DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed to harness diplomacy to advance the country’s economic and security interests following a fruitful visit to the People’s Republic of China that saw the signing of nine business agreements valued at USD9 billion.
In his arrival speech at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Friday, Duterte announced that the signed business investments are projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs for Filipinos.
Aside from this, the President also reported that the Chinese government provided 500 million renminbi or about PHP4 billion in grant. He said he would still discuss how the fund would be utilized.
He also announced the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the employment of Filipino English language teachers in China.
The MOU will pave the way for the employment of 2,000 Filipino English language teachers starting this year and contracts valid for two years, subject to renewal.
At the Boao Forum for Asia, Duterte said that together with leaders, they discussed the importance of an open and innovative Asia for greater global prosperity.
“We recognized that Asia is a key global growth engine. And we strongly emphasized the need for economic cooperation, coordination and collaboration to achieve the development of our peoples, what they deserve,” said the President who arrived with his delegation, among them Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
He said he also underscored the importance of providing a safe, secure and stable environment in the region’s land and waters for economies to thrive and putting more emphasis on infrastructure, innovation and interconnectivity to drive domestic growth.
“I reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to do more to encourage greater investments into the country,” the President said.
From Boao, Hainan, Duterte proceeded to Hong Kong where he met with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and the rest of the Filipino community.
He said the stories of the men and women who have sacrificed everything for a more comfortable life for their families will serve as his inspiration.
“I will uphold my solemn oath to do my utmost to provide a comfortable life for all during my watch as President,” he stressed.
Duterte said his visit to China underscored again the need for the Philippines to seek its destiny in Asia.
“We recognize that our neighbors in the region are our partners and friends with whom we can work with to achieve shared prosperity,” he said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
