P-Noy's SPEECH at the 43rd ASEAN Foundation Day

Last August 9, 2010, President Aquino led the celebration of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foundation Day, vowing that the Philippines will fulfill its international commitments without undermining and forsaking its national interests. As I read the whole speech, I was really amazed because he said that the Philippines will be “a good neighbor, a productive partner, and a consensus-builder” to neighbors in Southeast Asia which shows a very positive approach to the country. He also said that the Philippines, under his administration, will fulfill its international commitments without undermining and forsaking its national interests. A Philippines that is an exemplar, as well as exponent, of the rule of law including international law is a country attractive to investments which is totally correct. Also, he added that the Philippines that harmonizes its national interest with its international responsibilities, is a nation that can earn, and maintain its dignity and self-respect whether on a bilateral or multilateral level. We could achieve this by making our country open for investments. Furthermore, I would also like to commend P-Noy for using culture and the arts in order to promote peace and understanding within other nations. It would strengthen cooperation on several fronts: political, economic and social. I really hope that P-Noy would really put this into action, not just only in words.