PIA Dispatch (09 June 2010)

Palace officials early in congratulating Aquino, Binay

Malacanang conveyed today its congratulations to President-elect Benigno ‘NoyNoy” Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay shortly before the two were formally proclaimed by the National Board of Canvassers in Congress.

“We congratulate the incoming President and Vice President,” said Executive Secretary Leandro at a news conference today in Malacanang.

Mendoza said that the President, who is currently in China, will give a separate congratulatory message to the proclaimed winners. Arroyo is in Shanghai to attend ceremonies marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic relations and the Philippine Day at the Philippine Pavilion at ther Shanghai World Expo.

He said the Palace offers its best wishes to the incoming government “to whom the Arroyo government will leave the economy in better shape” than when President Arroyo found it nine years ago.

The National Economic Development Authority’s data on economic growth indicated that the Philippine economy surged in the first quarter of 2010 with a phenomenal 7.3 percent rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the highest year-on-year growth by quarter in the last 30 years.

Mendoza also extended his congratulations to all the institutions responsible for the success of the first automated elections which, he said, demonstrated the country’s political stability and stability.

“We congratulate the Comelec, the teachers, the non-partisan police and military who made the elections peaceful and orderly and our citizenry whose turnout made our democracy more vibrant and vigorous,” he said.

Mendoza said that the President, who is currently in China, will give a separate congratulatory message to the proclaimed President and Vice President.

Arroyo left yesterday for Shanghai, China to attend ceremonies marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic relations.


PGMA to launch commemorative cover marking RP-China ties

SHANGHAI -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will launch here today (Wednesday, June 9) the Chinese edition of the joint commemorative cover to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.

The event will highlight her attendance at the Philippine National Day Commemorative Ceremony at the Central Hall of the Shanghai World Expo center, considered the largest in the history of the event.

Over 190 countries and 50 international organizations are participating in the expo which is expected to draw visitors of up to 70 million in its entire run from May 1 to October 3 this year.

The President, who arrived under overcast skies and chilly weather late Tuesday night, will be assisted by Shanghai Party Secretary and Communist Party of China Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng.

She will also launch the book “A Selection of Folk tales from the Philippines for the Young Chinese Reader,” before watching cultural performances by the UP Madrigal singers and Ballet Philippines.

The launching of the commemorative cover will be profoundly significant as it falls exactly on the date of the establishment of bilateral ties between the Philippines and China 35 years ago on June 9, 1975.

The cover features the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mt. Lushan of China's Jiangxi Province, which became sister mountains in October 2006 following the establishment of sister-province relationship between Bohol and Jiangxi.

The Philippine edition of the first day cover was launched by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao in Manila on June 3, starting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

The joint commemorative cover captures the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the foundation of bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China.

Since 1982, the Philippines and China have signed 29 twinning arrangements between cities and provinces, illustrating the scope and depth of people-to-people contacts and cultural dialogues between the two countries. At least eight other Philippine cities and provinces have signed letters of intent to establish twinning arrangements with Chinese cities and provinces.

With the theme, "Philippines+China@35: More than Friends," the year-long celebration highlights three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements between provinces and cities of the two countries, and youth and the future.


Shanghai expo showcases RP’s First World bid

SHANGHAI – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said here today that the ongoing Shanghai World Expo affords the Philippines the chance to showcase its readiness to reach the verge of First World in 20 years.

Speaking during the observance of the Philippine National Day at the Central Hall of the sprawling Expo Center in the Pudong business district, the President related how thre Philippines has invested billions in new human and physical infrastructure to deliver greater modernity to every corner of the nation.

“These investments are paying off. Our nation and our cities are booming,” she intoned before an audience of Filipinos, Fil-Chinese, and foreign visitors waiving Filipino flags before a huge red stage proclaiming “The National Day for Republic of the Philippines.”

The President, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr. and Trade Secretary Jesli Lapus, among others, arrived at the Expo site in time for the 10 a.m. flag ceremony. She was met by Shanghai Party Secretary and Politburo member Yu Shen Zheng who called on her later at the Welcome hall.

President Arroyo and Yu then exchanged commemorative gifts before signing the Honor Book and proceeding to attend the commemorative ceremony at the Central Hall.

