CEBU, Philippines – Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro expressed confidence in the potential of the Philippines to reclaim its position as economic leader in Asia.
During his speech at the recent Manila Jaycees General Membership Meeting held at Diamond Hotel, Teodoro said he firmly believes that the country should take the lead among Asian nations.
“We are the only democracy in this part of the world. Filipinos, organizations and enterprises, have enough independence to live a comfortable life and conduct business better than their (Asian) neighbors,” Teodoro said.
“A lot of our neighbors do not have as much choices as we do. And perhaps, Filipinos are more resilient and talented than the others,” he said.
He said the country’s economic capabilities are limitless and that its fundamentals remain sound.
He mentioned that the country is rich in natural resources and gave particular reference to tourism that has abundant job and livelihood opportunities.
“The world is wide open for us. The potentials of tourism and other industries are vast at this time,” Teodoro said.
“There is a need to change the structure that led to misdeeds of the past to pave the way for a genuine change for the better, he said. He added that they must not be content with mere management change but we reform our institutions as well.”
After Teodoro’s remarks, the Jaycees then declared their unwavering support for his desire to be the next leader of the country.
“He is the embodiment of the kind of leader we need to pole-vault the country into the next century,” said Mark Steven Ong, president of Manila Jaycees.
The 55-year-old Manila Jaycees, a leadership organization, enjoys 200,000 active members and millions of Jaycee alumni all over the country and abroad.
It has chapters in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia. Its members’ ages range from 18 to 40 years old. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM (THE FREEMAN)