Thank you very much, Secretary Christina Frasco for your introduction.

[Please take your seats.]

The two of us, we were listening to you, Kevin. The two of us heard your number, 10 to 20 million. Ang sabi ko, we have to upgrade now all our targets because hindi kami umaabot doon sa ganoong klaseng numero. So, well, Sec. Christina, nadagdagan ‘yung trabaho mo.

The members of the Cabinet who are here today; of course, the Alliance Global Group, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Tan; Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez; and our friends and partners in the private sector; our fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good evening!

It is truly exciting to witness yet another milestone for our friends at Megaworld and the Alliance Global Group.

Would you believe that, in my two years of office, I have already attended two of these significant events? That’s true. [Dalawa ‘yun ‘di ba?]

The first was the unveiling of the Bacolod-Murcia marker in 2022, and the second was the capsule-laying for the Mactan Expo Center last April.

While those events were momentous, I must say that today’s event is even grander and more spectacular.

We are not revealing the beginning of another undertaking this time, but launching a completed one.

Today, ladies and gentlemen, we open the Grand Westside Hotel here in Parañaque City.

My heartfelt congratulations to all the hardworking members and personnel who contributed to the completion of this grand 1,530-room structure — the biggest hotel development in the country to date. Congratulations for all that you have achieved. [applause]

It is an important addition to the company’s impressive lineup of prestigious development projects, as well as to Philippine tourism and hence to our economy. This is particularly noteworthy considering the remarkable growth of the [Philippine] tourism sector, which contributed 8.6 percent to the country’s GDP last year, [in] 2023.

Thanks to this hotel, we can do more. Not only can we accommodate the resurging number of local and international tourists coming to this side of Metro Manila, but we can also expect our Entertainment City to become better known and even more distinguished, elevating its status to more potential visitors in the coming years.

Indeed, world-class experiences are awaiting the guests of this grand hotel.

And it is noteworthy to share that Kevin also has hinted about other developments, including the upcoming Grand Opera House, as well as the opening of more theaters, and a gaming complex, amongst other things.

With all these, we foresee not only the entry of more tourists but also the generation of more jobs, of new businesses, and of greater opportunity.

In fact, [while] many have benefitted from the actual construction of these [properties], around 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will still be created throughout the operation of this hotel in the years to come.

Having developed many hotels and other tourism-related establishments around the country, Megaworld has shown that it is a true partner in national development and a great builder of dreams and sustainable communities in our society.

For that and for all the projects that are under way, you have my utmost gratitude.

While you have once again [given] the Filipinos something to be proud of and to look forward to, we know that you are also stern in attaining your five-year expansion plan up to the year 2027.

As this Administration continues to formulate policies, foster social cohesion and development, and build better and more infrastructure, one thing is clear:

Our work together can help empower the Filipino in ways that will allow them to contribute to our society and to enjoy themselves while doing that.

Indeed, all of us share the desire to raise sustainable, complete, [and] well-rounded communities that even the next generations can enjoy.

With the seal of quality stamped wherever the name Megaworld appears — be it condominiums, malls, or office buildings — I’m confident in the lasting and powerful outcome of your work and these collaborations.

I look forward to more of your triumphs like this that will undoubtedly contribute to the new Philippines, ang Bagong Pilipinas that we are all building.

Dear friends, colleagues, and guests, it is my pleasure to be one of the first people to say this:

Welcome to the Grand Westside Hotel! Congratulations and once again, I wish you success! [applause]

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