On this auspicious occasion, I am honored to convey my warmest felicitations to my fellow Filipinos in Pakistan, along with the Pakistani people, whom we consider as brothers and sisters, who have graciously shared to us their beautiful country and accorded us the kind of hospitality given to that of a member of one's family.
This year marks the 120th anniversary when our valiant heroes and forefathers declared our independence as a nation. This milestone year's theme for the Independence Day celebrations is "KAYAAN 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan" (INDEPENDENCE 2018: Change fought for, bequeathing a prosperous future), reminds us of the sacrifices and struggles that our predecessors have endured in their relentless pursuit of peace, development and solidarity, for the benefit of the future generations.
The past year has witnessed many triumphs for the Philippines. Guided by the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the Government has sustained the country's economic momentum which would uplift the standing of each and every Filipino in the hope of bringing prosperity for all.
Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an average of 6.7 percent in 2017, one of the best performers not just in Asia but the world. Owing to positive investor sentiment, the amount of foreign direct investments (FDIs) coming into the Philippines also reached a new all-time high at $10 billion in 2017, up by 21.4% compared to 2016. The World Bank predicts a GDP increase of 6.7% for the Philippines for 2018 and 2019.
Through the US$160-billion "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program, the Government aims to steer the country into a "Golden Age of Infrastructure." This infrastructure program, comprised of about 75 flagship projects, which include six airports, nine railways, three bus rapid transits, 32 roads and bridges, and four seaports will help bring down the costs of production, improve rural incomes, encourage countryside investments, make the movement of goods and people more efficient, and create more jobs. The government is also aiming to construct four energy facilities that will ensure stable power supply at lower prices; ten water resource projects as well as irrigation systems that will raise agricultural output; five flood control facilities that will help protect vulnerable communities as well as boost their resilience against the impact of climate change; and three redevelopment programs that will deliver sustainable solutions to best meet the needs of urban population.
To top it all, the Philippines has successfully completed its annual rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in the year when it commemorated its 50th Founding Anniversary. Our theme, "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World," is reflective of the Philippines' advocacy as a country to promote cooperation with and among its neighbors and ASEAN partner countries and invite them to become dynamic and vibrant partners.
In terms of bilateral relations, Philippines and Pakistan have in recent years made significant strides in a wide range of cooperation including politico-security, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Just this year alone, we have concluded two high-level bilateral consultations namely: 5th Philippines-Pakistan Policy Consultation Talks in January and the Inaugural Meeting of the Philippines-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission in February.
In both high-level meetings which were held in Islamabad, the two countries have discussed ways of further strengthening cooperation in a wide range of areas including enhancing two-way trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, defense, and other areas of mutual interest such as combating terrorism and illegal narcotics, among others.
I am happy to note that since 2013, the total trade between the Philippines and Pakistan has been steadily rising at a much robust pace. In 2017, our total trade has increased at least 172% in a short span of four years, represented by an import from Pakistan of USD196 Million, or an increase of about 440% from 2013.
Also last year, we signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Central Banking Cooperation, which aims at cooperation between the two countries in the areas of development and performance of the banking system, payments and settlements and other areas of mutual interest. A host of other pending bilateral cooperation in other areas such as defense, agriculture, rice supply, securities and exchange commissions, Foreign Service institutes and police academies, and extradition are currently under consideration.
As we usher in the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our bilateral relations next year, we can take stock of these achievements and continue to explore ways of strengthening our cooperation by implementing existing bilateral arrangements and exploring new avenues of cooperation, where there is none, on issues or areas of mutual interest. Entering this new milestone in our relations, we have so much to look forward to and be excited for.
At this juncture, let me take this opportunity to highlight the message of President Rodrigo R. Duterte last year, during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since his landslide victory in 2016 cementing his status not only as the 16th President of the Philippines, but also the most popular amongst the Philippine Presidents on the basis of the votes garnered. Together with the President, I look forward to even more productive years in building a nation worthy of Filipinos, where there is comfortable life for all under a trustworthy government.
As we honor our national heroes and their contributions for our Independence Day, we continue to celebrate and honor our overseas Filipinos, for their sacrifices and indispensable contributions to our nation-building. You are indeed our country's modern heroes. Rest assured that as we continue to pursue our independent foreign policy, our main priority remains to be: protecting the rights, and promoting the welfare of our overseas Filipinos.
Ultimately, as we implement the policies and reforms in the Government, we take inspiration in the fact that our contributions, no matter how small in the overall scheme of things, would ultimately redound to improve the lives of our peoples, a comfortable life that all of us deserve.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.