Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. PHOTO BY ELTON LUGAY
WASHINGTON, DC—The Philippines’ ambassador assured Filipinos in the United States that the Philippines is on its way to fulfilling its potential, as seen in recent positive developments not only in the economy, but also in the peace and security of the country.
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. spoke expatriates on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the La Salle Philippines Alumni Association (LSPAA) in Crystal City, Virginia on September 13.
“The economy is up, with economic growth registered at 6.4 percent for the second quarter of 2014, that’s up from 5.6 percent for the first quarter,” said Cuisia.
The envoy, who is also a La Salle alumnus, said the positive economic growth of the Philippines has also caught the attention of the international community, with the World Economic Forum noting the country’s performance in its Global Competitive Report for 2014-2015.
“The country has jumped the rankings of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitive Report for 2014-2015 by seven places to be ranked 52nd out of 144 countries. This is no small feat, with the WEF noting that the Philippines has achieved the largest jump in rankings since 2010,” said Cuisia.
He added that the Philippines has also made strides in the political and security fronts, with the country now in the concluding stages of the refinement of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which aims to end the decades-long Muslim separatist effort in Mindanao.
Cuisia also gave an update on territorial issues with China in the West Philippines Sea, including the case against China that has been presented to the United Nations arbitral tribunal.
“What does all this good news mean for us here? Well, first, it assures us that the country we love and still long for is on its way to fulfilling its potential,” he said.
“This also means that our friends and family at home have a better chance at a brighter future where there is greater security and more opportunities to create a future of peace and prosperity.”
“And more importantly, if you are planning to return home, either for vacation or for good, you will see a new and developing Philippines,”Cuisia said.
In his remarks, Cuisia also paid tribute to the LSPAA for actively supporting the One La Salle Scholarship Fund, which aims to give full scholarships to 20 percent of La Salle students all over the Philippines, and for its Calamity Relief Programs what will help rebuild classrooms damaged by Typhoon Haiyan.