE BACK HOME IN THE PHILIPPINES ESPECIALLY IN THE RURAL AREAS ONCE AGAIN, HE HAS DONE IT WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT THAT THE FILIPINOS IN SILICON VALLEY HAVE PUT TOGETHER IN ORDER TO E-ENABLE THE POOR IN THE PHILIPPINES.

I KNOW YOU KEEP AN INTEREST IN THE POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OF YOUR HOMELAND. AS I SAID EARLIER, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF YOUR NATIVE COUNTRY.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS REPRESENT THE BEST IN THE FILIPINO. YOU ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE AMBASSADORS OF YOUR MOTHER COUNTRY. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN LIFE ARE TREMENDOUS.

I AM PROUD OF ALL FILIPINO-AMERICANS, WHETHER WELL-KNOWN OR ANONYMOUS. I AM PROUD OF THE GEORGE GARCIAS, THE BEN CAYETANOS, THE MISS AMERICA AND EQUALLY PROUD OF EVERY FIL-AM WHO HAS INVESTED HIS OR HER LIFE IN THIS NATION AND WHO AT THE SAME TIME SEEKS CLOSER RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES.

OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS-LIKE DR. SOTTO, DOCTORS, NURSES, ENGINEERS, MANAGERS-ARE PRIZED ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE FILIPINO WORKER HAS BECOME A PRESENCE AROUND THE WORLD BECAUSE OF HIS TALENT AND INDUSTRY.

THE FILIPINOS ALSO ARE KNOWN AS THE "MUSICIANS OF ASIA." AND WE HAD OUR YOUNG 12 YEAR - OLD HERE WHO IS I THINK GOING TO BECOME THE NEXT LEAH SALONGA. OUR FILIPINO TALENTS HAVE IMPRESSED AUDIENCES IN NEW YORK , LONDON EVERYWHERE FOR THEIR SUPERB PERFORMANCES.

IN MY STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS, I URGED ALL POLITICAL PARTIES AND ALL POLITICIANS TO OBSERVE A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM ON POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP AND TO INAUGURATE A NEW ERA OF UNITY. PANAHON NA PARA IWAKSI PANSAMANTALA ANG SOBRANG PULITIKA AT HARAPIN NANG PUSPUSAN ANG MGA PROBLEMA NG BAYAN.

AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE PHILIPPINE OPPOSITION REPRESENTED HERE BY SENATOR NENE PIMENTEL FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, BECAUSE NENE ESPECIALLY EVEN AS HE LEADS THE MINORITY HAS SHOWN US THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF STATEMANSHIP IN EXERCISING THIS STANDARD. I BRING THE SAME MESSAGE TO THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES. LET US STRIVE TO BUILD A NATIONAL COALITION OF FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS AND FORGE GREATER UNITY TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF FILIPINO IMMIGRANTS, CONTRACT WORKERS, AND FIL-AMS IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS CAN CERTAINLY EXERCISE MORE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC POWER IF YOU GET CLOSER TOGETHER, IF YOU HELP ELECT MORE FILIPINO-AMERICAN CANDIDATES WITH A FEW OF THEM HERE HENRY, MIKE GUINGONA, OUR NEW, NEWLY ELECTED MAYORS AND VICE MAYORS AND RE-ELECTED, THAT HAD COME TO, I AM VERY HAPPY TO MEET TONIGHT. CERTAINLY THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY AND THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE IF YOU ORGANIZE STRONG LOBBIES DURING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS EITHER OR TO WIN SUPPORT FOR YOUR PET MEASURES IN THE U.S. AND STATE CONGRESSES.

LAKASAN PA NATIN ANG ATING PAGKAKAISA. ANG PAKIKIPAG-TULUNGAN. ANG PAG-IISANG BISIG. ANG DIWA NG KABAYANIHAN. ANG BALIKATAN. ANG KAPATIRAN.

LAKASAN PA NATIN ANG ATING PAGMAMALASAKIT SA INANG BANSA, SA INYONG BANSA, SA ATING KINABUKASAN, SA ATING KABABAYAN.

FILIPINO AMERICANS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THE FILIPINOS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE PROUD OF YOU. AT PARA SA AKIN MINAMAHAL KO KAYO LAHAT.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO.

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PGMA's Speech during the Fil-Am Chamber (18th Floor Starlight Roof, Waldorf Astoria, New York - Nov 16, 2001)

MARAMING SALAMAT GINOONG CHAIRMAN JOHN HOWLEY, ISANG SON-IN-LAW NG PILIPINAS.
PRESIDENT ALFRED MADRID; THE DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE FIL-AM CHAMBER; MY CABINET MEMBERS WHOM JOHN HAD SAID ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND I AGREE; OUR LEGISLATORS WHO I THINK ARE ALSO AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE THREE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE, LEADERS OF THE SENATE WHO ARE HERE WITH US TONIGHT. SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON; SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LOREN LEGARDA-LEVISTE; AND SENATE MINORITY LEADER NENE PIMENTEL.

FRIENDS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, GOOD EVENING.

FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT AND SECONDLY TO EXTEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO SUFFERED FROM THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11TH.

THIS AFTERNOON, I VISITED GROUND ZERO TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THIS TRAGEDY. THE WORLD WITNESSED THE DESTRUCTION THAT EVILDOERS WROUGHT UPON NEW YORK. BUT THE WORLD ALSO WITNESSED THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF NEW YORKERS AND THE COURAGE AND FAITH THAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF AMERICA. AMERICANS WILL EMERGE FROM THE SHADOW OF YOUR SUFFERING, AND RISE FROM THIS LOSS WITH GREATER FORTITUDE AND HUMAN CAPACITY. EVIL WILL NOT TRIUMPH.

AS WE WATCHED THE HORROR UNFOLD, WE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS HAPPENING TO US - AND INDEED IT WAS, FOR THESE UNITED NATIONS ARE IN ONE SENSE FAMILY. BUT THE BLOW THAT WAS STRUCK AT THIS INTERNATIONAL CITY WAS FELT AS DIRECTLY BY THE REST OF THE WORLD.

DIRECTLY AFTER THE ATTACKS ON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON I WAS THE FIRST ASIAN LEADER TO ASSURE PRESIDENT BUSH THAT MY GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND AMERICAN-LED EFFORTS TO ERADICATE TERRORISM.

THIS IS A MORAL CHOICE, AS WELL AS A STRATEGIC CHOICE, FOR THE PHILIPPINES. THE FACE OF THAT TERRORISM IN THIS CITY SEEN OVER A MONTH AGO IS A FAMILIAR ONE TO ASIANS. IT HAS TAKEN A TERRIBLE TOLL IN THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE AND IN THE ECONOMIES OF THE REGION. IT HAS DESTROYED OUR CREDIT AND DETERRED INVESTMENTS. IT HAS CAUSED ASIAN GOVERNMENTS PROFOUND EMBARRASSMENT AT BEING CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED AND UNABLE TO OFFER THEIR CITIZENS THE MOST BASIC SECURITY. IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES, IT HAS TAXED OUR RESOURCES AND OUR PATIENCE TO THE LIMIT. FOR TERRORISM IS THE ARGUMENT OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN REASONING BUT ONLY IN GETTING WHATEVER THEY WANT, ON THEIR TERMS ALONE.

SOON AFTER THE ATTACKS IN THE U.S., I HAD TO HAVE MY TEAM IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE U.S. IN PLACE AND I THANK THE SENATE THE SENATORS HERE BECAUSE THEY IMMEDIATELY CONFIRMED MY AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES WHO IS NOT HERE NOW BECAUSE I SENT HIM TO WASHINGTON AMBASSADOR ALBERT DEL ROSARIO AND MY AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES I WANT YOU TO MEET HIM TONIGHT AMBASSADOR ALFONSO YUCHENGCO. THEY HAD TO BE IN PLACE IN THE U.S. AND IN THE U.N. RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE SOON AFTER THE ATTACKS WE IN THE PHILIPPINES TOOK STEPS TO CARRY OUT SIX SPECIFIC MEASURES, IN SUPPORT OF U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 1368, TO COMBAT TERRORISM:

WE AGREED TO JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST COALITION AND TO WORK WITH THE UNITED NATIONS;

WE COMMITTED TO CLOSELY WORK WITH THE UNITED STATES ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY MATTERS CONCERNING TERRORISM;

WE COMMITTED TO MAKE AVAILABLE OUR AIR SPACE AND OUR GROUND FACILITIES WHEN REQUIRED AS TRANSIT OR STAGING POINTS;

WE COMMITTED TO CONTRIBUTE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF FOOD SUPPLY, MEDICINES, AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL; AND PERHAPS THERE WILL SOON BE AN INTERNATIONAL CALL NOW THAT KABUL HAS FALLEN.

WE COMMITTED TO PROVIDE, WITH CONGRESS'S CONSENT,COMBAT TROOPS IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SUCH TROOPS; AND

WE COMMITTED TO STEP UP OUR OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE TERRORIST GROUPS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES AND PREVENT THE FLOW OF FUNDS TO THEM BY PASSING AND IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING.

WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. THE PHILIPPINES HAS INITIATED AN ANTI-TERRORISM OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENT WITHIN ASEAN. WHILE WE IN ASEAN HAVE AGREED THAT THIS IS A WAR BEREFT OF ANY PARTICULAR RELIGIOUS OR ETHNIC UNDERTONES, THE THREAT OF RADICAL EXTREMIST ACTIVITY CONTINUES HAUNT SOME OF OUR ISOLATED COMMUNITIES, AT TIMES TRAVERSING OUR COMMON BORDERS. AND SO THEREFORE, WE HAVE AGREED TO ADDRESS THIS AS A NEIGHBORHOOD. WE ARE NOT ONLY WORKING WITH THE WORLD COMMUNITY IN RESPONDING TO TERRORISM, WE ARE ALSO DOING A NUMBER OF THINGS AT HOME TO KEEP THE PHILIPPINES SAFE AND SECURE.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, FIRST, THERE CAN BE NO TOLERANCE FOR KIDNAPPING, NO NEGOTIATIONS FOR RANSOM, AND NO BACK ROOM DEALS. THIS IS OFTEN A PAINFUL CHOICE WHERE INNOCENT LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

SECOND, THERE MUST BE SWIFT JUSTICE TO THOSE ENGAGED IN THIS KIND OF SUB-HUMAN BEHAVIOR. AND THIRD, WE MUST BECOME WELL-ORGANIZED IN THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO THIS THREAT-INCLUDING CLEANING HOUSE IN OUR POLICE, MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES AS NECESSARY.

AS YOU KNOW, THIS IS A CHALLENGE WITH MANY CAUSES. FROM BANDITS WHO HIDE BEHIND RELIGION -- LIKE THE ABU SAYYAF, TO THOSE WHO PREY ON THEIR OWN PEOPLES LIKE THE CHINESE GANGS THAT WERE RECENTLY ARRESTED, THROUGH TO HARD-CORE CRIMINALS.

IN ALL CASES, WE ARE PUTTING THE FULL FORCE OF OUR SECURITY FORCES AGAINST THIS CHALLENGE. WE HAVE RECENTLY ARRESTED A LARGE NUMBER INVOLVED IN KIDNAP-FOR-RANSOM CRIMES AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT MORE WILL FOLLOW AS WE CONTINUE. WE HAVE ALSO SIGNED CEASE FIRE AGREEMENTS WITH GROUPS WHO HAVE DECIDED TO GIVE PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT A CHANCE. THIS IS A CLEAR SIGN THAT THE WAR ON CRIME IS NOT JUST WON THROUGH THE BARREL OF A GUN.

I ALSO SIGNED THREE TREATIES ON CRIME-FIGHTING WITH BEIJING IN MY STATE VISIT TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, BECAUSE I SAID EARLIER, MANY CRIMINALS RECENTLY ARRESTED IN THE PHILIPPINES CAME FROM CHINA: ONE OF THE THREE AGREEMENTS IS ON EXTRADITION, ANOTHER ONE IS ON NARCOTICS, AND ANOTHER ONE IS ON TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES. THESE ARE BUT A FEW EXAMPLES OF OUR COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES TO SOLVE OUR COMMON PROBLEMS OF CRIMINALITY. I HAVE LIFTED THE MORATORIUM ON DEATH PENALTY TO CONVICTED KIDNAPPERS TO STRIKE FEAR IN KIDNAP FOR RANSOM SYNDICATES AND SHOW THE GOVERNMENT'S RESOLVE TO DEAL WITH THE MENACE.

WE HAVE BEEN RIDDING THE POLICE AND MILITARY OF SCALAWAGS.

A FEW DAYS AGO, WE REORGANIZED THE POLICE. WE ARE RESURRECTING THE COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICE SYSTEM WHICH WORKED IN NEW YORK CITY A LONG TIME AGO, I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO COME TO NEW YORK. MANY OF MY FRIENDS THEY WANNA COME TO NEW YORK FOR BEING FEAR OF BEING MOBBED ON 5TH AVENUE BUT THAT HAS CHANGED AND ONE OF THE REASONS IS THE COMMUNITY BASED POLICE SYSTEM AND WE ARE DOING THIS IN THE PHILIPPINES EFFECTIVE TODAY, NOVEMBER 16 WE ARE RECRUITING 1,700 NEW POLICEMEN, ALL OF THEM COLLEGE GRADUATES, BECAUSE WE ARE INTRODUCING PROFESSIONALIZATION INTO OUR POLICE FORCE. WE ARE PROFESSIONALIZING AND MODERNIZING THE POLICE ORGANIZATION WITH TRAINING FROM THE HONG KONG POLICE AND HOPEFULLY, AFTER MY WASHINGTON VISIT, ADDITIONAL F.B.I. PERSONNEL.

