03 July 2013 -   The Philippine Embassy in Berlin, in close cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNS), featured a unique panel discussion-concert on the “Philippines on the Rise”, with a formidable panel composed of Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe R. Natividad, FNS Country Director and former European Parliament member Jules Maaten, journalist Marites Vitug, and acclaimed singer Noel Cabangon on June 27.

Ambassador Natividad welcomed the audience and set the tone for the discussions by highlighting the economic outlook for the Philippines, a nation on the rise. She noted the robust GDP growth at 7.8% which outpaced all other ASEAN member states in the first quarter of 2013 and the recent investment grade ratings. The Ambassador also emphasized that bilateral relations with Germany is at its most robust, with high level exchanges at the ministerial level.

Mr. Maaten, referred to by Ambassador as a “true friend” of the Philippines, spoke of the gains reaped under the good governance reforms in the first three years of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III. 

Noting his foundation’s affiliation with the Liberal Party, Mr Maaten also spoke of the sustainability of the Philippines’ rise, in the context of the results of the recent midterm elections and the outlook for 2016, the next presidential elections. He also enjoined Filipinos to regard more highly of their country and recognize the remarkable economic growth ushered by the good governance reforms of the President. 

Ms. Vitug also gave an assessment of the first three years of the Aquino Administration and spoke of the work that remains to at hand. She mentioned some of the important bills that form part of the administration’s reform package which President Aquino will present at the opening of the next session of Congress set on July 22.  She also responded candidly to questions on political dynasties in the Philippines. 

Central to the panel discussion was the marked improvement in the electoral system especially in the recent elections and the concern for institutionalizing clean elections, good governance and eradication of corruption. Issues on the political maturity of the electorate and the need for education were also raised.

To these, the Ambassador emphasized that education is the key. A more educated population will be able to vote in a more rational way. On poverty alleviation and the huge education gap at tertiary level due to the prohibitive cost of education, the Ambassador stressed that the Embassy is intensively working with Germany on cooperation on the dual system of vocational education. 

The panel discussion ended with patriotic songs from Noel Cabangon which delighted the audience. END