Aquino leads observance of National Heroes Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited cooperation, heroism and sense of volunteerism as some of the positive traits that are innate among Filipinos as he challenged them to use such skills in working with the government in bringing the nation to sustainable progress and development.
In his speech during the observance of the National Heroes Day at the Libigingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Monday, President Aquino expressed confidence that the Filipino people can lead the way in effecting change towards the nation’s progress adding that everyone can make a difference by helping others.
“Nananalaytay sa ating dugo ang kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno, tiwala po ako sa kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino na makatulong sa pag-asenso ng ating bansa. Hindi na natin kailangan pa na magbuwis ng buhay o magpadanak ng dugo para lamang maging bayani, ang kailangan lang natin ay ang wagas at bukal na pag-tulong sa kapwa Pilipino,” the President said.
“Ang simpleng pagsunod sa mga batas at pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan ay maituturing na ring kabayanihan, ang bawat butil ng sakripisyo, ang bawat patak na kawanggawa at ang bawat sandali ng pagmamalasakit sa maliit na paraan ay labis na tumitingkad kapag ginawa ng mahigit siyamnapung Pilipino,” President Aquino added.
The Chief Executive also called on the people to support the efforts of the government in addressing the various problems of the society such as poverty and corruption.
“Nabigyan tayo ngayon ng pagkakataon para gawin muli ang tama tulad ng ginawa at ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani…handa po akong unang magsakripisyo, subalit tulad ng lagi kong bukambibig… hindi ko po kayang pasanin ng mag-isa ang kalbaryong dinatnan natin…hindi po kailangan ng bansa ang isang ‘superman’ para ma-resolba ang lahat ng problema natin. Ang kailangan po natin ay bayanihan nina Juan at Juana dela Cruz, kailangan natin ng mga nakikilahok sa solusyon sa mga problema,” the President noted.
“Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon isinisilang ang mga tunay na bayani… mga bayaning hindi humihingi ng pagkilala ng kasaysayan at naninindigan kahit walang nakaaalam,” he added.
The event highlights the important contributions of great Filipinos in regaining and preserving the freedom and democracy being enjoyed by the present generation.
This year’s theme: “Bayani ng Bayan: Gabay ni Juan sa Matuwid na Daan,” underscores the President’s commitment in pursuing reforms in the bureaucracy which is part of his agenda towards good governance, inclusive growth and equal opportunity for all that is part of the overall thrusts of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
Other officials present during the event include Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Metro Manila Development Authority Secretary Francis Tolentino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr., Philippine National Police Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, major service commanders and the officers and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, among others.(PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited cooperation, heroism and sense of volunteerism as some of the positive traits that are innate among Filipinos as he challenged them to use such skills in working with the government in bringing the nation to sustainable progress and development.
In his speech during the observance of the National Heroes Day at the Libigingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Monday, President Aquino expressed confidence that the Filipino people can lead the way in effecting change towards the nation’s progress adding that everyone can make a difference by helping others.
“Nananalaytay sa ating dugo ang kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno, tiwala po ako sa kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino na makatulong sa pag-asenso ng ating bansa. Hindi na natin kailangan pa na magbuwis ng buhay o magpadanak ng dugo para lamang maging bayani, ang kailangan lang natin ay ang wagas at bukal na pag-tulong sa kapwa Pilipino,” the President said.
“Ang simpleng pagsunod sa mga batas at pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan ay maituturing na ring kabayanihan, ang bawat butil ng sakripisyo, ang bawat patak na kawanggawa at ang bawat sandali ng pagmamalasakit sa maliit na paraan ay labis na tumitingkad kapag ginawa ng mahigit siyamnapung Pilipino,” President Aquino added.
The Chief Executive also called on the people to support the efforts of the government in addressing the various problems of the society such as poverty and corruption.
“Nabigyan tayo ngayon ng pagkakataon para gawin muli ang tama tulad ng ginawa at ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani…handa po akong unang magsakripisyo, subalit tulad ng lagi kong bukambibig… hindi ko po kayang pasanin ng mag-isa ang kalbaryong dinatnan natin…hindi po kailangan ng bansa ang isang ‘superman’ para ma-resolba ang lahat ng problema natin. Ang kailangan po natin ay bayanihan nina Juan at Juana dela Cruz, kailangan natin ng mga nakikilahok sa solusyon sa mga problema,” the President noted.
“Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon isinisilang ang mga tunay na bayani… mga bayaning hindi humihingi ng pagkilala ng kasaysayan at naninindigan kahit walang nakaaalam,” he added.
