German business leaders led by honorary consuls who compose part of the so-called "2012 Team Philippines-Germany" were inspired by President Benigno Aquino sincerity to effect the necessary reforms that will make the country more investment-friendly, thus preventing again past mistakes, including the controversial Fraport issue that has affected for a while relations between both countries.
Despite his busy schedule, President Aquino took time last March 21, 2012 to meet the German delegates, who in turn, cancelled at the last-minute their bookings for a long-scheduled trip to Bohol to sample the kind of tourism in the country, or "Why It's More Fun in Philippines" as the new tourism slogan goes.
The members of the "2012 Team Philippines-Germany" led by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad and four German honorary consuls for the Philippines were commended and recognized by President Aquino for their initiatives and sacrifices to hurdle difficulties and mis-impressions on the Philippines by still showing interests in the country.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario expressed high regard for the team "Philippines-Germany". Also with the delegation from the business sectors were -among many others - Harald Penner, managing director of Asia-Pacific Forum and Berlin Partner GmbH, whom I will be meeting next week to discuss on how "People's College International" may assist in providing an intellectual basis for a comprehensive understanding of education as a life long learning process.
I strongly agree with Ambassador Natividad, who "hailed the unwavering support of the German group, despite the difficulties, adversities and challenges they face!"
