President Aquino’s state visit to Brunei costs P2-M
The two-day state visit of President Benigno Aquino III and a 55-man delegation to Brunei Darussalam costs only around P2 million, the lowest spending by the government for a presidential trip since the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that funds set aside for the trip covers expenses for food, supplies, and other requirements for telecommunications.
According to the Finance Office of the Office of the President, the total amount it prepared for the Chief Executive's Brunei state visit was the lowest budget it has earmarked for a presidential trip since the Ramos administration.
The President left Villamor Air Base this morning via a chartered flight to the oil-rich sultanate, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
“The President's two-day state visit to Brunei seeks to reinforce our strong ties with one of our partners in the ASEAN. There are various areas of cooperation wherein the two countries can work together, and the President's visit will formalize several agreements that our government has been working on,” Ochoa said.
“The foreign visits of the President are usually short but productive and reflect the President's commitment to make the most out of his trips abroad,” the Executive Secretary added.
While in Brunei, on the invitation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, President Aquino will discuss cooperation on fighting transnational crimes and combatting human and drug trafficking to further strengthen ties between the two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), as well as witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding on tourism, agriculture, shipping and ports, and sports development.
The Chief Executive will also make a sales pitch to lure investors and tackle global warming, rising oil prices and Spratlys -- a group of islands in the South China Sea being claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Taiwan.
He is also expected to personally thank Brunei, which is a member of the International Monitoring Team in Mindanao, for its efforts in the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and for its role, as member of the influential Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee on Southern Philippines, in ensuring that the peace deal with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) holds. (PCOO)
Discussion ongoing for Roxas' official title and functions, says Ochoa
Discussions are still ongoing to determine the official title and functions for the appointment of former Senator Manuel Roxas to President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.
In an interview with reporters at Villamor Air Base, Ochoa said the Palace is dealing with Roxas' appointment "in a more appropriate manner" and "enough circumspection" in relation to laws that created existing government positions and offices.
“We’re still discussing details of his (Roxas) official functions and probably that will be the time to really decide on his official title," Ochoa said. "We’re being careful and we’re exercising enough circumspection in dealing with it."
According to Ochoa, Malacañang is looking at a specific title and function that can remain relevant even after this administration to strengthen the structural organization and the bureaucracy.
“Some positions are well defined in the law some are not, so that’s what we are trying to fix here and we’re hoping that in the administrative aspect of things, this time we’ll come up with better definition of functions," Ochoa said.
“We fix something not based on personalities, not to make things suitable for us per se or for this administration. We fix something to hopefully make the right way of structure, organization and staffing that even after this administration, it can be useful. It should not refer to any particular administration but it should refer rather to what can really work for this country in terms of administering government,” he added. (PCOO)
President Aquino off to Brunei Darussalam for a 2-day state visit
President Benigno S. Aquino III today left for Brunei Darussalam for a 2-day state visit from June 1 to 2, which aims to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to discuss and formulate measures that will address the common issues affecting both nations.
The President departed on board a Fokker F28 jet airliner on a chartered flight to Bandar Seri Begawan, Sultanate of Brunei which took off at exactly 8:20 a.m. in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
The Chief Executive was sent off by high-ranking government officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay and members of the cabinet that include Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Delez, Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
In his pre-departure speech, President Aquino said that he will be meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and H.R.H. Prince Mohamed Bolkiah along with other key officials to discuss certain issues that include global warming, the increasing oil prices in the global market and cooperation on initiatives to solve regional problems such as transnational crimes and human and drug trafficking, among others.
“Tulad po ng lagi nating adhikain sa pagbisita sa ibang bayan, nais po nating makipagtulungan sa Brunei sa pagresolba sa mga suliraning parehong hinaharap ng ating mga bansa,” the President said.
“Isa na po rito ang pag-aksyon sa madalas na pagragasa ng mga kalamidad sa ating bayan. Tatalakayin din natin doon ang maaari nating pagtutulungang mga inisyatiba para tugunan ang mga problema natin sa rehiyon,” he added.
The President will also be inviting top businessmen in the sultanate to invest in the Philippines considering the emerging business climate in the country.
“Hihimukin din natin ang kanilang mga negosyante na mamuhunan sa ating bayan. Hindi po mauudlot ang kumpinyansa at siglang natatamasa ng ating ekonomiya,” President Aquino noted.
Brunei, a member of the Monitoring Team in Mindanao, has been playing an important role in the government’s efforts to promote peace in the South under the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The sultanate is also a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee on Southern Philippines that also takes an essential part in pursuing the peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front.
The President will also be meeting with the Filipino Community in Brunei to assess their situations and working conditions and to express gratitude for their untiring dedication to work for their families that consequently brings support to the country’s economy.
“Kakamustahin din po natin ang ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa Brunei. Aalamin natin at susuriin ang kanilang kalagayan doon. Walang hanggang pasasalamat din ang ating ipararating sa kanila para sa kanilang walang humpay na dedikasyon sa pagtatrabaho na ikinaaangat ang kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya at patuloy na pinauunlad ang ating ekonomiya”, President Aquino said. (PCOO)
Memorandum of Understanding on sports cooperation signed between Philippines and Brunei
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: Recognizing the need to develop and strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei in the field of sports, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday.
President Aquino arrived here Wednesday morning for a 2-day state visit upon the invitation of His Majesty.
