MANILA, Philippines— President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said he believes the nation will excel amid the increasing competition brought about by globalization.
”The nominees and awardees here today are those who will ensure that in the era of globalization the Philippines will not only stay afloat, the Philippines will excel,” Aquino told those who attended the Asean Business Awards Philippines held in Makati City.
He said the Asean Integration in 2015 is a challenge that Filipinos can face.
“We expect competition to increase, putting more pressure on businesses to provide even better products and services to the people,” the President said.
Aquino pointed out that Filipinos are already being noticed abroad for their skills and talents, not only when it comes to business but also sports.
President Benigno Aquino III. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
“In fact, one of the most prominent recent examples of this is a small group of Filipinos who, just last week, managed to inspire the entire Philippine nation. I am sure you have heard of them: they go by the name of Gilas Pilipinas,” he said.
“They took on the world in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. They raised our hopes; they raised our collective heart rates in their close games; and perhaps most important of all, their hard work and passion served as yet another reminder that, in the global milieu, the Filipino can excel.”
The President urged businessmen “not (to) rest on their laurels” and instead show the “skill and talent that runs through the veins of every Filipino.”
During his speech, Aquino presented the achievements of his administration, including the streamlining of business processes and the 20 positive credit ratings actions in the last four years.
“The results of our reforms have been stark. Last year, our economy grew by 7.2 percent, making us one of the best performing economies in Asia. In the second quarter of this year, with some sectors still feeling the effects of the spate of disasters we had late 2013, our GDP has grown by 6.4 percent,” he said. “Naturally, the international community has recognized our turn around.”
He also pointed out the country’s improved performance in the Global Competitiveness Rankings.