|
| . |
| Overview of RP - US Bilateral Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Unites States of America were established on 04 July 1946, Philippines regained its independence the same year. The relationship between the Philippines and the United States intensified at the end of the 19th century, during the Spanish-American war, in which Filipino revolutionaries and American forces fought together to liberate the Philippines from Spain’s colonial rule. After Admiral George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet in the battle of Manila Bay in 1898, Spain agreed to cede the Philippines to the United States under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. However, Filipino nationalists led by Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic, refused to acknowledge the cession and insisted on national independence. The Philippine-American war ensued, lasting from 1898 to 1902, which ended with the establishment of American sovereignty over the Philippines. In the succeeding years, however, Filipinos and Americans gradually overcame the enmities of war, despite persistent pockets of resistance. American authorities favored political, social and economic development, with focus on education patterned after the American system. Nevertheless, Filipino leadership that favored independence succeeded in steering the nation towards this goal. In 1916, the Philippine Autonomy Act, also known as the Jones Law, was passed by the U.S. Congress, which gave the Philippines considerable autonomy and indicated promise of independence after the establishment of a stable government. Pursuant to the Tydings-McDuffie Act of `934, the Philippines became a fully self-governing Commonwealth in 1935 in preparation for complete independence after ten years. The outbreak of World War II interrupted the progress towards complete freedom for the Philippines. Despite the heroic defense of the Philippines by Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan and Corregidor, the Philippines fell to Japanese occupation. In 1945, Filipinos and Americans fighting together liberated the Philippines. On July 4, 1946, the Republic of the Philippines was finally granted independence by the United States. Highlights of the Philippines-United States Bilateral Relations The Philippines’ relationship with the United States has been robust, dynamic and strategic. This relationship is nurtured by a shared history and adherence to common values, especially commitment to freedom, democracy and market economy. From combating war against terrorism to war against poverty, the partnership between RP and US is broad-based, opening fresh avenues for greater cooperation. Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty on 20 November 2001, Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and George W. Bush agreed that the alliance remains vital to both nations especially in the wake of the 9/11 attack against the U.S. The commemoration heralded a new era of comprehensive economic cooperation and friendship between the two countries. In 2003, reciprocal State Visits of the Presidents occurred in Washington and Manila on May 19 and October 18, respectively. The State Visits resulted in the designation of the Philippines by President Bush as a major Non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Ally or MNNA, and an acknowledgement by both parties that RP-US relations have evolved into a “modern, mature relationship between friends and equals.” In celebration of 60 years of RP-US Friendship and the Centennial of Filipino Migration to Hawaii and the United States in 2006, President Arroyo’s visit to Honolulu on 17 September 2006 underscored enduring bilateral ties, “…the Philippine-American partnership is at its closest and most vibrant in more than a decade.” This partnership has constantly been redefined and consolidated through the past six decades, from such collaborative efforts as their common stand in the great ideological struggle of the Cold War period to their important cooperation in the war against terrorism in the 21st century; the promotion of such common values as human rights, democracy and the spirit of free enterprise; the continuing promotion of important economic linkages ever as today’s world witnesses the intense competition in a globalized economy; and the ever-present socio-cultural ties which bind both countries, not least of which are the important and meaningful contributions which millions of Filipino-Americans have rendered the entire fabric of American society. The Post-9/11 and Post-Iraq Alliance In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States was strengthened following the Philippines’ decisive and prompt response to support the United States in its call to fight terrorism on a global scale. This alliance to combat terrorism is guided by UN Resolution No. 1373, ‘Concerning Counter-Terrorism’, adopted on 28 September 2001. And despite the disagreement over Iraq in July 2004, the bilateral relations have been at their closest since the termination of the Military Bases Agreement (MBA) in 1991 and the departure of the American forces in 1992. The renewed close ties between the two countries can be seen in three (3) arenas – political, economic and socio-cultural affairs. A. Politico-Military Affairs The new global environment and the need to strengthen the country’s defense and security position warranted a review by the Arroyo Administration of Philippine perspectives on security. The Philippine response was clear; step up the country’s defense cooperation with the U.S. bilaterally and encourage closer U.S. engagement regionally. A two-pronged national security strategy followed: (a) deal with immediate terrorist threats by military means, and (b) attack the long-term root causes of terrorism through poverty alleviation programs in Southern Philippines and other critical areas. Central to this defense cooperation with the US is the ten-year Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) program, formerly known