P-Noy: World’s perception of Phl has changed

MANILA, Philippines - The perception of world leaders and investors of the Philippines has greatly changed for the better, President Aquino boasted Thursday night on his return from San Francisco, California, his last stop on a 12-day trip to Europe and the United States.

In his arrival speech, Aquino reported a slightly lower figure of $2.35 billion worth of investments generated during his trip or a potential to create 33,850 jobs.

Initially in Berlin, the President said the amount reached $2.38 billion and would create 55,500 jobs for Filipinos.

This, he said, was the fruit of his meetings with executives of 22 companies in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and the United States.

The Chief Executive also noted that beverage firm Coca-Cola Co. has expanded its investment in the country by $1 billion ahead of its 2015 schedule.

Aquino said he also took the opportunity to urge German car manufacturer Volkswagen to put up a manufacturing hub in the Philippines.

He said the giant car manufacturer can take advantage of the Philippines’ growing middle class, strategic location and its large pool of skilled workers. Aquino declined to give more details.

But more than tangible amounts, Aquino said he was elated by the collective trust shown by leaders and businessmen in the country’s economy.

The President said they have been made aware of the fact that the country’s economic resurgence was a product of reforms instituted by his administration.

Aquino said he and his delegation were also able to get support for the country’s position on various issues, particularly on the West Philippine Sea row with China.

He said his engagements may have reached 94, including those with think tank groups.

The President also said his trips gave him another opportunity to express the country’s gratitude for the global assistance to the Philippines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda last year. He said he also thanked his hosts for their support for the peace process in Mindanao and for allowing local carriers to once again travel to Europe.

He said he felt proud after hearing a proposal from an international banking official to make the Philippine peso a global currency. This, he said, only proved the international community’s greater confidence in the country.

From being the “Sick Man of Asia,” Aquino said the Philippines is now being noticed and highly regarded by the international community.

He also emphasized that while abroad he was constantly getting updates and giving instructions through text messages and phone calls to his officials at the height of tropical storms Mario and Luis.

At one point, he said he contemplated on cutting short his trip when Mario was inundating Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. led other Cabinet members in dealing with the effects of the storm when the President was abroad.