Fellow Rotarians:

Thank you for your kind invitation.

It is a special honor to speak before the first and oldest Rotary Club in Asia whose tradition of institutional leadership is well recognized internationally.

I also wish to acknowledge the fact that the Rotary Club of Manila has always been an appropriate forum for discussing and reflecting on vital national issues and concerns.

Before I proceed, allow me to update you with what is happening at the Senate which I head as Senate President.
 
I am most proud of the institution.  Last month,  in October,  the Social Weather Station has given the Senate a thumbs-up.  Our trust rating is the highest among all major departments of the government.   It is a recognition of the effort of the Senate as a multi-tasking institution.  It is proving its worth in investigation as exemplified by the ZTE-NBN hearings which may be capped soon with a set of recommendations formally documented in a Committee Report.   The Senate is performing its diplomacy and ratification function as manifested by the JPEPA discussion and which is now, on its final hearing.   But most importantly,  we are enacting laws.  While we are in the stage of reorganization,   the Senate passed nine (9) bills of national significance.  

Narito ang listahan ng unang siyam na ipinasa namin:

1. Ang Batas Para sa mga Kasambahay;
2. Cheaper Medicine Act
3. Breastfeeding Law;
4. Amendment ng Magna Carta for Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises;
5. The Environmental Awareness Act
6. The Law Increasing the Penalty for Cellular Phones and Other Technical Gadgets Act
7. The Granting of a Bigger Retirement Package for Members of the Judiciary
8. The Law that would regulate the presentation of witnesses to media and similar forms;
9. Good Conduct Allowance for Prisoners Act

 

And this tradition of multi-tasking Senate will continue under my leadership.   And to stress an important point:   A multi-tasking Senate that is relevant to the people.

For this purpose,  before we adjourn in December, we expect to pass an equal number of accomplishments or even more.  We would like to pass the Budget Law.  We would like to come up with a report on JPEPA.   And in between, to pass additional laws of importance to the citizens. 

I am expecting that we shall enact the following:

1. the ACEF (Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund)  Bill will be passed.  This bill is designed to help farmers and fisherfolks and their families.
2. the Veterans Bill which is a counterpart of the US Veteran Equity Law. In essence,  it will accord greater pensions to the ailing senior veterans.
3. The Term of Office for Chief of Staff in the Armed Forces Bill. It is designed to professionalize the military rank.
4. The Human Rights Compensation Act which I saw yesterday as being routed already and will be sponsored on Monday.
5. The Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA) which promotes savings amongst citizens.  Also,  it will be sponsored on Monday.
6. The Credit Information Bureau Bill, with the Committee Report issued already for signatures.

 

   On my part,  gusto kong idagdag ang isang bill na gusto kong tulungan ako ng Rotary Club sa promosyon at pagpapalaganap.     I filed a bill on Luneta Park Green Modernization Program.  It is a revival and rehabilitation of Luneta.  The bill may be ambitious but let’s bring back the glory of the Park that symbolizes us all.  Let’s allow our children,  our grandchildren to enjoy it.

At this point, I would like to encourage Rotarians to consider reviewing and assessing the goodness of globalization.

Globalization is not something that we merely hear of or read about. It is not a distant phenomenon.  It is not a spectacle we simply watch as bystanders.  It is too real and tangible.  Globalization is a highly interconnected world.  It is the breaking down of trade barriers between and among countries.  It is the influx of more affordable imports.  It means serious trouble for the shoe makers in Marikina, the onion growers of Nueva Ecija, and the vegetable farmers of Benguet.  Its sound resonates in the many call centers that answer inquiries from clients in Europe and North America 24 hours a day.

Reduced to its essential elements,  globalization is all about economic competition.  And in any competition, there are winners and there are losers.  Those who win know the rules of the game. They play with their sight fixed on victory.  They hone their competitive skills.  They are success-driven.  They are results-oriented.

Since globalization affects the entire nation, every sector of society must be involved in attaining national competitiveness.  Government alone does not have all the answers. 

We must put all our efforts together so that we may successfully sail through globalization by the power of our competitive spirit.

Where then do we begin?  Let us learn from some successful countries.  There is something common in the roadmaps they have been using in their journey to economic achievements.  The unifying element is the priority given to laying and enforcing the cultural foundation of national competitiveness.  All the structural interventions necessary for globalization stand on shaky ground without an underlying culture of competitiveness.  It is only when we are competitive in our outlook as a nation can we reasonably hope to have a fighting chance in the global economic arena. 

Instilling and propagating the culture of competitiveness takes time. Planting it in the minds and hearts of Filipinos is the task to be shared by all.  It is a collective mission.  It calls for sincere communicators, effective value disseminators  and credible role models.

Central to this task is to zero in on what we are really good at. This means taking an inventory of our strengths and achievements. 

We have a profile of/ world class achievers.  Frequently, select teams of young Filipinos score splendidly in international  competitions.

Music lovers around the globe remember the joy and artistry in the songs of the Madrigal Singers.

The names of Manny Pacquiao, Bata Reyes and Paeng Nepomucenoare etched in the minds of their admirers around the world. 

Likewise, such Philippine business icons as San Miguel, SGV and Jollibee have gained acceptance overseas. 

Low-budget films crafted by innovative Filipino producers and directors have won international awards.

 Merchant fleets sailing across the oceans of the world have preference for Filipino sailors.

Agricultural scientists are breaking new ground in the improvement of rice stock, cropping technology and aquaculture.

Our tourist attractions are on the radar screen of international travel agencies and magazines.

Allow me also to include another achiever, the Philippine Senate which I lead. 

All these are a clear indication that the seeds of a success-driven culture have been sown and yielded fruit.  But the harvest is not sufficient to nourish a nation in need of continuing victory.  We need more planters who will nurture the early signs of hope and life.

We need many missionaries who are prepared to walk the extra mile.  And in time we can become a nation of achievers. 

Thank you.