Los Angeles, California
16 February 2016

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended a speaking engagement with members of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) in Los Angeles, California.

In his message, President Aquino gave an overview of the administration’s measures to institute positive reforms in the Philippines such as addressing issues in bureaucracy, overhauling the budget process, pursuing zero-based budgeting and capitalizing opportunities by making strategic investments in its people.

He also mentioned the Philippine government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, which now supports at least 4.4 million households and homeless families. Likewise, improvements in the education sector are also evident through proper management in the shortage of classrooms, school seats and textbooks.

A law has also been passed that will upgrade the Philippines’ education system.

The President also shared that three major credit rating agencies gave the Philippines an investment grade status, which was all achieved through the initiative of its people.

Following the President’s speech, he answered questions from LAWAC members on maritime issues, education and points discussed during the Special US-ASEAN Summit held in Sunnylands, California.

LAWAC is a non-profit organization that promotes a better understanding of world affairs by hosting an open forum attended by its members and prominent speakers.

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