as the Joint Defense Assessment (JDA) PDR is a key bilateral instrument for keeping Washington engaged, for building stronger alliance, and for enhancing the capabilities of the AFP to address current and emerging threats. A Mutual Defense Board (MDB) activity, PDR is a Philippine-led, US-assisted program aimed at addressing short-term operational requirements and long-term reforms in the AFP, PDRP funding is proposed to be a peso-for-peso match, with the total cost of approximately US$400 million to be shared between RP and the US over a ten-year period. The Philippine Government, likewise, continuously receives assistance for the peace process in Mindanao through the involvement of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), which helps promote a better understanding of the issues in broadening the constituency for peace. For FY 2008, the US has allocated a total of US $116 million in defense and development assistance. The package includes: US $29.76 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF); US $4.53 million in Non-proliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR); US $1.5 million in International Military Education and Training (IMET); and US $27.77 million in Economic Support Fund (ESF) Aware of the relevant Constitutional provisions and laws that guide the revitalized defense cooperation, both countries negotiated and concluded a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in 1999, not a basing agreement, only a legal guarantee for American troops deployed in the Philippines during military exercises and ship visits. Among the many exercises, the better known is ‘Balikatan’ (shoulder to shoulder), being the largest in scale and held annually. These exercises are designed to reinforce relations and to maximize the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US. Complementing the military training exercises is the humanitarian / civic action component which includes medical and dental missions as well as construction projects such as roads, artesian wells, clinics, school buildings and multi-purpose centers in impoverished areas. Further recognizing the need for a focused, coherent, and comprehensive approach to non-traditional security concerns that harnesses the potential of RP’s bilateral cooperation with the U.S., the Security Engagement Board (SEB) was launched at the U.S. Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii on 08 June 2006. The SEB is a legal and policy mechanism through which the RP and U.S. can engage in security consultations on non-traditional security concerns, i.e., international terrorism, transnational crimes, maritime security and safety, and natural and man-made disasters. The SEB is a Philippine initiative and a “mirror image” of the MDB, established through an Exchange of Nortes between Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, and U.S. Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney on 11 April 2006, respectively. B. Economic Affairs Bilateral trade and investment cooperation is a dynamic dimension of RP-US partnership. On the one hand, the US believes that the Philippines’ sustainable economic development will make it a stronger ally. On the other hand, the Philippines insists that US engagement in the country should be comprehensive, covering both security and economic development dimensions. In 2007, total Philippine-US trade amounted to US$16.50 billion. The Philippines experienced a trade surplus with the U.S. in 2002, however, it registered a negative balance from 2003 to 2005, and in 2006 it recorded again a trade surplus with the U.S. Within the 5-year period, annual export growth was +1.64%. US investments in the country for the last two years have been mostly in IT and IT-enabled businesses (e.g., Call Centers, Business Process Outsourcing or BPOs, and software development). American investors are also active in mining, banking, insurance, power, oil exploration, and information technology. Through development interventions of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US has given assistance totalling more than US$5 billion in more than four (4) decades, in the following program areas: market reforms and good governance; population, health and nutrition; energy and environmental resource management; and economic transformation of Mindanao in support of the peace process. USAID funding level to the Philippines in FY 2007 was US$69.1 million. On 11 March 2008 the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) granted RP Compact Eligibility Status in recognition of RP’s demonstrated commitment to tackle difficult challenges and improve the lives of the Filipino people. The MCC also noted RP’s consistent performance on eligibility criteria and its significant progress on implementing the MCA - Philippine Threshold Program covering anti-corruption programs. Other current RP-US economic partnerships include: (a) cooperation and coordination against money-laundering; (b) retention of the Philippines in the List of Permissible Investment Destinations by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and (c) on-going consultations on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). C. Socio-Cultural Affairs The human dimension to RP-US relations pertains to the presence of almost four (4) million Filipinos living in the US and about 250,000 Americans residing in the Philippines. This has invariably enhanced people-to-people interaction at all levels. A milestone in this dimension was celebrated in 2006, the Centennial Anniversary Celebration of Filipinos Migration to the United States. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile of the Filipino Community in the United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Filipino American community is the
third largest Asian American subgroup in the United States (2,328,097 or
17.77%) next to the Chinese (2,998,518, or 22.88%) and Asian Indians