The agreement between Brunei and the Philippines will encourage and promote mutual cooperation in sports on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.
Under the agreement, there will be an exchange of officials in-charge of sports policy-making with a view to disseminating and sharing their views and experiences on national and international sports affairs. At the same time, sports experts, coaches, referees, specialists, entrepreneurs and athletes will have exchange programs for the mutual benefits of both countries.
The promotion of sports ties will be on sports education, recreation and achievement, sports science, sports equipment, sports training, information system, infrastructure and industry, sports science and technology development of information in sports.
The agreement also calls for a more aggressive participation of both countries in conferences, symposia, seminars, exhibitions, meetings and championships. The exchange of printed materials, data and other information on sports are also being encouraged.
Organization and convening of joint sporting events between the two countries including the border games on sports development will also be promoted.
Like several other agreements signed by both countries, the agreement on sports also contains the protection of intellectual property rights and it be enforced in conformity with the national laws, and rules and regulations of both Brunei and the Philippines.
Princess Masna signed on behalf of Brunei while Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario affixed his signature representing the Philippines. (PCOO)
Aquino visits New Muara Container Terminal Services in Brunei Darussalam
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Bengino Aquino III visited Wednesday the New Muara Container Terminal Services Sdn Bhd. (NMCTS) in Jabatan Pelabuhan here, one of the two big Filipino companies operating in this country.
The Chief Executive visited the terminal at the sidelines of his two-day State Visit here.
Upon arrival the President was welcomed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Awang Haji Abdullah Bin Begawan Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Brunei Minister of Communication, and Yang Mulia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Pajuka Haji Mohamad Yusof, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications.
Enrique Razon Jr., the chairman and president of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), Jose Manuel de Jesus, ICTSI vice president for business development and NMCTS managing director and Rico Cruz, NMCTS general manager, were also present.
During his visit the President affixed his signature on the marker of the terminal services.
The NMCTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippine-based port operator ICTSI that operates, develops and maintain ports not only in the Philippines but also around the world. This is the company’s first operation in Brunei Darussalam.
In May 2010, the ICTSI signed agreements with the government of Brunei for the operation and maintenance of the NMCTS for four years, and extendable for two years.
The NMCTS is Brunei’s only international container terminal and is the country’s premier trading gateway.
The NMCTS, which is located in Muara port at the estuary of the Brunei River, is some 15 kilometers from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It has a terminal area of five hectares with a berth length of 250 meters with two berthing positions.
The container port has an annual capacity of 220,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEU). The standard unit for describing a ship’s carrying capacity or a shipping terminal’s cargo handling capacity is twenty-foot equivalent units.
Last year, the NMCTS handled 93,230 TEUs, a nine percent increase over the 2009 volume of 85,576.75 TEUs.
NMCTS has 94 employees including 14 Filipinos. (PCOO)
Phl and Brunei seal Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The Philippines and Brunei Darussalam governments signed on Wednesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on agriculture to ensure food security and more enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines and Princess Masna for Brunei, who is the acting minister of foreign affairs and trade of Brunei.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The event was part of the President’s 2-day state visit here.
The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation on food security in support of food basket initiatives of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-The Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), agriculture, fisheries, food processing and Halal industry.
This will be done through the promotion of investments, joint-ventures, research and development, technology transfer, raw material sourcing for value-adding, as well as conduct of training and capacity building.
Both countries will also develop partnership in the production of Halal food for the international market, exchange of materials and information, and strengthen cooperation in other related areas.
Both governments will provide the necessary assistance to professionals, technicians and trainees through the agreement to enable accomplish their mission.
The agreement doesn’t solely rely on the efforts of both governments, it will also encourage private sector initiatives and partnerships in areas covered under the agreement.
Both parties agreed for the inclusion of the protection of intellectual property rights and this will be enforced in conformity with the respective national laws as well as rules and regulations.
In case of technological development, products and services development carried out under the agreement that results on intellectual property issue, both governments shall conclude a separate arrangement in accordance with their respective regulations.
The Philippines’s Department of Agriculture and Brunei’s Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources were the lead government agencies in crafting the agreement. (PCOO)
Brunei Darussalam welcomes President Aquino on his state visit
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam rolled out the red carpet to officially welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival at the Istana Nurul Iman, the Royal Palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, at the start of the Chief Executive's two-day State Visit here.
The President, who arrived at the Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport on board a Presidential aircraft F-28 on Wednesday at exactly 10:30 a.m., was personally received by His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during the welcome ceremonies befitting a head of state.
The welcome rites began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of the Philippines followed by the National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam. While the national anthems of both countries are being played, a 21 royal gun salute is fired. Then the two leaders troop the line and inspect the Guard of Honor accompanied by the Commander of the Brunei Armed Forces.
After the welcome rites and the introduction ceremonies, President Aquino made an audience with HIs Majesty at the Cheradi Laila Kenchana, also at the Istana Nurul Iman.
While at the Sultanate Palace, the two leaders, who are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a Four-Eyes meeting.
The President's two-day State Visit here symbolizes the country's long term commitment in fostering and further strengthening relations with Brunei.
During the visit, President Aquino and Sultan Bolkiah are scheduled to witness the signing of four Agreements on tourism, shipping and ports cooperation, agriculture and sports cooperation.
After their private lunch, the President will attend a Get-Together activity with the representatives of the Filipino community at the Rizqun International Hotel.