I HAVE PROVIDED THE NATIONAL ANTI-CRIME COMMISSION WITH THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING HELICOPTERS AND SURVEILLANCE FACILITIES, AND GIVING IT THE BUDGET TO ENABLE IT TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.

WE HAVE SET UP EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTERS TO ASSIST VICTIMS AND THEIR RELATIVES.

AND JUST AS I SET UP A REWARD FOR ABU SAYYAF LEADERS, AND THAT'S ONE REASON WHY WE ARE VERY SUCCESSFUL AND ONLY THREE HOSTAGES OF THE ORIGINAL SO MANY REMAIN WHICH HAS RESULTED IN SO MANY CAPTURES, I HAVE MADE A TOTAL OF P100 MILLION AVAILABLE AS A REWARD POOL FOR THE CAPTURE OF KIDNAPPERS FOR RANSOM.

WE ARE MOBILIZING THE COMMUNITY PEACE AND ORDER COUNCILS MORE ACTIVELY. AND IN THE MOST VULNERABLE PLACES I HAVE AUTHORIZED THE ORGANIZATION OF VILLAGE SELF-DEFENSE UNITS WHICH ARE DEPUTIZED AND THEREFORE AUTHORIZED TO CARRY FIRE ARMS AND EFFECTS CITIZENS' ARREST.

USING THE NATIONAL ANTI CRIME COMMISSION AS THE CENTER, WE ARE ESTABLISHING CLOSER COORDINATION AMONG ALL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES SO THAT WE CAN MAXIMIZE ALL MECHANISMS OF THE STATE FOR THAT.

WITHIN DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW, WE MUST ACT TO CONTROL THE SPREAD OF TERRORISM, AS AN IDEOLOGY FOISTED UPON THE POOR, THE IGNORANT AND THE DISPOSSESSED.

THE PHILIPPINES HAS INSTITUTIONALIZED THE TOOLS OF AUTONOMY, CONSENSUS AND INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE AS A MEANS TO SERVE THIS END. OUR ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAMS ARE CLOSELY FOCUSED ON THE SPAWNING GROUNDS OF FANATICISM AND IRRATIONAL VIOLENCE.

I AM FOCUSED ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ADDRESS THE WAR ON TERRORISM AND THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

THESE TWO PRIORITIES ARE VERY LINKED AS POVERTY FUELS THE WILLINGNESS OF PEOPLE, THE POOR TO SUPPORT TERRORIST ACTIVITIES.

TEN MONTHS AGO I ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE TO RETURN THE PHILIPPINES TO A PATH OF STABILITY AND GROWTH. I TOLD THE PEOPLE ABOUT MY VISION OF WINNING THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY WITHIN THE DECADE.

TO SUCCEED, OUR NATIONAL AGENDA AND OUR ECONOMIC PLAN MUST REVOLVE AROUND FOUR COMPONENTS:

THE FIRST IS AN ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE. THE FREE ENTERPRISE THAT YOU KNOW THE FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE
TO THE 21ST CENTURY.

THE SECOND COMPONENT IS A MODERNIZED AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOUNDED ON SOCIAL EQUITY.

THE THIRD COMPONENT IS A SOCIAL BIAS TOWARD THE DISADVANTAGED TO BALANCE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

AND THE FOURTH COMPONENT IS TO RAISE THE MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

THIS PLAN IS NOW A REALITY, AND WE ARE IMPLEMENTING IT IN A SYSTEMATIC AND DISCIPLINED MANNER. EQUALLY IMPORTANT, THIS PLAN IS BEARING SIGNIFICANT AND TANGIBLE RESULTS.

THE FIRST COMPONENT OF THE PLAN -- THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21ST CENTURY-COMPRISES A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE MEASURES AND MARKET REFORMS LINKED TO CLEAR TARGETS. IT PROVIDES GUIDELINES RELATED TO GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES THAT ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND LONG LASTING REFORMS.

AS A DOCTOR OF ECONOMICS, I LOOK AT IT IN A VERY SIMPLE WAY. THE WAY TO FIGHT POVERTY IS TO CREATE JOBS. AND THE WAY TO CREATE JOBS IS TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS. AND THE WAY TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS IS TO ATTEND TO MACRO MEASURES. THESE RANGE FROM STRENGTHENING THE BANKING SECTOR AND ADDRESSING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONCERNS, TO EXPANDING OUR REVENUE SOURCES AND G.D.P. BASE.

THIS REQUIRES A WELL-COORDINATED SET OF FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICIES THAT SUPPORT A SOUND FISCAL AND DEBT POSITION, LOW RATES OF INFLATION, AND A HEALTHY EXTERNAL BALANCE.

DURING THE YEAR 2001, WE HAVE MADE EXTENSIVE PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING THESE OBJECTIVES. OUR COMMITMENT TO MACROECONOMIC STABILITY IS STANDING US IN GOOD STEAD IN THE CURRENT UNCERTAIN GLOBAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.

HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS SECTORS THAT INHERENTLY DRAW ON STRENGTHS IN HUMAN RESOURCES HAVE NOW BECOME VERY IMPORTANT. I CAN IDENTIFY INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND TOURISM AS TWO SUCH SECTORS.

WE RECOGNIZE TOO THAT ECONOMIC GROWTH IS OF NO VALUE IF IT IS NOT LINKED TO GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES THAT ARE REQUIRED
TO SUSTAIN IT.

AS I SAID EARLIER, ONE OF THE FOUR COMPONENTS OF MY NATIONAL AGENDA IS TO RAISE THE STANDARDS THE MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. AND TO THIS END, WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO ELIMINATE CORRUPTION AND TO CUT THE RED TAPE THAT INHIBITS INVESTMENTS.

I WOULD LIKE THE PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO CONTINUE TO BE ACTIVE IN THE BILATERAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE PHILIPPINES.

AND IN THIS SPIRIT, I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF SUCCESS IN YOUR WORTHY UNDERTAKINGS.

FIL-AMERICAN CHAMBER MEMBERS YOU ARE ALL, MOST OF YOU ARE ALREADY DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

SO I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU WHY YOU SHOULD DO BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES. BUT I ASK YOU TOP HELP US DELIVER OUR MESSAGE: HELP US TELL THE WORLD THAT DURING THIS ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN THE PHILIPPINES GREW AT 3.4% G.N.P. GROWTH RATE. TELL THE WORLD THAT OUR PESO IS STABLE EVEN IF OUR EXPORTS TO THE U.S. HAVE PLUNGED. AND WE HAVE KEPT IT STABLE WITHOUT GOING IT TO CURRENCY CONTROLS. WE HAVE KEPT THIS STABLE WITHOUT GOING TO DROP INTO A SKY HIGH INTEREST RATES. IN FACT, TELL THE WORLD THAT TODAY OUR INTEREST RATES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST IN THE LAST SIX YEARS.

TELL THE WORLD TOO THAT OUR INFLATION RATE IS AT THEIR LOWEST IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. TELL THE WORLD THAT THERE IS A GOVERNMENT WITH A CABINET THAT IS A DREAM CABINET AS FAR AS AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN ARE CONCERNED.

A CABINET WITH SEVEN HARVARD GRADUATES, TWO WHARTON GRADUATES, THREE ALUMNI FROM WALL STREET. TELL THE WORLD THAT THERE IS A PHD IN ECONOMICS AT THE HELM OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT.
EDUCATED IN AMERICA IN THE GEORGETOWN CLASS OF 1968 WHICH HAS PRODUCED THUS FAR THREE PRESIDENTS ALFREDO CHRISTIAN OF EL SALVADOR, BILL CLINTON OF THE UNITED STATES AND GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO OF THE PHILIPPINES.

BE NOT ONLY OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS IN THE PHILIPPINES BE OUR AMBASSADORS SO THAT WE WILL CONTINUE THIS WONDERFUL BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S., A RELATIONSHIP THAT IS STRATEGIC NOT ONLY IN DEFENSE AND SECURITY MATTERS BUT ALSO IN ECONOMIC MATTERS AND IN FIGHTING POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND TODAY, IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.

THANK YOU.

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PGMA's Speech during the Luncheon at Investors Briefing organized by the Citigroup (Jade Room, Waldorf Astoria Hotel New York, U.S.A. - Nov 16, 2001)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH CHAIRMAN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS. AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GREET VICE CHAIRMAN SCHIEFFER; THE DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, GOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL OF YOU.

FIRST OF ALL, I WISH TO THANK CITIGROUP FOR ORGANIZING THIS BUSINESS LUNCHEON.

THIS COMING TUESDAY I SHALL MEET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH IN WASHINGTON. HE INVITED ME TO THE UNITED STATES ON THE OCCASION OF THE 5Oth ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES.

DIRECTLY AFTER THE ATTACKS ON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, AS SANDY SAID, I WAS THE FIRST ASIAN LEADER TO ASSURE PRESIDENT BUSH MY GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND AMERICAN-LED EFFORTS TO ERADICATE TERRORISM. AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE STRONG ACTIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS A SAFE PLACE FOR OUR OWN PEOPLE AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS, TOURISTS AND TRADERS.

WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF STRONG RELATIONS WITH THE U.S., AND A SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM HAS ONLY SERVED TO HIGHLIGHT THOSE LINKS. A STRONG PARTNERSHIP IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND COOPERATION TOWARD ACHIEVING PEACE AND SECURITY INTENSIFIES SUCH A COMMITMENT.

I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE INVITATION TO WASHINGTON TO COME TO NEW YORK AS WELL TO SHARE WITH THE BUSINESS SECTOR SOME THOUGHTS ON OUR EFFORTS TO CREATE A DYNAMIC AND STRONG ECONOMY.

TEN MONTHS AGO, AS SANDY SAID, I ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE TO RETURN THE PHILIPPINES TO A PATH OF STABILITY AND GROWTH. I TOLD THE PEOPLE ABOUT MY VISION OF WINNING THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY WITHIN THE DECADE.

THE PHILIPPINES IS TRULY HUNGRY FOR DEVELOPMENT. A COUNTRY WITH AN ENORMOUS DESIRE TO MOVE FORWARD, WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE AND WE CAN DO IT AGAIN. WHEN MY FATHER, DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL WAS PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, OUR COUNTRY WAS SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA, AND NOW IT IS TIME TO DO IT AGAIN. AN ECONOMIC PLAN FOR THE PHILIPPINES IS BEING ZEALOUSLY PURSUED.

TO SUCCEED, OUR ECONOMIC PLAN MUST REVOLVE AROUND FOUR COMPONENTS:

THE FIRST IS AN ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21st CENTURY;

THE SECOND COMPONENT IS A MODERNIZED AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOUNDED ON SOCIAL EQUITY;

THE THIRD COMPONENT IS A SOCIAL BIAS TOWARD THE DISADVANTAGED TO BALANCE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN;

AND THE FOURTH COMPONENT IS TO RAISE THE MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

THIS PLAN IS NOW A REALITY, AND WE ARE IMPLEMENTING IT IN A SYSTEMATIC AND DISCIPLINED MANNER. EQUALLY IMPORTANT, THIS PLAN IS BEARING SIGNIFICANT AND TANGIBLE RESULTS.

AS I SAID EARLIER, THE FIRST COMPONENT OF THE PLAN IS THE ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21st CENTURY. THIS COMPRISES A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE MEASURES AND MARKET REFORMS LINKED TO CLEAR TARGETS. QUITE IMPORTANTLY, IT PROVIDES GUIDELINES RELATED TO GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES THAT ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND LONG LASTING REFORMS.

AS A DOCTOR OF ECONOMICS, I CAN AFFORD TO LOOK AT IT IN A VERY SIMPLE WAY. THE WAY TO FIGHT POVERTY IS TO CREATE JOBS. TO CREATE JOBS WE ATTRACT INVESTMENTS. AND TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS WE ATTEND TO MACRO MEASURES.

THESE RANGE FROM STRENGTHENING THE BANKING SECTOR AND ADDRESSING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONCERNS, TO EXPANDING OUR REVENUE SOURCES AND GDP BASE. THIS NECESSITATES A WELL-COORDINATED SET OF FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICIES THAT SUPPORT A SOUND FISCAL AND DEBT POSITION, LOW RATES OF INFLATION, AND A HEALTHY EXTERNAL BALANCE.

DURING THE YEAR 2001, EXTENSIVE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN ACHIEVING THESE OBJECTIVES. OUR COMMITMENT TO MACROECONOMIC STABILITY IS STANDING US IN GOOD STEAD IN THE CURRENT UNCERTAIN GLOBAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.

ON THE FISCAL FRONT, DEFICIT REDUCTION IS ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF OUR ECONOMIC PLAN, ONE THAT BECOMES INCREASINGLY CHALLENGING IN THE FACE OF TIGHTER WORLD MARKETS DUE TO MASSIVE REDEMPTIONS, AND THE GREATER DEMAND FOR SOVEREIGN FUNDS AS FISCAL STIMULUS SEEMS TO BECOMING A POPULAR OPTION FOR MANY OTHER COUNTRIES. BUT HAVING SAID THAT, WE CONTINUE TO STAND BY OUR PLAN.

