Toast
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the welcome dinner soiree of the World Economic Forum on East Asia
[Delivered at the PICC, Pasay City, on May 22, 2014]
Good evening.
Back in January 2013, it took some
convincing from my economic advisors before I agreed to attend the World
Economic Forum Leaders’ Retreat in Davos, Switzerland—if only for the
simple reason that there are so many issues and concerns to contend with
back home. However, at a time when the world is increasingly taking
notice of the Philippines, I could not possibly turn down an opportunity
to tell leaders of nations, industry, and civil society the turnaround
our country has been experiencing—all because of a commitment to good
governance.
My first attendance to WEF was a unique
one: not only was I given the chance to share the story of our country; I
was also heartened to see that others were increasingly taking notice
of our efforts to promote good governance and inclusive growth all
across the world. On a lighter note, my delegation and I proved our
fortitude against the howling iciness of the Davos winter, which was
truly unforgettable. [Laughter]
Tonight, in a slightly warmer setting compared to Davos, [laughter] I am proud to welcome you once more to the 23rd
World Economic Forum on East Asia—a gathering that takes place in the
context of an increasingly prominent ASEAN, and the comeback of the
Philippines. Here, we continue the conversation: how to foster inclusive
and sustainable growth together, in overcoming whatever uncertainties
and challenges the future may bring. With the wealth of knowledge and
experience that all you participants bring to the table, I am certain
that the sessions have already been meaningful—just as I am certain
that, after WEF, you will all return to your professions and countries
full of ideas on how to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
After all, this is the commitment of the World Economic Forum: to
improve the state of the world, and consequently, of all peoples, as
both the public and private sectors tread the straight path to
meaningful development—one that will empower us to maximize the
prospects of growth for the present generation and for those who will
follow us.
For our part, we Filipinos take pride in
being progressive, young, vibrant, innovative, and creative. The
Philippines has been able to harness these attributes to bring about the
turnaround of our country: to resolve long-standing problems and engage
in maximizing every potential and opportunity evident today. We are
pleased to have this opportunity to share with you even more of our own
experience, that will open up new conversations which will contribute to
the wealth of knowledge, and convictions fundamental in realizing our
shared goals of inclusivity and good governance as the new normal. After
all: for the longest time, the Philippines has followed nations more
advanced than us in certain respects, learning from their experiences
and best policies. Now, we are proud to be able to take a role through
this forum, and share with you the insights and lessons of the past four
years—years in which we, as a country, made great strides. Indeed: the
Philippines is now considered a bastion of good governance.
But let us leave that for another
time—for the other sessions and meetings in this Forum. Tonight’s dinner
gives us a chance to set aside our focus on the potential of the future
to enjoy the present. Some of you here are likely already good friends,
while others are still getting to know each other. Either way, it is my
hope that everyone here tonight has definitely a good time and be proof
positive that it is fun or more fun in the Philippines. This hope, in
particular, is for Dr. Schwab. During our first meeting in Davos, he
shared with me that he traveled to the Philippines during the
dictatorship many decades ago, and after meeting with our dictator, he
resolved never to return again to the Philippines. And I assure you, I
certainly understand why, Dr. Schwab; neither my countrymen nor I want
to repeat the experience of being under a dictator.
However, I am told, Dr. Schwab, that you
spent a few days in one of the most famous resorts in the Philippines:
Amanpulo in Palawan. I am glad that you found another reason to return
to the country—and that, as it appears, you have not missed out on all
the fun that our country has to offer. Of course, this includes the warm
and friendly nature of the Filipinos you have met recently. May I then
invite you to either extend your stay, or return to the Philippines
many, many more times in the future, so that you can explore the rest of
the cultural and historical attractions, beaches, and even diving sites
that have all contributed to making the Philippines the most fun
country in the world. This invitation goes out to everyone here as well,
and tonight’s gathering will be a good start in that endeavor.
On that note: when I was younger than I
am now, [laughter] especially when I am about to retire in about two
years and one month, the word “soiree” had a very specific meaning. It
was a chance for often-awkward young men to meet and interact with young
ladies who were often much more socially confident and emotionally
mature. [Laughter] I am glad to see that tonight is completely
different. While it has the elements of a mixer for us to get to know
each other beyond the confines of our busy schedules, this cultural
soiree also allows us to engage in fellowship through the things that
unite people across all nationalities and societies: food, song, and
dance. And of course, the most important factor that unites all of us
participants in the World Economic Forum: a boundless sense of optimism
and a shared determination to realize the limitless possibilities in the
future of East Asia.
It is my hope that you make the most of
this opportunity, and, as the saying goes, that you enjoy the show. May I
ask you to rise at this point and join me in a toast:
To the success of the World Economic Forum on East Asia, and the realization of the aspirations that this gathering represents;
To the peace and stability that are the bedrock of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead of us;
And to the future we are building
together, one that redounds to the mutual benefit of our respective
institutions, societies, and nations.
I toast to you.
We say in the Philippines, “Mabuhay!” [Audience: Mabuhay!]
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