09 December 2005 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo met on 2 December 2005 with a cross-section of the Filipino-American Community in San Francisco and the Bay Area to discuss current political and economic developments in the Philippines, particularly the gains achieved by the Arroyo administration in the key areas of reform, economic growth and stability.

The Social Hall of the Philippine Center Building was packed to full capacity as the participants included not only leaders of the Filipino-American community but also CEOs and business executives as well as a large group of Filipino-Americans scheduled to take their oath as dual citizens.

Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez said Secretary Saludo's presentation on the national issues confronting the country - and the measures being implemented by the government to effectively address them - was well received by his audience.

"As the Philippine peso strengthens and the economy and investors respond positively to our fiscal reforms, the Philippine government is reaching out to our compatriots abroad to deliver the message of unrelenting reform, unbroken economic growth, and undiminished stability," Secretary Saludo told his listeners. (Please refer to Secretary Saludo’s statement, as attached.)

During the Q & A portion that followed his presentation, questions on poverty, corruption, negative travel advisories, the government's programs for senior citizens, and the Philippines's popularity as a retirement haven in Asia, were raised.

Secretary Saludo addressed fully these questions and urged the Filipino-American community to become the government's partner in providing a better future for all Filipinos.

"We hope the Filipino communities abroad will add their voice to the message of reform, growth and stability we bring today. It will boost not only confidence in the country, but also our agenda for jobs, peace and prosperity for all Filipinos," he said.

Among the highlights of last Friday's activities included the Cabinet Secretary's presence at the mass oath taking ceremony of some 50 dual citizens. Consul General Sanchez administered the oath to the new Filipinos.   Consulate officials also distributed copies of their individual oath of allegiance.

In his remarks before the group, Secretary Saludo congratulated them for regaining their Filipino citizenship and reiterated his confidence that they will contribute to the government's efforts to improve the economic situation back home. END