Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
27 February 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III reported to an estimated 500 Filipinos in Malaysia about the positive development happening in the Philippines during a community gathering at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The President said that despite the consecutive challenges experienced in the Philippines, both natural and man-made, the country stood strong and remained resilient. This is proven with the latest increase of six to seven percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate from 6.8 in 2012 to 7.2 in 2013. Statistics also show that the economy recently improved through the Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum wherein the Philippines jumped 26 spots from 85th to 59th place in 2013-2014. He also highlighted that the economy leaped from the 138th spot to 108th in the World Bank and International Finance Corporation Ease of Doing Business 2014 Report. He said that progress is evident even in national figures because of increased employment capabilities.

President Aquino stressed that his administration promotes inclusive growth for every Filipino through empowering them with skills and opportunity.

He narrated a story of someone asking him if he is all right despite the recent calamities and natural disasters that hit the country. In response, the President said that he is “okay” because the Philippines receives a lot of assistance from foreign countries like Malaysia, as well as the support coming from his Cabinet members and the positive outlook of the victims.

“Ang Pilipino, pwedeng madapa pero hindi pwedeng manatiling nakadapa,” President Aquino stated.

The Chief Executive received a cheque worth RM30,000.00 (more or less P400,000.00) from the Filipino community in Malaysia for the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

***