Aquino meets Wu Bangguo in Beijing
BEIJING, China: Wu Bangguo, Standing Committee Chairman of the National People's Congress welcomed President Benigno S. Aquino III saying that his visit to People's Republic of China will help further improve the relations between the two countries.
"I believe that your visit will give another strong boost to our balanced of ties, Bangguo said in welcoming the President on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People here.
"It shows how much importance you have given to the Philippines relations with China. Yesterday you had very good discussion with President Hu Jintao. You had a thorough exchange of views on the bilateral relationship and issues of mutual interests. You also jointly attended the signing ceremony of a large number of agreements," Bangguo stressed.
Bangguo likewise expressed elation over the fact that the President's trip to PROC would also include Shanghai and Fujian.
"As the Chinese often say, seeing is the best. I am sure that your visit will help you gain a much deeper understanding about China. I sincerely hope that you will leave the country with a fond memory. Once again a very warm welcome to you," he said.
For his part, President Aquino expressed his profound thanks to Bangguo for welcoming him and for all the courtesies extended to him and his delegation by the government of China.
"Even right now, we can go home confident that we will be bringing a lot of good news to our people. Thank you you very much for all of these," the President told Bangguo
The President informed Bangguo about the good news that he received during his visit.
"A very good piece for news that we received this afternoon is the China ASEAN Fund, they're earmarking a substantial portion of this fund for the Philippines. And again, we'd like to thank you for that." he stressed.
The President also informed Bangguo about the Great Hall of the People, as well as his visit to the Great Wall of China.
"This is my first time to have visited the People's Republic of China. From the Great Hall (of the People) that is truly impressive to the very physically taxing trip we had to the Great Wall earlier," he said
He likewise noted that Filipinos have a better understanding of the character of the Chinese people to saying that "when they are determined to do something, the successes they want, they are able to achieve."
BEIJING, China: Wu Bangguo, Standing Committee Chairman of the National People's Congress welcomed President Benigno S. Aquino III saying that his visit to People's Republic of China will help further improve the relations between the two countries.
"I believe that your visit will give another strong boost to our balanced of ties, Bangguo said in welcoming the President on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People here.
"It shows how much importance you have given to the Philippines relations with China. Yesterday you had very good discussion with President Hu Jintao. You had a thorough exchange of views on the bilateral relationship and issues of mutual interests. You also jointly attended the signing ceremony of a large number of agreements," Bangguo stressed.
Bangguo likewise expressed elation over the fact that the President's trip to PROC would also include Shanghai and Fujian.
"As the Chinese often say, seeing is the best. I am sure that your visit will help you gain a much deeper understanding about China. I sincerely hope that you will leave the country with a fond memory. Once again a very warm welcome to you," he said.
For his part, President Aquino expressed his profound thanks to Bangguo for welcoming him and for all the courtesies extended to him and his delegation by the government of China.
"Even right now, we can go home confident that we will be bringing a lot of good news to our people. Thank you you very much for all of these," the President told Bangguo
The President informed Bangguo about the good news that he received during his visit.
"A very good piece for news that we received this afternoon is the China ASEAN Fund, they're earmarking a substantial portion of this fund for the Philippines. And again, we'd like to thank you for that." he stressed.
The President also informed Bangguo about the Great Hall of the People, as well as his visit to the Great Wall of China.
"This is my first time to have visited the People's Republic of China. From the Great Hall (of the People) that is truly impressive to the very physically taxing trip we had to the Great Wall earlier," he said
He likewise noted that Filipinos have a better understanding of the character of the Chinese people to saying that "when they are determined to do something, the successes they want, they are able to achieve."
"One can't help but admire the fact that you have a lot of ethnic groups, you have a diverse population but you also see a lot of unity throughout the centuries," he added.(PCOO)
Aquino meets Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing
BEIJING, China: President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who underscored the importance of managing bilateral relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China “from a strategic and long-term perspective”.
In his opening remarks, Premier Wen lauded the ‘productive talks’ held by President Aquino with his counterpart, Chinese President Hu Jintao, at the Great Hall of the People yesterday where they signed several agreements aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between their countries.
