NAIA Terminal II, Pasay City
19 February 2016
President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II after his attendance in the Special US-ASEAN Summit and Working Visit to the United States of America.
Bearing good news particularly on the issue of territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, the President echoed the ASEAN-US Joint Statement calling for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
“Maliwanag sa inilabas na Joint Statement ng kapulungan ang paninindigan ng ASEAN at ng US: dapat panatalihin ang seguridad, stabilidad, at kalayaang maglakbay sa West Philippine Sea at South China Sea; at dapat idaan sa mapayapang
proseso ang pagresolba ng anumang alitan, alinsunod sa international law,” he said.
According to the President, the two-day summit held in Sunnylands provided leaders with avenue to discuss international issues such as the strengthening of ASEAN-US trade and investment ties through digital innovation, issues on global pandemics and climate change, of which the Philippines shared its experience.
Traveling to Los Angeles for his Working Visit, the President unlocked several investment opportunities. These include Walt Disney Company’s business venture in the country’s creative industry, Western Digital expansion plans, and AECOM Enterprise Growth Solutions, which the President hopes will become a capacity-building partner in the country’s infrastructure development.
Following the footsteps of his father, the late Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr., the President also held a speaking engagement with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council where he laid down government reform programs and initiatives he has instituted under his term.
He was also conferred the Honorary Degree in Humane Letters by the Loyola Marymount University for his embodiment of the Jesuit mantra, “man for others.”
Before the President concluded his Working Visit, he met with the Filipino community in Los Angeles to report the country’s achievements. He also called on their support to continue treading the straight path of reform he had enforced under his leadership.
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