An estimated 18,589 overseas Filipino workers and their families are based here according to the fact sheet as of December 2010. The working conditions of these OFWs are generally satisfactory as evidenced by the good treatment of their employers because of their skills, dependability, work attitude and loyalty.
The President will also visit the new Philippine Embassy Chancery that he is scheduled to inaugurate and which will be highlighted by the unveiling of the chancery's commemorative marker.
He will likewise visit the new Muzra Container Terminal (MCT) Services SDN BHD at the JabatanPelabuhan here.
It can be recalled that in May 2009, the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) signed agreements with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the operation and maintenance of the Muara Container Terminal (MCT) for four years, and extendable for a maximum of two years. The MCT, which is located at the estuary of the Brunei River is Brunei Darussalam's only international container terminal and the country's premier trading gateway.
From the MCT, the President will proceed to visit a Jollibee outlet, a successful wholly-owned Filipino company that established it's first Jollibee branch in Brunei Darussalam in 1987.
The President's State Visit will be capped by a State Banquet hosted in his honor by Sultan Bolkiah.
In his efforts to promote the Philippines as an investment hub and help provide the needed basic services to the Filipino people especially the poor, President Aquino will be meeting with business leaders of Brunei to invite them to participate in his administration's Public-Private Partnership Program.
They are the business executives of the Brunei Economic Development Board, QAF Brunei Sdn Bhd Co. ltd., the Brunei Investment Agency, and MASHHOR Group of Companies.
Before, the President leaves for Manila, he will tour the Royal Regalia and the Jame' ASR Hassani Bolkiah Mosque.
The Royal Regalia building has been designed to incorporate various characteristic of the philosophy of Malay Islamic monarchy and has become another striking landmark of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of a Brunei.
The mosque was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan's rule. It is set in a beautiful landscape garden with fountains. (PCOO)
Brunei Darussalam and Philippines sign Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The governments of the Philippines and the Brunei Darussalam signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation aimed at enhancing ties on tourism development.
President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam witnessed the signing of the agreement in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Istana Nurul Iman, here.
The areas of cooperation specified under the agreement will be on research and development, education and training, promotional programs, medical tourism, meetings and conventions, tourism investment, and aviation industry.
The agreement seeks to increase tourist arrivals for both countries, encourage wider distribution of visitors, as well as enhancing visits to each other’s country by their respective nationals. It also wants to encourage healthy growth of the tourism industry in both countries.
The agreement also contains protection of intellectual property rights noting that it will not prejudice any existing or future bilateral or multilateral international agreement entered into by the two governments or their national laws relating to the protection of intellectual property rights.
To carry out the agreement, both governments have decided to establish a joint committee composed of people from the Department of Tourism for the Philippines and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources for Brunei Darussalam.
The memorandum of understanding is based on the principles and objectives of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (Asean) Tourism Agreement signed in Phnom Penh on November 4, 2002.
The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for the Philippines and Princess Masna of Brunei. Princess Masna is the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam. (PCOO)
Aquino and Bolkiah witness signing of agreement on shipping and ports management between Brunei and Phl
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam that enhances cooperation on shipping and ports management by the two countries.
The agreement, which was signed on Wednesday, aims to facilitate cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei, both their public and private sectors, as well as their state-owned companies, based on mutual understanding and benefit.
Under the agreement, both the Philippines and the Brunei Darussalam want to stimulate mutual investment and other forms of economic activity.
The agreement further stipulates that, both parties shall promote cooperation and exchange of information, identify and discuss specific priorities, and implement and review all the projects contained in the framework of the agreement.
The agreement was based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Resolution on Shipping crafted to attain greater efficiency and economy in the Asean trade by promoting and strengthening self-reliance and cooperation within the Asean.
The Asean Resolution on Shipping acknowledged the importance of shipping and ports on regional development, the need to secure and maintain reliable shipping and port services at stable prices and the urgency of enhancing effective cooperation among Asean shippers.
The resolution also recognizes the need for Asean merchant vessels to obtain an adequate and fair share in the Asean trade and the necessity to accelerate improvements of the Asean ports.
The agreement was forged by the Department of Transportation and Communications of the Philippines and the Ministry of Communications of Brunei Darussalam.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines government and Princess Masna affixes her signature for Brunei. Princess Masna is Brunei’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. (PCOO)
Aquino accepts resignation of DOTC Secretary De Jesus
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno S. Aquino III accepted the resignation Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose "Ping de Jesus, who resigned.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Hermino "Sonny" Coloma made the announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Rizqun Hotel here.
"The President and Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus met last Monday at his office during which the Secretary conveyed to the President his preference to return to the private sector at this time, on June 30, 2011 after completing one year of service,” Coloma said.
According to Coloma, the President considers DOTC one of the important portfolios in his administration.
During their meeting in Malacanang, Coloma said, the Chief executive commended Secretary de Jesus achievements in the DOTC.
"He eased many of our concerns in the transportation and infrastructure sector, and our nation is fortunate to have the benefit of his service just like he did during the administration of President Corazon Aquino," Coloma quoted President Aquino as saying. (PCOO)
Aquino, Bolkiah agree to work closely on energy development
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah agreed to work closely in energy development as well as food security during their bilateral meeting Wednesday morning here.
In a press briefing in Risqun Hotel, where the President met the Filipino community, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said he shared notes with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who was present during the meeting of the two leaders.
Among the major talking points of the President and the Sultan Bolkiah is energy development and rice self sufficiency of Brunei.
