蜜桃工作室

For US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr., there are at least six reasons why he is optimistic about the Philippines.

Speaking before the American Chamber of Commerce, Thomas last week noted the following: 鈥淔irst, President Aquino鈥檚 campaign pledge to root out corruption is beginning to take hold though public disclosure of past violations, new leadership in oversight institutions, increased public antagonism to cronyism, and through nascent initiatives that if implemented effectively offer the opportunity for gradual but effective change.鈥�

鈥淪econd, the economy continues to prosper, showing a resilience many nations could envy. Third, international assessment of the Philippines macroeconomic policies continues to be favorable. Fourth, Philippine success in global labor markets has continued. Fifth, the spectrum of Philippine security agencies are increasingly effective in conducting credible law enforcement although there is still a vast gap in the resources needed,鈥� the envoy also said.

Caliber of leadership

And lastly, Thomas said he was 鈥渉eartened by the caliber of leadership I see across the key Cabinet agencies鈥擲ecretary (Leila) de Lima in justice, Secretary (Gregory) Domingo in trade, and Secretary (Cesar) Purisima in finance, to name a few.鈥�

Thomas, however, said he was not glossing over the tough issues.

鈥淭rust me, I am not. The fight against corruption may be more powerful than ever, but it is still a David to the Goliath of entrenched interests seeking to block competition, protect vested interests and disrupt the course of justice,鈥� he pointed out.

Economic growth 鈥渉as not bridged the poverty gap. While international assessment of Philippine macroeconomic policies is favorable, the country still lags behind most other Association of Southeast Asian neighbors in key areas. That has to change.鈥�

鈥淭he flip side of Philippine success in global labor markets represents separated families, the loss of significant national talent and the risk of remittance dependency. And while Philippine security agencies may be improving, the continuing insurgencies and the level of crime still stand as serious challenges,鈥� said Thomas.

But the US diplomat said he remains optimistic 鈥渂ecause Filipinos are optimistic.鈥�

鈥淏ecause they believe, as they haven鈥檛 in a while, that positive change can come. Because the leadership is prepared to take hard decisions, because the business community is prepared to invest, because the worker is prepared to make the extra effort to see this country succeed,鈥� said Thomas.

Lots remain to be done

He believes 鈥渉ope isn鈥檛 tangible, but look around and you鈥檒l see hope manifests in building projects, energy infrastructure investments, expanded manufacturing plants, and in bottom lines that are looking up.鈥�

鈥淟ots remain to be done, but we see a commitment to start doing it, whether it鈥檚 criminal reforms or tax collection,鈥� said Thomas.

Washington, he said, is 鈥渆xcited about the prospects for facilitating real changes鈥� in the Philippines.

Thomas assured 鈥淯S aid will continue through the Partnership for Growth (program), its impressive efforts to open doors for businesses, including franchises, as well as addressing some of the fundamental tools for growth, like health and education.鈥�

鈥淭his year, the US Agency for International Development and Peace Corps celebrate 50 years of cooperation with the Philippines by looking forward to new initiatives and new engagements,鈥� he said.

The US-run Millennium Challenge Corporation 鈥渨ill soon start implementing its $434-million program to build infrastructure, support community-led development and enhance government revenue collection,鈥� he announced.

鈥淭his is a substantial augmentation of our investment in the Philippines, and I think you will be very impressed by its impact,鈥� Thomas said, adding 鈥渢his is a time of opportunity, of renewed attention from the US towards this region, and that is reason for us all to see sunny days ahead.鈥