Filipinos' change in mindset Aquino's greatest feat: Palace

MANILA (2nd Update, 3:58 p.m.) -- The change in mindset of the Filipinos regarding the government is considered as the biggest achievement, so far, of President Benigno Aquino III's administration as he marked on Saturday his second year in office.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, said the two years of the Aquino administration have been marked by genuine and meaningful change in the way the government is run, in the way the country is viewed by the international community, and in the way the Filipinos aspire and view their own future.

"What is the biggest achievement so far, it's the change in mindset of the people, of our people. They are more open now on the reforms that are being pushed by the government; our fellowmen are now more engaged not just online but on several levels of engagement...there is now a shift in attitude towards government as a partner and not as an oppressor," she said.

"No longer is the Filipino mired in paralysis and despair; he has seen the seemingly difficult tasks achieved, and is one with the government in creating a society that is truly just, prosperous, and equitably progressive," she said.

Valte said that Aquino remains grateful to the Filipino people, whose unwavering support has allowed him the confidence to implement reform.

They remain his fount of strength, and the focus of each program and policy advanced by his administration, she added.

Despite the achievements, Valte admitted that the Aquino government has still much to be done.

This she said could be considered as the greatest setback of the Aquino government.

"Much works have to be done. The President is very conscious of the period that he has been given, that's six years, no more no less. And that's what we're looking at. There is so much to be done yet so little time," she said.

Asked if the President has any intention to extend his term since he still wanted to do more for the country and yet there is little time left, Valte said, "No, no. The President is aware that it's six years."

She said the Aquino administration continues to build on the momentum that it has already gained.

"With everyone's commitment, we are sure to lengthen our strides along the straight and righteous path. The message remains the same: honest and accountable governance is the anvil upon which our people can forge better futures for themselves," she said.

Aquino, who assumed power on June 30, 2010, ends his term as President on June 30, 2016. (SDR/Sunnex)