– Pedro Daniel Oliveira
On June 12, the Consul-General of the Philippines in Macau Ms Lilybeth R. Deapera expressed confidence that bilateral relations between her country and Macau Special Administrative Region continue to strengthen in areas of cooperation explored by both parties, such as in judicial and legal matters, industries of tourism and hospitality, real estate and property, maritime transport services and logistics, garment manufacturing, and finance.
In her address for the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day, she also mentioned she was “glad that Filipinos have contributed and have been able to participate in Macau’s development and economy.” The anniversary was marked in the Clube Militar de Macau (Military Club of Macau).
“This year’s theme, ‘Change We Fought For, An Offering to An Abundant Future’ is a resounding reminder that independence is not only comprised of a single solemn moment. It is both a culmination of the preceding periods of struggle borne by our forefathers and an impetus in ensuring that future generations enjoy the fruits of hard earned freedom,” she said in her speech.
“I am confident that the Filipino people, no matter where they are in the world, and with whatever occupation they hold, will continue being resilient and united in creating a better and safer world for future generations. The resilience of the Filipino is mirrored by its rebounding economy,” she added
Backed by the figures, Ms Deapera said the Philippines garnered an impressive growth rate of 6.7% last year, one of the fastest in Asia. “Growth in the fourth quarter of 2017 was backed by the 14.3% growth in public spending, which is in line with the Government’s commitment to timely delivery of public services and social protection programs.”
Moreover, she said a total merchandise trade for full year 2017 increased by 9.9 % as imports and exports posted growth rates higher than government estimates. “The Philippine economy had grown above 6% for the 6th straight year in 2017, and we are optimistic that this trend will continue in 2018,” she said.
Back to the territory, “Filipino tourists have also continued to visit and experience the unique charm of Macau through the years, thus becoming one of the top ten visitor-source markets of Macau consistently,” while the Philippines, on the other hand, “has also welcomed close to a million Chinese tourists last year.”
Ms Deapera hopes that “these visits continue to increase, and that our immersion in the other’s culture and traditions strengthen further our ties.” Secretary for Administration and Justice Ms Chan Hoi Fan was present on behalf of the Government of Macau.
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