Gaa’s visit to the White House was the culmination of a successful week for the new envoy who 24 hours earlier presided over a two-day conference of veterans leaders from across the United States and the Philippines which hammered out a united stand on full equity for Filipino World War II veterans.

The Philippine Embassy, in a press statement on Gaa’s presentation of credentials, said Bush noted the Philippine-US alliance during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, and the global war on terror and told the ambassador that both countries “can be very proud of our troops’ ongoing joint effort to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah on the island of Jolo."

Bush added that “the United States is committed to fostering a climate of peace in Mindanao," and that it is “ready to provide quick-disbursing assistance once an agreement is signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)."

Bush said that as Southeast Asia’s oldest democracy, the Philippines has “an important role in speaking out for the rights of those who do not yet enjoy the blessings of liberty."

“Filipinos are known the world over for their extraordinary industry and graciousness, and the two-and-a-half million Filipino-born residents of the United States are no exception," Bush said.

In his remarks, Gaa said Filipino soldiers who fought with US troops in World War II were a powerful symbol of the historic ties between the two countries. He also expressed “hope, that together, we can honor their great sacrifice and bring to them what they so justly deserve."

Filipinos who fought side by side with US troops against the invading Japanese during World War II were later stripped of their recognition as US veterans under the 1946 Rescission Act.

Bush stressed that “on the international stage, (we) look to the Philippines as a leader in the Association of South East Asian Nations, and appreciate your strong stand on important issues such as Burma and North Korea.” Describing the Philippines as “East Asia’s oldest democracy, Bush said that it ”has an important role in speaking out for the rights of those who do not yet enjoy the blessings of liberty." Stressing that RP-US relationship is “not limited to  security matters, alone,” Bush cited the “dynamic exchange of people and business between the Philippines and the United States that occurs everyday.” He noted that the US is the largest foreign investors in the Philippines and its largest trading partner.

President Bush likewise mentioned the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s approval last year of the Philippines as a Threshold Country under the Millennium Challenge Account Program. For this reason, the Philippines will receive over $ 20 million to help tackle corruption and improve tax collection and administration.

Extending his “sincere congratulations” to Ambassador Gaa on his appointment, the President said that “on behalf of the American people, I wish you the best of success in your tour of service here in the United States.”

Ambassador Gaa told President Bush that during his tenure, he “will work to strengthen, broaden, and deepen these existing ties between the Philippines and the United States, relations which are built on mutual respect and our common values and pursuit of political and economic freedom.”

Ambassador Gaa was joined by his wife Erlinda and son Wendell during his presentation of credentials.

Caption for pasa photo of gaa in white house:

Photo shows from L to R: Mrs. Linda Gaa, White House Protocol Officer Dominique Alford and Ambassador Willy C. Gaa