Duterte values Toyota’s role as major PH economy driver

TOYOTA ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo R. Duterte applauds as he witnesses the program proper during the 30th anniversary celebration of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corporation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Manila in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City on August 1, 2018. Also in the photo are Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, and Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. (Alfred Frias/Presidential Photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday recognized the Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) as “major driver” of the Philippine economy.

“Toyota Motor [Philippines] is not only a leader in the production of quality vehicles. It is also a major driver of our economy, encouraging investments that spur national development,” Duterte said in his speech as he graced the 30th year anniversary celebration of “one of the leading pioneers in the country’s automotive industry” at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Duterte also lauded TMP for being key generator of employment with over 55,000 employees throughout the country.

He said Toyota has also been the government’s “steadfast partner” in many initiatives like the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program (CARS) which aims to attract more investments and implement regulations that will transform the Philippines into an automotive manufacturing hub.

“As we continue to institute reforms in governance, Toyota Motor Philippines can count on my full support as it continues to bring the standards of the automotive industry to greater heights,” Duterte said.

Duterte encouraged Toyota to continue to become an example for other corporations to emulate through its corporate social responsibility.

“I am delighted to know that your initiatives that uplift the lives of our underprivileged countrymen are in line with my administration’s focus on eradicating illegal drugs, criminality and corruption in order to encourage business to grow,” he said.

The President took the opportunity to assure the business community that his government will protect their investments “as long as you obey the laws of the land”.

“As you prepare yourself for another exciting 30 years ahead, I trust that you’ll be one with me as we bring the real and lasting change for the sake of our people,” Duterte said.

Before his speech, Duterte received the keys of 20 units Toyota Vios and 10 units Innova from Toyota Motor Corporations chairman Akio Toyoda donated to the Office of the President.