Aquino vows to achieve more in 2013

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III promised to sustain development and continue to improve the lives of the Filipinos in 2013 as he hosted the annual New Year’s vin d’ honneur in Malacanang, Friday.

Facing the members of the diplomatic community, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, Cabinet officials and business magnates, the President said “2012 will be a difficult year to match” citing various achievements of the administration but noted that there are still a lot of reasons to be optimistic this year.

“2012 was a good year for the Filipino people. We saw economic growth surpass expectations. We witnessed the signing of a peace deal and the restoration of public confidence in our judiciary,” he said.

“Given all that we have achieved in the previous year, we have plenty of reason to greet 2013 with optimism—that the path we have chosen to tread in the last two and a half years will continue to yield positive results for our nation and our region,” he added.

He said the country will continue to “make greater sides” despite challenges for as long as the “Filipino people on our side and with the support of partners overseas”.

The President thanked the members of the international community for demonstrating solidarity with the Philippines, especially during times of calamity and disaster.

“We thank those who have placed their trust in the collective capabilities of our people, those who have invested and continue to find reasons to invest in our nation,” he added.

The Chief Executive likewise pledged to “deepen our partnership for equitable prosperity” to the countries that have welcomed Filipinos abroad and to those who continue to work with the Philippine government towards mutual development and advantage.

After his speech, the President then offered the ceremonial toast “to dignity, justice, and understanding as the foundations of lasting stability and peace among all peoples.”

“To the Republic of the Philippines, a democratic nation committed to upholding dialogue and cooperation in Southeast Asia, and to being a reliable partner of all nations of good will; And to the continued growth, advancement, and happiness of the Filipino people,” he said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)