Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao welcomed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, senior Philippine government officials, and Manila-based dignitaries to its headquarters today for a celebration marking 50 years of improving lives in Asia and the Pacific. About 400 senior government officials, ambassadors representing ADB member countries, development partners, and media attended.
The two presidents held a short discussion before joining the event. Philippine dignitaries included former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fidel V. Ramos, and Carlos Dominguez III, Secretary of Finance and Governor of ADB.
Mr. Nakao emphasized that 50 years ago, ADB was created through the collective wishes and collaborative efforts of people and countries from within and outside Asia and the Pacific. Many people made great contributions to the creation of the institution. Among them was P. Florentino Feliciano, a Filipino lawyer, who helped write the ADB Charter.
“Since ADB was established in 1966, with support from the Philippines, our host country, and all our partners within and outside the region, ADB has helped improve the lives of people,” Mr. Nakao said.
President Duterte valued the partnership with ADB as its host country, and expressed his appreciation for ADB’s support to the Philippines in the past 50 years. “It is my hope that the ADB will continue to lend its support, as the country accelerates its development efforts,” he said.
ADB held its opening ceremony in Manila on 19 December 1966 with 31 members, of which 19 were regional. The Philippine capital has proven a good base for ADB’s HQ, Mr. Nakao said, because ADB is closer to its developing member countries, has benefited from the hospitality of the Philippine government and people, and can draw on a strong pool of English-speaking professionals.
