MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Congratulates Students Who Graduated from Memorizing the Noble Qur’an

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At the inauguration of the new Epson Precision Philippines, Inc. facility in Batangas

From Website of GPH Government of the Philippines
links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/12/08/president-aquinos-speech-at-the-inauguration-of-the-new-epson-precision-philippines-facility-in-batangas-december-8-2011/

Right to Work and Economic Rights

Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the inauguration of the new Epson Precision Philippines, Inc. facility in Batangas

[Delivered at Lipa City, Batangas, on December 8, 2011] 

Director General Lilia de Lima; His Excellency Toshinao Urabe; Mr. Minoru Usui; Mr. Osamu Koshiishi; Mr. Kazuyuki Amano; Mr. Tadaaki Hagata; honorable Mayor Meynardo Sabili; Mr. Tomas Alcantara; Epson Precision Philippines, Inc. officials and employees; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen:

In the welcome address delivered in Filipino, I feel compelled to speak in Japanese. [Laughter] Unfortunately, the only word that comes to mind right now is arigato gozaimashita.

Since I assumed office, I have had the good fortune to be invited to a significant number of inauguration ceremonies—from hotels, to shipyards, to factories similar to the one being inaugurated today. You all know how busy the schedule can get, but I must tell you: Whenever I’m invited to something like this, I do my best to make time and attend.

It’s always been important to us that businesses operating in this country find success and expand, and that new factories like this open here. And in these uncertain times, I would say that it is doubly important. So allow me to say that I am very thankful for your confidence in our country and that it is a privilege for me to be here to inaugurate this new factory with you today.

It is a point of pride for me that companies like Epson, who already have a workforce of more than six thousand people in this country, have been impressed enough by the skill of our workers to expand their manufacturing operations here. Again, let me say arigato gozaimashita. I have always said that the resourcefulness, the work ethic, and the ingenuity of Filipino workers are some of the biggest selling points in attracting investments in our country. And this factory, which will produce products for a world-renowned industry leader, is proof positive of the capabilities of our countrymen.

Epson Precision Philippines is putting in around 4.5 billion pesos into this new factory, which is to become a projector production facility. But so soon before it’s done, there are already some encouraging projections being made—that by the end of 2012, this factory will be giving jobs to 2,000 more qualified Filipinos. And who knows, perhaps by the time I step down from office, you will have employed much more than that.

We all know how 2,000 new jobs can serve as a substantial boost to our economy, but think about how it changes the lives of the 2,000 Filipinos who will then be able to earn a decent living, keep food on their tables, and send their kids to school.  More than that, these 2,000 Filipinos will also have the opportunity to work for EPPI, a company that has a reputation for treating its workers right, winning the Outstanding Employer Award given by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority three times in the past six years. [Applause] So I cannot emphasize how much this new facility can help our country.

I’d also like to point out that the inauguration of this factory significantly contributes to one of the cornerstones of our economy—the electronics industry. People outside the industry might not know this, but the electronics industry directly employs around half a million Filipinos—and this number has been steadily growing. Moreover, last year, the amount of investments made in the industry reached a record high: 2.3 billion dollars. And if that doesn’t drive home how important the electronics industry is, from January to September of 2011, it accounted for half of the entire country’s exports. Suffice to say, your sector has always been one of the strong points of our economy, and make no mistake about it: We have every intention of keeping it this way.

Allow me to share with all of you what we’re doing to improve the investment climate for companies in the electronics industry. For one, PEZA-registered enterprises such as yours receive a number of fiscal incentives—from income tax holidays, to exemption from export taxes, to duty-free importation of equipment. Likewise, the government provides significant fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code for companies registered with our Board of Investments.

In addition, the Board of Investments has also been working closely with the Advanced Research Center for Development and the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology, to improve science, engineering, and technology research and development systems in the country.

We’ve also been working with organizations such as the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, the Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Appliance Industry Association to make sure that your concerns are both heard and addressed at the soonest possible times.

We are also aware of how the recent global crisis has made life a bit harder for all of us, including export-oriented companies like yours. So, in this light, we have been working overtime to come up with strategies to strengthen exports, including those in the electronics industry. We’ve been diversifying access points to manage risks in export sales. We’ve been studying prospects in North and South America, in North Asia, and in some ASEAN partner countries as well. We’re also actively conducting export promotional activities such as fairs, and outbound and inbound missions. We are continuously monitoring the situation, and we are doing what we can so that the environment you operate in remains conducive to growth.

