UN General Assembly
2013

to President Benigno Aquino III’s social contract with the Filipino people. Under President Aquino’s leadership, my country has embarked on a journey along a straight path — or, as we say in Filipino, “daang matuwid” — resolving to work towards inclusive growth, combating corruption, promoting transparency and accountability, improving global competitiveness, making better use of resources, achieving just and lasting peace, and upholding the rule of law. The Aquino Administration firmly maintains that good governance is good economics. As a result, the Philippines is reaping the first fruits of its hard work. In the past four quarters, the Philippine economy has experienced unprecedented growth of over 7 per cent. As a result, the Philippines won three investment-grade ratings and is now considered a growth engine in the region. These glowing reports are, of course, well received by my Government, but we are under no illusion that these indicators alone constitute success. For the past 13 years, the MDGs have been integrated into the Philippine development plan for 2011-2016. Yet our work continues and the challenge we now face is clear.