“The President invited the government of Brunei to look at the development of the infrastructure for natural gas [in the Philippines] so that this can be used for the main fuel for transportation in the Philippines,” Coloma said.
Petroleum exploration and production is the major industry in Brunei, making it one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia.
The two leaders agree that a working group will be formed for this purpose to thresh out the implementation of the agreement. The working group, Coloma said, will identify the locations of natural-gas rich areas in the Philippines.
“The main thrust is for the two countries to work together in support of the Philippines’s efforts to develop natural gas as an alternative to fossil fuel because of the global oil supply situation that creates volatility in the prices of fuel products,” Coloma said.
Another point is the assistance to be extended by the Philippines to Brunei so that it may gain self sufficiency in rice supply. This is also part of one of the four memoranda that were signed after the bilateral talks between the two leaders. (PCOO)
Aquino addresses Filipino community in a mini-state of the nation address in Brunei Darussalam
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered a “mini-state of the nation address” to overseas Filipinos here telling them the accomplishments that his administration has made barely a year since assumed office in June 2010.
The President deviated from delivering the usual prepared speech, speaking spontaneously for less than 45 minutes, the longest address to OFWs that he visited.
The President told Filipino workers in Brunei that his government faced several challenges such as the effect of the tension in the Korean Peninsula and repatriation of Filipinos in Middle East when the instability broke out there.
Domestically, the government has carried out initial reforms in the bureaucracy like changing the leadership of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). President Aquino said the weather bureau has now a more accurate weather forecasting than before.
The chief executive also mentioned the savings that the government has made in its debt payments, giving it more leeway in managing its finances.
At the same, the President announced that the government will soon construct the light rail transit (LRT) lines in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and Cavite. The government will also connect the South Luzon and North Luzon Expressways. He noted that infrastructure development particularly building airports will be through the public-private partnership (PPP) program.
The Aquino administration also focuses in fighting poverty, improving health care and education. The President said the government targets to support 2.3 million families through the conditional cash transfer (CCT) this year.
“Hindi tayo nagsasabing aayusin sa darating na panahon, ginagawa na natin yung kakayahan ng estado na matugunan ang bawat pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Dahil ang ipinangako ko sa inyo nung araw ay ‘kung walang kurap walang mahirap’,” the President said in his speech.
The President also mentioned the convergence program of the government that encourages people to go back to the provinces with the support of the administration. A national reforestation program was also launched to protect the remaining forest cover the country as well as to fight pollution in the metropolis, the President said.
There is reason to be optimistic, he said, for the OFWs to go back to their home country to make a living there. He said the Philippines is becoming more and more competitive in business process outsourcing (BPO).
“In essence this is my message: number one malaki ang pasasalamat ng taumbayan sa inyo dahil sa talagang kayo ang sinandalan ng ating bansa ng pagkatagal-tagal. Eighty million kayong karamihan,” the President said.
“Ito na po ang huling mensahe ko: hindi ho magiging madali ang tinatahak nating daan. Kung sa tuwid na landas ito ang tama nating direksyon pero marami tayong nasasagasaan dito,” President Aquino said.
“Ang ambisyon natin, pagbaba ng 2016 o maski bago pa nun yung mga pagbabagong hinahabol natin sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” he added.
As long as the Filipino people fight for democracy and their right for good governance, President Aquino said he is confident Filipinos will choose a worthy successor that will sustain the gains of the present administration. (PCOO)
Aquino visits Jollibee outlet in Brunei
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III took time out from his busy schedule to visit a Jollibee outlet in Serusop Complex here in recognition of his administration’s support to the success of a 100-percent Filipino-investors all over the world.
The President visited the Jollibee store on Wednesday afternoon after attending other engagements of his concern here in Brunei. Upon his arrival in the area, he was welcomed by Jollibee representatives and was immediately given a Jollibee hamburger.
The Jollibee representatives led the President to a walk through of the store and then joined them in a photo op.
Jollibee Food Corp. the number one fast food chain in the Philippines, opened its first outlet in Brunei in 1987 and this was followed by the opening of another store in 1989.
With the store’s warm ambience and excellent customer service including its all time favorites such as the Chicken Joy and other products which are all attuned to the local taste, Jollibee has gained the support of both Filipinos and Bruneians.
At present Brunei Jollibee has 11 stores broken down as follows – 9 in Muara District and one each in Tulong District and Belait District.
Aside from the existing outlets in Asia, in the mid-90s, Jollibee successfully opened stores abroad namely, Guam, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jeddah, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was followed by the outlet openings in Xiamen, China. In 1998, Jollibee opened in Daly City in California.
Jollibee’s success story is phenomenal, beginning as a 2-branch ice cream parlor in 1975 offering hot meals and sandwiches. It became incorporated in 1978 with seven outlets exploring the possibilities of a hamburger concept. The company eventually revolutionized fast food in the Philippines.
In 1984, Jollibee hit the P500 million sales mark, landing in the Top 500 Philippine Corporations. In 1987, barely 10 years in the business, Jollibee landed into the country’s Top 100 Corporations.
It became the first Philippine fast food chain to break the P1 billion sales mark in 1989. Four years after, Jollibee became the first food service company to be listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange, allowing it to sustain local as well as global expansions.
