By Raymart Escopel
THE leader of the world’s superpower, US President Barack Obama arrived in the Philippines on April 28 for a two-day visit as part of his week-long Asian Tour after visiting Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.
The said state visit became a one of the most-talked events in the country as President Obama and our very own President Benigno Aquino III had a talk on ways on how to strengthen the relationship and partnership of the two countries. They have discussed state matters such as trade and investments developments, tourism cooperation, strengthening public relations, rehabilitation of typhoon “Yolanda” struck areas, and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Met by some of the Philippine officials who include Vice President Jejomar Binay, Department of Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alber del Rosario, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia as he disembarked in Air Force One, Obama felt the warm welcome of the Filipinos.
Obama proceeded to the Malacanang Palace where he was welcomed by PNoy. Before entering to the main Palace building, Obama signed in the guestbook where he wrote a meaningful message which says: “I thank President Aquino and the people of the Philippines for welcoming me. May America’s oldest alliance in Asia always be renewed by our friendship and mutual respect.”
Those words on the guestbook delighted many Filipinos since the most powerful country in the world considers the country as its oldest alliance in Asia.
It could be learned that Barack Obama is the seventh US president to pay the Philippines a visit. The last US president who visited the Philippines was George W. Bush in October 2003.
The alliance has been renewed and strengthened as just hours before Obama arrived in the country, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed. The said agreement will give American forces to have wider access to military bases in the Philippines.
Obama explained that EDCA aims to make sure that international rules and norms are respected including international disputes.
On the other hand, President Aquino described the said agreement as a way of deepening the US and Philippines ties and will probable lead in the promotion of “regional peace and security”.
Strengthening relationship and promoting alliance to other countries especially to the US which holds great power is indeed vital for the Philippines. In this case, the famous saying, “No man is an island” could be perfectly applied. Like us humans, a certain country will not be able to survive by just using its own resources alone. In a way or another, it will be needing the help of other countries to sustain its needs./PN
