NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
10 June 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted his achievements in his six-day working visit to the United Kingdom and United Sates of America during his arrival at the NAIA Terminal 2 early this morning.

According to the President, his visit has yielded not less than $2.5-billion equivalent to P100-billion target business investment to enter the country from foreign companies in the UK and US. He said that by attracting foreign investors to expand its business in the country it will result to job creation and employment.

President Aquino also revealed defense and security agreements made with US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea. He said that President Obama himself has stressed the importance of the Philippines as an ally nation, and that he supports the interest of the Philippines to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed sea while underscoring peaceful negotiations with the rivalled country. Secretary Clinton had also announced that they will help build a national coast watch center in the Philippines and will send additional Peace Corps volunteers.

On the country’s growth and development, President Aquino announced that the Philippines shall be a recipient to a debt-for-nature swap which will relinquish $23-million of debt as long as trees will be planted in exchange. An additional $30-million under the Partnership for Growth program was also granted for the Philippines in support of government programs campaigning against poverty.

The President also expressed his delight in seeing a strong and united Filipino community in both countries. He added that the launching of the US-Filipino Society is a testimony to a growing support for the Philippines to reach its full potential.

“Anim at kalahating araw po tayong nalayo sa inang bayan; 42 hours po dito ay ginugol namin sa loob ng eroplano. Nakita po ninyo: hindi natin sinayang ang pagbiyahe, at talagang isinagad po natin ang buong pagkakataon upang isulong ang ating bayan sa landas ng kasaganahan at pang-malawakang kaunlaran”, the President said.

Accompanying the President were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang and Energy Secretary Rene Almendraz.

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