26 January 2015 – Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim hosted a New Year’s reception at the Philippine Consulate General on January 14 for members of the Filipino-American print and broadcast media.
During his remarks, Consul General Herrera-Lim acknowledged the invaluable role of the Filipino-American media as its partner in the Filipino community in helping the Consulate disseminate relevant news about the Philippines and information that are of concern to the Filipino-American community. The Consul General briefed the media on the developments in the Philippines. He underscored the economic gains achieved by the country such as consistent growth above the 10-year 5.4% average growth rate; investment grade status given by Fitch, S&P and Moody’s; a growing middle class; sound macroeconomic fundamentals; and increasing investor confidence. He then enumerated the bright spots when it comes to investment opportunities including the Business Process Output (BPO) industries, infrastructure, tourism and agri-industries.
He also highlighted the recent papal visit to the Philippines; the inroads gained by the President’s good governance and reforms instituted to fight corruption; the Mindanao peace process and the Bangsamoro Basic Law; DFA’s launch of a digital pamphlet “Ang West Philippine Sea: Isang Sipat”; tariff free trade amongst ASEAN 10-member countries in 2015 with the ASEAN economic integration; and, the Philippines hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015 (APEC) Leaders’ Summit, a forum for 21 Pacific Rim member countries seeking to promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Consul General then informed the media about the Consulate General’s activities for 2015. He talked about Dual citizenship and overseas voters’ registration; President Obama’s Immigration Reforms; and, the transfer of the Consulate General to the new location by March 01 focusing towards better client experience and enhances the image and representation of the Consulate in Southern California.
The media responded by thanking the Consul General for hosting the event and expressed hope of having a continuing dialogue with the Consulate on issues of relevance to the Philippines and the community.
The Consul General proposed to conduct events with the media and the community on a periodic basis on pressing issues that affect the Philippines and the community. END