From a handful of stores 32 years ago, Jollibee now boasts of more than 600 stores and over 50 international stores. (PCOO)
The two-day state visit of President Benigno Aquino III and a 55-man delegation to Brunei Darussalam costs only around P2 million, the lowest spending by the government for a presidential trip since the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that funds set aside for the trip covers expenses for food, supplies, and other requirements for telecommunications.
According to the Finance Office of the Office of the President, the total amount it prepared for the Chief Executive's Brunei state visit was the lowest budget it has earmarked for a presidential trip since the Ramos administration.
The President left Villamor Air Base this morning via a chartered flight to the oil-rich sultanate, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
“The President's two-day state visit to Brunei seeks to reinforce our strong ties with one of our partners in the ASEAN. There are various areas of cooperation wherein the two countries can work together, and the President's visit will formalize several agreements that our government has been working on,” Ochoa said.
“The foreign visits of the President are usually short but productive and reflect the President's commitment to make the most out of his trips abroad,” the Executive Secretary added.
While in Brunei, on the invitation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, President Aquino will discuss cooperation on fighting transnational crimes and combatting human and drug trafficking to further strengthen ties between the two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), as well as witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding on tourism, agriculture, shipping and ports, and sports development.
The Chief Executive will also make a sales pitch to lure investors and tackle global warming, rising oil prices and Spratlys -- a group of islands in the South China Sea being claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Taiwan.
He is also expected to personally thank Brunei, which is a member of the International Monitoring Team in Mindanao, for its efforts in the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and for its role, as member of the influential Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee on Southern Philippines, in ensuring that the peace deal with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) holds. (PCOO)
Discussion ongoing for Roxas' official title and functions, says Ochoa
Discussions are still ongoing to determine the official title and functions for the appointment of former Senator Manuel Roxas to President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.
In an interview with reporters at Villamor Air Base, Ochoa said the Palace is dealing with Roxas' appointment "in a more appropriate manner" and "enough circumspection" in relation to laws that created existing government positions and offices.
“We’re still discussing details of his (Roxas) official functions and probably that will be the time to really decide on his official title," Ochoa said. "We’re being careful and we’re exercising enough circumspection in dealing with it."
According to Ochoa, Malacañang is looking at a specific title and function that can remain relevant even after this administration to strengthen the structural organization and the bureaucracy.
“Some positions are well defined in the law some are not, so that’s what we are trying to fix here and we’re hoping that in the administrative aspect of things, this time we’ll come up with better definition of functions," Ochoa said.
“We fix something not based on personalities, not to make things suitable for us per se or for this administration. We fix something to hopefully make the right way of structure, organization and staffing that even after this administration, it can be useful. It should not refer to any particular administration but it should refer rather to what can really work for this country in terms of administering government,” he added. (PCOO)
President Aquino off to Brunei Darussalam for a 2-day state visit
President Benigno S. Aquino III today left for Brunei Darussalam for a 2-day state visit from June 1 to 2, which aims to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to discuss and formulate measures that will address the common issues affecting both nations.
The President departed on board a Fokker F28 jet airliner on a chartered flight to Bandar Seri Begawan, Sultanate of Brunei which took off at exactly 8:20 a.m. in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
The Chief Executive was sent off by high-ranking government officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay and members of the cabinet that include Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Delez, Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
In his pre-departure speech, President Aquino said that he will be meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and H.R.H. Prince Mohamed Bolkiah along with other key officials to discuss certain issues that include global warming, the increasing oil prices in the global market and cooperation on initiatives to solve regional problems such as transnational crimes and human and drug trafficking, among others.
“Tulad po ng lagi nating adhikain sa pagbisita sa ibang bayan, nais po nating makipagtulungan sa Brunei sa pagresolba sa mga suliraning parehong hinaharap ng ating mga bansa,” the President said.
“Isa na po rito ang pag-aksyon sa madalas na pagragasa ng mga kalamidad sa ating bayan. Tatalakayin din natin doon ang maaari nating pagtutulungang mga inisyatiba para tugunan ang mga problema natin sa rehiyon,” he added.
The President will also be inviting top businessmen in the sultanate to invest in the Philippines considering the emerging business climate in the country.
“Hihimukin din natin ang kanilang mga negosyante na mamuhunan sa ating bayan. Hindi po mauudlot ang kumpinyansa at siglang natatamasa ng ating ekonomiya,” President Aquino noted.
Brunei, a member of the Monitoring Team in Mindanao, has been playing an important role in the government’s efforts to promote peace in the South under the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The sultanate is also a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee on Southern Philippines that also takes an essential part in pursuing the peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front.
The President will also be meeting with the Filipino Community in Brunei to assess their situations and working conditions and to express gratitude for their untiring dedication to work for their families that consequently brings support to the country’s economy.
“Kakamustahin din po natin ang ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa Brunei. Aalamin natin at susuriin ang kanilang kalagayan doon. Walang hanggang pasasalamat din ang ating ipararating sa kanila para sa kanilang walang humpay na dedikasyon sa pagtatrabaho na ikinaaangat ang kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya at patuloy na pinauunlad ang ating ekonomiya”, President Aquino said. (PCOO)
Memorandum of Understanding on sports cooperation signed between Philippines and Brunei
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: Recognizing the need to develop and strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei in the field of sports, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday.
President Aquino arrived here Wednesday morning for a 2-day state visit upon the invitation of His Majesty.
The agreement between Brunei and the Philippines will encourage and promote mutual cooperation in sports on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.
