We commemorated the Philippine Independence Day in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with a reception for 422 confirmed guests composed of Philippine and US government officials, members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Washington, D.C., representatives of the business sector, as well as members of think-tank groups and Filipino communities. But the path towards real independence is long and difficult – and I say this because I firmly believe that the real measure of a nation’s independence is not confined to the people’s ability to exercise the right to vote, or enjoy freedom of speech and religion. International economists also see the Philippines growing into a trillion-dollar economy with a GDP per capita of $8,200 by 2032. We have also recently signed a contract for the purchase of 16 Black Hawk helicopters from the United States to beef up our Air Force capabilities. There are about 4.3 million Filipino-Americans living in the United States today, and I am proud to say that they are very much appreciated in this country.

Source: Philippine Star June 15, 2019 16:00 UTC