President Duterte on Saturday thanked the Asian Development Bank for its continuous assistance to the Philippines’ development initiatives, particularly his administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program.
In a speech during the 51st annual meeting of the ADB in Mandaluyong City, Duterte renewed his commitment to improve the plight of ordinary Filipinos through massive infrastructure development with assistance from major financial institutions and investors.
“Over the years, the ADB has evolved into a persevering ally and formidable partner of the Philippines as it zigzagged its way towards sustainable and enduring growth and development,” Duterte said.
“The fact that several decades ago, the ADB chose the Philippines as its headquarters in this part of the world continues to inspire and suffuse us with immeasurable pride,” he added.
“Your presence since then is proof of your faith in the capacity of the Philippines to exorcise its financial and economic demons. Your contribution to our country’s development is too evident to be ignored, and we cannot thank you enough for that,” Duterte said.
Duterte agreed that a key element to ensure sustainable growth is through a massive infrastructure program. “Build, build, and build and we link and link and link – that is the battle cry of the moment,” he said.
“We must build and link all these islands and all communities so that united in purpose and acting as one, we will bring our infrastructure base to match or even surpass those of the neighboring economies. That will allow us to compete for investments on even or more attractive terms,” he added. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
