ConGen: Filipinos in Canada impressed with PNoy’s leadership, governance

President Benigno S. Aquino III with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, National Economic Development Authority secretary Arsenio Balisacan , Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma and other delegations in the state visit to Canada meet with top Canadian CEOs Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Torondo, Canada for possible business deals between the two countries. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacang Photo Bureau)

VANCOUVER, Canada — Members of the Filipino community in Canada lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III’s effective leadership and commitment to transparency and good governance.

During a meeting with the Filipino community here Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Philippine Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said Filipinos here in Canada are impressed with the “significant accomplishments” under the Aquino administration.

“The community is impressed with your effective leadership and commitment to transparency and good governance. They are proud of the country’s strong economic growth and achievements,” Ferrer said.

“The community here shares your passion for inclusive growth and development and would like to see the country’s economic gains to be sustained in the years to come,” he added.

Ferrer also said the business and international community in this region also recognized the Aquino administration’s accomplishments, citing that some of the Canadian companies and enterprises based in British Columbia already have investments in the country and “are looking towards expanding these investments.”

President Aquino wrapped up his 3-day state visit to Canada with a meeting with the members of the Filipino community living and working in Vancouver before flying back to Manila.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia said President Aquino’s meeting with the members of the Filipino community “is a recognition of the outstanding contribution of the overseas Filipinos” in the country.

“It is also a testament of the Philippine government’s commitment to promote the welfare and advance the interests of all our kababayans overseas,” Ambassador Garcia told Filipino-Canadians here.

“Despite being away from home, they have not forgotten our country. In times of great tragedy like Typhoon Haiyan, they quickly mobilized their resources and gave immense contributions to the relief and rehabilitation efforts,” she said.

“As Filipinos we keep looking back and keep giving back to our families and communities back in the Philippines. This is why Filipinos here value good and upright governance back home and are very comforted by your leadership and steadfast pursuit for the straight and righteous path,” she added.

President Aquino and his official delegation returned to Manila Saturday evening (Sunday in Manila) after completing a successful 3-day state visit to Canada from May 7 to 9 and one-day working visit to Chicago, USA, on May 6.