P-Noy urges biz sector to help build more schools, houses

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday reiterated his call on the business sector to help build more schools and houses for the people in partnership with various government agencies and lawmakers.

At the same time, the President assured local investors of his administration’s support in doing business in the country.

Speaking at a convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) in Pasay City, the President expressed hope that its members would expand their projects of building schools and not just partner with lawmakers.

“Now that we have a government that is likewise committed to improving our social services, it is not just Senator (Franklin) Drilon that you can partner with. You now have an entire national government that you can count on for support,” Aquino said.

“This I will surely look forward to as we work with you in fulfilling the needs of our people,” he said.

Mr. Aquino said he also discussed with the FFCCCII the possibility of extending their projects from schools to houses.

The President said it would be very helpful if the government would be able to build schools at half their costs if done in partnership with the business sector. He said this could double the projected number of schools and classrooms to be built this year.

The President told the businessmen that the signs of renewed confidence in the country were present, citing the groundbreaking of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and the a new construction yard in Batangas owned by AG & P, a subsidiary of DMCI.

He said the construction yard would build refinery components for the US Heavy Industries and would employ over 1,000 Filipinos, many of them engineers,

and would eventually contribute millions in tax revenues for the government.

“These people have the confidence in our future and it is a confidence that I know you all share,” Mr. Aquino said.

“Now we are experiencing daylight, where businesses can thrive with the help of a government they can trust. It is an environment where the private sector can do more for the people, either through jobs or the many worthwhile causes you support. Now is the time for us to work, to create new solutions for old problems and to finally realize together the dreams we share for our people,” the President said.