We all know the challenges facing the global economy at this time. Your continued confidence in my country signifies a shared mindset: Stability does not simply mean letting things be. When something doesn’t work, you have to move to fix it—even if it means ruffling a few feathers, and even if it means taking some risks. Otherwise, strategic goals will never be met. The strength of any corporation, any institution, any government, lies in the integrity upon which its ideals too are upheld. Passivity means erosion. By expressing their confidence in my country, EPPI has shown that they recognize this—that they believe our principles in governance will have concrete, long-term benefits for our country.

What we’re doing, after all, is about more than the economy, more than Filipinos being able to afford good Christmas dinners for their families—it is also about what Epson itself refers to as “Exceeding Your Vision.” It is about encouraging more excellent companies such as EPPI to invest here, and to be confident in selling products labeled “Made in the Philippines.” It is about reclaiming our national pride; it is about being proud of the country we will bequeath to our children.

So before I end, to those who will be working in this factory: I will never tire of saying how proud I am of the capacity of Filipinos workers to rival their global counterparts in any field. I know that it’s easy to be inspired after grand inaugurations such as this, but I am hopeful that even years from today, even when your gears are in full swing with the day-to-day grind, you continue to find it in yourselves to do the good work you will undoubtedly be doing once this factory begins operations. It was the same with this job of mine. It is easy to envision change, but we can only reach it by putting our heads down and putting in the work needed to achieve that change. I assure you, if we fulfill our respective roles in the collective task of rebuilding this country, we will ensure that this country remains in the broad light of day.

Again, congratulations, and before I end, may I just say again how thankful and grateful we all are for the confidence expressed by Epson Corporation. When the welcome address was delivered entirely in Filipino, it seemed to me the culmination of a true partnership that will undoubtedly lead to positive growth for both of our interests. And again, we thank you. Perhaps, we will show you, and I am sure and confident that we will indeed show you that your decision to trust in us will reap you the corresponding rewards. [The] government is committed to making business or doing business in this country that much easier. The opportunities you afford us—I am told that there is a multiplier effect of seven employees for every direct hire. So with the two thousand—or is it three thousand—that you have expanded today, you’re adding another 24 thousand jobs to the economy. And again, we thank you. We hope to empower you more as you empower us.

Thank you. Good day.

GPH Website

http://www.gov.ph/


links:

http://www.gov.ph/2011/12/08/president-aquinos-speech-at-the-inauguration-of-the-new-epson-precision-philippines-facility-in-batangas-december-8-2011/

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Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19th ASEAN Summit sa Bali, Indonesia

From the Website of GPH-Government
Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/17/statement-of-president-aquino-before-departure-for-the-19th-asean-summit-in-indonesia-november-17-2011/

Pahayag

ng

Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo ng Pilipinas

Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19^th ASEAN Summit sa Bali, Indonesia

[Inihayag sa Villamor Airbase noong ika-17 ng Nobyembre 2011]

Vice President Jejomar Binay; His Excellency Yohanes Kristianto Soeryo Legowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia; members of the Cabinet present; Mayor Tony Calixto; Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano; Chief of Staff, General Eduardo Oban; Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome; service commanders present; Admiral Ramon Liwag of the Coastguard; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Matapos po ang matagumpay nating pagdalo sa 19^th APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] Economic Leaders Meeting sa Hawaii nitong nakaraang linggo, bibiyahe naman po tayo ngayon sa Indonesia upang dumalo sa 19^th ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Summit. Bilang isa sa mga tagapagtatag ng organisasyong ito noong 1967, napatunayan na po natin ang halaga ng pagbibigkis ng mga bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asya sa mga aspektong politikal at pangkabuhayan. Lilinangin pa po natin sa pulong na ito ang mayaman nang ugnayan ng mga bansa sa rehiyon, at sama-samang tutugunan ang mga problemang kinakaharap natin sa kasalukuyan.

Kasama ang mga pinuno ng ating mga karatig bayan, tatalakayin po natin ang mga usaping bumabagabag sa rehiyon tulad ng sa kapakanan ng ating migrant workers, trafficking in persons, maritime security, at usaping pangkapayapaan.

Makakasama din natin dito ang mga lider ng iba pang mga bansa gaya ng Tsina, Japan, Korea, India, at Amerika. Susulitin natin ang mga oportunidad na ito upang plantsahin ang anumang gusot sa ating mga bansa at upang patatagin pa ang ating samahan. Sa pakikipagpulong natin sa kanila, paiigtingin po natin ang pagtutulungan natin sa larangan ng maritime security, disaster management, pagsugpo ng mga krimen at terorismo, pangangalaga sa kalikasan, at pakikipagkalakal.