President Arroyo pointed out that through the exhibit, the Philippines hopes to illustrate that there are many emerging “performing cities” throughout the nation that create sustainable economic growth “much like music, emphasizing harmony with balance, coordination and good vibrations.”

She stressed that the pavilion is meant to introduce to the world the country’s sunrise industries that are quickly becoming pillars of economic growth and representing significant opportunities for investment. These, according to her, include giftware and fashion accessories, garments, arts and crafts, health and wellness, mining, information technology, home furnishings and education services, among others.

The RP pavilion is located within Zone B of the Expo Site in Shanghai. Designed by Filipino architect Ed Calma. The surface of the pavilion is made of transparent materials in the shape of diamonds, which swing with the wind and show different visual effects. Outer walls of the pavilion are all decorated with eye-catching collages. Obvious is the theme about performing cities where sights of the Philippines major cities are displayed.

“And so we are proud to stand side by side with the great nations and cities of the world here in Shanghai and proclaim that the Philippines is a great place to live, work and invest. As embodied in our pavilion, we are a hopeful, hard-working people; our pride in work and family will lead our nation to greater prosperity and opportunity,” the President said.

She pointed out that the global Expo also provides the country the opportunity to further strengthen its political, economic, and cultural relations with China “as we showcase to the people of China and the world our country, arts and culture, values, competitiveness, and creativity.”

The President praised China for staging the Shanghai World Expo which she described as another milestone in the Mainland’s history as a nation.

“The Expo once again underscores China’s commitment to sustainable development, the promotion of international peace, mutual understanding, people-to-people exchanges and cultural dialogue,” she said.

With almost 200 countries and 50 international organizations participating, the Expo, according to the President, is the most attended of all expos, showcasing the world’s best models of better cities and better lives for the future.

“It is clear from the magnificent pavilions now taking center stage in this sprawling venue that the Expo theme of “Better City, Better Life” has inspired many countries and organizations to showcase their contributions for the building of our dream modern cities,” she said.

“We are very excited to be here today to celebrate “Philippine Day” at the Expo. It is appropriate that this occurs on the exact day of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China,” she added.

After her speech, President Arroyo launched the Chinese-issued joint commemorative envelopes/First Day covers to mark the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic ties as well as the book “A Selection of Folk Tales from the Philippines for the Young Chinese Reader.”


Pinoy performing artists charm crowd at Shanghai World Expo

SHANGHAI --With a selection of Folkloric Filipiniana, a Chinese novelty and a few classical numbers, Filipino performing artists thrilled a huge crowd that gathered at the Central hall of the Shanghai World Expo Wednesday for the Philippine National Day celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of RP-China diplomatic ties.

The event, according to observers, gave them a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture as reflected in the songs and dances performed in the program watched by no less than the visiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Each number performed by the Gilas performing artists merged into the next -- solos coming first, moving into duets and culminating in a grand finale.

The medley or Kawing Kawing included Philippine folksongs such as Bahay Kubo, Sitsiritsit, and Polka sa Nayon which all described the very energetic life of Filipino townsfolk from different walks of life. The medley was done by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Follk Dance Ensemble.

Soprano Joanna Go, along with the Philippine Madrigal Singers ,gave a rendition of Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), a popular Chinese song made famous when Glacomo Puccini adapted it for the opera.

With Cecile Licad on the piano, Francisco Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy paid tribute to Mayon, reputed to be the most perfectly-coned volcano in the world. There was also Juan Yee Benasa and Manuel Velez’s Sa Kabukiran, a playful art song that evokes images of rice fields and farm folks as interpreted by soprano Rachelle Gerodias and pianist Rudolf Golez.

A musical based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara was performed by Gerodias and guitarist Butch Roxas. It was followed by Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Maalala Mo Kaya, a well known Filipino song interpreted by Roxas on the classic guitar, and the Ballet Philippine dancers.

A victory chant of the Itneg-ethno linguistic group of the high mountains of the Philippines, the Iddemdem Malida, done by the Madrigal Singers and the entire cast, capped the show to the wild applause of the appreciative crowd.


