Philippines President Arroyo honors US legislators

Saturday, August 01, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Gloria Arroyo expressed her profound thanks to a group of American lawmakers dedicated to the cause of friendship between the Philippines and the United States particularly for their efforts in the payment of benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II.

"Thank you friends of the Philippines. We are delighted to meet with you today," President Arroyo told the American legislators during a luncheon reception in honor of the Leaders of the RP-US Friendship Caucus Thursday afternoon (Friday morning in Manila) at the Veterans Committee Room of the Cannon Hall Building here.

The President said that the recognition "will go a long way to rewarding those patriotic Filipinos who fought side by side with Americans, under the United States command, during the heroic days of World War II."

According to the her, the historic ties that bind the two nations run deep, saying that the US is essential to the country's economic, diplomatic and national security.

The President pointed out that her administration stands firmly with the US government in the fight against terrorism, standing up to North Korea's nuclear adventurism as well as fighting for human rights.

She also told the American lawmakers about the reestablishment of official contact toward the resumption of peace talks in Mindanao, in the Muslim South of the Philippines.

"Interfaith dialogue and the pivotal role of the international community, including members of the Philippines-US Friendship Caucus, played a central role in getting the peace process back on track," the President declared.

Through continued US support, she said, the US has been "a strong ally in helping train our military to be professional and effective."

The President noted that the US has been a key ally in advancing the "soft" power by helping build schools, roads and bridges and building up the local economy through development assistance.

She expressed hope that his new paradigm for peace is something that can be replicated elsewhere in the world.

In this connection, Mrs. Arroyo underscored the need to bring peoples of all faiths together, stop violence and move ahead in common humanity.

At the same time, the President lauded Capitol Hill specifically for passing the proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act.

She said that as an archipelagic nation, the Philippines is particularly vulnerable to dramatic changes in weather and rising seas. She vowed to do everything in her power to work with the US on this vital issue that confronts the whole world.

Mrs. Arroyo asked the American legislators for their support for the Save our Industries Act, which provides that if a garment is made up of US-made fabrics and yarns and is cut and wholly assembled in the Philippines, then it would qualify to reenter the US free of duty.

Before her speech, the President conferred awards to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher-Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mike Honda-Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mazie Hirono-Golden Heart Award; and Rep. Bob Filner-Order of Lakandula Award; Rep. Darell Issa-Order of Lakandula Award; and Rep. Bryan Bilbray-Order of Lakandula Award.