(2,482,141, or 18.94%) based on the 2006 American Community Survey. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: US-Philippine Friendship Caucus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The US-Philippines Friendship Caucus in the US Congress was
launched in February 2003. The eight founding pillars of the bi-partisan
Caucus are Representatives Darrel Issa (R-California), Bob Filner
(D-California), Duke Cunningham (R-California), Bobby Scott (D-Virginia),
Todd Tiahrt (R-California), Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Dana Rohrabacher
(R-California) and Lane Evans (D-Illinois). The Philippine Caucus was initiated by the eight members of the US House of Representatives, who sent a “Dear Colleague” letter in October 2002 to all the House members enjoining them to establish the Caucus. The letter underscored that “The Philippines has had a historically close and special relationship with the United States and has become (the US’) most active Asian ally in the war on terrorism.” To date, there are forty-two members of the US House of Representative in the Philippine Caucus. As envisioned by its original sponsors, the Caucus would create a network of Members in the US Congress who are interested in the Philippines and who are concerned about US-Philippine bilateral relations. It would also focus on the domestic needs and concerns of Filipino-Americans. (Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/pr/pr2003/feb/pr049.htm) In 2008, a Philippine Congressional delegation went to Washington to meet with US Senators and Congressmen on the approval of the Veterans Bill that would benefit Filipino World War II veterans. In the house of Representatives, the delegation met with the Co-Chairmen of the Caucus, Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) and Rep. Daniel Issa (R-CA), the key movers of the House version of the veterans bill. With the support of the Caucus, it is hoped that the veterans bill will finally be approved. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: US-ASEAN Business Council | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The US-ASEAN Business Council is the trusted voice of the American private sector in the 10-country ASEAN Market. With over two decades of building strategic alliances and working relationships with ASEAN regional organizations as well as with government and private sector leaders in each country, the Council has helped improve the business environment for American companies and expand the competitive position in the region. The Council is dedicated to effectively strengthening bilateral and US –ASEAN relations through strong economic and commercial ties. It is committed to promoting US competitiveness in the most dynamic growth market: ASEAN. The Council’s objectives are to:
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
Source: http://www.us-asean.org/Aboutus/ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: US Chamber of Commerce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. It includes hundreds of associations, thousands of local chambers, and more than 100 American Chambers of Commerce in 91 countries. Whether you own a business, represent one, lead a corporate office, or manage an association, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America® provides you with a voice of experience and influence in Washington, D.C., and around the globe. Our core mission is to fight for business and free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world. From its headquarters near the White House, the Chamber maintains a professional staff of more than 300 of the nation's top policy experts, lobbyists, lawyers, and communicators. The Washington staff is supported by eight regional offices around the country; offices in New York and Brussels; an on-the-ground presence in China; and a network of grassroots business activists. Our members include businesses of all sizes and sectors—from large Fortune 500 companies to home-based, one-person operations. In fact, 96% of our membership encompasses businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The leadership is equally diverse, with more than 100 corporate and small business leaders from all sectors serving on the board of directors. Mission Statement: "To advance human progress through an economic, political and social system based on individual freedom, incentive, initiative, opportunity, and responsibility."Programs and AffiliatesThe National Chamber Litigation Center —our law firm that defends business interests and sues government agencies. The Institute for Legal Reform —the Chamber affiliate that challenges lawsuit abuse on many fronts, fights for legal reform legislation, and educates voters in state judicial and attorney general races. The National Chamber Foundation —our public policy think tank that drives the debate, develops the data and arguments, and influences policy options on the most critical business issues. The Political Program —the Chamber's aggressive political action component that endorses, supports, raises money, and turns out the vote for pro-business congressional candidates from both parties who are engaged in key races. The International Division—our trade and foreign affairs experts who work to lower barriers and expand our members' commercial interests across the globe. The Center for International Private Enterprise—a Chamber-led project of the National Endowment for Democracy that helps emerging nations develop the free market practices and institutions they need to succeed in the global economy. Trade Roots—a sustained grassroots trade education program supporting free trade legislation and helping chambers, communities, and governors assist small and medium-size companies to expand into the global marketplace. The Institute for a Competitive Workforce—the Chamber affiliate that focuses on workforce development and education issues. Business Civic Leadership Center—an organization devoted to facilitating corporate civic and humanitarian initiatives. Source: http://www.uschamber.org/about/default.htm |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: Millenium Challenge Corporation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a United States
