Message of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the Death of Former President
Corazon C. Aquino
Washington D.C. USA
31 July 2009
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Today, the Philippines lost a national treasure. Cory Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy
and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril.
Our nation will mourn her passing.
History was thrust upon her when her noble husband was cut down in the prime of his life as he fought for
democracy and the rule of law. She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior, Ninoy, and helped lead our
nation to a brighter day.
I am announcing today that we will officially observe a ten day period of national mourning.
Our hearts go out to the family in this hour of grief and sorrow. The nation prays for Cory and her family.
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Statement of Ambassador Willy C. Gaa on the Death of Former President Corazon C.
Aquino
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Along with the Filipino American community all over the United States, we mourn the passing of a great and
inspirational leader and the pride of the Filipino people. While President Cory Aquino is no longer with us, her
legacy and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of the Filipino people.
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PGMA calls on stakeholders to unite and conserve the resource-rich Coral Triangle
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Washington DC – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the stakeholders attending the Forum on the
Coral Triangle (with the National Geographic) to come together in the world community and be even more
vigilant in advancing efforts to conserve the six million square kilometers that form the resource-rich Coral
Triangle.
“The Coral Triangle is potentially the world’s most important refuge for marine life, But only if we all do out part
to protect it from further environmental degradation,” the Chief Executive said in his speech Thursday afternoon
(Friday, morning in Manila) at the forum at the Grosvenor Auditorium of the National Geographic here.
The President said it is time to rebalance approach as “we work to develop strong economies, provide
employment, and maintain the sacred relationship between human beings and Mother Earth.
She stressed that the political will of the governments of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New
Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste, the Coral Triangle 5 countries, to protect the Coral Triangle is
high.
At a time when the world is focused on the bad news associated with the global economic crisis, President
Macapagal-Arroyo said, he Coral Initiative driven by the six nations is good news,
The President noted that the countries responsible for the stewardship of the waters and resources of the
Coral Triangle have created a strong and unified force to keep the biodiversity intact, food resources strong,
and the environment pristine.
According to the President, leaders of the Coral Triangle countries have agreed to a series of new
commitments to safeguard the world’s richest marine resources and ensure the income and food security for
the millions of people in the countries who depend on the resources of the Coral Triangle for their livelihood.
She said that the 10-year regional plan of action adopted by the Coral Triangle countries sets time-bound
steps to address not only the growing threats to the region’s coral reefs, fisheries, mangroves, threatened
species and other marine and coastal resources, but also the challenge of climate change.
The initiative also recognizes the urgent need to tackle the poverty afflicting the people throughout the Coral
Triangle region, especially those in coastal communities.
The President pointed out that together with other fellows of the Coral Triangle country leaders, they agreed
that they would bring their collective voices into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“We want to make an impact on the climate change dialogue,” she said as she called on all countries
particularly the major industrialized developed countries, “to live up to the UNFCCC obligations, including
affordable and appropriate technologies and funding for climate change.”
Saying that economic development and national stability depend on parallel initiatives aimed at environmental
sustainability and social equity, the President stressed the need to aim for this as one living planet.
On the part of the Philippines, the President cited the National Strategy to protect the country’s marine
resources is focused on an Integrated Coastal Management approach to the sustainable development of the
nation’s coasts, oceans, and marine resources.
“As part of this program, we are working at the community, local government, provincial, district and national
levels on the twin goals of coastal resource management and climate change mitigation and adaptation,” she
said.
The President explained that the National Strategy also includes support for the conservation of important
species and the management of several protected marine areas including the Apo Reef Natural Park, the
Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, and the renowned Tubataha Reefs National Park, a UNESCO World Natural
Heritage site.
In closing, the President asked those who are concerned about the future of the oceans and the seas to share
the story of the work being done to preserve the Coral Triangle.
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PGMA thanks US legislators for support to World War II veterans
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WASHINGTON DC – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her profound thanks to a group of
American Representatives dedicated to the cause of friendship between the Philippines and the United States
particularly for their efforts in the ayment of benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II.
“Thank you friends of the Philippines. We are delighted to meet with you today,” the Chief Executive said in her
speech before American legislators during a Luncheon Reception with Leaders of the RP-US Friendship
Caucus Thursday afternoon (Friday morning in Manila) at the Veterans Committee Room of the Cannon Hall
Building here.
The President said the recognition “will go a long way to rewarding those patriotic Filipinos who fought side by
side with Americans, under the United States command, during the heroic days of World War II.”
According to the President, the historic ties that bind the two nations run deep adding, that the US is essential
to the country’s economic, diplomatic and national security.
The President pointed out that her administration stands firmly with the US government in the fight against
terrorism, standing up to North Korea’s nuclear adventurism as well as fighting for human rights.
She told American legislators about the re-establishment of official contact toward the resumption of peace
talks in Mindanao, in the Muslim south of the Philippines.
