P-Noy cites importance of good governance

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – President Aquino has cited the importance of good governance in national development and how it brings out the best in the Filipino people.

In a speech delivered by Maritime Industry Authority deputy administrator Nicasio Conti on behalf of the Chief Executive at the recent Subic Bay Maritime Conference and Exhibit here, the President said “good and conscientious governance yields positive results, igniting a virtuous cycle of continuous prosperity founded on trust and competence.”

“At the core of our reform agenda is the empowerment of the common Filipino to aspire, to work harder, to be more productive, for the greater good of our people,” the President said. 

 He said the Filipinos are now witnessing the growth of the nation as it realizes its full potential.

He asked everyone to unite to ensure that the country remains on course toward progress.

“By working hand in hand to ensure that democracy, standards and cooperation prevail. Every venture won, every investment obtained, every job created in our land is not only the victory of an enterprise but the success of one Filipino movement, of a nation treading the straight and righteous path, towards a more equitable, a more modern, more peaceful Philippines,” the President said.

He noted that the government’s efforts in regaining national dignity and confidence of the world is sending a clear message that the Philippines is now ready for business.

The Philippines, especially Subic, is beginning to reap the fruits of good governance, he said.

From weeding out corruption in government and society to prudently spending the budget, to streamlining our business processes at the national and local levels, the nation is continuing to regain our national dignity and the confidence of the world, he said.  

Aquino noted the recent upgrades given by international rating agencies to the country. 

From Luzon to Mindanao, the gears of development are turning, providing opportunities and possibilities that could only be imagined in the past, he said. 

At the same time, the President hailed the rise of Subic as a major logistics hub. 

“Here in Subic, we are seeing the emergence of a world-class logistics and investments hub in Southeast Asia. With the Philippines as the fourth largest shipbuilding nation worldwide, boasting the construction of 117 ships in 2011, we are becoming an excellent alternative location for shipbuilding and ship repair,” he said.

He said the development that the country is enjoying is a product of Filipino ingenuity and action. 

The first Subic maritime conference was held here last week, with more than 500 shippers and shipping line operators from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa attending the two-day event.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said the forum focused on the advantages of Subic as a logistics and investment hub. 

The Port of Subic has one of the most technologically advanced container terminals in the country and is now ready for business as an alternative port to Manila.