PGMA confers Order of Sikatuna on special envoy Chan at RP pavilion in Shanghai World Expo

SHANGHAI -- With a complete wrap-around photographic montage of Filipino hands showing various aspects of contemporary life in all sectors of society and fields of expertise, the Philippine pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo provided a fitting venue to one man who was honored by no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo here for his efforts that led to the strengthening of RP-China economic relations.

The President conferred Wednesday the Order of Sikatuna, with rank of Datu (gold distinction) to Special Envoy Carlos Chan for his outstanding service and selfless commitment towards enhancing the prestige of the country, government, and the Filipino people.

Chan had earlier been conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit for his contribution to the strengthening of economic relations between the Philippines and China.

As the Philippines special envoy for trade and investment to China, Chan played a vital role in promoting broader trade between the two countries and attracting Chinese investments.

As a partner of the Philippine diplomatic missions in China, Chan is also a key figure in the planning and construction of the Philippine Pavilion for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The Philippine Pavilion, which showcases the Philippines as an attractive investment destination, has been designed to emphasize its theme “Performing Cities,” which showcases the artistic skills and traditions, as well as the economic indicators of urban life in the world, according to Philippine Consul-General in Shanghai Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez.

With a theme “Better City, Better Life,” the Shanghai Expo emphasizes the opportunity to explore city life as a crucible for social improvement.

“The montage shows that the Philippines is a country whose people understand and value the work of hands. That is to say, building a city or a nation is the handiwork of a people pooling their talents, time and treasures into a commitment for the betterment of life,” she explained.

“The Philippines’ strong presence at the Expo is expected to generate tremendous opportunities in tourism and business exchange with China,” she added.

She noted that outbound travel from Eastern China to the Philippines has been growing at an average rate of 40 percent in the last three years since the opening of the Philippine Tourism Office in Shanghai in 2007.

“This is expected to grow further with the strong partnership between the Philippine and China travel suppliers, and the opening and enhancement of flight access to the Philippines from key cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou,” Sanchez said.

Chan was instrumental in the success of the President’s 2006 visit to Nanchang and Naning, and her Oct. 2007 working visit to Shanghai.

He has also openly supported youth projects, including the Loboc Children’s Choir, which won the Grand Prize at the 6th International Folksongs Choir Festival held in Barcelona, Spain in Sept. 2003.


Palace says transition process 90 % complete

Malacanang today said 90 percent of transition reports from government agencies is complete and the transition committee is ready to guide the President-elect Benigno ‘NoyNoy’ Aquino III and his team through all aspects of the turnover of offices.

“In behalf of the transition team, I would also like to extend our congratulations to the incoming President and Vice President. We are at your service”, said Presidential Management Office head Secretary Maria Elena Bautista-Horn said at a news conference in Malacanang.

She said about 90 percent of the transition reports from all government agencies is completed and have been submitted to the Presidential Transition Cooperation Team (PTCT) created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“They will have their hands full in the coming days because these documents are voluminous. But we will guide them through the documents,” Horn said.

Horn also conveyed her congratulations to the entire bureaucracy for the cooperation in preparing the transition documents that will ensure smooth transition of power to next administration.

She, however, appealed to the bureaucrats for their continuous cooperation and patience, as the “real work” of the transition teams is just beginning. “We hope that the transition will be really smooth because I think we are also looking forward to our retirement,” Horn said.


PGMA congratulates Aquino, Binay

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today congratulated President-elect Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar C. Binay shortly after the two were formally proclaimed as winners in the 2010 election by the National Board of Canvassers in Congress.

The President, who is in China, conveyed her congratulatory message through Presidential Spokesman Secretary Ricardo Saludo:

The full text of the President’s message:

“On behalf of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, we warmly congratulate President-elect Benigno C. Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar C. Binay.

Their elections demonstrates that our democracy is vibrant, and our new electoral system is working for our people.

President Arroyo and her government will do all we can to make the transition to a new administration smooth and orderly.

The President looks forward to working with President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Binay to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services for our people.


President Arroyo calls on all Filipinos to rally behind our new leaders as they assume the awesome responsibilities of their offices.

We stand with President-elect Aquino and Vice President-elect Binay in building unity and prosperity for al Filipinos.”