President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday hoped for closer collaboration with foreign allies and partners to propel growth in the Philippines.
In his remarks during the traditional Vin d’honneur he hosted at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for its crucial role in facilitating his foreign visits and fostering bilateral ties.
He acknowledged the positive developments in the country’s relations with its foreign partners, as well as in its economic performance.
“I am proud to have closely worked with many of you on many initiatives and endeavors since I assumed the presidency in the middle of 2022,” Marcos told the diplomats.
“I hope that we will continue to serve as able agents of our respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of our bilateral ties as well as in exploring collaboration in regional and multilateral fronts,” he added.
Marcos called on the diplomatic corps to work closely with his administration to identify areas for joint endeavors and possible challenges, particularly in terms of poverty, education, food security, peace and order, health, job creation, and livelihood opportunities.
He stressed the importance of unity amid geopolitical tensions and affirmed the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, flexibility and cooperation in addressing mutual concerns.
Back on track
Marcos also touted the Philippine economy’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, citing the 6.1-percent growth in the third quarter of 2023, his administration’s better management of overall inflation and decrease in unemployment and underemployment rates.
He noted that the country’s headline inflation in December 2023 was at 3.9 percent.
On the other hand, unemployment in November dropped to 3.6 percent from the previous month and November 2022’s 4.3 percent.
Underemployment fell to 11.7 percent from November 2023’s 14.4 percent.
“It is with confidence that I announce that the Philippines has… I could say [has], gotten back [on] its feet from the reeling effect of the pandemic and the subsequent shocks that we have suffered from the Ukraine war and now from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.
“For the Philippines, the New Year or January is not only the start of our year. It is also the symbolic renewal of our social contract to our people and our commitment and obligation as a responsible member of the international community,” Marcos added.
Marcos said the Philippines is going back ito business, given its improving economic condition and the government’s catch-up spending.
Amid geopolitical difficulties, Marcos called on countries to find “sincere motivation to work together and tap the power of the collective in finding ways to solve political conflict to achieve peace and prosperity for all.”
“The Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest-growing economies among major Asian countries in 2023 as forecasted by multilateral organizations such as the ADB (Asian Development Bank), the ASEAN + 3 Macroeconomic Research Office, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,” he said.
Ambassadors from 54 nations and heads of 11 International Organizations were among the attendees in traditional Vin d’honneur (French tradition meaning wine of honor).
The event is observed biannually in the Philippines, commemorating both the new year and the anniversary of the nation’s independence every June 12. (PNA)
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