The passing year 2019 was a period of notable achievements for the Philippines, despite some domestic challenges and global uncertainties. In behalf of the FFCCCII, I send the happiest greetings and our sincere prayers for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for the whole Philippines in 2020!

Asean as a region is throbbing as the 10 nations chart their individual and collective efforts to build its presence, response and influence in the area. The 10 countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Though there is Asean, there is a marked difference in orientation per country, especially when it comes to relationships with China and the United States.

Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador, has turned over about Php 7.5 million for those affected of the recent eruption of Taal Volcano. He also hope to lend more strength to the disaster relief efforts on the Philippines.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said, “The overwhelming response from the market for this landmark transaction underscores the international investor community’s deepening confidence in the Philippine economy amid the reforms put in place by the Duterte administration to sustain the country's high and inclusive growth in the face of the current geopolitical headwinds.”

The Bayanihan spirit is by no means dead and forgotten. Filipinos remain committed to help, no matter how big or small, and no matter how difficult their own lives are

As we become in the era of Duterte, we change and that makes things permanent, long term and, hopefully, a better Philippines. Heraclitus said, “There is nothing permanent except change.” And change makes things, communities and nations better.

Despite the uncertainty and devastation, there are stories of hope and inspiration. Batanguenos helping each other, as well as Cavitenos, Bulakenyos, Ilocanos, Kapampangans, Davaoenos and others sending help to our province.

Permutations are about variations on combinations in the field of statistics. Politics is about combinations as well. Possible pairings are Duterte-Marcos, Duterte-Go and Duterte-Villar, going by the power blocs which support the administration. 

There are so many conflicts going on locally and internationally. Amidst calls for world peace, tensions between countries, regions and superpowers have taken over the stories of 2019 and early 2020. Amidst calls for unity, the growing divide between President Duterte's supporters and critics continues to widen, given policy, management and ethical differences.

ABS-CBN is the biggest political party in the country because it can make and unmake a candidate. Fair because ABS-CBN has played the game of politics well. The heat radar in this network is so high that during campaigns or any political event, they are always the trump card for some groups out to sow intrigues, chaos and the like.

Foreign investors are optimistic on the Philippines’ potential to be one of the leading markets in the coming years given its push to develop infrastructure, strong domestic spending, and affordable yet quality labor - PCCI

Ambassador Huang extended his new year greetings to Secretary Locsin, and expressed his appreciation to Secretary Locsin’s contribution to China-Philippines relations.