The Philippines: A good story to tell

I was invited to speak before the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) headed by executive director Ebb Hinchliffe where I shared what we have been doing in the US to elevate the profile of the Philippines.

I told the audience that our country has a very good story to tell owing to the exciting developments that are happening, with the government working really hard to usher in the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” through the “Build, Build, Build” program that seeks to speed up growth, and transform the economy into one that is sustainable, inclusive and pro-poor.

BDO’s Martin Marty and UTP’s Enes Turput.

The Philippines has the potential to become Asia’s fastest growing economy, with unprecedented growth boosted by quality infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity, hasten progress and development in the countryside, attract more investments and generate jobs for Filipinos.

Maybank ATR Kim Eng Financial Corp.’s Ramon Arnaiz and Citadel Holdings’ Ricky Delgado.

During the meeting, we showed a five-minute video inspired by the presentation of the economics team led by Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez during the pre-SONA forum at the PICC. The video showcased the government’s milestone infrastructure projects — airports, highways, farm-to-market roads, bridges, ports and railways, and many others — highlighting the ones that have been completed and providing a peek of those that are in the pipeline. 

Costa Rica Consul Fausto Preysler and Marriott International cluster general manager Bruce Winton.

The video was very well received, with many AmCham members asking how they could obtain a copy so that they could also show it in their various engagements. Some privately told me that they were impressed to know that so much has been accomplished in terms of infrastructure.

GE Philippines CEO Jocot de Dios and Capital One Philippines’ Rob Nunnally.

For instance, some 1,096 kilometers of farm-to-market roads have been completed as of May this year, while 2,709 bridges to date have been completed, with more still being constructed. From 2016 to 2019, some P83 billion has been allocated for roads leading to tourism destinations, while P21.39 billion has been allocated for the agri-infrastructure program to cultivate our agriculture industry.  

Edventurico Asia Pacific’s Terry Farris and Hinrich Foundation’s Alexander Boome.

A lot has been done, but more will be accomplished because this government is determined to make the economy truly inclusive, making growth work for the poor so that no one is left behind. Clearly, this is a good story that must be told.

With (from left) AmCham executive director Ebb Hinchliffe, Bruce Winton and Jocot de Dios.