10 September 2014 - In the run-up to the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in France from September 17 to 18, Undersecretary and Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte addressed Filipino community leaders at the Philippine Embassy in Paris in order to talk about the President, his working style and the priorities and achievements of his administration.

The administration’s achievements in health, education, technical and educational skills training, infrastructure, defense, governance and other sectors were presented. Undersecretary Valte highlighted, however, that “More than investments in infrastructure, our President is really keen on investing in human capital, since the Filipino is the country’s most precious resource.”

Undersecretary Valte also touted the country’s spectacular economic growth, investment grade ratings and improved rankings in various indices such as the World Economic Forum’s Competitiveness Index, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation’s Ease of Doing Business Index, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom.

The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion on the administration’s programs with migrant workers, particularly with domestic workers and their reintegration into Philippine society. Some Filipino community leaders from Mindanao asked about the progress in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, while others raised questions about the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. END