Our finest ambassadors

The last British Ambassador, Stephen Lillie, used this column to offer “A London Eye” view of issues that are of mutual interest to the Philippines and the UK. As he is now keeping a watchful eye over all of Asia Pacific from London, I hope you, dear reader, will accept instead, a Great British View from time to time.

As a frequent visitor to Manila over the last 10 years, many things were reassuringly familiar when I arrived in July.  I have noticed many changes too and also the pressing need for change. My 5 months of Filipino lessons in London will be a key to unlock some of the mysteries of the country. By watching documentaries, films and current affairs programmes, I learnt a great deal about the hopes, challenges and joys in the lives of Filipinos. Now, I encounter examples of resilience, faith, achievement and sadly, I also see signs of despair and impoverishment.

Britons and Filipinos are not different in what they hope for — the wellbeing and prosperity of their families and friends, justice and security where they live, the wherewithal to meet the challenges, be they man-made or natural ones, and enjoyment of life to the full. Just as the Philippine Ambassador in London is charged with the welfare of 250,000 Pinoys living in Britain, I believe it is important that our citizens, be they long term residents or tourists, are treated appropriately here. When we visit each other, for business, education or pleasure, the experience should be enjoyable.

Governments are able to serve their people better if there is economic prosperity. Without business, there is no source of revenue for the state to tap into from companies and employees. If the Philippines can sustain its dynamic economic growth, generate jobs and accelerate public and private investment, the benefits will not just stay within the Republic but also energise the mature economies like Britain. As the largest investor in the Philippines from the EU, we are part of the fabric of this nation. We want good governance, transparency, rule of law and free trade not just for our benefit but for everyone who has a stake in the future of this country.

As an island nation, we have always had to take a world view. We place a high premium on issues that affect security and climate change. Through the UN, NATO and our many partners, including the EU and ASEAN, we are activists when it comes to foreign policy. It is important that the high seas and skies are tranquil. It is vital that the Mindanao peace process, where Britain plays a modest supportive role, makes progress.

As a teenager in 1970, I witnessed the horrific impact of a cyclone from the Bay of Bengal which killed 500,000 people. As Ambassador to Thailand, I joined relief workers dealing with places flooded by 2 metres of water in 2011.  Typhoon Yolanda is all too real a reminder to me for the need for effective humanitarian relief, rebuilding of people’s lives and livelihoods. The response from the people of Britain, whose contributions as taxpayers and personal donors exceeds P10 billion, is quite remarkable. Just a few weeks ago, the UK too was hit by the worst tidal surge in 60 years with the loss of two lives. Prevention mechanisms, including the Thames Barrier, prevented a major disaster.

With our hearts and minds and through our actions, I believe we have shown that there is depth in the relationship between our two countries and our finest ambassadors are our own people.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong taon!

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(Asif Ahmad is the British Ambassador to the Philippines)