“It is important to view and manage this relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective and properly handle the disagreements between us because that will help shape a favorable atmosphere and sustain the growth of our bilateral ties,” Premier Wen told President Aquino.
“You and the President have together set out a new program for the growth of our bilateral ties. These agreements must be fully implemented and today, I’m happy to have this opportunity to have an exchange of views with you on those major issues of mutual interest,” he added.
President Aquino, for his part, said he agrees with the premise of the Chinese official and expressed commitment toward sustaining the growth of the bilateral ties between China and the Philippines.
He also did not miss the opportunity to thank China and everyone responsible for making his first official trip to Beijing a successful one.
“We acknowledge and we are fortunate for the friendship that China has bestowed on our country,” President Aquino added.
The President arrived at the Zhongnanhai at about 4:10 p.m. where he was welcomed by Premier Wen and other Chinese government officials. He was joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, and Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda among other officials during the meeting.(PCOO)
President Aquino arrives in Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived Thursday night here for the second leg of his five-day three-city tour of the People’s Republic of China which began last August 30 until September 3, 2011.
The President, whose special commercial flight PR001 arrived at the Hongqiao International Airport at around 7:30, came from Beijing after meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese businessmen.
Upon his arrival, the President was met by Li Mingjun, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office and Philippine Consul General to Shanghai Charles Jose.
From the airport, the President proceeded to the Shangri-la Hotel in the Pudong district, his official place of residence during his stay, before beginning a hectic, whole-day schedule highlighted by the Philippine–Eastern China Business Forum at 10 this morning.
The President will then witness a signing ceremony between the CEO of Chinese hotel chain Jinjiang Group and the Filipino-Chinese owner of Liwayway Marketing Corporation, makers of Oishi prawn crackers who will call on the Chief Executive at 11 a.m.
President Aquino will then proceed to the Hengshan Picardie Hotel for a luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Shanghai, Han Zheng.
In the afternoon, the President will meet with Chinese investors namely: the Luen Thai Private Group and Huwawei Business Group executives before going on a site visit of Liwayway Marketing Corp’s manufacturing plant here.
The President will cap the day by meeting with members of the Filipino community who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chief Executive.(PCOO)
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived Thursday night here for the second leg of his five-day three-city tour of the People’s Republic of China which began last August 30 until September 3, 2011.
The President, whose special commercial flight PR001 arrived at the Hongqiao International Airport at around 7:30, came from Beijing after meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese businessmen.
Upon his arrival, the President was met by Li Mingjun, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office and Philippine Consul General to Shanghai Charles Jose.
From the airport, the President proceeded to the Shangri-la Hotel in the Pudong district, his official place of residence during his stay, before beginning a hectic, whole-day schedule highlighted by the Philippine–Eastern China Business Forum at 10 this morning.
The President will then witness a signing ceremony between the CEO of Chinese hotel chain Jinjiang Group and the Filipino-Chinese owner of Liwayway Marketing Corporation, makers of Oishi prawn crackers who will call on the Chief Executive at 11 a.m.
President Aquino will then proceed to the Hengshan Picardie Hotel for a luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Shanghai, Han Zheng.
In the afternoon, the President will meet with Chinese investors namely: the Luen Thai Private Group and Huwawei Business Group executives before going on a site visit of Liwayway Marketing Corp’s manufacturing plant here.
The President will cap the day by meeting with members of the Filipino community who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chief Executive.(PCOO)
Aquino visits Great Wall of China and Forbidden City
BEIJING, China -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday visited the Great Wall of China which he described as "awe-inspiring."
"The Great Wall is truly awe- inspiring. Conceptualizing it is already a marvel, but to actually construct it...." the President said in a message he wrote during his visit to this historical landmark frequented by local tourists and visitors from all over the world here.
The President, accompanied by some members of his Cabinet, motored to the Great Wall at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday to see for himself this noted favorite site of visitors here.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino was received by Deputy Director of the Badaling Special Administrative Center Rong Xinfeng.