Government corporation designed to work with some of the poorest countries
in the world. Established in January 2004, MCC is based on the principle
that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic
freedom and investments in people. MCC’s mission is to reduce global poverty
through the promotion of sustainable economic growth. Before a country can become eligible to receive assistance, MCC looks at their performance on independent and transparent policy indicators. MCC selects eligible countries for Compact Assistance. Countries that have demonstrated significant improvement in policy indicators but do not yet qualify for a Compact grant may be eligible for Threshold Program assistance. Threshold programs are smaller grants designed to help improve performance on specific indicators. Led by a Chief Executive Officer and overseen by a Board of Directors, MCC is responsible for the stewardship of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), which receives funds appropriated by Congress every year. Reducing Poverty Through Economic Growth The MCC focuses specifically on promoting sustainable economic growth to reduce poverty through investments in areas such as transportation, water and industrial infrastructure, agriculture, education, private sector development, and capacity building. Good Policies Matter Using objective indicators, countries are selected to receive assistance based on their performance in governing justly, investing in their citizens, and encouraging economic freedom. Because corruption undermines every aspect of sustainable development, MCC has made fighting it one of its highest priorities. Operate as Partners Working closely with MCC, countries that receive assistance will be
responsible for identifying the greatest barriers to their own development,
ensuring civil society participation and developing an appropriate program.
Participation requires a high-level commitment from the host government.
Each country enters into a public Compact with MCC that includes a
multi-year plan for achieving development objectives and identifies the
responsibilities of each partner in achieving those objectives. Assistance goes to those countries that have developed well-designed
programs with clear objectives, benchmarks to measure progress, procedures
to ensure fiscal accountability for the use of our grants, and a plan for
effective monitoring and objective evaluation of results. Programs are
designed to enable sustainable progress even after the funding under the
Compact has ended, and each Compact is designed to be finished in less then
five years. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: Coral Triangle Initiative | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Coral Triangle (CT) covers all or parts of the exclusive
economic zones of Indonesia (Central and Eastern), East Timor, the
Philippines, Malaysia (part of Borneo), Papua New Guinea and the Solomon
Islands. Defined by areas containing 500 or more species of coral, the Coral
Triangle, sometimes referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas”, is the
epicenter of marine life abundance and diversity on the planet. It has more
than 600 coral species in some areas (more than 75% of all known coral
species), 53% of the world’s coral reefs, 3,000 fish species, and the
greatest extent of mangrove forests of any region in the world.
The biological resources of the Coral Triangle directly sustain the lives of over 120 million people living within this area, and benefit millions more worldwide. Primary human benefits include: - Livelihoods, income, and food security -- particularly for populations
living along coastlines within the region The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) was first proposed by Indonesian President Yudhoyono at the APEC meeting in Sydney, Australia in September 2007. On December 6 and 7, government representatives from environment and fisheries ministries in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste met to agree upon a way forward for the CTI. On December 10, President Yudhoyono of Indonesia launched the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI). Following the launch of the Initiative, the US government pledged $4.35
million in new funding to get the process going. Australia committed to
keeping the new Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment briefed in
order to ensure active participation by their government in the months to
come. The three partnering NGOs for the CTI – WWF(World Wildlife Fund), TNC
(The Nature Conservancy)and CI, made a joint statement providing $500,000 to
support the consultative process needed to develop the Plan of Action, along
with support for a donor roundtable and new sustainable financing
mechanisms. http://www.prweb.com/releases/Coral_Triangle_Initiative/APEC_Summit/prweb552593.htm |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: Target Sourcing Services/AMC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
With over 50 offices throughout the United States and over 90 years of global sourcing experience, Target Sourcing Services/Associated Merchandising Corporation (TSS/AMC) provides high-quality, trend-right merchandise at an outstanding value. Disciplined processes, partnerships and integrated logistics ensure the cost-effective sourcing and consistent delivery of products–all with speed-to-market execution.It is devoted to sourcing merchandise for more than a thousand Target stores. Target goal is to have more then 2,000 stores by 2011. Its services include:
In response
to increasing business opportunities in Asia and the Middle East, AMC opened
offices in Hong Kong, Korea and Israel in the 1960s and offices in Portugal,
Taiwan, India, Singapore and the Philippines in the 1970s. In the next
decade, the company expanded its reach with the addition of offices in
Shanghai and Tianjin, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Indonesia and Costa Rica.