Under the agreement, there will be an exchange of officials in-charge of sports policy-making with a view to disseminating and sharing their views and experiences on national and international sports affairs. At the same time, sports experts, coaches, referees, specialists, entrepreneurs and athletes will have exchange programs for the mutual benefits of both countries.
The promotion of sports ties will be on sports education, recreation and achievement, sports science, sports equipment, sports training, information system, infrastructure and industry, sports science and technology development of information in sports.
The agreement also calls for a more aggressive participation of both countries in conferences, symposia, seminars, exhibitions, meetings and championships. The exchange of printed materials, data and other information on sports are also being encouraged.
Organization and convening of joint sporting events between the two countries including the border games on sports development will also be promoted.
Like several other agreements signed by both countries, the agreement on sports also contains the protection of intellectual property rights and it be enforced in conformity with the national laws, and rules and regulations of both Brunei and the Philippines.
Princess Masna signed on behalf of Brunei while Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario affixed his signature representing the Philippines. (PCOO)
Aquino visits New Muara Container Terminal Services in Brunei Darussalam
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Bengino Aquino III visited Wednesday the New Muara Container Terminal Services Sdn Bhd. (NMCTS) in Jabatan Pelabuhan here, one of the two big Filipino companies operating in this country.
The Chief Executive visited the terminal at the sidelines of his two-day State Visit here.
Upon arrival the President was welcomed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Awang Haji Abdullah Bin Begawan Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Brunei Minister of Communication, and Yang Mulia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Pajuka Haji Mohamad Yusof, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications.
Enrique Razon Jr., the chairman and president of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), Jose Manuel de Jesus, ICTSI vice president for business development and NMCTS managing director and Rico Cruz, NMCTS general manager, were also present.
During his visit the President affixed his signature on the marker of the terminal services.
The NMCTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippine-based port operator ICTSI that operates, develops and maintain ports not only in the Philippines but also around the world. This is the company’s first operation in Brunei Darussalam.
In May 2010, the ICTSI signed agreements with the government of Brunei for the operation and maintenance of the NMCTS for four years, and extendable for two years.
The NMCTS is Brunei’s only international container terminal and is the country’s premier trading gateway.
The NMCTS, which is located in Muara port at the estuary of the Brunei River, is some 15 kilometers from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It has a terminal area of five hectares with a berth length of 250 meters with two berthing positions.
The container port has an annual capacity of 220,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEU). The standard unit for describing a ship’s carrying capacity or a shipping terminal’s cargo handling capacity is twenty-foot equivalent units.
Last year, the NMCTS handled 93,230 TEUs, a nine percent increase over the 2009 volume of 85,576.75 TEUs.
NMCTS has 94 employees including 14 Filipinos. (PCOO)
Phl and Brunei seal Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The Philippines and Brunei Darussalam governments signed on Wednesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on agriculture to ensure food security and more enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines and Princess Masna for Brunei, who is the acting minister of foreign affairs and trade of Brunei.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The event was part of the President’s 2-day state visit here.
The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation on food security in support of food basket initiatives of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-The Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), agriculture, fisheries, food processing and Halal industry.
This will be done through the promotion of investments, joint-ventures, research and development, technology transfer, raw material sourcing for value-adding, as well as conduct of training and capacity building.
Both countries will also develop partnership in the production of Halal food for the international market, exchange of materials and information, and strengthen cooperation in other related areas.
Both governments will provide the necessary assistance to professionals, technicians and trainees through the agreement to enable accomplish their mission.
The agreement doesn’t solely rely on the efforts of both governments, it will also encourage private sector initiatives and partnerships in areas covered under the agreement.
Both parties agreed for the inclusion of the protection of intellectual property rights and this will be enforced in conformity with the respective national laws as well as rules and regulations.
In case of technological development, products and services development carried out under the agreement that results on intellectual property issue, both governments shall conclude a separate arrangement in accordance with their respective regulations.
The Philippines’s Department of Agriculture and Brunei’s Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources were the lead government agencies in crafting the agreement. (PCOO)
Brunei Darussalam welcomes President Aquino on his state visit
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam rolled out the red carpet to officially welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival at the Istana Nurul Iman, the Royal Palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, at the start of the Chief Executive's two-day State Visit here.
The President, who arrived at the Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport on board a Presidential aircraft F-28 on Wednesday at exactly 10:30 a.m., was personally received by His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during the welcome ceremonies befitting a head of state.
The welcome rites began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of the Philippines followed by the National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam. While the national anthems of both countries are being played, a 21 royal gun salute is fired. Then the two leaders troop the line and inspect the Guard of Honor accompanied by the Commander of the Brunei Armed Forces.
After the welcome rites and the introduction ceremonies, President Aquino made an audience with HIs Majesty at the Cheradi Laila Kenchana, also at the Istana Nurul Iman.
While at the Sultanate Palace, the two leaders, who are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a Four-Eyes meeting.
The President's two-day State Visit here symbolizes the country's long term commitment in fostering and further strengthening relations with Brunei.
During the visit, President Aquino and Sultan Bolkiah are scheduled to witness the signing of four Agreements on tourism, shipping and ports cooperation, agriculture and sports cooperation.
After their private lunch, the President will attend a Get-Together activity with the representatives of the Filipino community at the Rizqun International Hotel.