After the greetings and introduction, the President, escorted by Xinfeng and some members of his Cabinet moved to treck the long stretch until he bravely reached the uphill portion of the south tower of the Badaling section of the Great Wall.
As a token for his visit, the President was first presented a book containing more than 400 photos of state leaders who visited the Great Wall since the '50's. Included in the book was the President's late mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, who also visited it during her historic visit to China.
Two more gifts were given to the President at the VIP Room, namely, a framed night photo of the Great Wall, and a framed certificate attesting that he had climbed the Great Wall.
While in the Great Wall, President Aquino obliged to have a photo opportunity with some of his Cabinet members and delegation.
The Chinese government has recommended that the President should visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall because it is the best preserved and most popular among all of the Great Wall's sections. 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 and admired 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 US 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 proceeded to the Forbidden City which is most commonly known in Chinese as Gugong, meaning the "Former Palace."
In this site, the President visited three main halls where national treasures are displayed. An interpreter was on hand to brief the President on the features of the Forbidden City.
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 o 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 artwork and artifacts were built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties. (PCOO)
BEIJING, China -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday visited the Great Wall of China which he described as "awe-inspiring."
"The Great Wall is truly awe- inspiring. Conceptualizing it is already a marvel, but to actually construct it...." the President said in a message he wrote during his visit to this historical landmark frequented by local tourists and visitors from all over the world here.
The President, accompanied by some members of his Cabinet, motored to the Great Wall at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday to see for himself this noted favorite site of visitors here.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino was received by Deputy Director of the Badaling Special Administrative Center Rong Xinfeng.
After the greetings and introduction, the President, escorted by Xinfeng and some members of his Cabinet moved to treck the long stretch until he bravely reached the uphill portion of the south tower of the Badaling section of the Great Wall.
As a token for his visit, the President was first presented a book containing more than 400 photos of state leaders who visited the Great Wall since the '50's. Included in the book was the President's late mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, who also visited it during her historic visit to China.
Two more gifts were given to the President at the VIP Room, namely, a framed night photo of the Great Wall, and a framed certificate attesting that he had climbed the Great Wall.
While in the Great Wall, President Aquino obliged to have a photo opportunity with some of his Cabinet members and delegation.
The Chinese government has recommended that the President should visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall because it is the best preserved and most popular among all of the Great Wall's sections. 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 and admired 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 US 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 proceeded to the Forbidden City which is most commonly known in Chinese as Gugong, meaning the "Former Palace."
In this site, the President visited three main halls where national treasures are displayed. An interpreter was on hand to brief the President on the features of the Forbidden City.
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 o 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 artwork and artifacts were built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties. (PCOO)
Aquino cites PH-China centuries-old ties at business forum
BEIJING, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the centuries-old ties between the Philippines and China as he challenged both countries to step up its mutual and beneficial relations in order to create “opportunities for a better life for both our peoples in the 21st century.”
In his speech keynoting the Philippines-Eastern China Business Forum held at the Shangri-la Hotel here this morning, the President invited Chinese businessmen to invest in the Philippines, which he said is now “open for business.”
“Before there was the People’s Republic of China or the Republic of the Philippines, there were the Chinese and the Filipino people. Our ties go back centuries, people-to-people, to an extent that can literally be seen and touched,” the President said to some 500 Chinese and Filipino-Chinese businessmen who attended the forum.
“Since then, our ties have been strong and solid, and thus, enduring. It is up to us, now, to increase our mutual understanding to unleash the great potential for partnerships between you and us,” he added.
He said that his Administration was undertaking reforms in government in order to make the Philippines more appealing as an investment site to potential investors.
These he said include ridding the bureaucracy of corruption and by heavily investing in infrastructure and in the Filipino people.
“Ending corruption means ending transactions made for the benefit of those in power, conveniently neglecting the vast majority of my countrymen. By holding the corrupt accountable, we are sending a signal to the whole world: in the Philippines, the rules are followed. In the Philippines, we have a level playing field. In the Philippines we are open for business: the clean, fair, and honest kind,” the President said.
