Thank you for the kind introduction, and please know that it's great to be with old friends.

Your flyer states that I will be presenting a status report on the country's foreign affairs, with emphasis on the 2 plus 2 meeting in Washington DC and the latest developments on the Bajo de Masinloc impasse with China.

INTRODUCING THE NEW DFA

I would be honored to oblige with a brief overview, but I would first like to establish the following:

1)     Our beloved President, as you know, is the architect of our foreign policy and the DFA merely implements.  Let me take a minute or two to introduce the DFA.  Let me begin, if you will, by posing a quick question to this body and the question is, "if there are 10 unknown government officials in a room, and I were to tell you that one of them is from the DFA and to please point him out, how would you do that?"  I give you 5 seconds.  The answer is, I think you would not be wrong if you chose the person with the heaviest eye bags.  Why, because the DFA is known as the 'department that never sleeps'.

2)     Having distinguished the DFA from other Government Departments, I would also like to manifest that the DFA has been undergoing a positive transformation in terms of:

a)     Restoring morale.  Morale has been restored in the DFA by the appointment of 34 career people as AEP with the exception of only one political appointee since we were sworn in;

b)    Upgrading the skills of our senior officials. This has been done through expanded and more intense training ;

c)    Putting merit over seniority. We now emphasize that meritorious performance, and not seniority is the way to advance one's career; and

d)    Working and making the Department smarter, meaner and leaner.  We are working to make the Department not only smarter and meaner but also leaner as we undertake a rational program resulting in the closure of 10 posts so that we can allocate limited resources to areas of greater need.

I believe these initiatives will enable us to more effectively focus on our foreign policy which consists of 3 pillars. These are promoting national security, enhancing economic diplomacy and protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas.

ON PROTECTING OUR FILIPINOS ABROAD

As you know within hours after we were sworn in, we were off for Libya on the first of several trips to repatriate our people affected by the Arab Spring.  We repatriated over 10,000 Filipinos from many countries including Libya, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Iraq, and Japan.  We also provided help to many of our people overseas including watching over 80 who are in death row and towards providing assistance in the release of nearly 800 seafarers who have been held hostage by pirates in Somalia.  In keeping our people safe, with prayers, we have not lost a single life that was within our control.

A few weeks ago, I felt compelled to submit a courtesy letter of resignation to the President.  Why? Because I was absolutely certain that a life would surely be lost and the government would be blamed.  I felt that the President should not be blamed when it is I who should assume the responsibility and the buck stops with me. We were informed at midnight by one of our Embassies in the Middle East that an execution of a Filipino drug mule would take place within 5 hours or 5 a.m. our time.  With the President's most kind help, and with the proactive assistance of the Middle Eastern Ambassador, we were able to obtain a "stay" before 5 a.m. and so both the accused and myself were both miraculously granted a "stay".

The President, for whom I have great affection and respect, has asked me several times not to place my life at risk by going to dangerous places.  My response to him was "I must go to these places to stay ahead of the curve as someday a life will be lost and our only defense is to be able to say factually that - at all times - we did all the best that we possibly could".

ON ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

The platform of the President is to address poverty alleviation and the creation of employment through good governance.  What is the role of the DFA?  In our relations with all nations, we are undertaking a planned program for generating foreign investment, boosting trade, increasing tourism and enhancing possible official development assistance.  How do we do this?  By making sure that our people all over the world are actively selling the country.

Economic diplomacy requires an upgrading of skills.  As such, we have entered into a formal partnership with AIM so that our Ambassadors are properly trained before they assume their Posts. Our Career Ministers must pass a specially-designed full-time course work before they are promoted.

We have worked with the diplomatic corps in conducting business fora and have coordinated with different foreign chambers of commerce.

Believing that systematic inputs will ultimately result in positive outputs, we have set input targets and are closely monitoring the performance of our Posts.  Although it has not been done before, we intend to recall non-performing Ambassadors.

ON PROMOTING NATIONAL SECURITY

Our major concern should be to build a safe and a strong regional neighborhood using ASEAN.  Through ASEAN and on our own, we must engage regional powers such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia in mutually beneficial security  dialogues.  This includes, of course, an enduring defense partnership with the U.S.

Our country must also continue its vibrant relations with countries in the Middle East in resolving the Mindanao problems, the Palestinian issues, and global terrorism.

