Countdown for delivery

January is a forward looking month for the year ahead and in the UK, the countdown to the General Election in May has begun. In Manila, every Secretary I speak to refers to the exact number of days left to deliver until the current administration hands over to the next.

As a citizen of Britain, I will exercise my vote using my own judgment as will the people of the Philippines next year. The job of a diplomat is to work with whoever the collective wisdom of Filipinos determines should lead the country after 2016, in both the Legislative and Executive branches of government. What is important is that we have a working relationship with potential and declared candidates. Engagement does not equate to endorsement.

My main priority is the present and working with this administration on important issues of common interest with energy and determination. I recognise the call of people for continued emphasis on good governance, a firm political commitment to decisions that have longterm consequences such as transport and energy and tackling poverty. The countdown to elections cannot be at the cost of the good work being done now.

 In the UK, politicians will set out their manifesto for economic and social development. Each party will signal their priorities, be it our role in the European Union, health care and other public services, or investment in infrastructure. A British Prime Minister can serve an unlimited number of times so long as Members of Parliament, elected every 5 years, continue to offer support. Underpinning the Government are civil servants whose role is to offer impartial advice to the incoming Government and implement the policies agreed by the Cabinet. This process also enables continuity where the work of one administration can be carried forward to the next when appropriate. That is why I am sure that beyond the May elections, the UK will continue to engage with dynamic economies like the Philippines. We will continue to address the big security challenges of our times - conflict, terrorism and climate change. The wellbeing of our citizens will remain a core purpose.

Increasingly, the Philippine system is mirroring ours where government is not judged by what it can spend but what outcomes it delivers to its people. Clarity comes from political leaders setting ambitious journey time targets rather than technical specifications. The job of officials is to take responsibility for delivery. Results, not process, count. Inclusive growth is essential. We continue to believe that a Philippines that is open minded towards foreign investment will result in outcomes that benefit the end user rather than vested interests. The UK has gained by choosing what to buy based on value for money not country of origin.

Natural disasters do not work to a political calendar. Philippine, British and other sources of aid got the victims of natural disasters under temporary cover and essential survival resources. Their measure of success will be permanent housing and sustainable livelihoods. Everyone wants to see more momentum in 2015.

Governments are also responding to internal and external threats. The temptation is to clamp down on civil liberty as a trade off for security. Respect and protection of human rights, in terms of action not just words, together with speedy and effective access to justice, are far better guarantors of security. We will step up our work on law enforcement, with a particular focus on those who exploit children.

From our own experience in Britain, we know that without peace and security it is impossible to deliver positive outcomes and wellbeing for people. The creation of Bangsamoro is but the start of a process that will need sustained effort by politicians, officials and engaged citizens for it to deliver  better results for people not just in the South but for the whole Republic. Better tourism, trade, agriculture and education hold the key to the future of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro has to be as much a part of that story of success as the other beautiful parts of the country.

Alongside these serious issues, our countdown for 2015 has a feel good agenda too. We expect more people to travel to and from the UK to the Philippines. One visitor will be a member of our Royal Family. One Direction and other British artists will be here. Thirty UK funded scholars for Masters degrees will soon learn who they are. More than 50 British companies will join as we have our bigger and better Great British Festival next month. 2015 should be a great year. Join us in the countdown.

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(Asif Ahmad is the British Ambassador.)