A COMBINATION OF REVENUE ENHANCEMENT MEASURES AND A DISCIPLINED EXPENDITURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM HAS POSITIONED THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET OUR DEFICIT MANAGEMENT GOAL OF 145 BILLION PESOS FOR THE YEAR 2001. WHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT THIS DEFICIT WAS PROJECTED TO BE 225 BILLION PESOS, SO TRULY IT WAS A GREAT EXERCISE AND FISCAL DISCIPLINE TO KEEP IT DOWN TO A 145. THAT WAS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, THAT WAS BEFORE THE SLOWDOWN IN THE WORLD ECONOMIC MARKETS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, AND WE ARE STILL THERE KEEPING THAT SAME TARGET.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS IS A STEP IN OUR DRIVE TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED BUDGET BY THE YEAR 2006. THE OBJECTIVE OF DEFICIT REDUCTION IS ALSO AIDED BY A DEBT PORTFOLIO THAT IS WELL MANAGED. OUR ECONOMIC MANAGERS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN REDUCING OUR BORROWING COST, AND MAINTAINING A MANAGEABLE DEBT MIX IN TERMS OF BOTH MATURITY AND CREDITOR BASE. BECAUSE OF THIS APPROACH, THE BUDGET DEFICIT IS FULLY FUNDED. AND I THANK CITIGROUP FOR ITS PARTICIPATION IN KEEPING OUR FISCAL DISCIPLINE WHERE IT IS TODAY.

ON ACCOUNT OF THIS POSITION, WE NOW HAVE THE TIME AND RESOURCES TO ASSIST THE NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION IN SOURCING ITS FUNDS AND CARRYING OUT ITS PRIVATIZATION PROGRAM, MADE POSSIBLE -- AGAIN MENTIONED BY SANDY -- THE PASSAGE OF THE POWER REFORM LAW, ONE OF THE FIRST AND SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES OF THIS ADMINISTRATION. I SEE NENE PIMENTEL NODDING BECAUSE HE WAS THE SENATE PRESIDENT WHEN THAT VERY DIFFICULT LAW WAS PASSED AFTER 9 LONG YEARS OF PENDING IN THE TWO CONGRESSES.

WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY TO SECURING FUNDS FOR NEXT YEAR'S REQUIREMENTS, A MOVE I AM STRONGLY SUPPORTING. GIVEN THE NARROWING CHANNELS FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING IN THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS, WE ARE BUILDING UP OUR RESERVES TO HELP US WEATHER A LONG AND GRUELING STORM THAT SEEMS TO BE SPARING NO ONE.

AS WE ALL KNOW, ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL NOT DO UNLESS WE ALSO SUCCEED IN CONTROLLING INFLATION. THE CONTINUED DOWNWARD TREND IN INFLATION THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED HAS BROUGHT US TO THE LOWEST INFLATION RATE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

WE ARE ALSO PLEASED THAT OUR SUCCESS ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT HAS BROUGHT WITH IT A STABLE PESO. THE CENTRAL BANK HAS EFFECTIVELY STAMPED OUT SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY. OUR STRONG RESERVE POSITION, COMBINED WITH PROJECTED DOLLAR VALUES, SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT CURRENT PESO VALUATION LEVELS.

OUR IMPROVING FISCAL POSITION, STRONG FOREIGN RESERVES POSITION, AND A SUPPORTIVE MONETARY POLICY ALL POINT TO THE FACT THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AN IMMEDIATE LEVEL OF MACROECONOMIC STABILITY, ONE THAT IS SUPPORTED BY LEADING CREDIT AGENCIES AND SEVERAL MULTILATERAL AGENCIES SUCH AS JBIC, THE WORLD BANK AND THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, ALL OF WHICH HAVE OFFERED TO ENHANCE OUR CREDITWORTHINESS.

HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS SECTORS THAT INHERENTLY DRAW ON STRENGTHS IN HUMAN RESOURCES HAVE NOW BECOME VERY IMPORTANT IN THIS ECONOMIC PLAN. I CAN IDENTIFY COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND TOURISM AS TWO SUCH SECTORS.

TO FOSTER A DIGITAL CULTURE THAT MAXIMIZES THE BENEFITS OF ICT, WE CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS ON THREE AREAS:

THE FIRST AREA IS THE BUILDING OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE. WE ARE WORKING TO SPEED UP THE BUILDING OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE. INTERCONNECTIVITY IS A MUST AND I SUPPORT WIDER PUBLIC ACCESS TO A MINIMUM SET OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OPERATIONAL TELECENTERS AND THROUGH THE PROVISION OF BROADBAND SERVICES IN CITIES AND IDENTIFIED GROWTH AREAS;

THE SECOND AREA IS ENSURING AN APPROPRIATE POLICY AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT. I HAVE CREATED A CABINET LEVEL GROUP, THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND E-COMMERCE COUNCIL, TO LEAD OUR ICT POLICY FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION. I SERVE AS CHAIRMAN. I HAVE ASKED OUR CONGRESS TO ENACT LAWS TO ADDRESS INTERNET PRIVACY AND SECURITY, ALLOW FOR MULTIMEDIA CONVERGENCE, AND CREATE A DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE ICT SECTOR MUST BE DRIVEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH MINIMAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND REGULATION;

AND FINALLY, THE THIRD AREA OF DEVELOPMENT FOR ICT IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE. THE ASIAN COMPUTER DIRECTORY NOTES THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS THE SECOND HIGHEST AMONG ASIAN COUNTRIES IN THE NUMBER OF TRAINING FACILITIES FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND OTHER COMPUTER RELATED COURSES. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO INCREASE THE TRAINING OF ICT PROFESSIONALS AND ICT ENABLE OUR OTHER WORKERS.

IF WE ARE TO ACHIEVE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS ALSO WE MUST NOT RESTRICT OUR FOCUS ON EXTERNAL SOURCES OF GROWTH. DOMESTIC DEMAND PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN DELIVERING ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.

TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUED STRENGTH IN DOMESTIC DEMAND, WE ARE LOOKING AT CREATIVE EFFORTS TO BRING FINANCING VEHICLES TO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES, AGRICULTURE, AND HOUSING. FOR INSTANCE, WE ARE PROVIDING CREDIT TO THOSE SMALL BUSINESSES WHOSE LOANS NEED NOT HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY LARGE ENOUGH TO WARRANT INTEREST FROM TRADITIONAL BANKING SOURCES. WE ALSO RECENTLY APPROVED A PROPOSAL BY THE DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES TO USE JAPANESE ODA FUNDS WORTH 200 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING SMEs.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT ECONOMIC GROWTH ALSO IS OF NO VALUE IF IT IS NOT LINKED TO GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN IT. AS I SAID EARLIER, ONE OF THE FOUR COMPONENTS OF MY NATIONAL AGENDA IS TO RAISE THE STANDARDS, THE MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. TO THIS END, WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO ELIMINATE CORRUPTION AND TO CUT THE RED TAPE THAT INHIBITS INVESTMENTS.

AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE -- AND ENSURING THAT THE PHILIPPINES FULLY PARTICIPATES IN THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY -- WAS ACHIEVED WITH THE RECENT PASSAGE OF THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LEGISLATION, ALSO MENTIONED BY SANDY EARLIER. BY THAT TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR NEW SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON FOR SHEPERDING THAT TO THE SENATE AND CONGRESS. THIS LEGISLATION WILL AID THE HUNT FOR ILLEGAL FUNDS BOTH IN THE PHILIPPINES AND AROUND THE WORLD, AND IS A POSITIVE STEP IN BATTLING GLOBAL TERRORISM. IT IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT STEP IN OUR ONGOING EFFORTS TO REFORM THE BANKING SECTOR.

I HOPE THAT TODAY WE WERE ABLE TO IMPART A SENSE OF CONFIDENCE THAT WE HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE TO REFORM THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, AND THAT OUR PLAN AND OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE AND ACTIVE GOVERNMENT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A STABLE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.

I WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR FROM THE GENTLEMEN, OUR HOST EARLIER, THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS BACK ON THE RADAR SCREEN. AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT, I THANK YOU. JUST TO ADD TO YOUR SENSE OF CONFIDENCE, THE REFORMS WE PUT IN PLACE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, THE THINGS WE DID TO INCREASE DOMESTIC DEMAND AND YET KEEP OUR BUDGET DEFICIT CEILING TARGETS IN PLACE HELPED US TO SURVIVE THE GLOBAL SLOWDOWN. WE WERE ABLE TO POST A 3.4 PERCENT GNP GROWTH RATE HIGHER THAN MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS, HIGHER THAN MANY OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS. AND IF WE WERE RESILIENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR AND WITH YOU PUTTING US BACK ON THE RADAR, I THINK THE PHILIPPINES WILL BE ABLE TO BE RESILIENT EVEN AFTER SEPTEMBER 11. AND BECAUSE NOW MANY OF THE PESSIMISTIC PROJECTIONS ARE BEING REPLACED BY OPTIMISTIC PROJECTIONS OF A VERY SHORT AND SHALLOW RECESSION AND RECOVERY NEXT YEAR, IN THE MIDDLE HALF OF THE YEAR, I THINK THE PHILIPPINES WILL HAVE A BIGGER PLACE IN THE RADAR SCREEN.

WE TALK ABOUT GOVERNANCE AND I AM VERY HAPPY THAT AS FAR AS GOVERNANCE IS CONCERNED MY CABINET HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN AS A DREAM CABINET. YOU HEARD FOUR OF OUR ECONOMIC MANAGERS SPEAK BEFORE YOU TODAY AND YOU EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE IN THEM. IT'S NOT SURPRISING THAT THEY SHOULD ELICIT CONFIDENCE, MY WHOLE CABINET ELICITS CONFIDENCE. IN MY CABINET, I'M SURE YOU IN THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY WILL APPRECIATE WHAT IT MEANS WHEN I SAY THAT I HAVE SEVEN HARVARD GRADUATES, TWO WHARTON GRADUATES AND THREE VETERANS OF WALL STREET, AND PRESIDING OVER ALL OF THEM IS A PhD IN ECONOMICS, THAT'S ME.

SO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE NEW YORK FINANCIAL COMMUNITY, I THINK WE SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE. LET US MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER IN THE 21st CENTURY.

THANK YOU.

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PGMA's Speech during the Memorial Mass for the Victims of the September 11, 2001 Tragedy (Bacilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. - Nov 18 2001)

YOUR EMINENCE CARDINAL MC CARRICK; YOUR EXCELLENCY, ARCHBISHOP MONTALVO; MONSIGNOR BRANSFIELD; HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THE SENATE; OFFICIALS OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT; OFFICIALS OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT; MRS. DALISAY OLAES AND FAMILY; LEADERS OF THE FILIPINO AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS; MEMBERS OF THE PHILIPPINE DELEGATION; MGA MINAMAHAL KONG MGA KABABAYAN NA NAKATIRA DITO SA ESTADOS UNIDOS; KARING KABALEN KONG CAPAMPANGAN; DAGITI KAKAILYAK TI BANGIR NI MAMANG KO, KAKAILYAN MET NI SPEAKER JOE DE VENECIA; SANSARAY KABALEYAN. SA MGA KASIMANWA SANG AKONG BANA NGA ILONGGO; KASIMANWA NAMAN NI SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON. SA ATONG MGA KAIGSUONAN GIKAN SA VISAYAS UG MINDANAO; SILINGAN NI SENATOR NENE PIMENTEL. GOOD EVENING TO ALL OF YOU:

AND FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU CARDINAL MC CARRICK FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THIS HOLY CELEBRATION TONIGHT. AT SA AKING MGA MINAMAHAL NA KABABAYAN, AKO'Y NASISIYAHAN NA NARITO NGAYONG GABI NGUNIT NALULUNGKOT DIN TAYO DAHIL SA NAAALALA NATIN SA SEPTEMBER 11.

SO FIRST OF ALL, I WISH TO EXTEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO SUFFERED FROM THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11.

AND TONIGHT, I ALSO WISH TO GIVE MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO MY COMPATRIOTS AND TO THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN THE CAPITAL REGION AREA FOR JOINING ME TO HEAR THIS MEMORIAL MASS FOR THE VICTIMS AND FAMILIES OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS.

THE WORLD WITNESSED THE DESTRUCTION THAT EVIL DOERS WROUGHT UPON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON. BUT THE WORLD ALSO WITNESSED THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND THE COURAGE AND FAITH THAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF AMERICA. AMERICA WILL EMERGE FROM THE SHADOW OF SUFFERING, AND RISE FROM THIS LOSS WITH GREATER FORTITUDE AND HUMAN CAPACITY. EVIL WILL NOT TRIUMPH.

AS WE WATCHED THE HORROR UNFOLD FROM THE PHILIPPINES ON TELEVISION, WE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS HAPPENING TO US -- AND INDEED IT WAS, FOR OUR NATIONS ARE IN A SENSE ONE FAMILY-- AMERICA AND THE PHILIPPINES. BUT THE BLOW THAT WAS STRUCK WAS FELT AS DIRECTLY AS THE REST OF THE WORLD.

