Malacañan Palace
14 January 2016

President Benigno S. Aquino III offered a toast of thanks as he marked the New Year during the traditional Vin D’Honneur in Malacañan Palace.

In his remarks, President Aquino expressed his gratitude to all those people who have helped in enhancing the Philippines’ relationship between other countries and those who have responded when the county was hit by natural disasters.

He thanked Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who has worked closely with the Philippine government in ensuring the success of the 2015 Papal Visit and also in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos.

“In you, we see able partners and friends of our people,” he told members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The President also mentioned the country’s development in the economy, investments in health, social services and education. “It is clear: the Philippines has gained a new prominence in the world,” he said.

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