Since the Philippines is less likely to effect security arrangements on its own, it makes sense for us to do so in concert with others.  We have, for example, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the United Nations to help in promoting global peace and development.  Our over-all objective is to avoid foreign problems from spilling over into our home land or into our region.

ON U.S RELATIONS

The US remains as one of only 2 strategic partners of the Philippines and its only treaty ally.  We have a comprehensive, mature, and resilient partnership that has been founded on the basis of a shared history, shared values, and shared sacrifices.

The U.S. is our largest source of official development assistance in terms of grants, our second largest trading partner, our second largest in terms of inward tourism, and our third largest source of direct investments.  We have very dynamic people-to-people links.

ON CHINA RELATIONS

We have a long-standing friendship with China with incredible historical people-to-people links.  China is our third largest trading partner.  We benefit from our relations with China just as China benefits from its relationships with us.  Philippine investments in China amount to nearly US$ 3 Billion while China's investments in the Philippines amount to less than US$1.5 Billion Dollars.

The President had an excellent State Visit to China during which we signed an agreement that both countries would work towards achieving US$60 Billion in two-way trade within a five-year period and 2 Million in inward visitors within 5 years.  It was also agreed upon that the bilateral agenda would be moved forward in the most positive way while the areas of contention such as the West Philippine Sea would be abstracted and dealt with separately.

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

Last year, we had several intimidating Chinese incursions in the Reed Bank which is an integral part of the Philippines.  It is 84 nautical miles and well within the 200 exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Palawan.  It is, at the same time, nearly 600 nautical miles from the nearest coastline of China.

When we protested these incursions, the response was that there could not be incursions since China had an indisputable sovereignty over the entire South China Sea on the basis of their 9-dash concept.

The 9-dash concept of China which we believe has no basis, has been protested in the UN by Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.  Additionally, Singapore has publicly asked that China explain and clarify its 9-dash position.

Recently, the dispute has shifted from the north of the Reed Bank to Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is 124 nautical miles from Zambales and over 450 nautical miles from the nearest coastlines of China. Chinese fishermen had been blatantly destroying bio-diversity there by harvesting large volumes of endangered species.  This is a gross violation of our Fisheries Code and of the International Convention Governing the Trading of Endangered Species.

Chinese maritime surveillance vessels had subsequently prevented us from enforcing our laws and had demanded that we exit from our exclusive economic zone.  Your government had no choice except to take a stand to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights.  At the same time, since the West Philippine Sea is a main thoroughfare for international trade with as many as 50,000 ships traversing the area annually, it is our belief that other nations should be concerned over the potential threats to freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce.

Japan, Australia, South Korea, EU and the United States have taken the position that China and the Philippines should validate their respective claims in accordance with international law including UNCLOS.

The stand-off which ensued remains until this time.  It is our belief that through continuing consultations, the crisis there could be defused peacefully.  As the President has stated, we welcome China's emergence as a stable, peaceful, prosperous, and responsible nation.  We would like to put the stand-off behind us and look forward to a positive relationship with China.

2 PLUS 2 MEETING

Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and I had been invited to meet with Secretary Hilary Clinton and Secretary Leon Panetta in a new discussion format, called the 2 + 2.  The objective of the meeting was to be able to maximize our strategic partnership and to optimize our treaty alliance.  We had a comprehensive discussion which included defense and security, economic cooperation, people-to-people engagements, transparency in governance, and the rule of law.  There was no discussion in containing China as we are of the belief that a thriving China is good for the United States just as a thriving United States is good for China. Furthermore, we are of the belief that a thriving US and a thriving China would be good for all of us.

Thank you and I would be happy to answer your questions. END

16 May 2012 - As part of the Memphis in May International Festival (MIMIF), 13 paintings from the Philippine Center in New York's collection of art works by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are on exhibit at the Goodwyn Gallery-Memphis Central Library for the month of May. The Philippines is the featured country for this year's MIMIF.

The MIMIF exhibit marks the first time that works from the Philippine Center's collection are being shown to the public outside the Center.

The Center's MIMIF show includes works spanning different styles, trends, and periods of Philippine art with paintings by renowned artists Norma Belleza, Tam Austria, Manuel Baldemor, Pacunayen, Rodrigo Paras Perez, Goy Agustin, Lenore RS Lim, Edgar Doctor, and Manuel Rodriguez, the father of Philippine print-making.

Also featured are the works of emerging modern and folk artists, Elmer Oliva, G. Buensuceso, Ambie Abano, and Erick Dator.

