Aquino urges youth to always aim for excellence
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino youth to always aim for excellence as he urged them to join his administration in achieving the country’s progress and development.
The Chief Executive issued the call in his speech during the celebration of the International Youth Day dubbed as “KA-JAM, Kabataan Jobs and Alternatives to Migration” at the 2nd floor, Function Room 5, SMX Convention Center of the SMA Mall of Asia on Friday in Pasay City.
“As President of the Philippines, I’m calling on all of you to contribute to make the most of your opportunities, to constantly strive for excellence, to go beyond yourselves… to push yourselves and to always raise the bar,” the President said.
“Perhaps, more importantly, I’m calling on you not only to harness the positive energy that is prevalent in our country again but also to contribute to it by extending to others compassion and gratitude and by always being responsible for the effects your actions have on others,” he stressed.
The President assured the youth of his continued support in programs that will prepare them for much bigger responsibilities in the future.
“Rest assured, I will follow through on my own commitments as well, so that my generation can bequeath to our young citizens a Philippines whose progress they can build upon,” he said.
The President also reminded them the importance of unity and cooperation in bringing the country towards sustainable progress.
“Together, as one team, let us do what we can in our individual capacities to bring our beloved country back to its rightful place in the sun,” the President noted as he expressed confidence in the youth of today who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
“May I just stress, we are confident that when the time comes that you will pass on the mantle of responsibilities to the next generation you will undoubtedly build upon the successes that we are now achieving,” he added.
The event was highlighted by a video presentation on the Youth Employment and Migration Strategy Framework which is the core in the crafting of a development and national action plan for the youth.
Among those present during the ceremonies include Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, United Nations (UN) Country Team agencies officials led by UN Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock, International Labor Organization Manila Director Jeff Johnson and Spain’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernandez de Bobadilla.
Also in attendance were officials of the National Youth Commission, Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Commission on Women, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Provincial governments of Agusan del Sur, Antique, Masbate and Maguindanao, private sector employers organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, non-government associations, workers’ organizations and youth organizations.(PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino youth to always aim for excellence as he urged them to join his administration in achieving the country’s progress and development.
The Chief Executive issued the call in his speech during the celebration of the International Youth Day dubbed as “KA-JAM, Kabataan Jobs and Alternatives to Migration” at the 2nd floor, Function Room 5, SMX Convention Center of the SMA Mall of Asia on Friday in Pasay City.
“As President of the Philippines, I’m calling on all of you to contribute to make the most of your opportunities, to constantly strive for excellence, to go beyond yourselves… to push yourselves and to always raise the bar,” the President said.
“Perhaps, more importantly, I’m calling on you not only to harness the positive energy that is prevalent in our country again but also to contribute to it by extending to others compassion and gratitude and by always being responsible for the effects your actions have on others,” he stressed.
The President assured the youth of his continued support in programs that will prepare them for much bigger responsibilities in the future.
“Rest assured, I will follow through on my own commitments as well, so that my generation can bequeath to our young citizens a Philippines whose progress they can build upon,” he said.
The President also reminded them the importance of unity and cooperation in bringing the country towards sustainable progress.
“Together, as one team, let us do what we can in our individual capacities to bring our beloved country back to its rightful place in the sun,” the President noted as he expressed confidence in the youth of today who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
“May I just stress, we are confident that when the time comes that you will pass on the mantle of responsibilities to the next generation you will undoubtedly build upon the successes that we are now achieving,” he added.
The event was highlighted by a video presentation on the Youth Employment and Migration Strategy Framework which is the core in the crafting of a development and national action plan for the youth.
Among those present during the ceremonies include Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, United Nations (UN) Country Team agencies officials led by UN Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock, International Labor Organization Manila Director Jeff Johnson and Spain’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernandez de Bobadilla.
Also in attendance were officials of the National Youth Commission, Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Commission on Women, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Provincial governments of Agusan del Sur, Antique, Masbate and Maguindanao, private sector employers organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, non-government associations, workers’ organizations and youth organizations.(PCOO)
Tourism Secretary announces his resignation, thanks Aquino for allowing him to serve the people
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim thanked the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for giving him the opportunity to serve the Filipino people as he announced his resignation as the head of the Tourism department.
“I would like to announce that I have tendered my resignation as Secretary of Tourism and head of it’s attached agencies, effective August 31, 2011. The President has kindly accepted my resignation,” Lim said during a press briefing on Friday in Malacanang.
In the same press briefing Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that President Aquino accepted on Monday the resignation of Lim.