“Interfaith dialogue and the pivotal role of the international community, including members of the Philippines-
US Friendship Caucus, played a central role in getting the peace process back on track,” the President
declared.
Through your support for the budget, the President added that the US has been “a strong ally in helping train
our military to be professional and effective.”
Aside from this, the President likewise noted that the US has been a key ally in advancing the “soft” power by
helping build schools, roads and bridges and building up the local economy through development assistance.
The President expressed hope that his new paradigm for peace is something that can be replicated
elsewhere in the world.
In this connection, she underscored the need to bring peoples of all faiths together, stop violence and move
ahead in common humanity.
At the same time, the President lauded the American House specifically for passing the proposed American
Clean Energy and Security Act.
The President said that the Philippines, as an island nation, is particularly vulnerable to dramatic changes in
weather and rising seas. She vowed to do everything in power to work with the US on this vital issue that
confronts the Philippines and the entire human race.
She asked the American representatives for their support for the Save our Industries Act which provides that if
a garment is comprised of US-made fabrics and yarns and is cut and wholly assembled in the Philippines,
then it would qualify to re-enter the US free of duty.
Before her speech, the President conferred awards to the following: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher –Golden Heart
Award; Rep Mike Honda Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mazie Hirono – Golden Heart Award; and Rep. Bob Filner –
Order of Lakandula Award; Rep. Darell Issa – Order of Lakandula Award; and Rep. Bryan Bilbray – Order of
Lakandula Award.
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RP seeks support for 3 fisheries environment-friendly initiatives
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WASHINGTON DC – Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap presented Thursday (Friday in Manila) three fisheries
environment-friendly initiatives for possible support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which are all
aimed at protecting coral reefs, rich marine life and the livelihood of millions of small fisher folk from the
devastating effects of climate change.
Yap presented the proposed projects at a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Coral Triangle Initiative which was also
attended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest of honor and speaker at the Grosvenor Auditorium,
National Geographic here.
In his presentation, Yap said the initiatives involve a comprehensive plan for the Verde Island Passage off
Batangas and Mindoro.
He explained that the Verde Island passage is considered the “center of the center” of the world’s marine
biodiversity with the highest number of species – 1,736 in all, found in a single 10 by 10 kilometer square area.
According to him, the area spans five provinces from Luzon.
Yap noted that the other initiative include a project that would help prepare small fisherfolk for the adverse
effects of climate change, and assessing the vulnerabilities brought about by this global phenomenon on the
country’s resources through a rapid alert system to enable the Philippines to adequately prepare and
response to these challenges.
GEF is considered the world’s largest organization of countries and international institutions committed to
address global environmental woes. It provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change,
international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. It is composed of
178 countries, international institutions, private sector groups and non governmental organizations.
The GEF expressed its continued support for the programs being implemented by the Macapagal-Arroyo
administration to protect the Coral Triangle and ensure food security for the Philippines.
Its officials likewise lauded the Philippines for its high absorptive capacity in carrying out projects funded by the
institution pertaining to biodiversity, climate change, protection of marine life in international waters and other
initiatives on the sustainable management of the world’s natural resources.
CTI involves countries and institutions that have committed to preserve and protect the Coral Triangle, a 5.7
million-square-kilometer area in the Indo-Pacific Ocean that contains 67 percent of the world’s marine
resources.
He said the vast and rich expanse of marine resource covers the Philippines and five other countries such as
Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.
The Agriculture Secretary formally presented the three proposals to GEF through a letter addressed to its chief
executive officer and chairperson, Monique Barbut.
According to Yap, the Verde Island Passage Project aims to protect and conserve the area through coastal
resource management, training and provision of alternative livelihood opportunities to coastal communities
bordering the Verde Island Passage.
He added that the GEF already has an existing grant in the Philippines including the Verde Island Passage
where baseline information were generated.
Yap said that climate change can affect ocean currents and the life cycles of fish and other marine life but the
exact nature of these impacts have not been explored yet.
He noted that projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate reef loss and a decline in
fish availability for per capita consumption of approximately 15 percent by 2015.
Yap emphasized that the proposal aims to ascertain the possible effects of climate change to adequately
prepare the country against possible vulnerabilities.
On preparing small fisher folk for the effects of climate change, the Agriculture Secretary has proposed that
this be done through a training information and education campaign; the establishment of mariculture parks;
and the promotion of aquaculture technologies.
Yap said that this proposed initiative is crucial especially in the light of the continuing yield decline of the
country’s coastal fishing grounds at an average of 2.66 percent each year.
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PGMA-Obama meeting source of pride for Filipinos, Palace says
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Malacañang said today the historic meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and US President
Barack Obama at the Oval Office of the White House was a “great success” that brings pride and triumph not
only to the President but for the entire nation.
Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, in a press briefing this morning, said he was
particularly proud of President Obama’s taking note of the President’s leadership in the fight against terrorism,
climate change and in weathering the global economic crisis.
“The meeting was a big pride and privilege that is well deserved by the President not only in articulating
achievements but the aspirations of the whole ASEAN,” he added.