Consul General de Leon thanked the Memphis Central Library and the MIMIF officials for inviting the Philippine Center to exhibit some of the pieces in its collection outside of New York City and in the process introducing Philippine art to a wider audience.

The Artwork of the Philippine Center Exhibit was curated by Deputy Consul General and Philippine Center Manager Theresa Dizon-de Vega with assistance from Ms. Bernadette Shinault-Davis, Press Relations Supervisor of the Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

Other Philippine-themed exhibits at the MIMIF include the EDSA People Power Revolution photographic works of Pulitzer Prize winner Kim Komenich at the National Civil Rights Museum, The Corregidor Island Story at the Mississippi River Museum, Philippine Textiles from the Museo de Ilocos Norte at the Brooks Museum of Art, Flora de Filipinas at the Memphis Botanic Garden and Living Landmarks and Cultural Landscapes of the Philippines at the American Institute of Architects.

The Memphis in May International Festival will run until May 31.

16 May 2012 - Czech Republic First Lady, Madame Livia Klausova, hosted a reception for the resident lady ambassadors in Prague and members of the Ambassadors' Spouses Assocation (ASA) at Chateau Lany last May 3.

The occasion was an opportunity to strengthen friendships and exchange notes on "living in Prague" in a more "informal setting".   The guests were treated to an afternoon of Czech culture and warm hospitality.

They enjoyed Czech delicacies and a performance of traditional music and dance in the Czech Republic.

In appreciation of the generous and warm reception, ASA members'choir presented surprise song numbers to Madame Klausova.

The first lady hosted the Lady Ambassadors and Ambassador's spouses in the same occasion for the last 10 years. END

16 May 2012 - Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan and Mrs. Debbie Mijares-Gatan treated world-famous artists to renowned Filipino hospitality at the Tahanang Rizal, the Ambassador's official residence in Ottawa last May 12.

Among the Ambassador's guests were Lea Salonga, Alain Boublil, Marie Zamora, Kathy Voytko and Shelly Fuerte who were in town for the dream concert Do You Hear the People Sing at the National Arts Center. The concert was held from May 10 to 12.

After a sumptuous Filipino brunch, Ambassador Gatan gifted Mr. Boublil with Dr. Jose Rizal's masterpieces, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, in keeping with the Embassy's cultural diplomacy initiatives. END

16 May 2012- The Philippine Consulate General in Hawaii led the Filipino Community in celebrating the Annual Filipino Fiesta held on May 05 at Kapi'olani Park in Waikiki, Honolulu.

The annual Filipino Fiesta marked its 20^th year with the theme "Pagdiriwang at Pasasalamat" in celebration of the valuable contributions of the hundreds of volunteers through the years who worked together towards a Filipino community which highly invested in promoting the rich and vibrant Philippine culture and heritage.

The event kicked off with a colorful parade which started from Fort De Russy and ended at Kapi'olani Park.

Philippine Consul General to Hawaii Julius Torres led the parade, which included seven floats from various Filipino community organizations and the two main state-wide organizations, the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) and the Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO).

Participating floats were decorated with distinctive design and cultural identity of the different regions of the Philippines. In addition, there were also street dancers, marching bands and student marching groups.

The Fiesta at Kapi'olani Park, which attracted more than 10,000 locals and tourists, showcased various aspects of Filipino culture. It has a regional cultural village, a Keiki (children) village, food booths and an all-day entertainment featuring Hawaii-based and visiting GMA stars Richard Gutierrez and Jay R.

Consul General Torres was the event's guest speaker. Other speakers at the event included Philippine Senator Chiz Escudero, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie and United States Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle brought with him to the event the city's annual gift donation of US$15,000.00 to the Filipino Community Center.

Filipino businesses and sponsor booths complemented the lively atmosphere with games, giveaways and raffle prizes accentuating the significant exposure their participation created in providing opportunity for public and business contacts.

One of the new additions to the Fiesta was the participation of students of the Philippine Language Studies at University of Hawaii (UH) Manoa with their creative games and various methods of teaching the Ilocano language to Filipino children. Their booth attracted parents who wanted to find efficient and fun ways to teach their children to speak grammatically-correct Ilocano.

The Philippine Language Studies at the UH is led by Ilocano-language proponent, Dr.  Aurelio Agcaoili.

The Fiesta is an annual project of the Filipino Community Center, in partnership with the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Oahu Filipino Council of Hawaii and the Congress of Visayan Organizations.