“Just as our people will benefit from jobs created by investments, government, too, will benefit from commercial investments, which can be channelled into public investments: first, in infrastructure, to make our country even more attractive to those who wish to set up shop. And second, in our people, in the form of added funding for social services, education, and health,” he added.
BEIJING, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the centuries-old ties between the Philippines and China as he challenged both countries to step up its mutual and beneficial relations in order to create “opportunities for a better life for both our peoples in the 21st century.”
In his speech keynoting the Philippines-Eastern China Business Forum held at the Shangri-la Hotel here this morning, the President invited Chinese businessmen to invest in the Philippines, which he said is now “open for business.”
“Before there was the People’s Republic of China or the Republic of the Philippines, there were the Chinese and the Filipino people. Our ties go back centuries, people-to-people, to an extent that can literally be seen and touched,” the President said to some 500 Chinese and Filipino-Chinese businessmen who attended the forum.
“Since then, our ties have been strong and solid, and thus, enduring. It is up to us, now, to increase our mutual understanding to unleash the great potential for partnerships between you and us,” he added.
He said that his Administration was undertaking reforms in government in order to make the Philippines more appealing as an investment site to potential investors.
These he said include ridding the bureaucracy of corruption and by heavily investing in infrastructure and in the Filipino people.
“Ending corruption means ending transactions made for the benefit of those in power, conveniently neglecting the vast majority of my countrymen. By holding the corrupt accountable, we are sending a signal to the whole world: in the Philippines, the rules are followed. In the Philippines, we have a level playing field. In the Philippines we are open for business: the clean, fair, and honest kind,” the President said.
“Just as our people will benefit from jobs created by investments, government, too, will benefit from commercial investments, which can be channelled into public investments: first, in infrastructure, to make our country even more attractive to those who wish to set up shop. And second, in our people, in the form of added funding for social services, education, and health,” he added.
“All these creates an environment where people are empowered with skills and capabilities to participate in society; where jobs give our people the chance to improve their lot in life; and where businesses thrive because there is ample infrastructure, and because consumers have disposable incomes,” the President said.
The President pointed out that the reforms being implemented have already borne fruit such as having Philippine stock markets hitting all-time highs, seven times during his Administration, and having the ability to fund even more projects without raising taxes in the past year.
He expressed confidence that this positive trend his government reforms are taking “will be carried forward and onwards through our Public-Private Partnership Programs” resulting in an “increase in foreign direct investments, and improved industry competitiveness.”
“A more prudent and honest fiscal management program has already yielded many billions of pesos in savings. At the same time, we are accelerating government spending to stimulate the economy,” the President said.
He assured the audience that the reforms being implemented were not meant to dissuade anyone from investing in the Philippines but were in fact being done to “create a more equitable business environment.”
“It is my hope that these reforms do not raise doubts among some who are contemplating investing in the Philippines. Let me assure you that we must do these things now in order to create a more equitable business environment, where each contract signed and each project completed will stand firmly on the bedrock of integrity,” the President said.
“In other words, where every contract represents the Five “R’s” we envision: Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, Right People and Right on Time. This is the only way to ensure that your projects will not be questioned by the public, or by succeeding administrations,” he added.
In ending, the President once again cited the long, enduring ties between our peoples.
“Our ties of mutual interest and partnerships are unshakably firm; let us build on this to create, together, opportunities for a better life for both our peoples in the 21st century,” the President said.(PCOO)
Aquino appoints ‘Neric’ Acosta acting member of Laguna Lake Development Authority
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed former Rep. Juan Romeo Nereus “Neric” Acosta of Bukidnon province as acting member of the board of directors of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)
The appointment was announced by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during a news briefing held in Malacanang on Friday.
A member of the Liberal Party Acosta, took his oath of office last August 24 as presidential adviser for environmental protection before President Aquino in Malacanang Palace.
Acosta, who served as representative for the first district of Bukidnon, is the principal author of the Clean Air Act. He also sponsored major environmental legislation on clean water, solid waste management and biodiversity protection.
He also served as the House of Representative’s chairman of the Committee on Ecology and vice chairman of the Committees on Science and Technology, Human Rights, and Foreign Relations.
