Aquino says ‘renewed optimism’ among Filipinos makes him happy

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02, 2014). With theme: “Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Coalition in Pushing Urgent Measures on Corruption Prevention and Criminalization, Asset Recovery, and International Cooperation Toward Improving Integrity in Governance”. As a State Party, the Philippines is obliged to implement preventive and punitive anti-corruption measures, including asset recovery, affecting their laws, institutions and practices. Also in photo are Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has said the happiest moment of his presidency is when he sees the renewed optimism and the change in attitude among Filipinos, brought about by a stronger economy.

“At the end of the day, when you see the renewed optimism and the attitude that is different in our people, where it seems nothing is impossible. That, I think, brings out the ‘great’ as a nation, from the time we stepped into office when there was massive cynicism, where the primary goal was how to leave the Philippines, to now, with the young coming back home,” the President said when asked about his happiest moment in his life as president, during the 28th Annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

He cited that the improvement in the economy has, according to the National Economic and Development Authority, lifted about 2.5 million people out of poverty, with an estimated 1.6 million getting new jobs.

Many Filipinos, he said, found new jobs in the manufacturing sector after attending programs conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

He also noted that young Filipinos living abroad have expressed their intention to return to the country due to the transformation of the Philippines.

“I was just talking about the young coming back home. That, again, makes us all happy and makes all of this worthwhile,” said the President.