“The President now has the distinction of being the first South East Asian leader accorded this wonderful
privilege of meeting President Obama,“ he added.
Claudio said this brings the President and the whole country “greater prominence and attention on the world
stage.”
The 45-minute meeting, that further cemented relations between two allies, was described as cordial and
constructive between the two leaders, with peace and security high on the agenda.
Claudio said economic and enhanced trade between the Philippines and the US was also discussed.
The President was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, Foreign Affairs Secretary
Alberto Romulo, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, presidential adviser
on climate change Heherson Alvarez and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
Claudio said that President Obama, in his statement after the meeting, hailed the relationship of the two allies,
and mentioned the contributions of Filipinos to America.
President Obama, according to him, took pride in noting that United States is host to four million persons of
Filipino ancestry contributing to US economy and that Filipino veterans walked side by side with American
soldiers on behalf of freedom.
Obama reportedly said these factors have strengthened RP-US relations.
President Obama, Claudio said, also took note of the President’s efforts in making good progress on dealing
with counterterrorism issues, peace process in Mindanao, and the Philippines strong voice in issues
concerning the South East Asian region that he said he and the President will have a busy agenda together in
reducing the threat of nuclear weapons and in improving multilateral partnerships in Asia to create greater
security and prosperity.
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Obama gives PGMA warm, cordial welcome
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It was a warm, cordial welcome US President Barack Obama gave visiting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Thursday afternoon (Friday morning in Manila) as the two heads of state finally met for the first time at the oval
office in Washington.
In return, President Arroyo said in a radio interview that she thanked Obama for inviting her to the White House
and reiterated the Philippines' support to issues America is pursuing in the region.
Foremost in the agenda, she said was peace and security and the importance of joining hands against
terrorism.
“We discussed peace and security, how to strengthen regional cooperation on anti-terrorism, how to advance
the peace process in Mindanao and how the US military is helping us upgrade the professionalism and
effectivity of our soldiers, ,” she said by way of describing how her 45-minute one-on-one meeting with the 44th
President of the United States went.
”This assistance by the US has gone a long way in helping us achieve what we have been able to achieve in
the peace process in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines and also in our fight against terrorism," she said.
The Chief Executive added that she also informed Obama on the progress of the peace talks with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
She said that the Philippines will stand behind the US in two crucial issues in the region: Burma and North
Korea.
The President also thanked the United States’ help with regard to climate change, and the grant of benefits for
Filipino World War II veterans.
It was President Arroyo's fourth visit to the White House since she became President. Her first visit was back in
November 2001, following the terror attacks in the United States.
She met President George W. Bush a second time in May 2003 during a state visit, and again last year, upon
Bush's invitation.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, who is with the President in Washington, said in a phone
patch briefing, that prior to the meeting with Obama, the President met with several US lawmakers and
government officials at the Willard Hotel.
Among them were Admiral Dennis Blair, director for National Intelligence; US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi;
and US Senator Sheila Jackson Lee.
She also met with the leaders of the RP-US Friendship Caucus.
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PGMA cites importance of US to RP’s economic, diplomatic, national security
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WASHINGTON DC – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscored the importance of the United States to
the country’s economic, diplomatic and national security.
The Chief Executive echoed this message Thursday (Friday in Manila) during her historic meeting with US
President Barack Obama in his Oval Office at the White House.
The President, who is here upon the invitation of the Obama government, is the first Southeast Asian leader to
visit the White House under the Obama administration.
The President thanked Obama and the US government “for being such a good ally especially in working on
soft power by helping us build bridges, roads, schools not only in Mindanao but across the nation.”
This assistance, she said in a statement, has “gone a long way in helping us achieve what we have been able
to achieve in the peace process in Mindanao in southern Philippines and also our fight against terrorism.”
President Macapagal-Arroyo informed the US leader that the Muslim secessionists have agreed together with
the Philippine Government panel to work towards the resumption of the formal peace talks.
During their meeting, the President vowed that the Philippines stands four square behind the US government
on the position that it has taken with regard to Burma and North Korea’s nuclear adventurism.
“We also applaud Obama for his leadership on climate change which is so important to the Philippines
because we are an archipelagic country,” she said.
“So I am very grateful for this opportunity, we thank the Obama administration for their new engagement in our
part of the world. And we will look forward to a stronger relationship between the US and ASEAN and bilaterally
a stronger relationship between our two countries. Thank you Mr. President,” the Chief Executive said.
The President described President Obama as a very cordial, warm and welcoming person.
She said she was also impressed of Obama’s deep understanding and knowledge of the Philippines and the
Filipino people and his understanding of the close relationship between the Filipinos and the Americans.
“As we discussed between our delegation, the relationship between the United States and the Philippines
dates back many years ago. It is a friendship that was forged not only in treaties and trade relationships and
military relationships but also strengthened by bringing the personal ties that exist between out two countries,”
she said.
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