MANY FILIPINOS PERISHED ON SEPTEMBER 11. THE TRAGEDY SHOWS THAT WE FILIPINOS ARE NOT IMMUNE FROM ACTS OF GLOBAL TERROR. AND IN BEHALF OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, I GRIEVED FOR ALL WHO PERISHED AND SUFFERED AS WELL AS FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

I BRING YOU A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FROM YOUR KABABAYANS IN THE PHILIPPINES. AND I ALSO BRING YOU THEIR LOVE AND COMPASSION. IN THESE TRYING TIMES, WE MUST UNITE IN OUR EFFORTS TO RENEW THE HUMAN SPIRIT AND OUT OF FAITH IN GOD TO RISE ABOVE OUR GRIEF.

MULA SA MGA KAPATID NINYO SA PILIPINAS WALA SILANG SAWANG PATULOY PA RIN NA NAGDADASAL PARA SA INYO, MGA KABABAYAN DITO, TULAD KO AT NG AKING PAMILYA, WALANG SAWANG NAIISIP KAYO RITO AT NANANALANGIN NA MAY AWA LAGI ANG MAYKAPAL NA MABIGYAN PO KAYO NG KATAHIMIKAN SA INYONG PAGDADALAMHATI.

DESPITE THE HORROR OF SEPTEMBER 11, WE BEAR WITNESS TO THE LOVE OF THE ALMIGHTY THROUGH THE HEARTS AND HANDS OF THOSE WHO RISKED AND SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR OTHERS.

AND IN BEHALF OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, I WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY OUR GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION TO THE FIREMEN, THE POLICE AT GROUND ZERO, TO THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, TO THOSE WHO RESCUED HERE IN WASHINGTON ALL HEROES IN THIS TRAGEDY INCLUDING THE HEALTH WORKERS MANY OF WHOM ARE FILIPINOS. FOR YOUR INSPIRATIONAL ACTS OF FAITH AND COURAGE AGAINST THE PERILS OF TERRORISM.

MANY PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS WILL SUFFER FROM THE GLOBAL AFTERMATH OF THESE CRIMES. THESE WERE NOT ATTACKS ON ONE COUNTRY, BUT ON THE WHOLE WORLD COMMUNITY. THEREFORE WE MUST RESPOND AS A COMMUNITY.

THE SEPTEMBER 11 TRAGEDY PUT THE GLOBAL SHIP ON AN UNCHARTED COURSE OF POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INSECURITY. THE SENSE OF VULNERABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IS DEEP, INTENSE, AND NOT EASILY SHAKEN OFF. AND FOR US FILIPINOS , WE FELT IT AND WE FELT ONE WITH YOU.

DIRECTLY AFTER THE ATTACKS ON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON I WAS THE FIRST ASIAN LEADER TO ASSURE PRESIDENT BUSH THAT OUR GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND AMERICAN-LED EFFORTS TO ERADICATE TERRORISM.

THIS IMMEDIATE DECISION WAS A MORAL CHOICE, AS WELL AS A STRATEGIC CHOICE, FOR THE PHILIPPINES. WHAT WE WERE FIGHTING IN ISOLATION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES IS NOW A COMMON FIGHT. IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT IT TAKES A TRAGEDY TO BRING THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS TOGETHER, BUT IT HAS. NOW WITH U.S. ANTI-TERRORISM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PHILIPPINES, I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF THE TERRORISTS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW DAY IN ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR OUR CITIZENS.

SOON AFTER THE ATTACKS IN THE U.S., THE PHILIPPINES TOOK STEPS TO CARRY OUT SIX SPECIFIC MEASURES, IN SUPPORT OF U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 1368, TO COMBAT TERRORISM:

WE COMMITTED TO JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST COALITION AND TO WORK WITH THE UNITED NATIONS;

WE COMMITTED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE UNITED STATES ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY MATTERS CONCERNING TERRORISM;

WE COMMITTED TO MAKE AVAILABLE OUR AIR SPACE, AND OUR GROUND FACILITIES, WHEN REQUIRED AS TRANSIT OR STAGING POINTS;

WE COMMITTED, IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL, TO CONTRIBUTE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF FOOD SUPPLY, MEDICINES, AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL;

WE COMMITTED, TO PROVIDE, IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL AND SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF OUR CONGRESS, COMBAT TROOPS; AND

WE COMMITTED TO STEP UP OUR OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE TERRORIST GROUPS IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND PREVENT THE FLOW OF FUNDS TO THEM BY PASSING AND IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING.

MY ADMINISTRATION AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE WILL DO WHAT MUST BE DONE TO DEFEND OURSELVES FROM THIS TERRORIST THREAT.

WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS, MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA, IN AN INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENT TO FIGHT TERRORISM AMONG OUR COMMON BORDERS AND COMMON SEAS.

THIS IS A WAR THAT MUST BE BEREFT OF ANY RELIGIOUS UNDERTONES, AND THEREFORE THE PHILIPPINES HAS INSTITUTIONALIZED THE TOOLS OF AUTONOMY, CONSENSUS AND INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE WITH OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS. THE TERRORIST WANT TO MAKE THIS A RELIGIOUS WAR. WE MUST MAKE THIS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING.

I CAME TO THE UNITED STATES ON THE INVITATION OF PRESIDENT BUSH IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES. ON THE AGENDA ARE TALKS ON THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM BUT ALSO AGAINST POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES. AT THE SAME TIME, I AM MEETING WITH THE LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE HUGE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN AMERICA JUST AS WE ARE HAVING IT IN THIS MEETING.

I SEE OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT AMERICA, AND OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COALITION, AS USEFUL BASES FOR RE-ENERGIZING OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS.

AND I ALSO WISH TO BRING UP WITH PRESIDENT BUSH THE PLIGHT OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS WHOSE BENEFITS COMPARE POORLY WITH THOSE OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS.

WE WANT TO PROTECT THE DIGNITY OF ALL FILIPINOS, HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD.

AS WE WORK TO RESTORE PEACE, THERE IS STILL THE PARALLEL BATTLE TO BE WAGED AGAINST POVERTY AND IN REBUILDING THE PHILIPPINES.

IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES AS I SAID, WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING TERRORISM AND ITS ALLY: POVERTY. TERRORISM IS A DRAIN ON OUR ECONOMY, OUR PEOPLE, OUR FOCUS. RIDDING SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD OF ORGANIZED TERRORISM WILL FREE UP HUMAN CAPITAL, HUMAN RESOURCES AND GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND HELP US RETURN TO A GREATER INVESTMENT IN OUR PEOPLE AND TOWARD THE ALLEVIATION OF POVERTY.

I LOOK TO MY KABABAYANS IN THE UNITED STATES TO HELP US ATTAIN THIS QUEST FOR THE PROSPERITY OF THE PHILIPPINES.

VISIT US OFTEN AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN. BRING AN AMERICAN FRIEND IF YOU CAN. WE ARE ALWAYS REFINING THE BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM TO MAKE YOUR VISIT MORE REWARDING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. OUR TOURISM PROGRAM HAS A SOFT SPOT FOR KABABAYANS.

KEEP SENDING THOSE MEDICAL MISSIONS, CONTINUE YOUR REMITTANCES TO YOUR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES.

THERE ARE A THOUSANDS OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. I HOPE THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM WILL ADOPT A FILIPINO BARANGAY, SCHOOL, OR N.G.O.

WITH THE HELP OF FILIPINO-AMERICANS, NUMEROUS COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ASPIRE FOR A BETTER LIFE, SCHOOLCHILDREN HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A NEW BEGINNING. AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE GREATER STRENGTH IN CARRYING OUT THEIR MISSIONS.

I ALSO URGE FILIPINO-AMERICANS TO CONTINUE HELPING DEVELOP SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN YOUR HOMELAND. BECAUSE ESPECIALLY IN THIS TIMES OF GLOBAL SLOWDOWN THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMY, THE STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY WILL DEPEND ON SUCH BUSINESSES.

MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN YOUR LINKS WITH YOUR FORMER NEIGHBORS AND COMMUNITIES. AND WE HAVE A RETIREMENT PROGRAM THAT WILL PLEASE SENIOR CITIZENS SEEKING TO ENJOY THE AFTERNOON OF YOUR YEARS IN THE OLD COUNTRY.

AKO AY ISA LAMANG SA MGA MAMAMAYANG PILIPINONG NAGPAPASALAMAT SA INYONG PAGMAMALASAKIT SA ATING KAPWA PILIPINO. MAS LALO NA SA PANAHONG ITO, NA TUNAY NA NAPAKITA NINYO ANG INYONG PAGMAMAHAL SA ISA'T ISA MULA SA TULONG AT DASAL NA INYONG TAUS-PUSONG NABIGAY PARA SA LAHAT NG MAMAMAYANG PILIPINO.

ALALAHANIN NYO NA KAYO AY LAGING NASA ISIPAN NAMIN SA PILIPINAS. ANG INYONG TAGUMPAY, KAMI AY UNANG NAGBIBIGAY PUGAY. SA INYONG PAGHIHINAGPIS, TANDAAN NYO NA NARIRITO KAMI AT INYONG KAAKAY.

AND DESPITE YOUR DISTANCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES, YOU ARE NOT ALONE THE EMBASSY IS OPEN TO ALL OF YOU HERE. WHETHER YOU ARE A FIRST GENERATION IMMIGRANT OR YOU WERE BORN HERE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A FILIPINO AS FAR AS THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IS CONCERNED.

THE FAMOUS FILIPINO-AMERICAN WRITER FROM BINALONAN, PANGASINAN, WHICH IS MY MOTHERS HOMETOWN, CARLOS BULOSAN, SAID, AMERICA IS IN THE HEART. MAY I ALSO ADD THAT BEING A FILIPINO IS IN THE HEART-HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.

AND TONIGHT, I ASK THAT WE ALL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE WORLD'S LEADERS AND THE FAMILY OF NATIONS IN THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO END TERRORISM. LET US ALSO PRAY FOR THE ARMED SERVICES AND ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AS THEY SEEK OUT TERRORISTS AND PROTECT THE CITIZENS.

LET US PRAY FOR COMFORT AND PERSEVERANCE FOR THE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES OF THOSE WHO PERISHED.

LET US PRAY FOR THE RESCUE AND RECOVERY WORKERS, HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORKERS, POSTAL WORKERS, JOURNALISTS AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. THEY TOO ARE NOW ENGAGED IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST BIO-TERRORISM.

AT SANA PO, ISALI RIN NINYO ANG ATING MGA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SA PILIPINAS DAHIL MABIGAT ANG TRABAHO AT KAILANGAN ANG INYONG PANALANGIN. AT HUWAG NYO PONG KALILIMUTAN MAHAL KO PO KAYONG LAHAT.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO.

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PGMA's Speech before Georgetown University (Gaston Hall, Georgetown University - Nov 19, 2001)

GOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL OF YOU AND LET ME BEGIN BY FIRST GREETING MRS. THERESA DE GIOIA, THE WIFE OF THE TOP GIOIA. I AM SORRY THAT YOUR HUSBAND IS OUT OF TOWN ON THIS DAY BUT I THINK ITS JUST AS WELL BECAUSE IT JUST SHOWS HOW CONNECTED GEORGETOWN IS TO THE PHILIPPINES BECAUSE HE IS VERY NICE OF US TO HAVE PRODUCED THE FIRST LADY OF GEORGETOWN.

BOB GALLUCCI, THE DEAN OF GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE WHERE I WENT. DAVID STEINBERG, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF ASIAN STUDIES WHICH DID NOT EXIST YET WHEN I WAS A STUDENT. AND THE FACULTY AND STUDENTS OF GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MANY OF WHOM ARE FILIPINOS AND BECAUSE YOU ARE FILIPINOS, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET SOME OF THE LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY. WE HAVE FOUR ROWS OF PHILIPPINE DELEGATION HERE OR THREE ROWS. BUT LET ME JUST INTRODUCE TO YOU OUR ELECTIVE OFFICIALS AND OUR CABINET MEMBERS.

SO, WE HAVE THE SENATE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES FRANKLIN DRILON; THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JOSE DE VENECIA; OUR SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LOREN LEGARDA LEVISTE; OUR DEFENSE SECRETARY ANGELO REYES; AND OUR PRESS SECRETARY NOEL CABRERA; NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ROI GOLEZ; THEN WE HAVE THE SENATE MINORITY LEADER SENATOR PIMENTEL; AND HOUSE ASSISTANT MINORITY LEADER CONSTANTINO JARAULA; GOVERNOR OF CAMARINES SUR LUIS VILLAFUERTE; GOVERNOR OF PALAWAN JOEL REYES; MAYOR OF PASI CITY IN ILOILO JESSIE PALMARES; WELL, THIS ONE IS NOT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL NOW BUT HE IS IN BETWEEN PEOPLE, I AM INTRODUCING HE WAS NOT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN OF THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY TONG PAYUMO; SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, LEONY MONTEMAYOR; MY ADVISER ON INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AND A GIOIA HIMSELF BOBBY ROMULO; YOU HAVE SO MANY FANS BOBBY. AND ADVISER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PAUL DOMINGUEZ;

IN THE THIRD ROW WE HAVE THE PRESIDENT OF THE MAYORS LEAGUE OF THE PHILIPPINES RAMON GUICO; THE GOVERNOR OF THE THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE MATIN PETILLA; THE CITY MAYOR OF MUNTINLUPA CITY JIMMY FRESNEDI; MY CLASSMATES FROM CLASS '68, I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE ALL OF YOU AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK PRESIDENT DE GIOIA FOR EXTENDING THE INVITATION AND DEAN GALUCCI FOR ORGANIZING THIS EVENT.