Valte also announced the resignation of LLDA General Manager Rodrigo Cabrera.
The President will soon name the replacement of Cabrera, according to Valte.
“The letter of resignation of GM Cabrera was accepted by the Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last August 17 and took effect also on the same day,” Valte said.(PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed former Rep. Juan Romeo Nereus “Neric” Acosta of Bukidnon province as acting member of the board of directors of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)
The appointment was announced by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during a news briefing held in Malacanang on Friday.
A member of the Liberal Party Acosta, took his oath of office last August 24 as presidential adviser for environmental protection before President Aquino in Malacanang Palace.
Acosta, who served as representative for the first district of Bukidnon, is the principal author of the Clean Air Act. He also sponsored major environmental legislation on clean water, solid waste management and biodiversity protection.
He also served as the House of Representative’s chairman of the Committee on Ecology and vice chairman of the Committees on Science and Technology, Human Rights, and Foreign Relations.
Valte also announced the resignation of LLDA General Manager Rodrigo Cabrera.
The President will soon name the replacement of Cabrera, according to Valte.
“The letter of resignation of GM Cabrera was accepted by the Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last August 17 and took effect also on the same day,” Valte said.(PCOO)
The greatest advantage of investing in PHL is the Filipino workforce – Aquino
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino cited on Friday the Filipino workforce as the single greatest advantage of investing in the Philippines.
In the Q&A portion of his participation to the Philippine-Eastern China Business Forum held at the Shangri-la Hotel here, the President said the Filipino’s educational attainment, adaptability and quality of work were some of the characteristics which employers highly considered in its employees.
“The greatest primary advantage of investing in the Philippines is the quality of our human work force.
The labor force is one that is highly adapted, highly educated and with an increasing ability to be adaptable to any conditions in any country,” the President said.
Trade Secretary Cristino Panlilio echoed the President’s observation saying the Filipino worker was one of the most sought after employees in the international arena.
In his presentation, Panlilio said that the 35.92-million that comprise the Filipino workforce, had achieved a 92.3 percent literacy rate, 76 percent were fluent in English and that 469,654 were college graduates in the fields of engineering, business and medical and allied services.
But aside from having an outstanding workforce, Panlilio said the Philippines’ strategic location, robust telecom infrastructure and world-class economic zones which have cut down red-tape to zero were also the reasons for choosing the Philippines as a top-rate investment site.
“There is a whole list of incentives for setting up in the Philippines and your idea of labor-intensive industries is in line with our own goal of job generation which is one of the promises we made to the people,” the President said.(PCOO)
The country faces graft and corruption as modern-day oppressor, says Coloma
CABIAO, Nueva Ecija: Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma told the people of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, who commemorate Friday the 115th anniversary celebration of the “First Cry of Nueva Ecija,” that the country now faces a new kind of oppressor—graft and corruption.
Friday’s commemoration highlights the heroism of Gen. Mariano Llanera, a Cabiao-born military leader who led fights against the Spaniards during the uprisings in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
In an interview over Nueva Ecija-based dwNE radio Friday morning, Coloma said that while people of the province celebrate the bravery of General Llanera and his men during the revolution, they must also bear in mind that the country now fights graft and corruption which is a major challenge for the country.
“Ito po ay laban sa mga nagsasagawa ng anomalya na dapat nang puksain at itigil para naman po umunlad ang ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagtahak sa daang matuwid,” Coloma said.
Coloma also relayed the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III who expressed his message of support to the people of Cabiao. The President is in China for a five-day state visit and is expected to be back on Saturday, September 3.
At the same time, Coloma asked the people of Cabiao to tell the government about their wants and concerns so that the Aquino administration could address them.
Coloma noted that this is the reason why the President organized the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the office Coloma heads, to link the people with their government.
The President wants the people to inform him about things that could help the country move forward, Coloma said. In the modern times, the country also needs a revolution, Coloma said, adding however that it is an uprising that is unarmed one contrary to General Llanera’s rebellion.
“Ito po ay isang rebolusyon at isang himagsikan sa larangan ng kaisipan, sa larangan ng kamulatan. Kinakailangang baguhin na po natin ang ating kaisipan. Huwag na po tayong mag-isip ng mga bagay na makasisira o makakalikha pa ng kaguluhan o ligalig. Ang isipin po nating lahat: Ano po ba ang puwede nating gawin? Ano po ba ang ating maitutulong?” he said.
The event in Cabiao on Friday is also called Gen. Mariano Llanera Day.
General Llanera, a native of Cabiao, led around 3,000 revolutionaries in a successful assault of San Isidro, the former capital of Nueva Ecija, on September 2, 1896. Llanera, who also led battles in Bulacan, was one of the signatories of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution in November 1897 and the pact of Biak-na-Bato on the same year.
He was exiled in Hong Kong together with General Emilio Aguinaldo in December 1897 and the following year he was captured by the Americans and was deported to Guam. He returned to the Philippines in December 1902 and died in the Philippines on September 19, 1942. (PCOO)
Aquino and Hu Jintao share positive assessment of development in PHL-China relations
BEIJING, China --President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Hu Jintao shared a positive assessment of the development in Philippine-China relations in the last 36 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975.
The President arrived in Beijing last August 30, 2011 at the start of his five-day state visit to the People's Republic of China. The visit will also take him to the cities of Shanghai and Xiamen until he leaves for Manila on September 3, 2011.
In a Joint Statement released on Thursday, the two leaders also reiterated their commitment to jointly pursue a long-term and stable relationship of strategic cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
They also agreed that the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Cooperation signed by the two sides on October 29, 2009 will continue to guide cooperation in all fields.
The Philippines likewise reaffirmed it's adherence to the one China Policy.
President Aquino and President Hu Jintao welcomed the various agreements signed by the two sides in the course of the visit, expressing confidence that these will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of, among others, trade, economic and technical cooperation, tourism, nautical connectivity, media, sports, culture and information.
They also committed themselves to continue strengthening the strategic and cooperative relationship for peace and development between the Philippines and China.
At the same time, the two leaders affirmed the importance of the existing Philippines - China bilateral dialogue mechanisms in enhancing understanding, broadening cooperation and striving for a stronger relationship.
The statement likewise noted that the two sides agreed to increase regular high-level exchanges, visits and meetings between leaders, cabinet members, legislators, judicial officials, defense, and military officials, as well as local government officials.
The two leaders also agreed to encourage more exchanges among the youth, entrepreneurs, educators, media practitioners, and artists, among others, to strengthen better understanding and mutual trust between the two countries and peoples.
They agreed that with the current instability of the global economy and the growing role of emerging and developing economies in sustaining growth, it is highly practical and important for the Philippines and China to broaden and strengthen their economic and trade cooperation.
President Aquino and President Hu Jintao also affirmed that the Philippine -China Five-Year Development Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation (2012-2016) serves as the blueprint for future efforts in the following sectors: agriculture and fishery,infrastructure and public works, mining, energy, information and communications technology, processing and manufacturing, tourism, engineering services and forestry.
Both sides also agreed to further expand the volume of bilateral trade and accordingly set a target of US60 billion in total two-way trade by 2016.
They also agreed to improve the trade structure, promote a more vigorous exchange of investments and explore new areas of economic cooperation in the fields of,among others, new and renewable energy, shipping, and ports.
The People's Republic of China affirmed it's support for the Public Private Partnership program of the Philippine government and committed to encourage it's qualified companies to participate in the competitive bidding and ports.
The Philippines also expressed appreciation to China for its development assistance to various economic, agricultural and infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
The two sides will discuss the establishment of a nautical highway that will infuse new energy to bilateral trade and economic activities between the two countries which complement and support the connectivity between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China.
They also welcomed the increasing number of twinning arrangements between their cities and provinces and stressed the role of such arrangements as bridges of promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and peoples.(PCOO)
Aquino, Hu Jintao agree to make 2012-2013 ‘years of friendly exchanges’ for Philippines and China
BEIJING, China -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Hu Jintao agreed that 2012-2013 will be the "Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges."
In a Joint Statement issued on Thursday, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that two-way tourist arrivals have breached the one-million mark.
They also agreed to adopt the goal of doubling two-way tourist arrivals to two million by 2016 and expressed optimism that an expansion of capacity entitlements in air services will contribute to the attainment of this goal.
Noting that the Philippines and the People's Republic of China have active judicial and law-enforcement exchanges and cooperation through existing bilateral agreements, the two leader agreed to fulfill the legal procedures in expediting the Treaty between the countries concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and begin negotiations for a bilateral agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and trafficking in persons.
They also exchanged views on maritime disputes and agreed not to let it affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
President Aquino and President Hu Jintao reiterated their commitment to addressing the disputes through peaceful dialogue, to maintain continued regional peace, security, stability and an environment conducive to economic progress.
Both leaders agreed to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN member countries in 2002.
The two leaders likewise expressed satisfaction with the progress of ASEAN-China relations in the past 20 years and affirmed the principle of ASEAN centrality in the discussions on the nature and shape of a future regional architecture in Asia.
Lastly, the two leaders expressed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation in the United Nations. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Asia-Europe Meeting, World Trade Organization, United Nations Climate Change Conference and other regional and multilateral organizations.(rsda) (PCOO)
BEIJING, China -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Hu Jintao agreed that 2012-2013 will be the "Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges."
In a Joint Statement issued on Thursday, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that two-way tourist arrivals have breached the one-million mark.
They also agreed to adopt the goal of doubling two-way tourist arrivals to two million by 2016 and expressed optimism that an expansion of capacity entitlements in air services will contribute to the attainment of this goal.
Noting that the Philippines and the People's Republic of China have active judicial and law-enforcement exchanges and cooperation through existing bilateral agreements, the two leader agreed to fulfill the legal procedures in expediting the Treaty between the countries concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and begin negotiations for a bilateral agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and trafficking in persons.
They also exchanged views on maritime disputes and agreed not to let it affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
President Aquino and President Hu Jintao reiterated their commitment to addressing the disputes through peaceful dialogue, to maintain continued regional peace, security, stability and an environment conducive to economic progress.
Both leaders agreed to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN member countries in 2002.
The two leaders likewise expressed satisfaction with the progress of ASEAN-China relations in the past 20 years and affirmed the principle of ASEAN centrality in the discussions on the nature and shape of a future regional architecture in Asia.
Lastly, the two leaders expressed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation in the United Nations. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Asia-Europe Meeting, World Trade Organization, United Nations Climate Change Conference and other regional and multilateral organizations.(rsda) (PCOO)
Government to hire additional 12,000 health workers under RN HEALS program
CABIAO, Nueva Ecija: The government will hire additional 12,000 nurses, midwives and doctors under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS) program of the Department of Health (DOH) to help poor communities have access to proper healthcare, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said on Friday.
President Benigno S. Aquino III will announce in the next two weeks the hiring of another 12,000 nurses, midwives and some doctors after the government employed 10,000 nurses in the last six months, Ona announced in an event commemorating the “First Cry of Nueva Ecija” in Cabiao in Nueva Ecija on Friday.
“Ihaha-hire po natin sila para makatulong na mapabuti pa ang atin pong mga ospital, mga clinics, at saka mga rural health units. Para po mabigyan ng sapat na tulong at serbisyo yung ating mga kababayang may sakit,” Ona said in a message in Cabiao during the 115th commemoration of the uprising in Nueva Ecija.
RN HEALS, which employs nurses in the poor communities, seeks to make essential health services available to all Filipinos identified by the DOH in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The program is in collaboration between the national government and local government units (LGUs). It is expected to address the shortage of skilled and experienced nurses in 1,221 rural and unserved or underserved communities for one year.
At the same time, Ona announced that starting this September, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) will carry out the case- rate system, which is part of the reforms in the insurance system to give more Filipinos access to healthcare.
Under the program, members of the Philhealth-sponsored programs or those under the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the DSWD will be treated without paying out-of-pocket expenses in government hospitals.
To make the government’s universal health care initiative effective, Ona encouraged middle-income families to enroll in Philhealth so they can enjoy Philhealth insurance coverage. The yearly contribution is P1,200 that covers a family, he said.
Another program of the DOH is to reduce the maternal deaths in the country, Ona said. Presently, the country’s maternal mortality stands at 95 to 163 per 100,000 live births while infant mortality is at 25 per 1,000 live births.
The Philippines is committed, under the Millennium Development Goals to reduce its maternal and infant mortality to 52 per 100,000 live births and 19 per 1,000 live births respectively.
To achieve this, Ona said the DOH carries out a program that improves the ability of the country’s rural health units to effectively handle child deliveries. Rural health units will have trained nurses and midwives for the program to eliminate the need to transfer patients to hospitals especially those having normal deliveries, Ona said (PCOO)
Aquino witnesses signing of agreements between PHL and Chinese businesses
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a Memorandum of Cooperation and a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Philippine and Chinese businesses held at the Shangri-La hotel here on Friday.
The President witnessed the simultaneous signing of said historic documents after keynoting the Philippine-East China Business Forum where he invited Chinese businessmen to invest in the country.
The Chief Executive witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippines and China, represented by Jiangsu Huaihai Construction Group, one of China’s construction companies, to establish and expand construction and real estate development facilities in the Philippines.
Another MOU the President was present at was between Huawei International Pte. Ltd., Next Mobile, Inc. and Information Capital Technology Ventures Inc., to propose an information technology program for government use.
A Memorandum of Agreement between Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and HydroChina International Engineering Co. Ltd., a Memorandum of Cooperation between Cagayan Ironsand Corporation and Heibei Iron and Steel Group and a Letter of Intent of Tan Holdings expressing its intent to expand its operations in the country was also witnessed by the President.
He was joined by Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary Jose Almendras, Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Chinese officials.(PCOO)
President Aquino orders release of P6-billion for rehabilitation of Philippine airports
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the release of P6-billion to fund the development, repair, and maintenance of various domestic airports in the Philippines to improve its facilities in order to service the bulk of foreign airline companies who will partake in the government’s open skies policy.
In an interview during a lull in the meeting of President Aquino and officials of Chinese airline Hainan Airlines Company Limited (HNA) at the Suzhou Room of the Shangri-la Hotel here, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President had directed Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas to undertake repair and rehabilitation works on the country’s airports in order to ease the departures and arrivals of flights.
He said the President had also invited the Hainan officials to visit the Philippines and take part in its pocket open skies policy which opens up Philippine airspace to other carriers to spur tourism as well as economic growth.
"Dito sa Hainan, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na may pocket open skies (policy) so inimbita niya na sumali, at interesado naman, ang Hainan na pumasok sa atin,” Lacierda said.
“Tayo naman, sinabi ni (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas, ang utos ngayon ni Pangulo ay i-develop ang mga airports at i-connect sila. We will be investing around P6-billion para i-develop ang mga airports natin,” he added.
In response, Lacierda said the airline officials “have expressed interest to come over and also operate an airline company in the Philippines.” (PCOO)
Chinese consortium calls on Aquino in Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China (via PLDT) – Officials of a chain of Chinese hotels and a Filipino-Chinese food manufacturer have recently teamed up and chose to tell President Benigno S. Aquino III of its plan to extend operations in the Philippines.
Officials of Jinjiang International Hotel Investment Company and Liwayway Marketing, led by Chief Executive Officer Zurong Xu and Chairman Carlos Chan, respectively, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Shangri-la Hotel here Friday.
The President, together with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and other cabinet secretaries, witnessed the brand licensing contract signing which states that Jinjiang and Liwayway will be investing US$850-million to construct economy hotels in key areas of Metro Manila.
According to the contract, the Jinjiang and Liwayway will put up its brand of econotels in Makati and Pasay Cities. The establishment is projected to start in 2013.
Zurong cited the strong potential of the Philippines tourism sector as the reason for investing in the country. He further said that it has a competent and professional labor force that can attract investors.
Jinjiang is one of the leading budget hotel conglomerates in China while Liwayway, a company known for its snack products, expanded their business into real estate. (PCOO)
