PNoy confers Order of Lakandula on Jasmin Lee
SEOUL—Along with President Aquino and members of his delegation, Filipinos in South Korea bowed in prayer for the victims of the earthquake that hit the Visayas.
Aquino met with the Filipino community here before flying back to Manila Friday night.
Aquino conferred the Order of Lakandula on Jasmin Lee, the first immigrant elected as member of the Korean national assembly.
In his speech, Aquino trumpeted positive developments under his administration.
He said government now has more resources to be able to repatriate distressed citizens overseas with three available C-130s and is negotiating to acquire two more.
He also mentioned the government's acquisition of two Hamilton Class Cutters.
He cited the government's ability to fund relief and rehabilitation efforts following the Zamboanga crisis with funds readily available because of prudent spending.
He said some in the media had wanted to look for victims who were unaided only to find them already attended to by government.
"Nariyan din po ang mga kasamahan natin sa media na minsan, para may storya, hahanap ng mga hindi naasikaso. Ang natuklas po nila, pati ang mga Badjao na hindi pwedeng lumayo sa dagat, nabigyang-lingap din ng estado. Ang punto po natin, supisyente na ngayon ang kakayahan ng pamahalaang matugunan, kahit pa isama ang mga may kakaibang pangangailangan," he said.
He added that his administration has been working to stop corruption to enable government deliver social services and address the shortage in classrooms.
"Hindi natin kinailangan ng magic o milagro para makamtan ang pagbabago. Simple lang naman po: Kapag naharap kami sa isang desisyon, ang tanong namin, hindi 'paano ba ako makikinabang diyan? o 'paano ba ako mananatili sa puwesto dahil diyan?' Ang nagkukumpas po sa aming mga kilos at desisyon: 'Ano ba ang pakinabang nito sa taumbayan?'" he said.
Commenting on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel misuse, Aquino said the fight against corruption is far from over.
On the ligher side, Aquino indicated that he enjoys being a bachelor. He said he saw in his friends the difficulty of being a father of a bride letting go of his daughter.
“So ang masasabi ko lang ho sa lovelife ko, ang pakinabang ko lang na hanggang ngayon e, nag-iisa pa ako. Pagdating ng punto na problema ko po ‘yung mga nabanggit ko sa inyo, palagay ko po’y ulyanin na ako, hindi ko na mararamdaman. (laughter) Pati ‘yon ho palagay ko good news,” he said. (laughter/applause)
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