I APPRECIATE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN TO AN INSTITUTION THAT AS YOU'LL KNOW BY NOW MEANS A GREAT DEAL TO ME AND MY FAMILY. NOT ONLY WAS I A GEORGETOWN STUDENT, BUT MY DAUGHTER LULI IS ALSO AN ALUMNA.

AND I REMEMBER THIS HALL VERY WELL IT WAS CALLED GASTON HALL THEN, IT'S STILL CALLED GASTON HALL NOW. AND I REMEMBER COMING IN WHERE YOU STUDENTS ARE SEATED NOW SOMEWHERE IN THE BACK AND THE FIRST LECTURE I LISTENED TO IN THIS HALL WAS A LECTURE ON THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS. I NEVER FORGET THAT BECAUSE IT WAS MY FIRST LECTURE NOT AS A SPEAKER BUT AS A LISTENER IN THIS HALL. AND I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE HERE ONCE AGAIN, IT'S A GOOD CLASS WE HAVE CLASS 68. I'D LIKE TO GREET ALSO FORMER AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES MIKE ARMACOST.

HAVING SPOKEN WHAT MY MEMORY OF THIS HALL, I REMEMBER ANOTHER MEMORY OF US BEING AROUND THE CAMPUS AND LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENT STATUES THERE AND HOW ONE WAS DEFACED BY SOMEBODY WHO LATER BECAME GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. AND WE WERE SO PROUD THAT GEORGETOWN PRODUCED A GOVERNOR GENERAL NOT KNOWING THAT OUR CLASS WOULD PRODUCED THREE PRESIDENTS. THAT'S ALFREDO CHRISTIANNI OF EL SALVADOR, BILL CLINTON OF THE UNITED STATES AND NOW GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO OF THE PHILIPPINES.

AND IN THE OTHER DIRECTION AS YOU KNOW BY NOW, I AM VERY HAPPY TO MEET MRS. DE GIOIA BECAUSE SHE IS A FILIPINA. SHE IS HALF FILIPINA AND THAT MAKES INDEED GEORGETOWN STUDENTS FROM THE PHILIPPINES VERY VERY CLOSE TO GEORGETOWN. SO, I'M HAPPY ABOUT DR. DE GIOIA HAVING PERSONAL TIES TO THE PHILIPPINES. SO, WE ARE REALLY AMONG FAMILY TODAY.

AND I AM TOUCHED BY THE AWARD OF THE PRESIDENT'S MEDAL THAT I RECEIVED TODAY AS A RECOGNITION FOR WHATEVER LITTLE I HAVE DONE TO UPHOLD THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF OUR UNIVERSITY. AGAIN, MY GRATITUDE GOES TO YOUR PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AND NOW, I SHARE THIS AWARD WITH MANY DISTINGUISHED LEADERS. I SHALL CHERISH IT AS AN INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE AND WORK. AS MRS. DE GIOIA POINTED OUT WHEN HER HUSBAND WAS INAUGURATED LAST MONTH, LAST JULY, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IS A COMMUNITY WITH A GREAT MISSION, AND A TRADITION ANIMATED BY THE SPIRIT OF SAINT IGNATIUS.

IN HIS SPIRITUAL EXERCISES, ST. IGNATIUS OFFERED ADVICE ON DEALING WITH TIMES OF GREAT SORROW. HE ADVISED US TO REMAIN FIRM AND CONSTANT IN THE RESOLUTIONS WE HELD IN THE DAY BEFORE OUR SORROW.

THE AFTERMATH OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS IS A TIME OF GREAT SORROW. LET ME BEGIN, THEN, BY OFFERING MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO SUFFERED THE LOSS OR INJURY OF A LOVED ONE IN THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS.

I VISITED GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK BEFORE COMING HERE AND I SAW FIRST HAND THE DEVASTATION OF GLOBAL TERRORISM. BUT I BRING A UNIQUE VIEW TO THIS ISSUE: FROM A FEW SMALL ISLANDS IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES TO THE GRAND ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, I HAVE SEEN WHAT TERRORISM CAN DO TO A SOCIETY, AN ECONOMY, AND OUR SENSE OF MORAL PURPOSE.

THE WORLD WITNESSED THE DESTRUCTION THAT EVILDOERS WROUGHT UPON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON. BUT THE WORLD ALSO WITNESSED THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF NEW YORKERS AND WASHINGTONIANS AND THE COURAGE AND FAITH THAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF AMERICA. AMERICANS WILL EMERGE FROM THE SHADOW OF SUFFERING, AND RISE FROM THIS LOSS WITH GREATER FORTITUDE AND HUMAN CAPACITY. AND IN OUR FAITH AND IN OUR INTELLECTUAL FAITH COMING FROM ST. IGNATIUS, WE KNOW THAT EVIL WILL NOT TRIUMPH.

THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON AMERICA CONTINUE IN A NEW AND FRIGHTENING WAY, AS UNKNOWN AGENTS USE DISEASE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF TERROR. ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT KNOW WHO THEY ARE OR WHERE THEY ARE, THEIR MOTIVES ARE CLEAR. THEY WISH TO SOW FEAR AMONG INNOCENT MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN BUT THEY WILL NOT SUCCEED.

MANY PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS THOUGH WILL SUFFER FROM THE GLOBAL AFTERMATH OF THESE CRIMES. THESE WERE NOT ATTACKS ON ONE COUNTRY, BUT ON THE WORLD COMMUNITY. THEREFORE, WE MUST RESPOND AS A COMMUNITY.

IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. THE UNITED STATES HAS TURNED TO ITS TRADITIONAL FRIENDS AND ALLIES FOR ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT. AND THE PHILIPPINES HAS BEEN AS YOU KNOW FORTHCOMING.

DIRECTLY AFTER THE ATTACKS ON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON THAT VERY NIGHT, I WAS THE FIRST ASIAN LEADER TO ASSURE PRESIDENT BUSH THAT MY GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND AMERICAN-LED EFFORTS TO ERADICATE TERRORISM.

A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, I SPOKE TO PRESIDENT BUSH IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS, TO REAFFIRM THE COMMITMENTS I HAD MADE PUBLICLY. I TOLD HIM THAT WE ARE DETERMINED TO GO EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AS THE SECURITY AND THE SURVIVAL OF THE WORLD DEMAND IT. AND I AM HERE IN WASHINGTON TO AFFIRM OUR SOLIDARITY.

I DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAMPAIGN BECAUSE FIRST, IT IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST; SECOND, IT IS A MORAL CAUSE; THIRD, IT IS CONSISTENT WITH OUR CONSTITUTION; AND FOURTH, IT IS OUR OBLIGATION UNDER THE MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES AND UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS.

BUT BEYOND FORMAL TREATIES, THERE IS IN ALL OF US A DEEP MORAL PURPOSE THAT IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY LEGAL INSTRUMENT. IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT EVIL MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO RULE EVEN ONE INCH OF THIS EARTH THAT IS THE MORAL BASIS FOR OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM.

WHAT THEN ARE THE SPECIFICS OF OUR FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM?

SOME OF THEM ARE SYMBOLIC. IN MANILA, WE LOWERED OUR FLAGS TO HALF-MAST. WE OBSERVED A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING. THESE SYMBOLIC ACTS BRING US TOGETHER AS A NATION AND INCREASE OUR UNITY.

BUT, SOON AFTER THE ATTACKS IN THE U.S., THE PHILIPPINES TOOK STEPS TO CARRY OUT SIX SPECIFIC MORE SUBSTANTIVE MEASURES, IN SUPPORT OF THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 1368, TO COMBAT TERRORISM:

WE JOINED THE INTERNATIONAL COUNTER TERRORIST COALITION AND COMMITTED TO WORK WITH THE UNITED NATIONS;

WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE UNITED STATES ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY MATTERS CONCERNING TERRORISM;

WE MAKE AVAILABLE OUR AIR SPACE, AND OUR GROUND FACILITIES WHEN REQUIRED AS TRANSIT REFUELLING OR STAGING POINTS; AND

WE COMMITTED, IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL, AND KOFI ANAN TELLS ME THERE WILL BE SOON TO CONTRIBUTE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF FOOD SUPPLY, MEDICINES, AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL;

WE COMMITTED TO PROVIDE, IF THERE IS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL AND SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF OUR CONGRESS COMBAT TROOPS; AND

WE STEPPED UP OUR OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE TERRORIST GROUPS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES AND PREVENTED THE FLOW OF FUNDS TO THEM BY PASSING AND IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING.

WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS, ESPECIALLY MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA, IN AN OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENT TO FIGHT TERRORISM AMONG OUR COMMON BORDERS AND COMMON SEAS. WE WORK TOGETHER WITH THESE NEIGHBORS TO SHARE INTELLIGENCE ON TERRORIST ACTIVITIES, TIGHTEN CONTROL OF OUR BORDERS AND, IF NEEDED, UNDERTAKE JOINT PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS.

IN OUR OWN COUNTRY, WE PURSUE BROAD INTER-FAITH DIALOGUES TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM SOLIDARITY IN THE PHILIPPINES. TERRORISTS WISH TO INSTIGATE A RELIGIOUS WAR. BUT WE MUST MAKE THIS AN OPPORTUNITY TO FORGE RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING, ECUMENISM AND SOLIDARITY.

AND I FEEL GRATIFIED IN THE RESULT OF THIS BROAD INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE BECAUSE THE POLITICAL LEADERS OF MUSLIM MINDANAO HAVE COME UP WITH A FORMAL RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PHILIPPINE POSITION IN JOINING THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM. THE ULAMAS AND OTHER RELIGIONS ALSO CAME UP WITH THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PHILIPPINE POSITION AGAINST TERRORISM AND I APPRECIATE THE ULAMAS WHO ARE THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF ISLAM FOR THAT. EVEN THE M.I.L.F. WHO ARE THE SECESSIONIST REBELS BUT WITH WHOM THE PHILIPPINES IS NOW ENGAGED IN VERY SUCCESSFUL PEACETALKS, IN FACT, WE HAVE A CEASEFIRE WITH THEM EVEN THE M.I.L.F. HAVE PUBLICLY DISCLAIMED CONNECTIONS WITH OSAMA BIN LADEN AND AL QAIDA.

LAST MONTH IN SHANGHAI, PRESIDENT BUSH AND I JOINED WITH THE OTHER NINETEEN LEADERS OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION PROCESS IN TAKING A FIRM STAND AGAINST TERRORISM. IN THAT LEADERS MEETING, I PROPOSED WAYS BY WHICH APEC WILL CONTINUE TO BE RELEVANT IN THIS TIME OF GLOBAL TERRORISM AND I PROPOSED THE PRIORITIZING OF OUR COOPERATION TO EMPHASIZE THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM IN SUCH AREAS AS MONEY LAUNDERING, AVIATION SECURITY AND CYBER CRIME.

WHAT WE WERE FIGHTING IN ISOLATION IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES IS NOW A COMMON FIGHT. IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT IT TAKES A TRAGEDY TO BRING THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS TOGETHER, BUT IT HAS. NOW WITH U.S. ANTI-TERRORISM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PHILIPPINES, I BELIEVED IT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF TERRORISTS IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND A NEW DAY IN ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR OUR CITIZENS.

WE HAVE BEEN AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING THESE TERRORIST GROUPS SUCH AS THE ABU SAYYAF IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND WE ARE SUCCEEDING IN CAPTURING HUNDREDS OF MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP AS WELL AS THEIR SUPPORTERS. AND WE WILL CONTINUE THIS PURSUIT UNTIL THIS GROUP HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, FIRST, THERE CAN BE NO TOLERANCE FOR KIDNAPPINGS, NO NEGOTIATIONS FOR RANSOM, AND NO BACK ROOM DEALS. THIS IS OFTEN A PAINFUL CHOICE WHERE INNOCENT LIVES ARE AT STAKE BUT IT MUST BE DONE.

SECOND, THERE MUST BE SWIFT JUSTICE TO THOSE WHO ENGAGED IN THIS KIND OF SUB-HUMAN BEHAVIOR. AND THIRD, WE REALIZED THAT WE MUST BECOME WELL-ORGANIZED IN THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO THIS THREAT-- INCLUDING REORGANIZING OUR POLICE, MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES AS NECESSARY.

THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM HOWEVER MUST BE MORE THAN A MILITARY CAMPAIGN. WE MUST ALSO ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS WHICH ALLOW TERRORISM TO THRIVE. SEPTEMBER 11 REMINDS US AGAIN OF HOW CLOSELY NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY ARE INTERTWINED.

WE CANNOT PREDICT ALL OF THESE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF TERRORISM. BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THE POOREST COUNTRIES PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES. IN THE FACE OF RECESSION, INVESTORS HAVE BEEN QUICK TO YANK OUT FUNDS FROM EMERGING MARKETS THOUSANDS OF MILES REMOVED FROM GROUND ZERO. IF WE WANT TO REBUILD OUR ECONOMIES, WE HAVE TO REBUILD TRUST IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT BOTH FREEDOM AND SECURITY GO HAND IN HAND.

POVERTY IS NOT THE CAUSE TERRORISM. EVIL IS THE CAUSE OF TERRORISM. BUT POVERTY AND THE SENSE OF POWERLESSNESS IT BRINGS, PROVIDE THE SPAWNING GROUNDS WHERE TERRORISM CAN MORE EASILY SPREAD ITS EVIL IDEOLOGY.

