My warmest greetings to the Filipino community on the occasion of the 107th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence.

We in the Philippines are proud of your collective achievements and grateful for the numerous philanthropic acts you have extended to our countrymen.

As we celebrate our political freedom, I am gratified that the first phase of my economic reform agenda toward freedom from poverty is complete. It includes passage of revenue generating measures that will provide P80-100 billion in new annual revenue, administrative reforms to improve tax collections, a fiscally responsible national budget and the opening of the mining sector and the thousand of new jobs that it will represent.

And just recently, we announced a record for tax collection for the month of April that beat our own estimates, and for the first time in years, we achieved a budget surplus. Additionally, the economy is growing.

We have much to be thankful for, but this is no time to rest on our laurels. There is much to do.

So the second phase has begun. I will press forward by continuing aggressive economic and fiscal reforms. My focus will be to crack down on tax cheats, increase initiatives against graft and corruption, launch an energy conservation and energy independence campaign, and bring prices under control with consumer watch programs to insure no price gouging.

Most importantly, Phase Two will be defined by bringing the benefits of tough economic reforms to the people. With more revenue, we can invest more in the vital social needs to lift our poorest citizens out of poverty. I will invest in a pro poor agenda that includes job creation, better education, improved healthcare, electrification, roads, transportation, and infrastructure, to name a few.

Let us stay united as Filipinos as we move ahead onto the next phase of challenges and accomplishments.

(Original signed)
GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Republic of the Philippines

MANILA
12 June 2005

The Philippines stands taller, prouder and stronger on its 107th Independence Day. All Filipinos are privileged to take part and witness its commemoration.

Generations of heroes have made great sacrifices to make this day a reality and create a Filipino nation. Even before the struggles of Rizal, Mabini, Aguinaldo, Bonifacio and Del Pilar, native folk heroes rose against the colonizers to protest their oppression and denial of freedom.

Equally important, generations of common folk and plain citizens-professionals, teachers, farmers, overseas workers, fishermen, soldiers, housewives-daily performed acts of courage in quiet ways that strengthened their communities and their schools, strengthening the social bond, advancing national unity and raising civic pride.

There were great institutions that helped the nation advanced- the presidency, the civil service, the legislature, the judiciary the business community, the trade union movement, the Church, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and others that fostered democracy and strengthened the national goods.

The period from 2001 to 2005 has been an exciting, challenging and fulfilling time -- an important page in history. Under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's watch, the nation has made great advances in the economy, political life, and social growth. The President's mission under her 10-Point Development Program is to lead the nation to greater peace and prosperity.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is proud to have carried out President Macapagal Arroyo's foreign policy and to have advanced our national interest abroad. In the past months and years, we have become a leading voice in the Security Council of the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the UN family of world
organizations.

The Philippines is proud to have played a leading role in the global war on terrorism and to become a voice for developing countries on the theme of poverty and development. The Department of Foreign Affairs, together with the Department of Labor and Employment, assiduously promotes the protection of our overseas workers. Our embassies and consulates abroad are a sanctuary for
workers in distress. Our diplomats are experts not only in foreign relations but also in worker protection.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is pleased to participate in the commemoration of our Freedom Day. On this day we rededicate ourselves to the cause of our Founding Fathers and the values they stand for.

(Original signed)
ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs



12 June 2005

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