The 2012 Fiesta was organized as a fun-filled day and meaningful event for Filipinos in Hawaii.  END

16 May 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said today that the first Philippines-Malaysia Investment Partnership Forum will be held on May 29 at the Royal Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The forum will be highlighted by a presentation on investment climate and opportunities in the Philippines and a keynote address by Philippine Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, who is visiting Malaysia for the event.

Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Y.B. Dato' Seri Mustapa Mohamed will also give his remarks.

Co-organized by the Embassy, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Alumni Association of Malaysia (Kelab AIM) and the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), the by-invitation event aims to bring together various business leaders from the Philippines and Malaysia to exchange ideas how to further enhance economic and investment relations between the two countries.

Business tycoon and AIM founder Washington Sycip will be present to give a lecture to formally inaugurate the Professor Gabby Mendoza Management Lecture during lunch.

Genting Group is the main sponsor and San Miguel Corporation/Petron Corporation is the strategic partner of the forum.  AlloyMTD Group (formerly MTD Capital Berhad) is a corporate sponsor and Resorts World Manila is hosting the luncheon lecture.

Identified priority sectors to be taken up at the forum include tourism and tourism infrastructure, mass housing, real estate development, business process outsourcing/information technology (BPO/IT) services, logistics and supply chain, transportation, Islamic banking/finance, energy/electricity, and agro-business.

Some 34 chief executive officers from leading Philippine companies are expected take part in the forum, including food and beverage manufacturer San Miguel Corporation, petroleum company Petron Corporation, power distributor Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and real estate and construction companies Megaworld Corporation, Alphaland Corporation and DMCI Holdings, Inc.

Officials from the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other Philippine chambers of commerce are also expected to be present during the event.

"The investment forum is a perfect opportunity to further strengthen Philippine-Malaysia economic partnership, which has been improving in leaps and bounds.  Bringing our respective business sectors together is expected to herald a sea change in bilateral relations, particularly in terms of boosting trade and investments between our two countries," Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

The Philippines and Malaysia are experiencing a surge in two-way investments, as evidenced by the recent joint venture between PLDT Global and Axiata Corporation, investment of CIMB Bank in Bank of Commerce worth some RM1 billion (P196 billion), the expansion of operations of MTD Corporation and Genting Resorts World in the Philippines, as well as the entry of San Miguel Corporation in Esso Malaysia Bhd. through investments worth at least US$610 million.

In 2011, Malaysia was the Philippines' ninth largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to US$3.7 billion, while it was the Philippines' 11^th largest export and eight largest import market.  Total Philippine exports to Malaysia in 2011 were valued at US$1 billion, while imports from Malaysia during the same year amounted to US$2.6 billion.  END

16 May 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago held a successful consular outreach program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana last May 05 in coordination with the Filipino-American Association of Greater Baton Rouge headed by Mr. Val Suico, Vice President and Coordinator of the event. The services were held at the Lanier Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim led the consular team, composed of Mr. Silverio R. Manguerra, Mr. Danilo G. Cabanayan, Ms. Maria Rosenia L. Centeno, Ms. Rowena M. Ricafort, Mr. Angelito M. Pamintuan and Ms. Maria Victoria I. Rivera.

The Consulate General were also joined by Ms. Michelle Fatima S. Sanchez, newly appointed Special Trade Representative of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Chicago and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Washington, D.C. headed by Ms. Luzviminda Padilla.

Consul General Herrera-Lim met with the Filipino community at a dinner hosted by the Filipino-American Association of Greater Baton Rouge on May 04. He briefed the community on the services being extended by the Consulate and commended the community for its continuing commitment to Philippine development.

The Consul General also talked about the recent developments in the Philippines, in particular, the government's new programs, as well as campaigned for the SAVE ACT bill. He likewise promoted the up and coming Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tours (ACGTDT) to the Philippines and the overseas absentee voting (OAV).

The Consul General also met with the Filipino teachers in Louisiana regarding their ongoing battle with their recruiter/employer. He likewise met with Mr. Robert Romero, Filipino Community leader in New Orleans, for the unveiling of the Historical Marker in the Pelican State this coming June.

Assuring the Filipino-American community of the continued support and presence of the Government through the Consulate, Consul General Herrera-Lim stated that "the consular outreach program is in line with the Philippine government's commitment and continuing efforts to effect delivery of public service by bringing it closer to the people. The outreach saved the clients the time and expenses to travel to Chicago during a work week."  END

16 May 2012 - The Lord Mayor of Karlovy Vary, Mr. Petr Kulhanek,  invited members of  the diplomatic corps to the opening of the spa season in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic  last May 4.

