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Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on the Week of January 27-31, 2014

On Saturday, a significant step closer to peace in Mindanao took place. After months of negotiations, the final Annex on Normalization and the additional Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters were completed. This was the culmination of a process that Secretary Teresita Deles described as one characterized by painstaking deliberation, and discussion and internal consensus-building. According to her, this process was grounded on extensive consultations with concerned local government units, religious and civil society leaders, and communities especially in the conflict-affected areas. The news was met with an outpouring of good wishes for the Philippines. Advocates of peace here at home and abroad greeted this news with optimism. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, and international bodies such as the European Union and the United Nations, praised this achievement. This milestone gives the entire nation confidence that the next steps in the peace process are on track. The work does not end here. In particular, we look forward to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The Bangsamoro Transition Commission is also working on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which our legislators will enact, moving forward. We believe that this achievement signals the unshakeable commitment of the Philippines to all stakeholders in the country, as well as people of good will in the world: that this process will come to fruition, and that lasting peace and development in Muslim Mindanao are at hand. As we take stock of this shared achievement, we also look forward to a week characterized by the successes of our countrymen, as the President leads the presentation of awards for The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) 2013 Awarding Ceremonies and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) 2013 Agency Performance Awards. Both seek to recognize men, women, and organizations, which have exhibited excellence in their respective fieldsexcellence that has contributed not only to their personal success, but has also yielded benefits for our countrymen. These events underscore a truth our administration has always subscribed to: that genuine and lasting change is indeed built on the shoulders of hardworking, determined, and sincere Filipinos. Let us continue to work together, and to each do what we can to contribute to the realization of our shared aspirations for the Philippines: a country where what was once impossible is now, indeed, possible. January 27, 2014

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