An estimated 18,589 overseas Filipino workers and their families are based here according to the fact sheet as of December 2010. The working conditions of these OFWs are generally satisfactory as evidenced by the good treatment of their employers because of their skills, dependability, work attitude and loyalty.
The President will also visit the new Philippine Embassy Chancery that he is scheduled to inaugurate and which will be highlighted by the unveiling of the chancery's commemorative marker.
He will likewise visit the new Muzra Container Terminal (MCT) Services SDN BHD at the JabatanPelabuhan here.
It can be recalled that in May 2009, the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) signed agreements with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the operation and maintenance of the Muara Container Terminal (MCT) for four years, and extendable for a maximum of two years. The MCT, which is located at the estuary of the Brunei River is Brunei Darussalam's only international container terminal and the country's premier trading gateway.
From the MCT, the President will proceed to visit a Jollibee outlet, a successful wholly-owned Filipino company that established it's first Jollibee branch in Brunei Darussalam in 1987.
The President's State Visit will be capped by a State Banquet hosted in his honor by Sultan Bolkiah.
In his efforts to promote the Philippines as an investment hub and help provide the needed basic services to the Filipino people especially the poor, President Aquino will be meeting with business leaders of Brunei to invite them to participate in his administration's Public-Private Partnership Program.
They are the business executives of the Brunei Economic Development Board, QAF Brunei Sdn Bhd Co. ltd., the Brunei Investment Agency, and MASHHOR Group of Companies.
Before, the President leaves for Manila, he will tour the Royal Regalia and the Jame' ASR Hassani Bolkiah Mosque.
The Royal Regalia building has been designed to incorporate various characteristic of the philosophy of Malay Islamic monarchy and has become another striking landmark of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of a Brunei.
The mosque was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan's rule. It is set in a beautiful landscape garden with fountains. (PCOO)
Brunei Darussalam and Philippines sign Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: The governments of the Philippines and the Brunei Darussalam signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation aimed at enhancing ties on tourism development.
President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam witnessed the signing of the agreement in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Istana Nurul Iman, here.
The areas of cooperation specified under the agreement will be on research and development, education and training, promotional programs, medical tourism, meetings and conventions, tourism investment, and aviation industry.
The agreement seeks to increase tourist arrivals for both countries, encourage wider distribution of visitors, as well as enhancing visits to each other’s country by their respective nationals. It also wants to encourage healthy growth of the tourism industry in both countries.
The agreement also contains protection of intellectual property rights noting that it will not prejudice any existing or future bilateral or multilateral international agreement entered into by the two governments or their national laws relating to the protection of intellectual property rights.
To carry out the agreement, both governments have decided to establish a joint committee composed of people from the Department of Tourism for the Philippines and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources for Brunei Darussalam.
The memorandum of understanding is based on the principles and objectives of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (Asean) Tourism Agreement signed in Phnom Penh on November 4, 2002.
The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for the Philippines and Princess Masna of Brunei. Princess Masna is the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam. (PCOO)
Aquino and Bolkiah witness signing of agreement on shipping and ports management between Brunei and Phl
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam that enhances cooperation on shipping and ports management by the two countries.
The agreement, which was signed on Wednesday, aims to facilitate cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei, both their public and private sectors, as well as their state-owned companies, based on mutual understanding and benefit.
Under the agreement, both the Philippines and the Brunei Darussalam want to stimulate mutual investment and other forms of economic activity.
The agreement further stipulates that, both parties shall promote cooperation and exchange of information, identify and discuss specific priorities, and implement and review all the projects contained in the framework of the agreement.
The agreement was based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Resolution on Shipping crafted to attain greater efficiency and economy in the Asean trade by promoting and strengthening self-reliance and cooperation within the Asean.
The Asean Resolution on Shipping acknowledged the importance of shipping and ports on regional development, the need to secure and maintain reliable shipping and port services at stable prices and the urgency of enhancing effective cooperation among Asean shippers.
The resolution also recognizes the need for Asean merchant vessels to obtain an adequate and fair share in the Asean trade and the necessity to accelerate improvements of the Asean ports.
The agreement was forged by the Department of Transportation and Communications of the Philippines and the Ministry of Communications of Brunei Darussalam.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines government and Princess Masna affixes her signature for Brunei. Princess Masna is Brunei’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. (PCOO)
Aquino accepts resignation of DOTC Secretary De Jesus
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno S. Aquino III accepted the resignation Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose "Ping de Jesus, who resigned.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Hermino "Sonny" Coloma made the announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Rizqun Hotel here.
"The President and Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus met last Monday at his office during which the Secretary conveyed to the President his preference to return to the private sector at this time, on June 30, 2011 after completing one year of service,” Coloma said.
According to Coloma, the President considers DOTC one of the important portfolios in his administration.
During their meeting in Malacanang, Coloma said, the Chief executive commended Secretary de Jesus achievements in the DOTC.
"He eased many of our concerns in the transportation and infrastructure sector, and our nation is fortunate to have the benefit of his service just like he did during the administration of President Corazon Aquino," Coloma quoted President Aquino as saying. (PCOO)
Aquino, Bolkiah agree to work closely on energy development
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah agreed to work closely in energy development as well as food security during their bilateral meeting Wednesday morning here.
In a press briefing in Risqun Hotel, where the President met the Filipino community, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said he shared notes with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who was present during the meeting of the two leaders.
Among the major talking points of the President and the Sultan Bolkiah is energy development and rice self sufficiency of Brunei.