Tiwala tayo sa pagkilala ng buong mundo sa napakagandang pagkakataong mangalakal sa ating bansa, bunsod ng patas at maaliwalas na sistemang pangnegosyong pinaiiral natin sa kasalukuyan. Hindi lang po ang mga negosyante ang makikinabang dito, dahil katumbas ng ipapatayo nilang negosyo ay ang pagbubukas ng oportunidad para sa maraming Pilipinong makapagtrabaho at iangat ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay.

Ipapaabot din po natin sa Thailand at Cambodia ang ating pakikiramay sa mga biktima ng nangyaring malawakang pagbaha sa kanilang bayan. Alam naman po natin ang hirap at pagdurusa na idinudulot ng ganitong mga kalamidad, lalo pa’t madalas din natin itong maranasan dahil sa kaliwa’t kanang pagbisita ng bagyo sa atin pong bansa. At alam din naman natin na sa mga trahedyang tulad nito, sinusukat ang tibay at tatag ng atin pong bayanihan.

Sa pakikipagtulungan po natin sa ating mga karatig bayan, mapapadali ang pagtugon sa mga problemang nagisnan natin at sa mga umuusbong pang hamon at suliranin sa rehiyon. Sa mga pagkakataon din pong tulad nito, naipapakilala natin ang bagong Pilipinas—malayo sa Pilipinas na binabatikos dahil sa katiwalian at hinahamak ng kahirapan.

Maganda na nga po ang simoy ng hangin sa ating bayan dahil sa malinis nating mga adhikain at mabubuting bunga ng ating pagbabagtas sa tuwid na landas. May tiwala ang mga Pilipino sa ating makabuluhang serbisyo-publiko, at pataas pa nang pataas ang kompiyansa nating umarangkada. Pinapatingkad at pinapalawak po natin ang potensyal ng ating bansa para sa tuloy-tuloy nitong pagbangon at pag-usad. Ipagpapatuloy natin ang puspusang pagsusumikap dito sa ating bayan at sa iba pang bansa upang lalo pang maipakilala ang bagong sigla at umaaliwalas na buhay sa Pilipinas. Sa atin pong pagtutulungan, malayo pa ang ating mararating, at marami tayong maaabot na mga mithiin.

Maraming salamat po. Magandang umaga po sa lahat.

Website of GPH-Government

http://www.gov.ph/


Links:

 http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/17/statement-of-president-aquino-before-departure-for-the-19th-asean-summit-in-indonesia-november-17-2011/

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A November 16, 2011 press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs

From the Website of GPH-Government

Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/16/philippines-u-s-sign-joint-statement-of-partnership-for-growth/

A November 16, 2011 press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signed the Joint Statement of Principles on the Partnership for Growth (PFG) today in ceremonies at Malacañan Palace.

The signing was witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The PFG combines resources of both governments to unlock the constraints to Philippine economic growth.

Under this landmark partnership, the U.S. has mobilized 15 of its agencies to actively engage the Philippine government to draw on their combined technical and institutional resources toward unleashing an economic growth that can lead to a perceptible impact in the economic realities of Filipinos.

“The PFG is a manifestation of the multi-dimensionality of Philippine-U.S. engagement. It also affirms the Aquino administration’s relentless pursuit of a broad-based economic growth towards a direct and perceptible transformation on the quality of life of Filipinos,” Secretary del Rosario said.

Secretary Clinton remarked that “the U.S. values its historic and economic links with the Philippines. By including the Philippines in this dynamic Partnership, the U.S. signals its commitment to an economically stronger Philippines.”

The Philippines is only one of four countries, and the only country in Asia, which was selected by the U.S. to partner with it in this this type of engagement for development. The others are Ghana, El Salvador, and Tanzania.

These pilot countries were chosen due to their sold track record in economic performance, democratic governance, investment in its people, and success on other U.S. government investments.

The PFG is a new initiative of U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration in line with the Policy Directive on Global Development. It emphasizes inclusive  collaboration in a process of joint analysis, joint planning, and joint problem-solving.

dfa.gov.ph

GPH-Government Website


http://www.gov.ph/



Links: 

http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/16/philippines-u-s-sign-joint-statement-of-partnership-for-growth/

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Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

From the Website of the GPH - Government of the Philippines
Links:  http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/11/departure-statement-of-president-aquino-before-attending-the-19th-apec-economic-leaders-meeting-november-11-2011/

Pahayag

ng

Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo ng Pilipinas

Bago ang kanyang pagdalo sa 19^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

[Inihayag sa NAIA Terminal 2 noong ika-11 ng Nobyembre 2011]

Magandang hapon po. Maupo po tayong lahat.