As mass merchandising continued to boom in the US in the 1990s, AMC worked
to establish an even greater presence in the overseas markets. New offices
were added in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand,
Malaysia, Mauritius, Spain, Guangzhou, China, Egypt, Qingdao, China,
Honduras, Bangladesh, Poland, Durban, Nicaragua and Dongguan, China. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: APAC Customer Services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
APAC Customer Services, Inc. is a leading provider of
customer care services and solutions for market leaders in health care ,
financial services, business services, publishing, communications and travel
and entertainment industries. APAC partners with its clients to deliver
custom solutions that enhance bottom line performance. Begun in 1973, and fostered under the entrepreneurial spirit of then college student Theodore G. Schwartz, APAC has grown from a one-telephone media advertising and sales operation into an industry leader in customer interaction solutions. Through the years, APAC has increased its capabilities through physical growth and customer service innovations. The acquisition of customer capture and care firm ITI Marketing Services of Omaha, quickly grew APAC into one of the largest teleservices firms. During this time, APAC integrated customer service outsourcing with traditional inbound/outbound telesales, and has since been credited with literally creating the use of service-oriented phone calls that has now become an industry standard. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, the company also has offices or customer care facilities throughout the United States and in the Philippines (Muntinlupa and Quezon City) Among the primary services offered by APAC are the receipt of calls from a client’s customer, with the appropriate routing or handling of a call by a customer service representative, and business process outsourcing. APAC stands for All People Are Customers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: ROTEC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROTEC is a world leader in
the design and development of highly efficient, cost effective diesel engine
technology. Based in Queensland, Australia, with US operations, Rotec
engineers have spent over have spent over 15 years researching and
developing the most sophisticated and effective low emission diesel retrofit
solution in the world: R.E.D.D. or Rotec EnviroDiesel Design. Not only is
R.E.D.D. the world’s first diesel retrofit solution to simultaneously reduce
Particulate Matter (PM) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), the primary
environmentally toxic emissions produced by today’s diesel engines, it is
the industry’s first “bole and go” engine-mounted diesel retrofit solution. R.E.D.D. works by minimizing and engine’s production of PM and Nox at the instant of combustion as the gases are formed, while increasing fuel economy and maintaining engine life. Independent audit and technical verification proves R.E.D.D. technology reduces PM and Nox emissions by up to 70%. R.E.D.D. technology offers the diesel sector a range of key benefits and competitive advantages, relative to alternative diesel emission technologies and devices. These include: • Not temperature of fuel dependent • Versatile technology platform • At source solution • Lowest capital and operating cost • Environmentally sound R.E.D.D. doesn’t create other pollutants • Low maintenance with no after-treatment disposal • Simple to install, safe to use, and reliable over the long haul • Strong distribution and industry partners • Simultaneously reduces both PM and Nox • Improved engine efficiency, fuel consumption and drive ability • Compliance with government regulations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backgrounder: Libby's Fruits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Libby’s Fruits is produced by
NTC, which specializes in Tropical Fruit products, offering new and
innovative solutions to growth in these categories. It produces both a
national brand - Libby's- and its customers' private label brands. NTC
offers dedicated production from three manufacturing facilities, produced to
quality specifications on an annual basis. NTC is a private company, with over 40 years in the food industry. Direct owner involvement maintains key customer responsibility and a streamlined decision making process. NTC Tropical Fruit Products include: Libby’s Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Tropical Fruits (Guava, Red Papaya, Yellow Papaya and Sliced Mango), Tropical Fruit Mix and Mandarin Orange. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: H.E. Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador - Embassy of the Philippines, Washington D.C. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Philippine Ambassador
to the U.S.A. H.E. Willy C. Gaa was initially assigned to the Philippine
Embassy in Washington, D.C. as Charge d’Affaires effective July 25, 2006.
