From the Website of GPH - Government of the Philippines links:
http://www.gov.ph/2014/12/30/message-of-president-aquino-for-the-new-year-2015/
Message of President Aquino for the New Year
Message
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
For the New Year, 2015
[Released on December 30, 2014]
A promising future beckons for us all as
we near the fifth year of daang matuwid and open yet another chapter in
our journey towards the fulfillment of our collective aspirations. The
previous year was a fortunate time for us, marked by notable milestones
and achievements across many facets of our society. Back in 2013, we
secured investment grade status from the three most prominent credit
ratings agencies in the world. In 2014, we sustained this upward
trajectory as, last May, Standard & Poors gave us another ratings
upgrade, followed by Moody’s this November. These have made the
Philippines a more attractive destination for investments and tourists,
both of which have seen significant increases last year, creating jobs
and stimulating the economy.
These gains have provided us the
wherewithal to fund vital measures like the Expanded Conditional Cash
Transfer Program, which now covers beneficiaries with children up to 18
years old, and meets our backlog in books, chairs, and classrooms. We
have also expanded initiatives like the Tech-Voc Education and Training
and Work for Scholarship Programs, ensuring that our people can maximize
the opportunities made available at this critical juncture in our
history when we reach our demographic sweet spot and realize the ASEAN
Economic Community by 2015. With the signing of the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro last March, genuine, lasting peace in
Mindanao is finally at hand, opening the floodgates for tourism and
investments to the island. We expect development to further hasten once
the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed.
We have also made strides in terms of
disaster preparedness, with both the national and local governments
performing better this year. We saw this in action when Mayon Volcano
erupted and Typhoon Ruby came to our shores. Learning from past
experiences, we prevented a drastic loss of lives and property, earning
the praise and admiration of the international community. I want to
thank our front-liners, first-responders, volunteers, and partners from
the private sector, whose contributions, preparations, and response to
these calamities made this achievement possible.
Indeed, by putting our trust in each
other, by doing our share, and by remaining steadfast on the straight
and righteous path, we have ushered in a new and transformed
Philippines. Now that we are approaching the final year of my
administration, every step, every contribution becomes more crucial in
our quest to create a more inclusive future. With the guidance of the
Almighty, and with the help of every Filipino, I am certain that we will
achieve the lasting change that we all long for.
A joyful and meaningful new year to all.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
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