WE CAN DEFEAT TERRORISM THROUGH GLOBAL PROSPERITY, AS PRESIDENT BUSH SAID. THERE IS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER, AND TO COME TOGETHER AND TO COME OUT STRONGER, IN A VARIETY OF FRONTS. THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION LIES IN COOPERATING NOT ONLY ON THE MILITARY CAMPAIGN, BUT ALSO ON A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST POVERTY.

IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES, WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING TERRORISM AND ITS ALLY: POVERTY. TERRORISM IS A DRAIN ON OUR ECONOMY, OUR PEOPLE, OUR FOCUS. RIDDING THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD OF ORGANIZED TERRORISM WILL FREE UP CAPITAL, HUMAN RESOURCES AND GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND HELP US RETURN TO A GREATER INVESTMENT IN OUR PEOPLE AND TOWARD WINNING THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY.

I AM COMMITTED TO THAT LONG-TERM GOAL FOR THE PHILIPPINES. WHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT LAST JANUARY, I TOLD THE FILIPINO PEOPLE THAT WE MUST BE BOLD IN OUR NATIONAL AMBITIONS SO THAT OUR CHALLENGE MUST BE THAT WITHIN THE DECADE, WE MUST WIN THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY.

WE MUST INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FILIPINOS WHO HOLD JOBS; THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO GO TO SCHOOL; THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES WHO OWN THEIR OWN HOME; THE NUMBER OF PARENTS WHO CAN KEEP FOOD ON THE TABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. THIS, IN COMMON SENSE AND PLAIN TALK, IS THE CORE OF MY VISION.

AND TO SUCCEED, OUR NATIONAL AGENDA MUST REVOLVE AROUND FOUR COMPONENTS:

FIRST, AN ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21ST CENTURY;

SECOND, A MODERNIZED AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOUNDED ON SOCIAL EQUITY;

THIRD, A SOCIAL BIAS TOWARD THE DISADVANTAGED TO BALANCE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN; AND

FOURTH, HIGHER MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

BUT GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO IT ALONE. I AM NOT A MIRACLE WORKER. THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY NATION CAN ONLY ELIMINATE THE POVERTY THAT BREEDS THE DISCIPLES OF TERRORISM IF IT HAS THE ACTIVE COOPERATION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND CIVIL SOCIETY.

IN THE PHILIPPINES, OUR CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT ALSO DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND TO TRADE WITH THE OTHER NATIONS OF THE WORLD.

TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS, WE ATTEND TO MACRO MEASURES AND CONCERNS. IN ADDRESSING MACRO CONCERNS, WE FOCUS ON LONG-TERM STRUCTURAL ISSUES. WE STARTED WITH THE REFORM OF THE POWER SECTOR. NOW, WE ARE TURNING TO OTHER BASICS LIKE INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTIVITY, AND THE SAVINGS RATE.

WE ARE MINIMIZING BOTTLENECKS TO PRODUCTIVITY, SUCH AS THE HIGH COST OF POWER, AS I SAID EARLIER, DETERRENTS TO INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURE, OVERLY CONFRONTATIONAL LABOR- MANAGEMENT RELATIONS, AND CORRUPTION AND RED TAPE AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVELS.

WE ALSO INTEND TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THE NEW ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS IN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. THIS NEW ROUND HAS GAINED IMPORTANCE AS A WAY TO RESTORE GLOBAL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE AND MOMENTUM IN THE WAKE OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH TERRORIST ATTACKS, AND ALSO AS A WAY TO ENSURE THAT THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION ITSELF DOES NOT LOSE CREDIBILITY AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ARE BETTER OFF OPERATING UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE AND MULTILATERAL SET OF RULES RATHER THAN UNDER A SYSTEM WHERE ONLY THE POWERFUL DECIDE WHAT THE RULES ARE TO BE.

THE NEW ROUND IS BEING BILLED AS A DEVELOPMENT ROUND. BUT I HOPE IT CONTAINS ENOUGH FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES BEYOND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN NEGOTIATING AND IN IMPLEMENTING COMMITMENTS. FOR THE PHILIPPINES, MAINSTREAMING TRADE INTO THE WIDER DEVELOPMENT AGENDA OF ADDRESSING POVERTY IS A CENTRAL CONSIDERATION TO REACHING A POSITION AS TO WHAT THE NEW ROUND SHOULD CONTAIN.

THE FOLLOWING CAN MAKE THE NEW ROUND TRULY A DEVELOPMENT ROUND:

GREATER COHERENCE AND CONVERGENCE OF POLICIES AMONG INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE WORLD BANK, I.M.F., AND W.T.O. SO THAT TRADE IS MAINSTREAMED IN THE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA , AND THEREFORE CAPACITY BUILDING CAN BE FOCUSED AND TARGETED; THIS MORNING, I HAD BREAKFAST WITH THE CEO's OF THE WORLD BANK AND THE I.M.F. FOR THE WORLD BANK ITS NOT SO DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE CAPABILITY BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES IN THEIR PROGRAMS. BUT FOR THE I.M.F. TRADITIONALLY CONCERNED ONLY WITH BALANCE OF PAYMENTS POSITIONS ITS REALLY SOMETHING NEW. AND I AM VERY GLAD THAT THEY LISTENED AND LISTENED WELL AND SAID THAT IN THEIR LAST I.M.F. WORLD BANK MEETING IN OTTAWA INDEED, THAT POSITION ARTICULATED BY OUR MINISTER OF TRADE IN DOHA IS SOMETHING THAT THE I.M.F. IS REEXAMINING ITSELF ABOUT. AND I THINK THAT'S A GOOD CONTRIBUTION TO MAKING TRADE PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA, AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA.

ANOTHER THING THAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE THE NEW ROUND TRULY A DEVELOPMENT ROUND IS:

A REVIEW OF WHAT IS CALLED SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT BEYOND, JUST THE PHASING OUT OF COMMITMENTS BUT ALSO CAPACITY BUILDING AND SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO PURSUE DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO WORK ON ENTERING THE 21ST CENTURY AND I AM GLAD THAT HERE IN THIS HALL WE HAVE STUDENTS OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AFFAIRS TO WHOM I'M SURE THIS IS RELEVANT HOW TO MAKE THE DOHA ROUND TRULY A DEVELOPMENT ROUND. I MUST SAY IT'S MORE RELEVANT TO WHAT YOU ARE STUDYING THAN THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS THAT I HAD TO LISTEN TO WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS IN FOREIGN SERVICE.

LET ME CONCLUDE BY SPEAKING TO THE STUDENTS WHO HAVE COME HERE THIS AFTERNOON. THE SEPTEMBER 11 TRAGEDY PUT THE GLOBAL SHIP ON AN UNCHARTED COURSE OF POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INSECURITY THAT'S YOUR WORLD. THE SENSE OF VULNERABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IS DEEP, INTENSE, AND IS NOT EASILY SHAKEN OFF.

AND YET, DESPITE THIS, WE STILL LIVE IN A WORLD OF GREAT PROMISE AND THAT'S YOU WHO CAN FULFILL THAT GREAT PROMISE. YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN MUCH, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IS A GREAT SCHOOL. IT'S EVEN BETTER NOW IN MY DAUGHTERS TIME THAN IT WAS IN THE TIME OF ALFREDO CHRISTIANNI, BILL CLINTON AND MYSELF. SO YOU CAN IMAGINE THE EXPECTATIONS. IF IN OUR TIME IT WAS ONE OF THE GOOD SCHOOLS AND IT PRODUCED THREE PRESIDENTS FROM OUR CLASS, NOW ITS ONE OF THE BEST SCHOOLS, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE STUDENTS OF THIS BATCH IN GEORGETOWN.

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAKE GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS. AND AS I SAID EARLIER, I HOPE THAT MY OWN CONTRIBUTION WILL BE TOWARDS ELIMINATING THE POVERTY THAT ROBS PEOPLE OF THE ABILITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN CONTRIBUTION.

I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE THE FILIPINO CLUB HERE AT GEORGETOWN. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH GOOD STUDENTS AND THANK YOU FOR PROPOSING THE FILIPINO- AMERICAN CORPS PROGRAM. YOUR GOALS OF PROVIDING NATIONAL NETWORK OF AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS OF FILIPINO DESCENT, THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER IN VARIOUS FIELDS MUCH LIKE THE PEACE CORPS AND IMMERSE IN FILIPINO CULTURE IN THE COUNTRY OF YOUR FOREBEARS IS TRULY LAUDABLE. I HOPE THAT THIS WILL FOSTER GREATER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES AND THAT BY THIS YOU WILL DEVELOP A DEEPER SENSE OF YOUR FILIPINO IDENTITY.

AND TO ALL OF YOU STUDENTS IN GEORGETOWN, I HOPE THAT YOU WILL REALIZE YOUR OWN FULL POTENTIAL, AND AS YOU DO SO YOU WILL HELP CREATE A WORLD FREE FROM HUNGER, FREE FROM WANT, FREE FROM DESPAIR SO THAT ALL MEN AND WOMEN WILL BELIEVE THAT THEY, TOO, CAN LIVE IN A WORLD OF GREAT PROMISE.

THANK YOU

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PGMA's Press Statement after a meeting with U.S. Pres. George W. Bush (White House, Washington D.C., U.S.A. - Nov 20, 2001)

HELLO! GOOD AFTERNOON.

WELL, I HAD I THINK A VERY FRUITFUL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BUSH. ACTUALLY, WE THINK ALIKE ON SO MANY THINGS. SO IT�S REALLY WAS A QUESTION OF CONFIRMING MANY THINGS WE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT BEFORE. SO, THE PHILIPPINES IS FIGHTING TERRORISM ALSO IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF OUR COUNTRY. AND THE PHILIPPINES IS ENGAGED IN AN OPERATIONAL COALITION WITH INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND AND SINGAPORE IN FIGHTING TERRORISM IN OUR COMMON BORDERS AND COMMON SEAS IN OUR REGION. AND THE PHILIPPINES IS SUPPORTING THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION AND WILL BE SUPPORTIVE ALSO OF THE REHABILITATION EFFORTS IN AFGHANISTAN. SO, PRESIDENT BUSH AND I TALKED ABOUT HOW OUR PARTNERSHIP, OUR MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY, OUR STRATEGIC ALLIANCE CAN BE USED TO SERVE OUR EFFECTIVENESS IN THE UNILATERAL FIGHT, THE BILATERAL COOPERATION, AND THE REGIONAL COOPERATION AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM. THAT WAS REALLY THE MAIN THING THAT WE TALKED ABOUT.

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PGMA's Speech during a Meeting with the Filipino Community (Westin LA Airport Hotel, Los Angeles - Nov 21, 2001)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AMBASSADOR DEL ROSARIO.

WE'RE ALL VERY HAPPY TO BE HERE WITH YOU, OUR DELEGATION AND SOME OF THE LEADERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE HERE WITH US TONIGHT. I'D LIKE TO GREET THEM AGAIN, SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON; SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LOREN LEGARDA-LEVISTE; SENATE MINORITY LEADER AQUILINO PIMENTEL; WE ALSO HAVE CONGRESSMAN RICKY SANDOVAL OF MALABON-NAVOTAS; AND GOVERNOR MATIN PETILLA OF LEYTE; I THINK NOEL IS NOT HERE ANYMORE. MAYOR FRESNEDI, WALA RIN. AND I SEE MAYOR RAMON GUICO OF BINALONAN, PANGASINAN; ALSO OUR SECRETARY OF ENERGY VINCE PEREZ; AND I WOULD LIKE TO GREET ALL OF THE OFFICIALS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM CITIES OF CARLSON, WALNUT AND DUARTE;

MGA MINAMAHAL KONG KABABAYAN, MAGANDANG GABI PO SA INYONG LAHAT! MAYAP A BENGI QUECONGAN, KABALEN. NAIMBAG A RABII YO AMIN APO, KAKAILYAN TI BANGIR NI MAMANG KO. MAAYONG GABI-I KANINYONG TANAN, ATONG KAIGSUONAN. MAAYONG GAB-I SA INYO NGA TANAN MGA KASIMANWA. DIOS MARHAY NA BANGGI SA INDO GABOS!

NAGAGALAK AKONG MAKAPILING KAYONG LAHAT MGA MAHAL KONG KABABAYAN NA NAKATIRA SA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, TEXAS, ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AT IBA PANG LUGAR DITO SA SOUTHERN PART NG AMERIKA.

I WAS INFORMED THAT ASIDE FROM THOSE, OH DICK GORDON, I'M SORRY DICK GORDON OUR SECRETARY OF TOURISM. I WAS INFORMED THAT ASIDE FROM THOSE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, THERE ARE FILIPINO-AMERICAN DELEGATIONS FROM THROUGHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES, EVEN THOSE AS FAR AWAY AS HOUSTON, TEXAS. SALAMAT PO SA INYONG PAGPUNTA DITO NGAYONG GABI.

AT KASAMA KO RIN NGAYONG GABI ANG AKING KABIYAK, SI ATTY. JOSE MIGUEL ARROYO, AT ANG AKING ANAK NA SI DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO. ASAN NA KAYA SIYA? EWAN KO BAKA SUMAMA NA SA MGA KAIBIGAN NIYA.

