BULLETIN EDITORIAL: WELCOME, PRESIDENT BILL J. CLINTON
[PHOTO AT LEFT - President Bill J. Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the 42nd President of the United States of America To speak on Global Issues and Concerns at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel on November 10, 2010 November 9, 2010, 5:41pm. NOV. 10 NEWS REPORT, READ BELOW]
MANILA, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 (BULLETIN) Former United States (US) President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is sharing with his Filipino audience as well as foreign visitors his insights and views on global issues and concerns in his speaking engagement at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel on November 10, 2010, with the theme, "Embracing our Common Humanity," where he will tackle the challenge of globalization, interdependence among nations, and shared goals and values. The oldest premier Manila hotel in the country built in 1912, regarded by many as the "Showcase of the Philippines" and "Address of Prestige," the Manila Hotel has in its roster of distinguished guests heads of state, members of royalty, and business tycoons.
The 42nd President of the United States, President Clinton, first elected in 1992, served his country for eight years from January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001. After his Presidency in 2001, his participation in public service did not waver. He became involved in public speaking and humanitarian work, in cooperation with private entities worldwide. In 2004, he set up the William J. Clinton Foundation to promote and address international causes such as treatment and prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and global warming. His wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is currently the US Secretary of State.
The William J. Clinton Foundation included the Clinton Foundation HIV and AIDS Initiative, which strives to combat the disease and has worked with the Australian government toward that end. The Clinton Global Initiative, begun by the Clinton Foundation in 2005, is addressing world problems such as global public health, poverty alleviation, and religious and ethnic conflicts. The annual conference of the Clinton Global Initiative brings together leaders from government, business and philanthropy, who make financial commitments aimed at tackling poverty and disease around the world.
In past speeches, President Clinton warned of the growing devastation of the global economic downturn, saying the dangers posed by natural disasters around the world have been increased by the effects of environment changes. He also stressed the need to educate and empower women and girls in developing countries, saying the global economy would improve with women's full participation. President Clinton released two books of vital significance – his autobiography, "My Life," in 2004, and the bestseller "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World," in 2007.
We are certain that it will be another insightful and inspiring speech at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel by Former US President William J. Clinton for management, communication, and government leaders who have been invited to the gathering. We also hope he will have an enjoyable and fruitful stay in our country and wish him all the best and success in all his endeavors.
NEWS REPORT NOVEMBER 10, 2010 FROM MANILA DAILY BULLETIN
Clinton backs Noy's "dole-out" By GENALYN KABILING November 10, 2010, 7:49pm
MANILA, Philippines — Former US President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton on Wednesday endorsed President Benigno S. Aquino III's plans to distribute cash subsidies to poor families and even offered to help the nation in achieving rice self-sufficiency.
Clinton, who served as US President from 1993 to 2001, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Premier Guest House in Malacañang where they tackled poverty alleviation, food security, and energy independence.
The closed-door meeting from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. was "casual and informal" and the two leaders immediately "hit it off," according to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang.
In the meeting held prior to his lecture series at the nearby historic landmark Manila Hotel, Carandang said the former US leader spoke on the Clinton Global Initiative and inquired about the government's plans to alleviate the plight of the poor.
"He has many questions about our anti-poverty programs. The President talked about the conditional cash transfer program as a short-term measure and investments on education and basic healthcare for long term," Carandang told reporters in the Palace.
"President Clinton said the conditional cash transfer is a good idea and he fully supports it as a means to reducing poverty," he added.
The welfare program was actually initiated by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a former classmate of Clinton at Georgetown University. The present government merely decided to expand the program to benefit more poor families.
Carandang said the US leader also expressed readiness to help the nation produce its rice during the meeting with the President.
"Mr. Clinton cited it was important that we grow our own rice so we have food security. Former President Clinton offered help if there's anything the Clinton Global Initiative could do to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the form of giving us ideas or any other assistance that he can give us," he said.
Indigenous and renewable sources of energy, particularly geothermal energy, were also tackled by the former President and Mr. Aquino. The Philippines is among the biggest producers of geothermal energy. "There are energy programs to increase our supply on geothermal energy so President Clinton had many questions about it," Carandang said.
Carandang also revealed that the two leaders were "friendly" to each other during their meeting. "It was more of economic and social programs that were discussed," he said.
At the start of the meeting, Carandang said the President offered Clinton a regular Coke but the US leader asked for a Diet Coke.
Also present in the meeting were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio. Mr. Clinton was accompanied by two aides during his visit at the Palace.
The President flew back to Manila to meet Clinton after a visit to Cebu for the launch of a new ship and hotel.
The President earlier said Clinton's visit to Manila was a vote of confidence on the Philippines despite the series of travel advisories by six nations supposedly due to imminent terror attack in the country.
He said Clinton's security team would have objected to his Manila visit if they found real terror threat.
The President insisted that travel advisories by the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and France have no sufficient basis and were blown out of proportion. He urged other governments to be careful in issuing travel warnings against another nation.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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