President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 115th Philippine Independence Day Celebration with the flag raising ceremony at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila this Wednesday morning, June 12, 2013. In his speech during the program, the President assured the people that the government is determined to protect the soverienty of the country in a peaceful way. (MNS photo))
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to Filipino-Chinese businesses for their contribution to nation-building especially after the devastation caused by major disasters that hit the country last year.
In his message during the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FCCCII) joint celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence Day and 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day at the Manila Hotel Tuesday, the President said Chinese Filipino businessmen have never ceased partnering with the government to help calamity-stricken communities.
“It is that spirit of dedicated service and sincere sacrifice that we celebrate here – a spirit that likewise burned within our forefathers as they fought for our freedom 116 years ago,” the President said in his message.
He mentioned the bravery of Chinese-Filipinos such as General Ignacio Paua during the Filipino-American War, and General Vicente Lim during the Second World War.
Both of them demonstrated utmost loyalty and bravery for the right of Filipinos to live with dignity on their own soil, he said.
This spirit has continued until now, with many members of the federation involved in volunteer works such as setting up fire brigades and building classrooms.
The federation has donated more than 9,200 classrooms, which have helped address the needs of students all over the nation, the President said.
Also he said that the country is reaping the fruits of reforms initiated by the administration in the bureaucracy.
“In stark contrast with the past, when government served as an obstacle to the growth of industry and to development, I assure you: our administration will continue partnering with you in pursuit of a prosperity that truly benefits all,” he said.
The President also vowed to continue working towards protecting the rights of the people by combating corruption and upholding the rule of law in every aspect of governance.
This, he said, is the greatest tribute that the nation can give to the many who have fought for freedom: ensuring that the Filipino people will have the wherewithal to rise from poverty, injustice, and oppression.
At the same time, the President said he hopes that the federation will continue to work with his administration not just while he remains President, but even after he steps down from power in 2016. (MNS)