His Excellency Edward Joseph Adams, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with us.

Since we are all here, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly dwell on Philippine foreign policy. Under the leadership of H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III, there are three pillars which will continue to define the course of our foreign relations - promoting national security, enhancing economic diplomacy, and protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino overseas.

These pillars will be strongly pursued under the present administration's agenda of national development and good governance.

In his inaugural speech, President Aquino said that "our foremost duty is to life the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance." He also said that "our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad."