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| 22 JANUARY 2008 | . | |
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| 22 JANUARY 2008 | . | |
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| PGMA begins busy 4-day working visit to Switzerland on Wednesday |
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ZURICH, Switzerland - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to
arrive here at 11 p.m. Tuesday (6:00 a.m. Wednesday, Manila time) for her
four-day working visit to Switzerland to discuss key issues with world
leaders and entice more investments, trade and cooperation by showcasing the
advantages and economic upsurge of the Philippines due to various reforms
initiated by her administration. The President's visit here will be highlighted by her attendance at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the ski resort city of Davos, which gathers more than 2,500 participants from 88 countries, including 27 heads of state or government, 113 Cabinet members, along with religious and media leaders, and heads of non-governmental organizations. For over three decades, the annual meeting has become a venue and platform for collaboration and action for the leaders of governments and various sectors to address priorities and global issues at the start of each year. The world leaders, top business officials and other guests would be officially welcomed to the 2008 WEF annual meeting during a reception Wednesday in Davos, located some three hours by land travel from Zurich. On her first day here Wednesday, the President is scheduled to meet with top Swiss businessmen when she addresses the Swiss Chamber of Commerce at the Savoy Hotel in this city, the largest and the main commercial and cultural center of Switzerland. This would be followed by a series of business and courtesy calls led by Zuellig Pharmaceuticals Chairman Dr. Stephen Zuellig, and the luncheon with the International Board of Advisors before departing in the afternoon for Davos. On Thursday, the President is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with business leaders in Davos, highlighted by the bilateral meetings with Swiss Confederation President Pascal Couchepin and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdulah Bin Hadji Ahmad Badawis. The President is also scheduled to hold meetings with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Pascal Lamy, and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who is one of the co-chairmen of the 2008 WEF annual meet. On Friday morning, the President would have a 10-minute live interview by Reuters senior journalist Steve Clark in the official breakfast program of WEF, "Davos Today." Afterwards, the President would have a series of courtesy calls and meetings led by Netherlands Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, WEF Executive Chairman and Founder Prof. Klaus Schwab, Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Sadako Ogata, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Khan. President Arroyo would then address the high-level plenary session of the Swiss Congress on the “Emerging Role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Asian Community.” The President's working visit here will be highlighted by her address at the WEF on "Gender Parity Group: Agenda for the Future" at the Congress Centre, Parsenn Workspace in Davos, on Friday evening. The President will leave for Dubai on Saturday morning. |
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| President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's departure statement on her visits to Switzerland and the Middle East |
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(Read by the President at the opening of the joint National Economic and
Development Authority-Cabinet Group and National Anti-Poverty
Commission-Cabinet Group meeting at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining
Room, January 22, 2008) Mga kababayan, nagagalak tayo sa malaking pagbaba ng dami ng mga mamamayang nagsasabing naghihirap sila, pinakamababa sa dalawampung taon. Ito ang bunga ng ating mga reporma sa ekonomiya, katatagan ng sambayanan laban sa pamumulitika at pag-aalsa, at lumalagong kumpyansa at pagtingala ng mundo sa ating bansa. Sa tumitinding tagumpay ng ating sama-samang pagsulong ng progreso, kailangan din nating bigyang-pansin ang ilang pangkat na hindi pa lubos na nabibigyan ng ating lumalagong ekonomiya at kaban ng bayan. Kaya naman patuloy ang pakikipag-konsulta ng Gabinete sa iba’t-ibang sector, kasama ang mga pinuno ng simbahan at iba pang tinig ng mahihirap. Bahagi ng pulong ng Gabinete ngayon ang kagyat na pagtugon ng pamahalaan sa mga usapin, hinaing at pangangailangang inilapit sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan. Umasa kayo: nakinig at kikilos tayo. Pangunahin sa ating pagkilos para sa mahihirap ang paggamit ng lumalagong kaban ng bayan para sa mga programang pangkabuhayan, pangkalusugan, pang-edukasyon, pabahay, koryente at tubig, at tulong sa magsasaka at mangingisda. Sa patuloy na pagsigla ng ekonomiya at paghahatid ng biyaya sa taong bayan, pinakamahalaga ang nagkakaisang pagsisikap ng lahat, lalo na ngayong may banta hindi lamang ng presyo ng langis, kundi ang paghina ng ekonomiya ng Amerika na baka mag-epekto sa Pilipinas. Kaya naman lalo nating pag-iibayuhin ang kabuhayan sa kabila ng mga ligalig sa pandaigdigang ekonomiya. Ito rin ang mensaheng ihahatid natin sa mga pinuno ng negosyo sa mundo na magpupulong sa Switzerland. Global engagement and a robust foreign policy are central pillars of our plan for a safe and strong Philippines. We depart today for Europe and the Middle East to continue to advance the strategic interests of the Philippines and press the need for closer economic, political and social relations between the Philippines and the world. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, we will meet with a number of the world leaders who are partners with the Philippines in bringing peace to Mindanao, aid assistance to our poor and greater security in the fight against terrorism. Another central goal of our trip is to continue the relentless promotion of the Philippines as a great place to invest and do business. For the first time in a generation, the Philippine economy is on a path to sustained economic growth, creating millions of new jobs and billions of new pesos in revenue to invest in our people and our infrastructure to build up our nation. Foreign investment is central to that progress. We are proud of the results of our ability to attract more and more business to the Philippines the last seven years. We will also be meeting with our International Board of Advisors which is comprised of some of the world’s top business leaders who are helping communicate the dynamism and the very positive new environment for business that is being created in our nation. Our journey will also take us to the Arabian Gulf and the Emirate of Dubai where we will meet with top businessmen from the Gulf and the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, a government that is playing an important role in global flows of investment capital and energy resources. This is also a country that employs hundreds of thousands of our countrymen and women. We will work to ensure that they continue to enjoy the positive working conditions that they deserve. In our meetings with these fellow Filipinos we will assure them that their contributions to their families and their country are recognized and appreciated. These visits are part of the commitment of our Administration to global engagement that broadens and deepens our ties, strengthens our security alliances, encourages trade and investment agreements, and protects our overseas Filipino workers. We will continue this engagement in 2008 as we have done throughout my presidency. We need the world and we like to think the world needs us – our hardworking people, our ideal geographic location, and our reliability as a friend and ally. |
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| PGMA: Latest SWS survey solid proof anti-hunger program on right track |
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President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo cited today the latest SWS survey showing
that self-rated poverty incidence in December went down to 46 percent from
52 percent of three months ago as solid proof that the administration’s
anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs are on the right track. The December decline in the poverty incidence was the lowest in 20 years. The President expressed her elation that fewer Filipinos now perceive themselves as poor in her opening statement at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)- National Anti-Poverty Commission-Cabinet Group (NEDA-NAPC-Cabinet) meeting in Malacanang this morning shortly before she left for a seven-day visit to Switzerland and the Middle East. “I am glad that the self-rated poverty incidence has gone down again, the lowest in 20 years. This is the result of the tough economic reforms we implemented, stability, and increased confidence of the international financial community on the country,” the President said in Filipino. The December survey result was a significant improvement over the June 2004 survey results, then one of the lowest declines in self-rated poverty incidence since 1987. SWS data showed that the last time self-rated poverty went below 50 percent under the Arroyo administration was in June last year at 47 percent, down from 49 percent in August 2005. The SWS also noted that self-rated poverty has been on a generally downward trend since mid-2006. The President admitted, however, that many Filipinos do not yet feel the benefits of the growing economy. Her administration, she added, is now focusing its efforts on ways and means to spread the payback of the economic turnaround among the people, especially the poorest of the poor. She said she convened the Cabinet today precisely to consult various sectors, including religious groups and other stakeholders, to map out plans to further strengthen the government’s anti-poverty programs. “We assure you, we will listen and act on your concerns,” the President said. The President pointed out that the increased revenue collections would be mobilized to fund livelihood, health, education and housing programs and other government projects for the farming and fisheries sectors. She also underscored the urgency of national unity and cooperation among the people to sustain the economic growth and ensure the continuous delivery of enhanced socio-economic services to the people amidst the continuing increases of oil prices in the world market and the uncertainties hounding the American economy. “We assure you we will continue to work harder to sustain the economic growth in spite of the various threats to the international economy,” the President added. |
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| PGMA underscores importance to RP of global engagement |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscored anew today the importance of
global engagement and a robust foreign policy in achieving her goal of a
