Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel
October 14, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterated his promise to preserve the nation and protect the people of the Philippines as he graced the ceremonial launching of ‘Prosper Thy Neighbor,’ a book written by former President Fidel V. Ramos, at the Manila Hotel.

In his speech, President Duterte reassured the former President that the government would implement measures and policies to support the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that promote the curbing of poverty incidence all over the world.

“Mr. President, I assure you that this administration is exerting its efforts — ultimate efforts — even utmost in making more progress to achieve these development goals not just because it is mandated by the UN, but more importantly, because it is for the good of the nation, the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

“This is why we have made great strides — and we remain unrelenting — in our efforts to address the root causes of poverty and hunger, unemployment, corruption, criminality, dangerous drugs, endemic disease, environmental degradation, and climate change,” he added.

President Duterte also congratulated former President Ramos for the success of his book launch, saying that the book provides a vision for the government to continue providing a more comfortable life for all.

‘Prosper Thy Neighbor’ is a compilation of speeches, editorial underscores, essays, and anecdotes written by former President Ramos that inspires Filipinos and encourages good governance and unity in leading the nation towards attaining sustainable development.

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