After his appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and confirmation
by the Commission on Appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to the U.S.A., he presented his credentials to President
George Bush on December 8, 2006. Prior to his current position, he was Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEP) of the Republic of the Philippines to the People's Republic of China (2003-January 2006). He also served as Ambassador to Australia and non-resident Ambassador to Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu (2002-2003). He was formerly Philippine Ambassador to Tripoli, Libya and non-resident Ambassador to Tunisia, Malta and Niger (1992-1997). He was Consul General in New York (1997-1999); Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles (1987-1990); Consul in New York (1981-1985) and Vice Consul, subsequently Consul, in San Francisco (1975-1970). His career as a diplomat began when he was appointed as Foreign Service Officer in December 1974 after passing the FSO examination and taking the oath of office in 1975. He served in various capacities in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila: Principal Assistant, Office of Administration (1975); Secretary, Board of Foreign Service Administration and Board of Foreign Service Examiners (July-August 1985); Acting Chief Coordinator, Office of the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs (September 1985-February 1986); Director Office of Middle East and African Affairs (July-August 1986); Executive Director, Office of Consular Services (August 1986-February 1987); Assistant Secretary, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (May 1999 to 11 January 2002). Ambassador Gaa represented the Philippines in various United Nations conferences, as well as multilateral and regional meetings, seminars and training. He served as Adviser of the Philippine Delegation to the 36th and 53rd United Nations General Assemblies (1981 and 1998, respectively). He attended several ASEAN Senior Officials meetings and various bilateral dialogue meetings as member of the Philippine Delegation. He was Head of the Philippine Delegation to the Working Group on SEANFWZ (Southeast Asian Nuclear Free Weapons Zone) and ZOPFAN (Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality) and Senior Officials Working Group on the Regional Code of Conduct on the South China Sea in Singapore, Bangkok, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam (1999-2000); the Intersessional Group Meetings On Confidence Building Measures of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi and Singapore (1999-2001); and the Philippine Working Group Meetings on Confidence Building Measures Between China and the Philippines in Beijing (1999) and Manila (2001). Ambassador Gaa obtained his Bachelor of Arts (A.B. Political Science) degree from Manuel L. Quezon University in 1966. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1970 with a Bachelor of Laws degree and from New York University in 1985 with a degree in Master of Laws (International Legal Studies). He passed the government career service exam in 1968, the Philippine Bar Examination in 1970 and the State Bar of California, U.S.A. in 1990. His previous legal work experience was as tax and compliance attorney at Petrophil Corporation (1974-1975) and as trial attorney at the Office of the Solicitor General (1971-1974). For his long and dedicated service to government and country, Ambassador Gaa was presented with the Gawad Sentenaryo (Centennial Award) in 1999 by the National Centennial Commission and the Distinguished Service Award in 2000 by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Gaa is married to Erlinda Concepcion, with whom he has two sons, Wendell and Warren. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: H.E. Cecillia B. Rebong, Consul General - Consulate General of the Philippines New York | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consul General Rebong is a
career diplomat. She has been an officer of the Department of Foreign
Affairs for thirty years. At present, she holds the rank of Chief of Mission
II. Before her assignment in New York as Consul General in January 2004, she was on detail at the Office of the President of the Philippines holding two important positions – Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs. At the Department of Foreign Affairs, Consul General Rebong served as Chief Coordinator at the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Director of Human Rights, Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Issues at the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations; and Director for Southeast Asia at the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs Consul General Rebong served twice at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York representing the Philippines at various international meetings and conferences in New York and other cities of the world. She handled political issues, as well as economic and social issues, e.g., sustainable development, international assistance to developing countries, women and children’s rights, human rights, among others. She was assigned at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. as Cultural and Information Officer. From 1997 to 1999, she served as Deputy Consul General in New York. On 22 July 2003, Consul General Rebong was conferred by the President of the Philippines the Gawad Mabini, Rank of Dakilang Kamanong, for distinguished accomplishments and exemplary service in the Department of Foreign Affairs, for promoting and advancing the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people during her service at the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., and for outstanding performance and dedication to duties as Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs` Consul General Rebong was born on 22 November 1951 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. She is married to Oscar Rebong and the couple has two children. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: H. E. George W. Bush, President - United States of America | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| George W. Bush is the 43rd