Lim described his resignation as personal, saying that he would like to spend more time with his family. “My responsibilities require a great deal of travel and time away from my loved ones,” he said.
“I leave the President’s Cabinet gratified that I have laid the foundation for strong tourism growth, in keeping with the President’s vision of inclusive growth. I thank the President for the opportunity I was given to serve the Filipino people as a member of his Cabinet,” he stressed.
“I have undiminished hopes that the President will realize his vision for all our people. He has my very best wishes for the continued success of his presidency,” Lim added.
Lacierda lauded Lim for his “remarkable achievements” during his period of service as secretary of the Department of Tourism and cited him as a “conscientious and highly dedicated member of the President‘s official family.”
He noted that during Lim’s period of service as Tourism Secretary, foreign visitors has increased to “an unprecedented level” with over 3.7 million arrivals between July 1, 2010 to June 30 of this year.
“This was an increase of over half a million visitors over the previous 12-month period. Domestic travelers increased from 25 to 28 million. An estimated 400,000 jobs were created as a result,” he said.
Lacierda pointed out that Lim was the chief advocate of the Pocket Open Skies Policy, the landmark breakthrough from the protectionist policies of the past. “All these are remarkable achievements,” he noted.
Lacierda also emphasized that Lim was responsible in putting in place “enduring policy foundations for tourism’s growth in fulfillment of the President’s vision; and has done so with tenacity, integrity, and vigor.”
He said that the Aquino administration wished Lim continued success as he returns to private life to spend and enjoy more time with his family.(PCOO)
Aquino thanks Dragon Warriors for bringing honor to the country
President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked the members of the Philippine Dragon Boat team for the honor they bought to the country following their highly-successful victory in the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation World Championship in Tampa, Florida last week.
“Thank you for bringing honor to the country. Thank you for being an inspiration. Thank you for being role models. Thank you for proving that if you work at it you will really succeed,” the President said in a brief message during the team’s courtesy call in Malacanang on Friday afternoon.
According to the President, the Palace is studying recommendations for a possible reward for the team, as some lawmakers pledged giving the members some incentives, adding that he has to talk to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The Philippine Dragon Boat Team is composed of men from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The team won five gold and two silver medals dominating five rowing events and setting two new world records and bested countries such as Australia, Hungary, Italy, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Team members include Junrey Dayumat (PCG), Raymond Morales (PCG), Salvador Sumagaysay (PA), Rico Pradilla (PN), Romy John Dionio (PA), Ruperto Sbijon (PN), Ramie Leano (PA), Joemar Ocquiana (PA), Crisanto Pabulayan (PAF), Usman Anterola (PA), Ronald Tan (PA), Jose Ijalo (PA), Annabelle Tario, (coach and drummer), Thea Bartolome (paddler), Ma. Theresa Realizan (paddler), Ma. Ailene Padrones (PAF), Amina Anuddin (paddler), Michelle Ebio (paddler), Liza Margret (paddler), Rowena Enriquez (paddler), Maj. Hanold Cabunoc (deputy spokesman PA, team manager), Marcia Cristobal (Philippine Dragon Boat Federation president, team manager), and Priscilla Pinky Castillo (PDBF secretary).
The Philippine Dragon Boat team received a citation from the President and in turn team manager Marcia Cristobal gave the President a paddle for a present.(PCOO)
Aquino shares MILF views says peace negotiators must be problem solvers
Negotiators of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must be problem solvers rather than trouble makers, President Benigno Aquino said echoing the statements made by MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
“Hopefully, if I can get everybody’s attention to the statement that chairman Murad said himself, iyong negotiating panel have to be focused, that they are problem solvers rather than antagonists. And I am very hopeful that, that is indicative that there is an intense desire to achieve a just and comprehensive peace agreement,” the President said referring to Murad’s statements during an ambush interview following the courtesy call of the Philippine Dragon Boat team on Friday in Malacanang.
The President's meeting with the MILF leader as well as other high ranking officials of the rebel group last week in Japan was aimed at showing the government’s sincerity in pursuing the ongoing peace talks and at the same time fast track the negotiations.
Malacanang assured this week that it would consider the views of all stakeholders in the peace talks with the MILF before both panels meet on August 22 to 24.
According to Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP), the government panel will continue to work with different constituencies in preparation for the said meeting.
In a media briefing last week, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said both sides were expected to discuss the significant agenda in the upcoming formal talks this month.
At the same time, Leonen said there was no “secret deal” forged between the government and the MILF during the Japan meeting adding that the Aquino government will not commit the same mistakes made by the past administration.(PCOO)
