INTRODUCTION
We can all be proud of what we accomplished here today.

This has been an unprecedented exercise in building national consensus and confidence.

Our first People’s Economic Summit has ended in a multi-sectoral commitment to transform our laggard economy over the next five years.

The social pact just signed binds every sector of society to work to benefit the whole of the national community.

In effect, this document institutionalizes Filipino civic consciousness and imparts a new social and moral dimension to the quality of our citizenship.

In the course of our work today, we reconciled group priorities and interests towards higher national goals in the name of the common good.

That we were able to do so reaffirms my belief in our capacity to set aside our differences for the sake of the larger national community.

Now we can all go forth to lead our respective constituencies in honoring the commitments we have made.

We came here this morning realizing this could be our last chance to put our house in order — our last chance to establish in our country a democracy of rights, of responsibilities, of opportunities, of means, of productivity, of adequacy.
THE NEED FOR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
The transition to a new economic order to a truly free, market-based economy shall be unavoidably difficult.

The safety nets we agreed to set up should ease those hardships for our most needy social groups.

But — more than safety nets — we shall need a stronger sense of community.

The fact is that the free market will not work unless it is coupled with individual responsibility.

Only strong civic conscience can restrain the single-minded pursuit of individual self-interest.

Today — as we begin our concerted effort to build a new economic — and social — order, let us rededicate ourselves to those cherished Filipino values of pakiki-isa and pagkakapit-bisig — and to invoke them once again as we strive to build a truly humane and progressive society.
A LAST CALL
Let me take this opportunity to issue a last call to the remaining skeptics to lay down their cynicism and join us in putting to work the agreements we have reached.

Although we have determined where we are and where we want to go, we have to continue building consensus among our entire citizenry on how to get there. Our plan for “Philippines 2000!!!”, as may be refined by the agreements and implementing policies resulting from this summit, provides both the general direction and specific actions to be taken. But we also realize we have to reach out and seek support from all.

Let us nurture this consensual way of determining our goals, establishing priorities and doing things. Let this day be just the beginning of firmer ties, greater compassion and better teamwork among us.
CLOSING
Let me express once more my deepest appreciation for your participation in this historic event, characterized by the unprecedented spirit of unity, solidarity and teamwork we have seen today.

But where do we go from here?

We go back to work — to work harder with a clearer vision of the future and stronger faith in ourselves and in each other.

We are aiming high, reaching for just not a niche, but the summit.

With God’s blessings and our own purposeful commitment to the tasks at hand, we will get to the top.

Again, let us shout our rallying cry: “Speed towards Philippines 2000!!!”.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay tayong lahat!