MAPALAD PO TAYO NA, WHERE? WHERE, WHERE? DATO ARE YOU THERE? AH, THERE HE IS. WAVE, WAVE AT THE CROWD. OK, THE ONE WHOS TURNING HIS HEAD AWAY.

ANYWAY MAPALAD PO NA TAYO AY PINAGTAGPO MULI NG PANGINOON. DAHIL ILANG BESES NA AKO PUMUPUNTA DITO DI BA? SALAMAT AT NANDITO TAYO AT MAGKASAMA MULI. LALO NA DITO SA WEST COAST.

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION FILIPINOS ON THE WEST COAST, WHICH INCLUDES CALIFORNIA, OREGON AND WASHINGTON. DEMOGRAPHERS ESTIMATE THERE ARE OVER 2 MILLION FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND BECAUSE OF YOUR NUMBER, FILIPINO-AMERICANS CONSTITUTE A VERITABLE SECOND PHILIPPINES. NOWHERE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU FIND THIS MASS OF FILIPINOS OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES. ACCORDING TO THE 1990 CENSUS REPORT, TAGALOG IS THE NUMBER SIX MOST SPOKEN FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN AMERICAN HOMES.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH INVITED ME TO THE UNITED STATES ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE PHILIPPINE-U.S. MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY, A CORNERSTONE OF OUR SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS.

AND AS YOU KNOW, THE PHILIPPINES IS A MEMBER OF THE GRAND COALITION AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM AND ACTIVE IN A REGIONAL EFFORT TO ORGANIZE A SPECIAL ANTI-TERRORISM PROGRAM IN THE ASEAN COMMUNITY.

AT THE WHITE HOUSE I REAFFIRMED OUR SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM. PRESIDENT BUSH AND I ALSO DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE FULL RANGE OF BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES.

I ALSO MET WITH THE TOP STATE, DEFENSE, SECURITY, TRADE, FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT LEADERS OF THE UNITED STATES, TO WHOM I ADVOCATED OUR MOST VITAL INTERESTS, AND FROM WHOM I WAS ABLE TO ELICIT SUBSTANTIAL AND CONCRETE SUPPORT.

IN WASHINGTON, WE TALKED ABOUT ASSISTANCE FOR SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS, TOURISM EXPANSION, BROADER OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT FOR FILIPINOS.

AND I VERY PASSIONATELY, INTENSELY FOLLOWED UP OUR CONCERNS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS AND TO SECURE RIGHTFUL EQUITY FOR THEM. COLONEL DE OCAMPO CAN TELL YOU JUST HOW HARD I FOUGHT FOR YOU.

I ALSO MET WITH LEADERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, SO THAT WE CAN HOPEFULLY FORGE A STRONG EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE CONSENSUS TO SUPPORT OUR PRESSING REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAMS.

IN NEW YORK, I GOT TOGETHER WITH LEADERS OF AMERICAN BUSINESS, ADDRESSED SEVERAL BUSINESS FORUMS, AND PRESIDED OVER THE SIGNING OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS. WE TEAMED UP WITH OUR OWN ECONOMIC MANAGERS AND BUSINESS SECTOR TO INFORM AMERICAN FIRMS HOW WE HAVE MAINTAINED A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD, CUT RED TAPE, STEPPED UP INCENTIVES AND SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED AND EXPANDED THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC CONNECTIVITY.

I CAME TO THE UNITED STATES ALSO TO PERSONALLY EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND TO THE FILIPINO AMERICAN FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11TH.

I VISITED GROUND ZERO AND SAW FIRST HAND THE DEVASTATION OF GLOBAL TERRORISM. WE FILIPINOS BRING A UNIQUE VIEW TO THIS ISSUE: FROM A FEW SMALL ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF MINDANAO TO THE GRAND ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, WE HAVE SEEN WHAT TERRORISM CAN DO TO OUR SOCIETY, OUR ECONOMY, OUR SECURITY, OUR SENSE OF MORAL PURPOSE.

MANY PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS WILL SUFFER FROM THE GLOBAL AFTERMATH OF THESE CRIMES. THESE WERE NOT ATTACKS ON ONE COUNTRY, BUT ON THE WORLD COMMUNITY. THEREFORE WE MUST RESPOND AS A COMMUNITY.

DIRECTLY AFTER THE ATTACKS ON NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON I WAS THE FIRST ASIAN LEADER TO ASSURE PRESIDENT BUSH THAT OUR GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND AMERICAN-LED EFFORTS TO ERADICATE TERRORISM.

WE DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAMPAIGN BECAUSE FIRST, IT IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST; SECOND, IT IS A MORAL CAUSE; THIRD, IT IS CONSISTENT WITH OUR CONSTITUTION; AND FOURTH, IT IS OUR OBLIGATION UNDER THE MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES WHICH WE ARE CELEBRATING THIS YEAR, THE JUBILEE-- GOLDEN JUBILEE AND ALSO UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS.
WHAT WE WERE FIGHTING IN ISOLATION IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES IS NOW A COMMON FIGHT. IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT IT TAKES A TRAGEDY TO BRING THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS TOGETHER, BUT IT HAS. NOW WITH U.S. ANTI-TERRORISM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PHILIPPINES, I BELIEVE IT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF TERRORISTS IN SOUTHWESTERN PHILIPPINES AND A NEW DAY IN ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR OUR CITIZENS.

MY FIRST STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS ANNOUNCED AN ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAM THAT STRESSED FOUR CRITICAL COMPONENTS:

THE FIRST, AN ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF FREE ENTERPRISE APPROPRIATE TO THE 21ST CENTURY.

THE SECOND, A MODERNIZED AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOUNDED ON SOCIAL EQUITY.

THE THIRD A SOCIAL BIAS TOWARD THE POOR TO BALANCE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

AND THE FOURTH, THE IMPROVEMENT OF MORAL STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

WITH GOD'S GRACE, WE HAVE TURNED MUCH OF OUR ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AROUND. DESPITE THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN THAT STARTED EARLY THIS YEAR, I AM PROUD TO CONFIRM THAT THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY SO FAR HAS REMAINED STABLE AND HAS PROVED TO BE REMARKABLY RESILIENT. I SAY THIS BECAUSE:

OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH OF 3.4 PERCENT IS BETTER THAN MOST OF OUR NEIGHBORS AND TRADING PARTNERS.

INFLATION IS DOWN. IT IS AT ITS LOWEST IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. ALLOWING US TO BRING DOWN OUR INTEREST RATES TO A LOWEST IN THE LAST SIX YEARS.

OUR FISCAL SITUATION REMAINS STABLE. IN FACT, WHEN THE OFFICIALS OF THE WORLD BANK AND THE IMF CAME TO SEE ME IN BLAIR HOUSE FOR BREAKFAST, THEY SAID, THEY REVEALED THAT I AM THE ONLY PRESIDENT WHO CAME INTO POWER DURING AN UPHEAVAL AND WHO DID NOT HAVE TO ASK FOR AN IMF PROGRAM.

I HAVE COME ALSO TO TALK TO OUR KABABAYANS IN THE UNITED STATES AND TO EXTEND TO YOU THE GRATITUDE OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. FILIPINOS ARE INDEBTED TO OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE UNITED STATES FOR MANY REASONS:

THE FILIPINO-AMERICANS, WHO CONSTITUTE 34 PERCENT OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS, BUT CONTRIBUTE 71 PERCENT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE REMITTANCES TO THE PHILIPPINES.

YOUR REMITTANCES HAVE BUILT AND REPAIRED THOUSANDS OF HOMES, SENT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, LAUNCHED THOUSANDS OF SMALL BUSINESSES, PRODUCED THOUSAND OF JOBS, IMPROVED THOUSANDS OF INCOMES, BOOSTED THOUSANDS OF PURCHASING POWER, AND ENERGIZED THOUSANDS OF COMMUNITIES.

COLLECTIVELY, YOUR REMITTANCES HAVE BUOYED UP THE ECONOMY AND HELPED GOVERNMENT MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PRIORITIES.

FILIPINO DOCTORS, SURGEONS, DENTISTS AND NURSES CONDUCT REGULAR MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSIONS IN MANY PARTS OF OUR HOMELAND.

THROUGH YOUR DONATIONS OF BOOKS, FOOD, AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES, FIL-AMS HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF POOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE BARRIOS.

BUT YOU CAN STILL DO MORE. THIS IS A GOOD TIME FOR YOU TO PUT IN YOUR INVESTMENT OR EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN YOUR HOMELAND.

I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT IN A LAW THAT I AUTHORED, CALLED WHEN I WAS STILL A SENATOR FURTHER LIBERALIZING FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, SENATOR FRANKLIN DRILON INTRODUCED AN AMENDMENT DURING THE TIME AND SO THAT LAW INCLUDES A PROVISION THAT ALLOWS FORMER FILIPINOS TO OWN LAND NOT ONLY FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES BUT ALSO FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

I CALL ESPECIALLY UPON THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND THE SURROUNDING REGION TO RALLY FOR OUR COUNTRY.

OF ALL THE FILIPINO COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA, YOURS IS THE BIGGEST. CALIFORNIA BY ITSELF ACCOUNTS FOR ALMOST HALF OF THE 2 OR 3 MILLION FILIPINOS AND FILIPINO-AMERICANS LIVING THROUGHOUT THE DIFFERENT STATES OF AMERICA. AND I BELIEVED THAT HERE IN LOS ANGELES ALONE YOU HAVE SOMETHING LIKE HALF A MILLION FILIPINOS. IT IS FROM YOU THAT MANY AMERICAN LEADERS WILL HEAR ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES. I ASK YOU TO STRENGTHEN PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN COOPERATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY AGENDA.

OUR SENATORS HERE, FRANK DRILON, LOREN LEGARDA, NENE PIMENTEL AND CONGRESSMAN RICKY SANDOVAL HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU. THEY EXPECT TO PASS THE ABSENTEE VOTING BILL NEXT YEAR. IN JANUARY, THE SENATE WILL CONDUCT COMMITTEE HEARINGS RIGHT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND I'M SURE OUR GENTLEMEN HERE AND MANY OF YOU BELIEVE IN DUAL-CITIZENSHIP. SENATE PRESIDENT DRILON HAS AUTHORED A BILL TO EXTEND DUAL CITIZENSHIP TO FILIPINOS.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS REPRESENT THE BEST IN THE FILIPINO. YOU ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE AMBASSADORS OF YOUR MOTHER COUNTRY. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN LIFE ARE TREMENDOUS.

LET US STRIVE TO BUILD A NATIONAL COALITION OF FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS AND FORGE GREATER UNITY TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF FILIPINO IMMIGRANTS, WORKERS, AND FIL-AMS IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS CAN CERTAINLY EXERCISE MORE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC POWER IF YOU GET CLOSER TOGETHER, IF YOU HELP ELECT MORE FILIPINO-AMERICAN CANDIDATES, IF YOU ORGANIZE STRONG LOBBIES DURING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR TO WIN SUPPORT FOR YOUR PET MEASURES IN THE U.S. AND STATE CONGRESSES.

LAKASAN PA NATIN ANG ATING PAGKAKAISA. ANG ATING PAKIKIPAG-TULUNGAN. ANG ATING PAG-IISANG BISIG. ANG DIWA NG BAYANIHAN. ANG BALIKATAN. ANG KAPATIRAN.

LAKASAN PA NATIN ANG ATING PAGMAMALASAKIT SA INANG BANSA, PATI NA RIN SA INYONG BAGONG BANSA, SA ATING KINABUKASAN, SA ATING KABATAAN.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WE THE FILIPINOS FROM THE PHILIPPINES ARE PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK IN THE GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND CONTINUE LOVING YOUR NATIVE LAND, YOUR MOTHERLAND THE PHILIPPINES AS YOU ALWAYS HAVE BEEN DOING SO ALL THESE YEARS.

MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYONG LAHAT.

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PGMA's Arrival Statement from her State Visit to the U.S.A. and Mexico (NAIA, 23 Nov. 2001)

… A NEW CENTURY OF CLOSER PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION.
WE ENDED THE NEXT YEAR WITH A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP, A STRONGER PARTNERHSIP
WITH THE WORLD.

DAHIL SA BISITA AY LALONG SISIGLA ANG ATING EKONOMIYA DALA NG BAGONG TULONG
NA IPINANGAKO NG U.S. GOVERNMENT AT DAHIL SA MGA KASUNDUANG NABUO NG MGA
NEGOSYANTENG PILIPINO AT AMERIKANO.

LALAKAS ANG PUWERSA NG ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES SA PAKIKIPAGLABAN SA
TERORISMO AT IBA PANG BANTA SA ATING KATAHIMIKAN AT KALIGTASAN.

DAHIL SA BISITANG ITO, LALAKAS LALO ANG ATING KAMPANYA LABAN SA KARALITAAN
NG ATING BANSA.

ANG MGA FILIPINO-AMERICANS SA ESTADOS UNIDOS AY NAGPADALA NA NG MENSAHE SA
MGA KABABAYAN NILA SA PILIPINAS. LALO RAW NILANG PAPALAWAKIN ANG KANILANG
TULONG SA INANG BAYAN SA PAMAMAGITAN NG MGA DOLLAR REMITTANCES, INVESTMENT
SA NEGOSYO, SAVINGS SA BANGKO, MADALAS NA BIYAHE SA PILIPINAS, DAGDAG NA
MEDICAL AT DENTAL MISSIONS, PATULOY NA DONASYON NG LIBRO, PAGKAIN AT GAMOT
AT PLANONG MAG-RETIRO SA PANAHON NG PAMAMAHINGA.

