Message from Ambassador Eusebio A. Abaquin
June 12, 1995 marks the 97th anniversary of Philippine Independence, a momentous and special day for Filipinos everywhere. On this memorable occasion, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the Filipino community in Indonesia, as well as to the people of Indonesia, with whom we have so much in common.
A crimson thread runs throughout Philippine history: our people's love for freedom and the willingness to die for it. From our long and difficult struggle against our colonizer in the distant past, to equal daunting battles with homegrown tyranny just a decade ago, Filipinos have amply demonstrated their democratic character and zeal.
Presently, this democratic legacy and commitment is being put to a major test as the Philippines opts to become Asia's newest tiger under an administration that believes that democracy is not incompatible with development.
In fact, evidence to date show that the Philippines could have both freedom and prosperity: the economy is growing at an impressive rate of over six percent in real terms (more than seven percent if you take into account the dynamic underground economy), up from virtually zero in 1991-92. Foreign investment soared to 1.4 billion as of 1993. Inflation is expected to remain at the manageable level of around 6.5 percent, state firms have been privatized, cartels have been broken up, and the power shortage problem, resolutely resolved.
To be sure, daunting problems remain, such as unemployment, housing, population and infrastructure -- but optimism prevails throughout the country because people sense that the national leadership has put us on the right road; that better things lie ahead because the Philippines is back in business in the heart of the fastest-growing region in the world.
The stable political environment and the economy's performance during the last two years sent bullish signals for the development of industry, trade, investment and tourism. President Ramos' visits to ASEAN and other countries have also attracted investors.
Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Indonesia showed substantial improvement in 1994 and joint venture projects and investment between the two neighbors have also increased, in addition to the establishment of the East Asian Growth Area composed of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Initiatives by Philippine Airlines and Bouraq, aimed at promoting tourism and commerce in the East ASEAN Growth Area, such as organizing international travel marts and operating weekly flights between Manado and Davao are bound to generate interest and wealth in the area.
Fraternal ties have also been strengthened by both countries' shared visions and goals of peace and stability in the region, as evidenced by, among others, Indonesia's continued role as "facilitator" in the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front which is currently at a crucial stage.
Today, as our two nations further consolidate their cooperation and partnership in development and security, I am confident that we could both share the blessing of a just, peaceful, and prosperous world.
Mabuhay!