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President Aquino yesterday revived his veiled attacks against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, this time warning voters against having another “lost decade” similar to the watch of his predecessor.
Aquino, who tried to court votes for administration candidates Manuel Roxas II and Leni Robredo and the local slate in Caloocan, urged the public not to repeat the dark lessons during the Arroyo administration, which was marred by anomalies.
He said it was ironic that people had to wait for him to take over in order for reforms to be instituted.
He stressed that treading a straight path is not an easy task with a lot of criticisms coming with it.
Made in Phl
In Biñan, Laguna, Aquino made good his word to find the Filipino manufacturer of the “smart” toothbrush being exported to Europe and which he took notice of when he visited France and Italy last year.
The toothbrush can communicate with the mobile phone to monitor and improve teeth cleaning technique and is being manufactured by Kaertech Electronics Philippines Inc. (KEPI).
Aquino thanked the company for its vote of confidence in his administration, saying “you cannot go wrong with the Filipino people.”
“They are hardworking, creative, and loyal, and, with the support of a government that is more equipped than ever to empower your industry, the foundations for continued success are firmly in place,” Aquino said in his speech after his tour and inspection of the KEPI facility.
Aquino stressed he was impressed with the product but was especially proud that it was made in the Philippines.
“Ever since I returned from that trip, I have been meaning to go to this facility to meet the talented individuals in your company, and I am glad that, today, my staff finally found some time in my schedule for a visit,” Aquino said.
“I have always believed in the skill and ingenuity of the Filipino, and I am filled with optimism, seeing how companies like Kaertech Electronics seem to share this confidence in our people. I am told that your company is exploring a number of options as regards your Philippine operations, including setting up a new factory, and creating a development team in areas of electronic, mechanical and software development,” Aquino said.
Over the course of his administration, the President said Philippine manufacturing had made a definitive comeback. From 2010 to 2015, the industry posted an average annual growth of 7.6 percent compared to the three percent average growth from 2001 to 2009.
“When we were looking at the low-lying fruits, manufacturing wasn’t considered one of them. Our electricity rates are still not as competitive as what we would like them to be. And to be honest with you, when something as simple as an electric fan had to be practically totally imported to this country because we couldn’t compete with the manufacturing giants to our west,” Aquino said.
“Now, to see the resurgence of a manufacturing industry in the country and to get higher and higher in the value chains… seems like all the effort, blood, and tears, have really been paying off. Your company is proof positive that this growth isn’t driven by simple manufacturing – that we are already making our way up the value chain,” the President said.
Aquino said in recent years, the government had seen companies setting up shop in the Philippines to produce high-tech equipment. Apart from smart toothbrushes, the President said the country had been chosen as the manufacturing site for a lot of aircraft components, medical equipment like hemodialysis treatment devices, and electric tricycles, among others.
– With Aurea Calica
from: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/noy-hits-gma-anew-lp-000000744.html
