Philippine resiliency is given across all sectors. The surge of exports to the highest point since 1999, despite the continuing strength of the peso and the relative volatility of overseas markets, marks the productivity and excellence of the Filipino.

While we leave the determination of the true value of the peso to the signals of the market, our exporters can be assured that the economic team is on top of balancing out the situation and forging a business environment that would give them a fighting chance moving forward in the global game.

The ceasefire committees of both sides are working with the International Monitoring Team to ensure that isolated hostilities will not escalate.

The surge of Philippine exports to the highest level in seven years marks the productivity and resiliency of the Filipino, according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a statement, the President said the 27.3 percent export jump to $4.17 billion in January, the fastest annual pace since 1999, was made despite the continuing strength of the peso and the relative volatility of overseas markets.

"Made in the Philippines" has become a tag of quality, consistency and excellence," she pointed out. "This comes with growth and stability in all economic and political fronts, and the surge of optimism and national pride among our people."

The National Statistics Office reported Friday that key semiconductor shipments played a major role in the surge with electronics accounting for more than half of total exports, jumping 14.5 percent to $2 billion in January from a year ago.

The country processes about 10 percent of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing products including mobile phone chips, and January’s export jump mirrors strong shipments from neighboring electronic hubs such as South Korea and Taiwan.

Besides electronics, which are largely assembled from imported parts, other key exports include garments and accessories, vehicle parts, coconut oil, tropical fruit and wood furniture.

Shipments to the United States increased 11 percent to $698 million and sales to Japan added 16 percent, according to the report.

The President said in her statement that Philippine resiliency is given across all sectors.

TAGBILARAN, Bohol – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the youth today to help craft a new vision for a young nation like the Philippines, saying this is the time for the youth "to involve themselves in civic life, resound their voices, work and make personal fortunes."

In a speech at the Bohol Youth day celebration at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex here, the President pointed out that the Philippines has regained world confidence because of its growing economy and stabilizing politics.

"That is why we now have a better chance of allowing our people to reap the fruits of progress: more jobs, lower price of basic commodities, strong peso, more investments, education for the poor, health care services and housing, anti-hunger measures for the poor, counter-terrorism and the Green Philippines Program which you included in your Bohol Youth Day program," she explained.

Three events marked the Bohol Youth Day program which the President graced starting at 2 p.m.

These are the awarding of plaques of recognition to Young Boholano Achievers, the turnover of P300,000 check from the Dangerous Drugs Board to the National youth Commission for training and advocacy activities under the Barkada Kontra Droga Program and the launching of the Green Philippines program in the province.

"Our nation is young because we value life, we love to sing, dance, involve ourselves in sports and we like innovations in technology. We are young because we are true people of this world, a part of the fast paced changes in the world. We are now leading the global workforce", the President explained.

She urged the youth to use the instruments that the government, their families and the nation have provided to become doctors, lawyers, farmers and healthcare workers.

The President awarded Plaques of Recognition to Young Boholano Achievers namely: Anna Maris Igpit, Bb. Pilipinas World 2006; Jedara Docena, International Rapid Chess champion; Czar Amonsot, WBO Super Light Weight champion; Rey "Boomboom" Bautista, WBO Super Bantam Weight champion.

The Bohol Youth Day Celebration is the first youth commemoration in the province. This year’s theme is "Strengthening Youth Participation in Local Governance towards a Drug Free and Green Philippines".

The President turned over the P300,000 check granted by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)  chairman Anselmo Avenido to National Youth Commission (NYC) deputy director Benjie Oliva.

She also launched the Green Philippines program with the assistance of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Carlito Puno and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado and SK President Provincial Federation President Frances Bobbith Cajes-Auza received the symbolic narra seedling from the President during the rites.

The Chief executive said there is a need to regain the forests and replenish the fallen trees with new ones.

."Youth of Bohol, I need your help so we can realize our vision. We will start this vision, here in Bohol. Green Bohol. And, so, therefore, youth, we count on you. Green Bohol. Make Bohol beautiful like the young people", she said.

In her speech, the President announced that the Saudi Arabia’s royal family, through its Kingdom Holdings, has expressed intention to
invest $150 in Panglao, Bohol in a tie-up with Ayala Land.