Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, California
17 February 2016

President Benigno S. Aquino III met with the Filipino community on the second day of his Working Visit to Los Angeles, California.

In his statement, the President related how he transformed the country from being the “Sick Man of Asia” to “Asia’s Bright Spot” and now, “Asia’s Rising Tiger”. He also mentioned various programs implemented by government to achieve the economic growth that the country is enjoying. These included the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program that is designed to uplift the lives of poor Filipinos, and other programs in the fields of education and health.

On the same occasion, President Aquino conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross to Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. The presidential award recognized his exemplary leadership, valuable contributions in strengthening the Philippine-US friendship, facilitating the increase of tourist visits to the Philippines, investment and trade, innovative programs, and for establishing the Philippine-US society, among others.

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