Unang una po, bumabati ako ng happy birthday kay Vice President Jejomar Binay—batambata po sa araw na ito. [Applause] Marami po siyang hinanda; dumalo lang po kayo sa kanya. Ako po’y ikain na lang n’yo. [Laughter] 

Ating kagalang-galang na miyembro ng gabinete, Senator Drilon; Mayor Tony Calixto; Representative Emi Calixto-Rubiano; Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban; Police General Nick Bartolome; Admiral Ramon Liwag of the Coast Guard; Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena of the Airforce; Vice Admiral Alexander Pama of the Navy; Major General Emmanuel Bautista of the Philippine Army; honored guests; fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen:

Good afternoon.

Ngayong hapon, luluwas po tayo patungong Estados Unidos upang dumalo sa 19^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting sa Honolulu, Hawaii. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada, naging entablado na ang APEC para sa mga bansa sa Asya-Pasipiko, hindi lamang para maiangat ang estado ng kani-kaniyang mga nasyon, ngunit upang makaambag din sa pagsusulong sa pangkalahatang ekonomiya ng rehiyon.

Pangunahing tungkulin ng inyong lingkod na tiyaking matatag at tuloy-tuloy ang pag-unlad ng ating pambansang ekonomiya. At taon-taon, ang serye ng mga pagpupulong na ito ay naglalatag ng magandang pagkakataon upang makipag-uganayan sa mga pinuno mula sa Asya-Pasipiko at matalakay ang mga inisyatibang maghahatid sa atin palapit sa kaunlaran. Higit pang mahalaga ang pakikiisa natin sa APEC sa taong ito dahil naaapektuhan din tayo ng mga problemang kinakaharap ng ilang mga nasyon sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, gaya ng malawakang rebolusyon sa Gitnang Silangan, o ang paghina ng ekonomiya ng Estados Unidos at Europa—mga bansang akala natin ay di-kailanman matitinag. Bawat estratehiya, mungkahi at kaalaman na makakalap natin sa APEC ay maaari nating gamitin upang solusyunan ang mga suliranin sa ating bansa, at isulong ang interes ng ating mga kababayan. Ilan sa mga paksang inaasahan nating matututukan dito, at layon nating mapagbuti, ay ang seguridad ng ating ekonomiya, ang mainam na paggamit ng enerhiya, at ang paglikha ng mga karagdagang trabaho.

Ikalawang pagkakataon po ng ating administrasyon na makibahagi sa APEC, at tulad noong nakaraang taon, hangad nating lalo pang mapatibay ang ating relasyon sa ibang mga bayan. Kasabay nito, mabubuksan ding muli ang pinto upang maipakilala ng ating pamahalaan ang panibagong liwanag na tumatanglaw sa Pilipinas—mas bukas at maaliwalas sa kalakal at pamumuhunan, at mas handang makipagbayanihan sa mga katuwang na bansa sa rehiyon.

Sa tatlong araw nating pamamalagi sa Hawaii, inaabangan din natin ang mahahalagang pagpupulong kasama ang mga pinuno ng ibang bansa, partikular na kay Punong Ministro ng Australia na si Julia Gillard.

Hindi estranghero sa Hawaii ang lahing Pilipino. Kaya naman, nananabik din tayong kamustahin ang mga kababayan nating nasa Hawaii at makibalita sa kanilang kalagayan doon.

Tulad ng ibang mga bansang kasapi ng APEC, layon din nating magkaroon ng isang nagkakaisang rehiyon, na tumatahak sa landas patungo sa mas masaganang kinabukasan. Sa pagbalik po natin dito sa Pilipinas sa darating na Martes, tiwala akong uuwi tayo nang may mas matibay na ugnayan sa mga karatig-bansa at may bitbit na mas maraming pagkakataon para sa atin pong mga minamahal na kababayan.

Maraming maraming salamat po. Magandang hapon po sa lahat.

Website of GPH

http://www.gov.ph/


Links:

http://www.gov.ph/2011/11/11/departure-statement-of-president-aquino-before-attending-the-19th-apec-economic-leaders-meeting-november-11-2011/

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