With respect to the Central Bank, and as we have done on previous occasions, we value the widespread recognition expressed during this process in terms of its autonomy, its objectives and functions, and its eminently technical nature. The commitment of all of us who are part of this institution has been and will continue to be to contribute to the welfare of our country and achieving the objectives of ensuring price stability and the normal functioning of internal and external payments. Throughout the constitutional debate, important issues arose. Elements such as employment and financial stability have always been present in our decisions, but we believe it is pertinent to be more explicit about how they influence them. At this point, I should mention that the evolution of the Bank's strategic planning process for the period 2023-2027, on which we are already working, will provide us with an adequate framework to address this task and other medium-term challenges. Some examples of this advancement are our agenda on environmental issues, means of payment, and the compilation of regional statistics with a gender perspective, which will provide more basic information for the formulation of public policies aimed at overcoming existing gaps and barriers. Clearly, the outcome of the plebiscite does not put an end to the debate on Chile's institutional framework. Various political sectors have stressed the need to give continuity to this process, with the purpose of constructing a text that is in tune with the will of the great majorities.

The Kijang Emas Scholarship is distinct from the Kijang Scholarship in that the recipients are given the freedom to pursue any field of study at top universities in any country of their choice. The Bank also does not impose any bond on the recipients except that they return, contribute and partake in the development of our nation. To date, 44 high potential talent have been awarded the Kijang Emas Scholarship. The recipients have graduated or are currently pursuing their studies in diverse fields of study including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics, Dietetics, Actuarial Science, Accounting, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Architecture, Psychology and Geophysics in top universities around the world such as MIT, University of Pennsylvania and the University of Cambridge. Thus far, 11 Kijang Emas scholars have completed their undergraduate studies and have returned to serve the nation, while another seven scholars are expected to complete their studies in the next six months. For the 2015 Kijang Emas Scholarship, we received a total of 212 applications from top SPM students scoring straight A+ for their 2014 SPM. From this, the Bank shortlisted the top 24 students based on their SPM results and also on their level of involvement in co-curricular and sports activities. The students then underwent a rigorous evaluation process under the Bank’s “Kijang Academy” which assessed their technical and leadership competencies, as well as their values. We are pleased to award four outstanding students the Kijang Emas Scholarship this year. Having just completed their SPM, they will be enrolled into the respective pre-university programmes.