safe, strong and progressive Philippines. In her opening statement at the National Economic and Development Authority-National Anti-Poverty Commission-Cabinet Group (NEDA-NAPC-Cabinet) meeting today in Malacanang, the President said strengthening its international relations is a commitment that the Philippines must pursue. She pointed out that she’s embarking on another foreign trip to broaden and deepen the country’s security alliances, invite more investors, and ensure that the welfare of the eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is protected. “Global engagement and a robust foreign policy are central pillars of our plan for a safe and strong Philippines. We depart today for Europe and the Middle East to continue to advance the strategic interests of the Philippines and press the need for closer economic, political and social relations between the Philippines and the world,” the President said. In Davos, Switzerland, where she will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), the President said she will meet with other world leaders who are helping the government work out a permanent peace in Mindanao, as well as Philippine partners in development and the fight against terrorism. In Switzerland and Dubai, the President said she will promote the Philippines as one of the best places in the region to invest in, and whose economy has attained a level of sustained growth. “Another central goal of our trip is to continue the relentless promotion of the Philippines as a great place to invest and do business,” she said. She cited the highest growth rate in a generation at 7.1 percent, the lowest unemployment rate, a surge in investments, high job creation, strong peso and a budget coming into balance as some of the key attributes of the country’s growing economy. “For the first time in a generation, the Philippine economy is on the path to sustained economic growth, creating millions of new jobs and billions of new pesos in revenue to invest in our people and our infrastructure to build up our nation,” she said. “Foreign investment is central to that progress,” she said, adding that she is proud of her ability to attract more investments in the last seven years. The President also said that while in Davos, she will meet with the International Board of Advisors, which is composed of some of the world’s top business leaders “who help communicate the dynamism and the very positive new environment for business that is being created in our nation.” On her trip to Dubai, the President cited the important role the emirate plays in the flow of global investments and energy resources. She will also meet top business leaders and push for the welfare of the thousands of Filipinos working in the Gulf region. “We will continue this engagement in 2008 as we have done throughout my presidency. We need the world and we like to think the world needs us—our hardworking people, our ideal geographic location, and our reliability as a friend and ally,” the President added. |
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| PGMA off to Switzerland for World Economic Forum and Dubai to meet investors and overseas Filipino workers |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo flew to Switzerland at noon today to
attend the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos where the Chief
Executive will “meet with a number of the world leaders who are partners
with the Philippines in bringing peace to Mindanao, aid and assistance to
our poor, and greater security in the fight against terrorism.” After her Switzerland events, the President will proceed to the Emirate of Dubai in the Middle East on the way back to Manila to meet top businessmen from the Gulf and overseas Filipino workers in the region. Wearing an all-black outfit, the President arrived 15 minutes early at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Centennial II terminal where Philippine Airlines (PAL) PR-001 awaited her at the south-most bay. President Arroyo was accompanied by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo who skirted the Philippine Air Force (PAF) honor guards that gave foyer honors for the departing President, passing at the back of the said guards as President Arroyo was escorted by Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr., through the line. With the PAF band playing in the background, the President bid farewell to the military, police and government officials who saw her off, including Vice President Noli de Castro. Also on hand to bid the President farewell were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Environment Secretary Jose Atienza, among others. Among the President’s delegation to Europe is Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye who earlier stressed that “at a time when we must all collaborate more closely, any time that she (President Arroyo) has to meet new leaders and thinkers is time well spent for her and for the nation.” The Presidential spokesman had also pointed out that the Davos forum is an “excellent opportunity for the President to discuss with world leaders the Philippines’ point of view and approach in addressing issues…” Indeed, President Arroyo – who presided over the regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting at Malacanang before leaving for Europe – stated, thus: “…We depart today for Europe and the Middle East to continue to advance the strategic interests of the Philippines, and press the need for close economic, political, and social relations between the Philippines and the world.” In her statement at the start of the joint National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Cabinet cluster and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Cabinet cluster meeting, the President added that “another central goal of our trip is to continue the relentless promotion of the Philippines as a great place to invest and do