The event highlights the important contributions of great Filipinos in regaining and preserving the freedom and democracy being enjoyed by the present generation.
This year’s theme: “Bayani ng Bayan: Gabay ni Juan sa Matuwid na Daan,” underscores the President’s commitment in pursuing reforms in the bureaucracy which is part of his agenda towards good governance, inclusive growth and equal opportunity for all that is part of the overall thrusts of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
Other officials present during the event include Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Metro Manila Development Authority Secretary Francis Tolentino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr., Philippine National Police Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, major service commanders and the officers and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, among others.(PCOO)
Aquino to visit Great Wall of China and Forbidden City
BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III will visit two of Beijing's most visited historical landmarks -- the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City during his five-day state visit to the People's Republic of China from August 30 to September 3, 2011.
The theme of the President's visit is "people-centered partnership" highlighting the centuries-old friendship between the Philippines and China. It also hopes to push for more trade, investment, media, culture, education and tourism exchanges between the two countries. Aside from Beijing, the President will also visit the cities of Shanghai and Xiamen as part of his itinerary.
Upon his arrival at the Great Wall, President Aquino will be received by Deputy Director of the Badaling Special Administrative Center Rong Xinfeng.
The President will be escorted by Xinfeng to the south tower of the Badaling section where he will write a short message and sign the Guest Book.
During his visit, the President will be presented the following as souvenirs, namely, a framed night photo of the Great Wall, a book containing more than 400 photos of state leaders who visited the Great Wall since the 1950's, and a framed certificate showing that President Aquino had climbed the Great Wall.
The Chinese government has recommended that the President visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall because it is the best preserved and most popular among all sections of the Great Wall. It is more than 1,000 meters (or 3,281 feet) above sea level and commands a strategic position for transportation and defense in ancient times.
Badaling, which literally means "reach eight directions," got its name because the maze of its ridges stretches in all directions. It is also easily accessible and has easy walking conditions.
Based on records, some 400 state leaders and notable personalities have climbed Badaling to admire the magnificence and beauty of its panoramic scenery.
On February 24, 1972, this site was visited by then United States President Richard Nixon and his wife during his historic journey to China. The U.S. First Couple was accompanied by Vice Premier Li Xiannian in touring the site. President Barack Obama also visited Badaling on his visit here on November 18, 2009, calling the structure "spectacular."
After his visit to Badaling, President Aquino will proceed to the Forbidden City which is most commonly known in Chinese as Gugong, meaning the "Former Palace."
In this site, the President will visit the three main halls where national treasures are displayed. An interpreter will be on hand to brief the President on the features of the Forbidden City.
Before he leaves the Forbidden City, the President will be requested to write a message about his visit.
The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum.
For almost five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government. Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings with 8,707 bays of rooms and covers 7,800,000 feet.
Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been under the charge of the Palace Museum whose extensive collection of artworks and artifacts were built for the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties.(PCOO)
Filipinos in Beijing welcome President Aquino's visit
BEIJING, China: More than 2,000 Filipino overseas workers comprising the Filipino community in Beijing welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III's state visit to the People's Republic of China saying it is an "affirmation of the excellent state of relations between the two countries."
"They are very proud of this visit, as it is a clear and strong indication that despite some issues between the Philippines and their host country, the relationship is on a good track and both governments are highly committed to strengthen this friendship and cooperation," Charge d'Affaires ad interim Alex Chua of the Philippine Embassy said in an interview.
The President is scheduled to pay a visit to the People's Republic of China (PROC) from August 30 to September 3, 2011 upon the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao. The theme of the President's visit is "people-centered partnership" highlighting the centuries old friendship between the Philippines and China and to promote more exchanges and better understanding between the two countries.
The President's visit to PROC is his first since he assumed office in June 2010. Aside from Beijing, the Chief Executive is also set to visit Shanghai and Xiamen as part of his itinerary.
During his visit, President Aquino will meet with the Filipino community in Beijing at the China World Hotel where he will personally check on their conditions and will inform them of the positive developments in the Philippines under his administration.
Chua cited the popularity of President Aquino especially among the Filipino community in Beijing as evidenced by the positive results of the overseas absentee voting (OAV) during the elections in May last year.
"The President is quite popular in Beijing and he topped the elections in this OAV precinct," he said.
Chua said that based on the Philippine Embassy's record, there are 2,492 Filipinos residing or working in Beijing and its neighboring cities and provinces adding that the actual number of Filipinos in this Chinese capital could be more.
