Country Profile
From The Report: The Philippines 2016
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The Philippines’ abundant biodiversity, natural resources and youthful demographics are all assets that have garnered recognition from investors in recent years. Sustained economic growth and the Philippines’ newly attained investment grade status notwithstanding, the maintenance of peace in the Mindanao region and persistent poverty levels remain key areas to address as the country continues its successful integration into the ASEAN Economic Community. Tackling ongoing challenges are important priorities for the current administration of Benigno Aquino III, which aims to leave a legacy of good governance beyond its last year in 2016. This chapter contains a viewpoint from President Benigno Aquino III; and interviews with Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General, ASEAN; and Roselan Johar Mohamed, Chairman, the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Business Council.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Island nation: A unique geography has bred a diverse culture and history
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The Philippines is composed of over 7000 islands, out of which only approximately 2000 are inhabited, lying in the western Pacific Ocean. The nation is south of Taiwan and east of Vietnam, bounded in the west by the South China Sea and in the south by the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Given its complex history, marked by successive waves of human migration and periods of colonisation, the Philippine archipelago has given rise to multiple ethnicities and dialects. In the period since independence, achieved…

Viewpoint

Empowering people: President Benigno Aquino III on inclusive economies
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In 1986, millions of our people gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) – our capital city’s most prominent avenue – and other cities throughout the nation to overthrow a dictator, who had for too long subjected our country to his tyranny and oppression. People armed only with rosaries, good intentions and belief in their countrymen stood up to tanks, artillery and planes. This was the miracle of EDSA, which made possible that which was impossible, and returned democracy to our country…

Interview

Consolidating ties: OBG talks to Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General, ASEAN
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Interview:Le Luong Minh What is the ASEAN Secretariat’s role in ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration? LE LUONG MINH: It is the role of the ASEAN Secretariat, led by the secretary-general of ASEAN, to facilitate and monitor the progress in the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions. In the AEC, the ASEAN Secretariat, through the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Office, provides core support to monitor and track the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions, as well as…

Overview

Chords of memory: Changes that have shaped the country’s political character
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With the elections taking place in 2016 for everything from local councillor to president of the republic, Philippine politics is set to undergo some far-reaching changes. Whatever the outcome of the balloting, one thing has long been certain: 2016 will mark the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s period in office. Many will miss his leadership. During President Aquino’s tenure, the Philippines has grown much in international diplomatic, political and economic stature. In its 70th year of independence…

Interview

Union is strength: OBG talks to Roselan Johar Mohamed, Chairman, the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Business Council
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Interview:Roselan Johar Mohamed How can the BIMP-EAGA block overcome existing barriers to fully unlock its visibility and potential? ROSELAN JOHAR MOHAMED: Firstly, we must overhaul our mindset and start thinking as one great nation to overcome trust issues and eradicate selfishness. The single catalyst for this process will be friendship among member nations. Strengthening cooperation and awareness in the BIMP-EAGA will only happen if members forget about their own borders and protective…