Papal Nuncio Monsignor Giuseppe Leanza officiated the blessing and the holy mass which officially opened the spa season.

Heads of the diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic witnessed the blessing of the geysers and spring waters that are known for their health rejuvenating elements.

The program for the opening included a concert of live Brazilian music, fireworks and a gala evening of songs and dances, which the Ambassadors and their spouses totally enjoyed.

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a spa city situated at the West Bohemian part of the Czech Republic and a favorite tourist destination for spa treatment because of its famous hot springs.  END

16 May 2012- Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda F. Basilio concluded a successful official visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka, upon the invitation of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Neomal Perera last  May 14 and 15.

During the visit, the Undersecretary and her delegation, composed of Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Bahnarim Guinomla, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs (DFA-ASPAC) Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and DFA-ASPAC Director for South Asia Vic Dimagiba held bilateral meetings with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Perera and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and their respective officials.

During the meetings, both sides agreed on the following Philippine proposals, namely:  policy consultations between the officials of the respective Foreign Ministries, an executive program on cultural exchange for 2012 to 2016, waiver of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, teacher education training of Sri Lankans in the Philippines and establishment of cooperation between their respective national Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Other issues that were discussed included the incident in Bajo de Masinloc, cooperation in agriculture, establishment of air links, best practices in labor migration, possible investment of International Container Terminal Inc. (ICTSI) in South Port, Sri Lanka, and the training of Sri Lankan seamen, among others.

The Undersecretary also met with Sri Lankan businessmen and encouraged them to establish and strengthen linkages with Filipino counterparts.

The Philippine delegation, accompanied by Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil, likewise visited the Jose Rizal Suite at the Oriental Hotel, Colombo. The suite was where Dr. Rizal stayed on various occasions during his travels to and from Europe from 1882 to 1892. END

15 May 2012 - Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. visited the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv last May 10.

Mayor Binay visited Israel, together with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, to attend the annual Conference of Mayors organized by the Israeli government.

Chargé d'Affaires (CDA) ad interim Ferdinand P. Flores, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Greg Marie Concha-Mariño, Philippine Honorary Consul in Jerusalem Shimon Weinbaum and other Embassy staff received Mayor Binay and Makati Chief Accountant Mr. Cecilio Lim III.

During the meeting, Mr. Binay unfurled his plans and programs for Makati over the years which contributed to the significant growth of the city's economy.  He also stressed that the Philippine economic growth and development have been positive over the years and expects that this positive trend will continue in the future.

He also lauded the strong cultural ties between the Philippines and Israel, specifically mentioning the plight of some European Jews from Nazi Europe during the Second World War, their long travel to find a second home in the Philippines and their subsequent settling down in the country.

He said that this event, recorded in the annals of history, will remain a lasting monument or a cornerstone that testifies to the strong friendship between the Philippines and Israel.

Mr. Weinbaum, who is scheduled to receive his exequatur from the Foreign Ministry, informed the Mayor of his program, as Philippine Honorary Consul based in Jerusalem, to increase and boost bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

He mentioned his plans about bringing in business and investments to the Philippines.  He particularly inquired for more information about the special incentives being offered by the Philippines to foreign investors which he learned during his visit to the Philippines in early March 2012.

Mayor Binay, in turn, explained that the Philippines indeed provides incentives to foreign investors who would like to set up business in the country.  He highly recommended and encouraged the putting up of their establishments in special economic zones where they could avail themselves of privileges.

He also stated that, since Makati is the financial capital of the Philippines, main offices of big business companies are situated in the city.  He also conveyed his office's willingness to assist prospective foreign businessmen in any way they could.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Concha-Mariño presented a token to Mayor Binay as a gesture of appreciation for visiting the Embassy and for actively promoting the Philippines as a business hub and good investment destination in the Southeast Asian region.

Mayor Binay earlier met with several Filipino Community leaders, particularly the Federation of the Filipino Communities in Israel (FFCI), to check on their welfare and well-being in Israel, among other things.

FFCI's officers, headed by its newly elected President Mamerto Malanum, awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Mayor Binay in recognition of his valuable contributions to his constituents and for his unwavering support to migrant Filipino workers.

CDA Flores and Labor Attaché Merriam Cuasay were also present during the occasion. END