President of the United States. He was sworn into office on January 20,
2001, re-elected on November 2, 2004, and sworn in for a second term on
January 20, 2005. Prior to his Presidency, President Bush served for 6 years
as the 46th Governor of the State of Texas, where he earned a reputation for
bipartisanship and as a compassionate conservative who shaped public policy
based on the principles of limited government, personal responsibility,
strong families, and local control. President Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968, and then served as an F-102 fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. Following graduation, he moved back to Midland and began a career in the energy business. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, President Bush assembled the group of partners who purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989. On November 8, 1994, President Bush was elected Governor of Texas. He became the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms when he was re-elected on November 3, 1998. Since becoming President of the United States in 2001, President Bush has worked with the Congress to create an ownership society and build a future of security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans. He signed into law tax relief that helps workers keep more of their hard-earned money, as well as the most comprehensive education reforms in a generation, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation is ushering in a new era of accountability, flexibility, local control, and more choices for parents, affirming our Nation’s fundamental belief in the promise of every child. President Bush has also worked to improve healthcare and modernize Medicare, providing the first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors; increase homeownership, especially among minorities; conserve our environment; and increase military strength, pay, and benefits. Because President Bush believes the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, he has supported programs that encourage individuals to help their neighbors in need. On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked our Nation. Since then, President Bush has taken unprecedented steps to protect our homeland and create a world free from terror. He is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. The President is confident that by helping build free and prosperous societies, our Nation and our friends and allies will succeed in making America more secure and the world more peaceful. President Bush is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. The Bush family also includes two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley, and a cat, Willie. Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/biography.html |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term of Appointment:
02/13/2007 to present Ambassador John D. Negroponte is the Deputy Secretary of State, the Department of State’s second ranking official. Appointed by President Bush, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 12, 2007, and was sworn into office by Vice President Cheney on February 13. As Deputy Secretary of State, he assists Secretary Rice in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy and functions as the chief operating officer of the Department. He coordinates and supervises U.S. Government activities overseas, represents the Department’s position before Congress, and manages key foreign policy issues on the Secretary’s behalf. Prior to his current assignment, Ambassador Negroponte served as the first Director of National Intelligence (DNI), for which he was sworn in on April 21, 2005. Previously, he had been serving as United States Ambassador to Iraq, since June 28, 2004. From September 18, 2001, until his appointment to Iraq, Ambassador Negroponte served as the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations. From 1997 to 2001, Ambassador Negroponte was employed in the private sector as Executive Vice President for Global Markets of The McGraw-Hill Companies in New York. From 1960 to 1997, Ambassador Negroponte was a member of the Career Foreign Service. He served at eight different Foreign Service posts in Asia, Europe and Latin America; and he also held important positions at the State Department and the White House. Among his assignments, Ambassador Negroponte was Ambassador to Honduras (1981-1985); Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (1985-1987); Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1987-1989); Ambassador to Mexico (1989-1993); and Ambassador to the Philippines (1993-96). Ambassador Negroponte is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy. He is a former Chairman of the French-American Foundation. Ambassador Negroponte was born July 21, 1939, in London, England. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1960. He and his wife, Diana, have five children. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: The Honorable Barbara Boxer, Senator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A forceful advocate for
families, children, consumers, the environment and her State of California,
Barbara Boxer became a United States Senator in January 1993 after 10 years
of service in the House of Representatives. Elected to a third term in 2004,
she received more than 6.9 million votes, the highest total for any Senate
