PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said on Friday Filipinos now feel the effects of good governance brought about by the reforms of his administration and they will no longer accept anything less.
We see today a people who have felt the effects of good governance—and who will refuse to accept anything less. My countrymen will continue to demand integrity, accountability, and sustainable, inclusive growth even after I have stepped down from office,” Aquino told delegates to the 23rd Pacific Economic Cooperation Council general meeting at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.
“Indeed: The task of building a stronger, more inclusive nation—or even, a stronger, more inclusive world—no longer falls only on the shoulders of those in power, or of men and women like yourselves,” said Aquino.
“Even more encouraging is the fact that transformation has not just taken place in our institutions and our economy; it has taken place in the mindset of Filipinos,” said Aquino.
“Transparency and accountability are no longer just ideals; they are realities in the Philippines,”said Aquino.
Aquino said the PECC is an excellent example of a belief he always have held that the challenges facing the Philippine or the world are not meant to be solved by a few people alone.
“Each one of us must do his part. Standing here today, in front of an audience composed of representatives from business, the academe, governance, and other sectors, I see that belief realized,” he said.
The President said, since 1980, the PECC has contributed so much, not only in crafting policy, but also in shaping a more stable and more prosperous Asia Pacific.
“Indeed, by working together, we will find it much easier to solve our collective challenges. Foremost among these is how to achieve balanced, sustained, and inclusive growth,” he said.
Aquino also cited the Philippine experience in the pursuit of inclusive growth, which has been the driving force of the administration’s reform strategy.