On The Right Track

We live in a world of commerce and industry. And as part of humanity, we are all in agreement that we want to live in a world that is peaceful. We want food and clean water for everyone and an environment that can sustainably support all of the earth’s inhabitants. All of these things are aspirations that no individual or nation can claim exclusively. We have to work as a team. We have to reach out to people for better understanding. The connectivity that is desired for commerce and work includes human resources. Whether citizens or not, all members of the labor force deserve the same protection and the same degree of treatment as a human beings.

We have two labor agreements that will enhance the standards of protection for Filipinos employed as household service workers in Jordan and regulate labor deployment, exchanges, and communication and further studies on labor. As I have repeatedly said, our government will continue to do its part to ensure that the rights of our nationals working abroad are protected, enhanced, and upheld.

We have also concluded a number of government-to-government and business-to-business sector agreements. Investments generated are valued at over USD140 million and expected to generate over 1,200 new jobs. This, we believe, is only the beginning. Together with HM King Abdullah’s Cabinet, we are discussing ways to expand cooperation in two-way trade and investment, human resource development, interfaith dialog, tourism, and other areas of governance. Trade and other similar missions will be launched to give greater impetus to these efforts.

My country is relatively young. We gained our independence from the Spaniards and then Americans, who ruled us for 400 years and 50 years, respectively. We were colonized for so long that along the way, we lost our identity as a race belonging to the Malay. What is true in Asia is true here in the Middle East. Nevertheless, we move on and continue to build our nations for generations to come. I was mayor of my city for more than 22 years, and I was a member of Congress and a vice mayor. By the time I complete my presidency, I will have served my country for 40 years. Our similar histories make Jordan and the Philippines compelling business partners, and I see many opportunities for increasing economic and investment ties. We are peaceful nations with talented manpower.

There are several opportunities for foreign investors in the Philippines as we have a large population with growing demand for goods and services. Moreover, much like Jordan, we are increasing the ease of doing business. As we reaffirm the Philippines’ position in maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the region and pursue our independent foreign policy, we are showing that the Philippines is, indeed, a friend to all and an enemy to no one.