The President’s fiscal reforms have resulted in a stronger peso, considerably reduced budget deficit, reduced public debt and increased foreign investments. She is understandably proud that the country is on the road to permanent economic growth and stability, as shown by 24 continuous quarters of GDP growth.

One goal for the President is to create even more jobs than the 1.2 million jobs created in the last 12 months in order to one day "break the cycle of Filipinos going abroad as a matter of need." While the significant economic contributions of our overseas workers are valued, the President would also like our brain trust of professionals and skilled workers to return to the country where they can make an even greater contribution. Leaving the Philippines, she says, should be a career choice and not a matter of necessity.

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In light of these real achievements, the President believes that we should be kinder to ourselves as a people and congratulate ourselves once in a while when there are accomplishments and developments to be proud about. She laments that nay saying only pulls down the nation at home and abroad, and regrets that the politics of our nation have focused on tearing down, rather than building up, the nation. As she observed in a recent public speaking engagement, our biggest industry here in the Philippines often seems to be politics.

Unfortunately, this translates into filling our media with bad or despairing news. As a result, the world outside regrettably gets the misimpression that the Philippines is the worst possible place to live and do business in, when there are many other indicators that say otherwise. Fortunately, and inspite of this, more and more countries are turning to the Philippines after realizing that it is a jewel in the rough because of its talented people, and their work ethic and English skills

Just take the example of what China’s second richest man has to say about our country. And more importantly, why he is planning to invest billions of dollars here.

The Chair of the Shanghai-based real state and furniture empire Shimao Group, Xu Rongmao, met with the government and the private sector. News coming out of the various meetings did not elaborate much on his plans except that the Shimao Group is going to do some projects at the Fort and one in the Visayas.

But what is Rongmao really saying? Similar to what Ayala Land the Kingdom Hotel Investments of Saudi Area – in developing a $ 153 million luxury hotel complex in Makati – are saying.

Aside from these big ticket items, there are many more investors saying the same thing. As of October 2006, investors in the country’s top tourist destinations alone – such as Boracay, Cebu City, Mactan, and Palawan, have committed to add a total of 3,076 rooms.

The Shingmao Group message is loud and clear: They can already see the trend. The tourism business in the Philippines is going to kick up. This, as they expect more of their nationals and other Chinese-speaking to visit the country.

Others are seeing us in a better light. Why can’t we stop projecting our worst, when there is so much more that we can offer. As President Arroyo has declared, we should start from a more confident position: We are here to "thrive, compete and succeed."

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President Arroyo is keenly focused on bearing down on the incidence of poverty and hunger through a multi-pronged campaign that cuts deeply into vulnerable areas and sectors. The Government will continue to work with the active institutions in the church and civil society and field all available hands on deck in the schools and the community and even soldiers in the field—down to the last barangay served—to carry this campaign forward. While the economy surges ahead, the President is determined to see to it that no one is left behind; and that every Filipino family in dire need will receive a dividend from growth. We are aware that there are no quick-fixes to the challenges of hunger and poverty but we shall follow the fastest and shortest path to bring relief to the most affected. The Cabinet has been put on notice by the Chief Executive and the train of programs is already rolling at good speed.