Hail To The Chief!

MANILA – Canberra praised Filipino leader Gloria Arroyo for the successful implementation of the Philippine government’s fiscal reform measures, noting that the continuing expansion of the local economy and growing confidence of the international financial and business communities.

"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deserves our congratulations for the strengthening economic outlook, and our encouragement and our commitment to support her ongoing economic reform efforts," a government statement quoted Australian Ambassador to Manila Tony Hely, as saying.

Hely personally conveyed his message to the President during the recent anniversary dinner of the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) Philippines Inc. at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.

He assured Arroyo that the Australian government will continue its strong partnership with the Philippines to attain its goal of improving the quality of life of every Filipino.

Hely said the growing Australian commercial ties and interest in the Philippines clearly demonstrate their strong support to the Arroyo administration.He noted that the commercial links between the Philippines and Australia continue to flourish and diversify as shown by their two-way trade which exhibits "very strong growth" in 2006.

All of these, according to Hely, are part of the effective leadership of the President despite persistent political noise in the country. Hely also cited the huge investment (Australian $4 billion) of San Miguel Corporation, the country’s largest food and beverage company, in the Australian food and beverage market.

In return, there are 13 Australian companies investing in mineral exploration in the Philippines at present, he said.

For his part, Ambassador David Pine of New Zealand said the silver anniversary celebration of ANZCHAM Philippines is a perfect example of the well-built relationship that has flourished among the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia.

Pine said the decision of New Zealand and Australia to form a single company to engage in mineral development in the Philippines signified their vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and her government.

"We wish you well in your efforts to create the conditions for successful investment – including your policies to strengthen the infrastructure and governance – as well as your efforts to improve the competitiveness of the Philippine economy and, of course, raise the living conditions of all Filipinos," Pine said.

During the same rites, Environment and Natural Resources Angelo Reyes together with Hely and Pine, signed the Merger Transaction Agreement (MTA) between Climax Mining Ltd. of Australia and Oceana Gold Ltd. of New Zealand, and presented it to the President.

Completed on November 6, the MTA is a partnership between the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand to further stimulate the development of Didipio Gold-Copper Project at the mountainous village of Didipio in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.

The agreement is another clear indication of the strong commitment of Australia and New Zealand to promote the development of a sustainable mining industry in the country based on the international principles of corporate social responsibility in relation to community and environment development.

The 25th silver anniversary of ANZCHAM also marked the 60 years of diplomatic relations of the Philippines with Australia, and 40 years with New Zealand.

Six Ambassadors Pledge Support To Peace, Development In Mindanao

The ambassadors of Japan Ryuichiro Yamazaki; Peter Sutherland, of Canada; Kristie Kenney, of the United States, Peter Beckingham, of the United Kingdom; Tony Hely, of Australia; and David Pine, of New Zealand, visited the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga and Basilan island on Monday 13 Nov 2006 and pledged support to the peace talks between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is fighting for a separate Islamic state in the strife-torn region. The 6 countries are staunch allies of the Philippines in the fight against homegrown terrorism.(Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 13 Nov) - Six ambassadors have pledged support to the Philippine peace efforts in Mindanao and renewed commitments to help develop the troubled island, south of Manila.

The ambassadors -- Ryuichiro Yamazaki, of Japan; Peter Sutherland, of Canada; Kristie Kenney, of the United States, Peter Beckingham, of the United Kingdom; Tony Hely, of Australia; and David Pine, of New Zealand arrived here together and met with senior military commanders and government officials.

"These six countries all support myriad development projects in Mindanao, focusing on education and job skills training, small business development, local governance, improved healthcare, agricultural sustainability, poverty alleviation, peace building and counter-terrorism," a joint statement released by the US Embassy said.

The ambassadors met with Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, commander of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command and were briefed about the security situation in Mindanao.

They later met with the local mayor Celso Lobregat, who also briefed them about the city's tourism and investment program, before proceeding to the Islamic Institute of the Philippines in the Muslim enclave of Rio Hondo where they mingled with students and teachers.

Kenney also led the turnover ceremony of computers and Internet connections to the school under the program called Computer Literacy and Internet Connection or CLIC.Sutherland said Canada is supporting the peace process and development efforts in Mindanao.

"Our objective in visiting Zamboanga and Basilan is to demonstrate our support to the peace process and development in Mindanao," he said. "We have a collective interest in Mindanao to bring peace and development."

And Japan has also committed to support the peace talks, saying, it already sent a representative to Mindanao to join an international group of cease-fire observers.

"We are also supporting the peace process. We hope to help in the development of Mindanao," said Yamazaki in Zamboanga City.

The group also flew by helicopters to Lamitan town in Basilan island to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community learning center donated by Australia under the so-called Basic Assistance for Mindanao program.

The 6 countries are staunch allies of the Philippines have provided funds to help the government fight homegrown terrorism. Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, the country's largest Muslim rebel group. (Mindanao Examiner)