According to Chua, Filipinos in Beijing work in various fields -- international journalists, global executives, musicians, household service employees, doctors, engineers, teachers, and hotel and restaurant managers among others
Asked whether the Philippine Embassy is implementing programs to help and assist Filipino workers in Beijing, Chua pointed out that the Embassy has been seriously looking after the welfare of Filipino nationals.
"We have a 24-hour hotline that receives calls ranging from questions on visas, passports and consular services as well as requests for various forms of consular assistance," he said.
The Embassy also informs the Filipino community of updates on information from the Philippines and China that are relevant to them. "We also send them advisories related to public health such as the flu epidemic here at winter time and the local radiation levels observed by authorities in the aftermath of the earthquake in Japan," Chua added.(PCOO)
Busy schedule awaits President Aquino in Beijing
BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III expects a busy schedule upon his arrival here on Tuesday on the first leg of his five-day state visit to the People's Republic of China (PROC) from August 30 to September 3, 2011.
Included in the President's visit to PROC are the cities of Shanghai and Xiamen.
The Chief Executive's visit, his first, is aimed at further strengthening the over three decades of "friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the Philippines and China."
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the President's visit likewise hopes to "promote a people-centered partnership that will push for more trade, investments, media, culture, education, and tourism exchange between the two countries."
Accompanied by some members of his Cabinet and a large Philippine business delegation (about 270), the President will arrive at the Beijing Capital Airport on board a Philippine Airlines Special Commercial Flight PR001 from Manila.
He will be welcomed by Chinese Embassy officials led by Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Liu Jianchao, Deputy Director-General of Protocol Department Xie Bohua of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing headed by Charge d'Affaires ad interim Alex Chua, Minister and Consul General Maria Teresa Almojuela and First Secretary and Consul Noel Novicio.
From the airport, the President and his delegation will motor to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse where he will stay for the duration of his visit here.
The President will start his activity on Wednesday morning (August 31) by meeting separately with Chinese businessmen at the China World Hotel. These are the officials of the Energy World, the State Grid of China Corporation/National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, China Trend/China Investment Corporation/China Petroleum, and DPWH-led Chinese Contractors.
He will also have a brief meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan.
This will be followed by his attendance at the Philippines-China Economic and Trade Forum where he will deliver his keynote speech.
At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the President will be interviewed by Yang Rui and Yang Lan of CCTV Dialogue.
The President will be officially welcomed at the Great Hall of the People here by Chinese President Hu Jintao, in fitting ceremonies accorded a visiting head of state.
Immediately after his first summit meeting with the Chinese leader, the two heads of state will hold a bilateral meeting.
President Aquino and President Hu Jintao are also expected to witness the signing of agreements in the fields of trade, economic and technical cooperation, media, sports, culture and information among others that will further boost the relationship between the two countries.
In the evening, the President will attend a State Banquet at the Great Hall of the People which will be hosted in his honor by the Chinese President.
He will also meet with the Filipino community of Beijing to personally check on their condition and to inform them of the positive developments of the Philippines under his administration.
There are some 2,492 Filipinos in Beijing and its neighboring cities and provinces who are working as doctors, engineers, teachers, and hotel and restaurant managers, including musicians among others.
Prior to the Coffee with the Philippine media, the President will drop by at a dinner hosted by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines for the 270 business delegation.
President Aquino will also take time out from his busy schedules here to visit Beijing's two most visited historical sites -- the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.
The Chinese government has recommended that President Aquino will visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall, which is approximately 80 kilometers northwest from the center of Beijing.
The Badaling section of the Great Wall, which is the best preserved and most popular among all its sections, is more than 1,000 meters (or 3,281 feet) above sea level, and said to command a strategic position for transportation and defense in ancient times.
The famous Great Wall of China, aside from the Forbidden City, is the most frequented site by both local visitors and tourists all over the world.
The Forbidden City is most commonly known in Chinese as Gugong which means the "Former Palace." It was the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum.
In efforts to enjoin more investors to infuse their capital in the Philippines, President Aquino will likewise meet separately with officials of other Chinese business groups namely, the Lee World, China ASEAN Fund, Dong Feng, Shandong Sanli Tires, and Dungfeng.
Before leaving for Shanghai, the President will meet with Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Premier Wen Jiabao.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China on June 9, 1975, the bilateral partnership between the two countries has reached unprecedented levels in terms of political/security and regional cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which have benefited the two countries and peoples.
The Philippines-China economic and trade cooperation continues to serve as the engine that drives Philippine-China relations to greater heights. China is the Philippines' third largest trading partner and the fastest growing source of tourists.(PCOO)
