President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address Highlights Development Achievements

On July 23, 2012, President Benigno Aquino III delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA)
at a joint session of the Philippine Congress, reporting on his administration’s achievements on the
economy, education, land reform and defense, and citing the success of his crusade against corruption.
The Philippines’ GDP grew by 6.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 – the highest growth in the
Southeast Asian region, and second only to China in all of Asia. The 2012 SONA Technical Report
makes reference to accomplishments in PFG-related areas.

The goal of the PFG is to assist the Philippines achieve higher, sustained and more inclusive growth.

President Aquino’s Working Visit to the U.S. Highlights the PFG

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on June 8 to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship. According to a White House statement, the leaders underscored the “significant contributions our people have made to each other‘s security, prosperity and culture.” Both leaders pledged their continuing commitment to the Partnership for Growth (PFG), a “catalyzing joint effort to promote anti-corruption and rule of law, improved fiscal performance and regulatory quality and inclusive fiscal growth.” President Obama thanked President Aquino for the visit, which reinforced the friendship between the two countries. President Aquino thanked President Obama for the U.S. government’s support to help transform Philippine society. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of a strong economic relationship and committed to bolster and deepen efforts to expand bilateral trade and promote greater economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.

President Obama and President Aquino during the Bilateral Meeting on June 8, 2012. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alberto Del Rosario also attended.