LALONG NAKILALA NG MUNDO ANG PILIPINAS SA PANDAIGDIGANG KAMPANYA LABAN SA
TERORISMO SA PANGKAT NI OSAMA BIN LADEN AT NG AL-QAIDA ORGANIZATION AT ANG
TALIBAN GOVERNMENT SA AFGHANISTAN DAHIL KINIKILALA TAYONG MATATAG SA
KAMPANYANG ITO.

HINDI MASASALIN SA SALAPI ANG HALAGA NG MAS PINALAKAS NA PAGKAKAIBIGAN NG
AMERICA AT PILIPINAS. HIGIT PA SA ANO MANG DAMI NG DOLYAR AT PISO ANG
HALAGA NG KAPATIRAN NG MGA PILIPINO AT AMERIKANO DAHIL ITO AY BINUO MULA SA
ATING KASAYSAYAN, HINUBOG NG ATING DUGO AT NABUBUHAY DAHIL SA ATING
PAGMAMAHAL SA KALAYAAN AT DEMOKRASYA.

SUBALIT, KUNG TATANUNGIN ANG MGA EKONOMISTA, MGA NEGOSYANTE, SINO MANG MAY
INTERES SA HALAGA NG AKING BISITA, KUNG ISASALIN SA SALAPI, MASASABI KONG
HINDI ITO MALIIT.

HINDI MALIIT DAHIL KUNG GAGAMITIN NATIN ANG PAG-ACCOUNTING NG IBANG MGA
NAGBIBISITA SA AMERIKA, AABOT SA HUMIGIT KUMULANG NA DALAWANG BILYONG PISO
ANG MGA KOOPERASYON NG PINAGKASUNDUAN NG GOBYERNO NG PILIPINAS AT AMERICA
DOON SA JOINT STATEMENT PA LAMANG NI PRESIDENT BUSH AT NG INYONG LINGKOD
PAGKATAPOS NG AMING PAG-UUSAP.

MAY DAGDAG RIN NG HIGIT SA 2 BILLION DOLLARS ANG MGA INVESTMENTS AT
MULTI-LATERAL PACKAGE.

I'M GREATFUL FOR PRESIDENT BUSH'S COMMITMENT TO WORK WITH THE U.S. CONGRESS
TO PROVIDE THE PHILIPPINES OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS OF PRODUCTS THAT WILL
BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE U.S., DUTY-FREE, UNDER THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF
PREFERENCES.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE INCLUSION OF PINEAPPLES AND CANNED TUNA - TWO
PRODUCTS WHICH USED TO HAVE NO ACCESS TO THE U.S. MARKET.

INAASAHAN DING MAKABENTA TAYO NG MANGGANG NAGHAHALAGA NG 50 MILLION DOLLARS
BAWAT TAON.

WE ALSO EXPECT, AT LEAST, A 27% IN MARKET ACCESS FOR OUR EXPORT OF GARMENTS
AND TEXTILES IN THE COMING YEAR.

WE ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR DEBT RELEASE. TO THE EXTENT THAT WE WILL SPEND MORE
FOR FOREST CONSERVATION, OUR DEBT TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WILL BE
CONDONED.

THE TOTAL DEBT OF OUR CONCESSIONAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES IS
430 MILLION DOLLARS.

THE OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION INCREASED ITS GUARANTY COVER
FOR INVESTMENTS - FROM THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO OF 620 MILLION DOLLARS BY
ANOTHER 200 MILLION DOLLARS.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WILL ALSO GUARANTY 150 MILLION DOLLARS
WORTH OF SUPPORT FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE AND
FISHERIES.

AN ARRANGEMENT IS ALSO BEING MADE FOR 40 MILLION DOLLARS IN FOOD-AID FOR
NEXT YEAR.

PRESIDENT BUSH AND I REVIEWED THE SECURITY SITUATION, INCLUDING THE ABU
SAYYAF TERRORISM IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES.

WE AGREED ON THE MODERNIZATION OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND
ON PROGRAMS TO COMBAT SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE AND GLOBAL TERRORISM.

THE INITIAL COMMITTED SECURITY PACKAGE IS 100 MILLION DOLLARS.

WE AFFIRMED THAT WE WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK ON AN INTEGRATED PLAN TO
STRENGTHEN THE AFP'S CAPACITY TO COMBAT TERROR AND PROTECT PHILIPPINE
SOVEREIGNTY.

THE INTEGRATED PLAN INCLUDES A ROBUST TRAINING PACKAGE, EQUIPMENT NEEDED
FOR INCREASE MOBILITY, A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED OVERALL
CAPABILITIES, SPECIFIC TARGET AT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COUNTER-TERRORISM
COOPERATION AND A NEW BILATERAL DEFENSE CONSULTATIVE MECHANISM.

WHILE PLEDGING MILITARY COOPERATION TO END THE TERRORIST ACTIVITIES OF THE
ASG, WE AGREED THAT SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES REQUIRES
ADDRESSING MINDANAO'S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

PRESIDENT BUSH PRAISED THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO PURSUE A
POLITICAL PACT TO PEACE WITH THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT, AND
WELCOMED THE CEASEFIRE SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES AND
THE MILF.

TO HELP CONSOLIDATE PEACE AND TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
MUSLIM COMMUNITIES, PRESIDENT BUSH ANNOUNCED THAT U.S. ASSISTANCE FOR
MINDANAO FOR 2001 AND 2002 WILL AMOUNT TO OVER 55 MILLION DOLLARS.

THE MINDANAO ASSISTANCE PACKAGE WILL DIRECT SUPPORT FOR THE PEACE PROCESS
BY INTEGRATING THE EX-COMBATANTS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES INTO THE PEACE SIGN
ECONOMY, CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS ATTRACTIVE FOR INVESTMENTS, JOB
CREATION, ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND PROVIDING IMPROVED PUBLIC SERVICES IN
MINDANAO, ESPECIALLY IN THE AUTONOMOUS REGION.

THIS PACKAGE WILL ALSO INCLUDE NEW EDUCATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES,
INCLUDING A NUMBER OF FULL BRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS TARGETED AT MINDANAO'S
MUSLIM COMMUNITY.

THIS REPRESENTS ALMOST A DOUBLING IN EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMMING IN
MINDANAO.

THE U.S. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IS TAKING A PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH TO
ENCOURAGE THE U.S. PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN MINDANAO'S INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT.

WE WELCOMED THE SIGNING OF A GRANT AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE LAND TRANSPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE IN MINDANAO. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE CTA PROJECTS THAT
WILL INCREASE DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT IN MINDANAO.

PRESIDENT BUSH FURTHER COMMITTED TO WORK WITH CONGRESS AND OTHER DONORS TO
SECURE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MINDANAO AS THE PEACE PROCESS MOVES FORWARD
IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

AND IN SUPPORT OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO FIGHT POVERTY,
ACCELERATE ECONOMIC REFORM AND PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE, PRESIDENT BUSH
ANNOUNCED THAT HE IS SEEKING 29 MILLION DOLLARS FROM CONGRESS TO SUPPORT
POVERTY ALLEVIATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS THROUGHOUT
THE PHILIPPINES.

IF WE ADD THIS 29 MILLION DOLLARS TO THE EARLIER AMOUNTS FOR MINDANAO, THE
TOTAL AMOUNT COMES OUT AS ABOUT 84 MILLION DOLLARS FROM USAID - WHICH IS
ABOUT TWICE THE CURRENT LEVEL THAT WE HAVE NOW - WHICH IS ABOUT 44 MILLION
DOLLARS.

IN COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUTUAL DEFENSE TREATY BETWEEN
THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES, PRESIDENT BUSH ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE
BRAVE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT FILIPINO VETERANS HAVE MADE TO FREEDOM AND
DEMOCRACY, AND STATED THAT HE WILL CONSIDER LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO ENSURE
THAT THE SACRIFICES OF THESE VETERANS ARE RECOGNIZED.

IT IS NOT ONLY AMERICA'S LEADERSHIP WHICH COMMITTED TO PROVIDE EXPANDED
RESOURCES AND TOOLS TO COMBAT POVERTY, BUT ALSO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS.

THE WORLD BANK COMMITTED MORE THAN 250 MILLION DOLLARS. 200 MILLION, IN
TERMS OF DIRECT LOANS OR GUARANTIES. A LOAN OF 30 MILLION DOLLARS FOR
URBAN WATER AND SANITATION. ANOTHER LOAN FOR 15 MILLION DOLLARS TO SUPPORT
MINDANAO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. AND ANOTHER 15 MILLION DOLLARS,
EARMARKED TO SUPPORT THE REINTEGRATION OF FORMER COMBATANTS IN MINDANAO.

THE IMF, FOR ITS PART, ASKED ME WHAT OUR GOVERNMENT NEEDS. AND I TOLD
THEM, "MORAL SUPPORT".

THEY OBSERVED THAT I AM THE ONLY PRESIDENT THEY KNOW OF WHO BECAME
PRESIDENT UNDER VERY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND DID NOT ASK FOR AN IMF
PROGRAM. THAT'S BECAUSE OUR ECONOMY IS STABLE. AND WE KEEP IT STABLE BY
OURSELVES.

AMERICAN BUSINESS ALSO SAYS THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS BACK ON THE RADAR'S
SCREEN.

THE CORE (?) GROUP WILL PROVIDE UP TO ONE BILLION DOLLARS TO SUPPORT MASS
HOUSING PROGRAMS AND CORPORATE REINVIGORATION IN THE PHILIPPINES.

GROUP REX (?) WILL BUILD A RAILWAY SYSTEM UNDER B.O.T. WORTH 500 MILLION
DOLLARS TO LINK OUR THREE TERMINALS HERE AT THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THIS WILL PRODUCE 1,500 JOBS AND INCREASE AVIATION SECURITY IN THE TERMINAL
COMPLEX AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMITMENT IN THE APEC AND ASEAN COVENANTS
AGAINST TERRORISM.

AIA - ONE OF THE BIGGEST FINANCE COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES - WILL
RAISE 200 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE U.S. CAPITAL MARKET TO INVEST IN OUR STOCK
MARKET.

HALIBURTON (?) KBR WILL INVEST A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS TO OPERATE A SHIP
BUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR FACILITY IN SUBIC BAY. THIS FACILITY WOULD EMPLOY
4,000 WORKERS AND GENERATE AN ANNUAL SALES OF 300 MILLION DOLLARS, ESTIMATED.

FOR THE PHILIPPINES, WE'LL SOON START EXPORTING CARS AND ESPECIALLY UTILITY
VEHICLES TO THAILAND AND INDONESIA, UNDER THE ASEAN PROJECT, WITH AN
ESTIMATED SALES, ALSO, OF 300 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.

SIX AMERICAN COMPANIES WILL PUT UP CALL CENTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES WORTH
20 MILLION DOLLARS AND 11,300 JOBS.
THEY JOIN THE GROWING NUMBER OF CALL CENTERS PUT UP IN THE PHILIPPINES,
MAKING THIS A NICHE FOR OUR COUNTRY'S THRUST IN INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY - MAKING THE PHILIPPINES A HUB FOR CALL CENTERS.

MALAKAS ANG SUPORTANG SALAPI AT PROYEKTO - MULA SA U.S. GOVERNMENT, MULA SA
MGA NEGOSYANTE, MULA SA WORLD BANK - ANG INANI NG BIYAHE. BAGONG PUHUNAN
ANG IPARARATING DITO NG U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY. LALO NATING MARARAMDAMAN
ANG KONTRIBUSYON NG ATING MGA KABABAYANG FIL-AMERICANS SA U.S.A.

ANG LAHAT NG ITO'Y PAGMAMALAS NG TIWALA SA ATING EKONOMIYA AT SA ATING
KINABUKASAN.

THE VIGOROUS SUPPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND FIRM AGREEMENTS OF
INVESTMENT FROM THE U.S. PRIVATE SECTOR ARE SIGNS OF GROWING CONFIDENCE IN
OUR ECONOMY AND IN OUR FUTURE.

LAHAT NG ITO AY PASIMULA PA LANG. ALL OF THESE ARE JUST THE BEGINNING.
MAS MARAMI PA TAYONG MAGAGAWA KUNG TAYO AY MAGKAKA-ISA, KUNG ISASANTABI
MUNA NATIN ANG SOBRANG PAMUMULITIKA AT DAGDAGAN PA ANG ATING TIWALA SA
ISA'T ISA.

ANG SUPORTA NG MASA, ANG TULONG NG MGA NEGOSYANTE AT MANGGAGAWA AT ANG
PAGKAKAISA NG MGA PARTIDONG PAMPULITIKA AY LALONG MAKAKAPAG-PASULONG SA
BILIS NG ATING PROGRESO.

AT KUNG TAYO AY MAGTUTULUNGAN, LALONG SISIGLA ANG EKONOMIYA, LALONG DADAMI
ANG TRABAHO, LALONG SASAGANA ANG HANAPBUHAY, LALONG GAGANDA ANG SAHOD AT
KALIDAD NG BUHAY AT LALONG MAGIGING MAKINANG ANG ATING HINAHARAP.

MARAMI PONG SALAMAT SA INYONG MALAKING TULONG SA ATING ADMINISTRASYON.

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