candidate in American history. A national leader on environmental protection, Senator Boxer is the first woman to chair the US Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). On the Committee, she advocates forcefully for clean air and water, with particular focus on the fight against global warming. She also chairs EPW’s Sub Committee on Public Sector Solutions to Global Warming, Oversight and Children’s Health Protection. A champion of quality public education, Senator Boxer wrote landmark legislation establishing the first ever federal funding for after school programs. She is also a strong proponent of medical research to find cures for diseases. Senator Boxer wrote bipartisan legislation to accelerate America’s contribution to combat global HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Senator Boxer has worked to pass targeted tax cuts to help revitalize the economy. She supports a permanent Research and Development tax credit, accelerated depreciation of new business equipment and a 20% tax credit for broadband investments focused on rural and underserved areas. Senator Boxer joined colleagues to pass the 1994 Crime Bill, which has led to the lowest crime rate in 25 years. She also authored the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) while serving in the House and helped steer it through the Senate. She has authored the Violence Against Children Act, based on the successful VAWA. In additi on to her chairmanship of the Committee on EPW, she also serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Commerce Committee, is the Democratic Chief Deputy Whip, and serves on the Democratic Policy Committee’s Committee on Oversight and Investigations. She has been married to Stewart Boxer for 45 years. They have two children, a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: John McCain, U.S. Senator, Republican Presidential Candidate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| John McCain has a remarkable
record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime
commitment to service. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
from Arizona in 1982, John has led the fight for reforming Washington,
eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation's
armed forces. John McCain's reform agenda to reduce federal spending and lower taxes quickly elevated him to statewide office and he was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, after serving two terms in the U.S. House. In the Senate, John continued to demand that Congress put an end to loopholes for special interests and fix the broken system in Washington that too often allows lobbyists to write legislation and members of Congress to waste taxpayer money. In November 2004, Senator McCain was overwhelmingly reelected with nearly 77 percent of the vote. As the son and grandson of distinguished Navy admirals, John McCain deeply values duty, honor and service of country. John attended college at the United States Naval Academy, and launched a 22-year career as a naval aviator upon his graduation. He continued the McCain tradition of service to country passed down to him from his father and grandfather when he asked to serve in the Vietnam War. On July 29 1967, John narrowly survived the first of many near-death experiences during his lifetime while preparing to take off on a bombing mission over North Vietnam from his ship, the USS Forrestal. A missile accidentally fired from a nearby plane struck the fuel tanks on John's plane and created a deadly inferno aboard the ship. John barely escaped the fiery disaster that killed 134 men, injured hundreds more and destroyed 20 planes. Instead of taking the option to return home after the Forrestal disaster, Senator McCain volunteered for more combat duty - a fateful decision that stopped the clock on his life and separated him from his family, and country, for five and a half years. During his 23rd bombing mission on October 26, 1967, a missile struck John's plane and forced him to eject, knocking him unconscious and breaking both his arms and his leg. John was then taken as a prisoner of war into the now infamous "Hanoi Hilton," where he was denied necessary medical treatment and often beaten by the North Vietnamese. John spent much of his time as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement, aided by his faith and the friendships of his fellow POWs. When he was finally released and able to return home years later, John continued his service by regaining his naval flight status. Senator McCain's last Navy duty assignment was to serve as the naval liaison to the United States Senate. John retired from the Navy in 1981. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Senator McCain has seven children and four grandchildren, and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Cindy. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profile: Warren Buffet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 77 Fortune: self made Source: Berkshire Hathaway Net Worth: $62.0 billion Country of Citizenship: United States Residence: Omaha, Nebraska , United States, North America Industry: Investments Marital Status: widowed, remarried, 3 children Education: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts / Science Columbia University, Master of Science America's most beloved investor is now the world's richest man. Soared past friend and bridge partner Bill Gates as shares of Berkshire Hathaway climbed 25% since the middle of last July. Son of Nebraska politician delivered newspapers as a boy. Filed first tax return at age 13, claiming $35 deduction for bicycle. Studied under value investing guru Benjamin Graham at Columbia. Took over textile firm Berkshire Hathaway 1965. Today holding company invested in insurance (Geico, General Re), jewelry (Borsheim's), utilities (MidAmerican Energy), food (Dairy Queen, See's Candies). Also has noncontrolling stakes in Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo. Insurance operations flourished in 2007. "That party is over. It's a certainty that insurance-industry profit margins, including ours, will fall significantly in 2008." The Oracle of Omaha issued a challenge to members of The Forbes 400 in October; said he would donate $1 million to charity if the collective group of richest Americans would admit they pay less taxes, as a percentage of income, than their secretaries. Had long promised to give away his fortune posthumously. Irrevocably earmarked the majority of his Berkshire shares to charity in 2006, mostly to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gift was valued at $31 billion on day of announcement; donation will far exceed that sum so long as Berkshire shares continue to rise. Source:: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Warren-Buffett_C0R3.html |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