“The President invited the government of Brunei to look at the development of the infrastructure for natural gas [in the Philippines] so that this can be used for the main fuel for transportation in the Philippines,” Coloma said.
Petroleum exploration and production is the major industry in Brunei, making it one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia.
The two leaders agree that a working group will be formed for this purpose to thresh out the implementation of the agreement. The working group, Coloma said, will identify the locations of natural-gas rich areas in the Philippines.
“The main thrust is for the two countries to work together in support of the Philippines’s efforts to develop natural gas as an alternative to fossil fuel because of the global oil supply situation that creates volatility in the prices of fuel products,” Coloma said.
Another point is the assistance to be extended by the Philippines to Brunei so that it may gain self sufficiency in rice supply. This is also part of one of the four memoranda that were signed after the bilateral talks between the two leaders. (PCOO)
Aquino addresses Filipino community in a mini-state of the nation address in Brunei Darussalam
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered a “mini-state of the nation address” to overseas Filipinos here telling them the accomplishments that his administration has made barely a year since assumed office in June 2010.
The President deviated from delivering the usual prepared speech, speaking spontaneously for less than 45 minutes, the longest address to OFWs that he visited.
The President told Filipino workers in Brunei that his government faced several challenges such as the effect of the tension in the Korean Peninsula and repatriation of Filipinos in Middle East when the instability broke out there.
Domestically, the government has carried out initial reforms in the bureaucracy like changing the leadership of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). President Aquino said the weather bureau has now a more accurate weather forecasting than before.
The chief executive also mentioned the savings that the government has made in its debt payments, giving it more leeway in managing its finances.
At the same, the President announced that the government will soon construct the light rail transit (LRT) lines in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and Cavite. The government will also connect the South Luzon and North Luzon Expressways. He noted that infrastructure development particularly building airports will be through the public-private partnership (PPP) program.
The Aquino administration also focuses in fighting poverty, improving health care and education. The President said the government targets to support 2.3 million families through the conditional cash transfer (CCT) this year.
“Hindi tayo nagsasabing aayusin sa darating na panahon, ginagawa na natin yung kakayahan ng estado na matugunan ang bawat pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Dahil ang ipinangako ko sa inyo nung araw ay ‘kung walang kurap walang mahirap’,” the President said in his speech.
The President also mentioned the convergence program of the government that encourages people to go back to the provinces with the support of the administration. A national reforestation program was also launched to protect the remaining forest cover the country as well as to fight pollution in the metropolis, the President said.
There is reason to be optimistic, he said, for the OFWs to go back to their home country to make a living there. He said the Philippines is becoming more and more competitive in business process outsourcing (BPO).
“In essence this is my message: number one malaki ang pasasalamat ng taumbayan sa inyo dahil sa talagang kayo ang sinandalan ng ating bansa ng pagkatagal-tagal. Eighty million kayong karamihan,” the President said.
“Ito na po ang huling mensahe ko: hindi ho magiging madali ang tinatahak nating daan. Kung sa tuwid na landas ito ang tama nating direksyon pero marami tayong nasasagasaan dito,” President Aquino said.
“Ang ambisyon natin, pagbaba ng 2016 o maski bago pa nun yung mga pagbabagong hinahabol natin sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” he added.
As long as the Filipino people fight for democracy and their right for good governance, President Aquino said he is confident Filipinos will choose a worthy successor that will sustain the gains of the present administration. (PCOO)
Aquino visits Jollibee outlet in Brunei
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: President Benigno Aquino III took time out from his busy schedule to visit a Jollibee outlet in Serusop Complex here in recognition of his administration’s support to the success of a 100-percent Filipino-investors all over the world.
The President visited the Jollibee store on Wednesday afternoon after attending other engagements of his concern here in Brunei. Upon his arrival in the area, he was welcomed by Jollibee representatives and was immediately given a Jollibee hamburger.
The Jollibee representatives led the President to a walk through of the store and then joined them in a photo op.
Jollibee Food Corp. the number one fast food chain in the Philippines, opened its first outlet in Brunei in 1987 and this was followed by the opening of another store in 1989.
With the store’s warm ambience and excellent customer service including its all time favorites such as the Chicken Joy and other products which are all attuned to the local taste, Jollibee has gained the support of both Filipinos and Bruneians.
At present Brunei Jollibee has 11 stores broken down as follows – 9 in Muara District and one each in Tulong District and Belait District.
Aside from the existing outlets in Asia, in the mid-90s, Jollibee successfully opened stores abroad namely, Guam, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jeddah, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was followed by the outlet openings in Xiamen, China. In 1998, Jollibee opened in Daly City in California.
Jollibee’s success story is phenomenal, beginning as a 2-branch ice cream parlor in 1975 offering hot meals and sandwiches. It became incorporated in 1978 with seven outlets exploring the possibilities of a hamburger concept. The company eventually revolutionized fast food in the Philippines.
In 1984, Jollibee hit the P500 million sales mark, landing in the Top 500 Philippine Corporations. In 1987, barely 10 years in the business, Jollibee landed into the country’s Top 100 Corporations.
It became the first Philippine fast food chain to break the P1 billion sales mark in 1989. Four years after, Jollibee became the first food service company to be listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange, allowing it to sustain local as well as global expansions.
From a handful of stores 32 years ago, Jollibee now boasts of more than 600 stores and over 50 international stores. (PCOO)