business.” “For the first time in a generation, the Philippine economy is on a path to sustained economic growth, creating millions of new jobs and billions of new pesos in revenue to invest in our people and our infrastructure to build up our nation. Foreign investment is central to that progress,” the President stressed. “We are proud of the results of our ability to attract more and more business to the Philippines the last seven years,” she added. Before Davos, the President will touch down in Zurich where her first order of business is her keynote speech before the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. While there, President Arroyo will also be “meeting with our International Board of Advisors which is comprised of some of the world’s top business leaders who are helping communicate the dynamism and the very positive new environment for business that is being created in our nation.” After her Switzerland events, the President will proceed to the Middle East on the way back to Manila: “Our journey will also take us to the Arabian Gulf and the Emirate of Dubai where we will meet with top businessmen from the Gulf and the leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a government that is playing an important role in global flows of investment capital and energy resources.” The President added about the UAE: “This is also a country that employs hundreds of thousands of our countrymen and women. We will work to ensure that they continue to enjoy the positive working conditions that they deserve.” “In our meetings with these fellow Filipinos, we will assure them that their contributions to their families and their country are recognized and appreciated.” President Arroyo -- who embarked on her first foreign trip this year – explained that “these visits are part of the commitment of our Administration to global engagement that broadens and deepens our ties, strengthens our security alliances, encourages trade and investment agreements, and protects our overseas Filipino workers.” “We will continue this engagement in 2008 as we have done throughout my presidency. We need the world and we like to think the world needs us – our hardworking people, our ideal geographic location, and our reliability as a friend and ally.” |
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| PGMA meeting RP-born CEO of giant Zuellig pharmaceutical company |
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ZURICH, Switzerland - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will meet with
Philippine-born Zuellig Pharmaceuticals chairman and CEO Stephen Zuellig on
Wednesday, her first working day here. The meeting between the President and the executive of the giant pharmaceutical firm is set for Wednesday morning, local time, (5:30 p.m. in Manila) at the Savoy Hotel. Dr. Zuellig, who was born in the Philippines, has steered the pharmaceutical company to its present status as the largest distributor of medicines in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Founded in the Philippines in 1901 by his father, Dr. Fredrick Edward Zuellig, a migrant from Switzerland, the pharmaceutical company is a truly global Filipino company with a turnover of some $5 billion annually. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the pharmaceutical company has distinguished itself as a leading example of government-private sector partnership. In January 2007, Zuellig forged an agreement with the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) on the manufacture of some 24 generic drugs under the government's half-priced medicines for the poor program. Dr. Zuellig's pro-bono assistance was also instrumental in the unfreezing in 2004 of the Marcos funds in Switzerland. He has been serving as Monaco's honorary consul to the Philippines for the last 40 years. For his contributions to the country and the Filipino people, the President awarded Dr. Zuellig with the Order of Lakandula (Grand Cross) with the Rank of Bayani in Malacanang in May 2007. |
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| PGMA to offer Philippines' "best values for investments" to Swiss businessmen |
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ZURICH, Switzerland - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will offer the
Philippines as one of the best values for investments when she addresses the
Swiss Chamber of Commerce on the first day of her four-day visit to
Switzerland at the Savoy Hotel here. The President is expected to promote the country’s competitive advantage as a result of various reforms that were instituted, the present economic turnaround, and the world-class and English-speaking Filipino workforce. Although RP-Switzerland diplomatic relations started only in August 1956, the Philippines and Switzerland have long standing relations that flourished since the establishment in 1862 of the first Swiss Honorary Consulate in Manila, the first Swiss diplomatic post in Asia. Recent exchanges of visits also strengthened political, economic and cultural relations, particularly in 2004 when both countries conducted the 2nd Political Consultation in Manila. A Philippine mission also visited Switzerland in November 2004 to promote the Philippines' competitive advantage in business process outsourcing (BPO) and information and technology (IT) services. Although the overall trade, estimated in 2006 at $82 million, remains a little bit in favor of Switzerland, products that are up for promotion to Switzerland are electronic goods, BPO and IT services, decorative ceramics, clothing apparel, rattan products, Christmas decors, toys and dolls, jewelry and fashion accessories. |
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