The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- Older Americans Month, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Older Americans have fortified our country and shaped our world. They have made groundbreaking discoveries, pioneered new industries, led our Nation's businesses, and advanced our unending journey toward a more perfect Union. They have raised strong families and strengthened communities. And with unwavering courage and patriotism, many rose in defense of the land we love. This month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions and sacrifices of our elders, and we offer our renewed gratitude and support.

With decades of experience and unyielding enthusiasm, seniors continue to lift up our neighborhoods, offer perspective on pressing challenges, and serve as role models to our next generation -- proving Americans never stop making a difference or giving back. I encourage older Americans to learn about service opportunities in their area by visiting www.SeniorCorps.gov.

My Administration stands with older Americans as they make their mark, which is why we are fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare. Through the Affordable Care Act, we lowered prescription drug costs, prohibited insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, and enabled seniors to receive recommended preventive health care at no out-of-pocket cost.

As vital members of our communities, seniors deserve the resources and information to stay healthy and safe. This year's Older Americans Month theme, "Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow," raises awareness about injury prevention. To take control of their safety, seniors can talk to their health care provider about the best physical activities for them, make sure their homes have ample lighting, and install handrails wherever they are helpful -- particularly near stairs and in bathrooms.

During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and every senior near to our hearts. We strive to build a bright future on the strong foundation they have laid.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as Older Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- National Building Safety Month, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America's buildings do more than house people and goods. They embody innovation; inspire creativity; and provide foundations for families, businesses, and communities. During National Building Safety Month, we celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep our buildings secure, and we recommit to maintaining resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Because this is not a task for government alone, my Administration has fostered partnerships between the public and private sectors. Joining with building officials, design professionals, scientists, and engineers, we continually develop new guidance and tools for increasing disaster-resistance and meeting building standards. For additional information and resources explaining simple steps people can take to better prepare their homes or businesses for a disaster, visit www.Ready.gov.

As Americans, our spirit is strong and resilient, and our buildings should match that spirit. From our homes to our high-rises, our museums to our malls, let us work to keep structures sound and up to code. By doing so, we can conserve energy, protect the environment, and help communities withstand the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as National Building Safety Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise awareness about building safety. I also call on all Americans to learn more about how they can contribute to building safety at home and in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- National Foster Care Month, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every child deserves to grow, learn, and dream in a supportive and loving environment. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the almost 400,000 young people in foster care and the foster parents and dedicated professionals who are in their lives. We also rededicate every child a sense of stability and a safe place to call home.

While the number of young people in foster care has fallen, those still there face many challenges, including finding mentors to guide their transition into adulthood and getting the support to make that transition a success. One third of foster children are teenagers, in danger of aging out of a system that failed to find them a permanent family.

Across our Nation, ordinary Americans are answering the call to open their hearts and homes to foster children. From social workers and teachers to family members and friends, countless individuals are doing their part to help these striving young people realize their full potential. My Administration remains committed to doing our part. This year, the Affordable Care Act will extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for children who have aged out of foster care, allowing them to more easily access quality, affordable health coverage. We are working to break down barriers so every qualified caregiver can become an adoptive or foster parent. Additionally, in the past year, we awarded grants to States, tribes, and local organizations to give communities new strategies to help foster children, including methods for finding permanent families, preventing long-term homelessness of young people aging out of foster care, and supporting their behavioral and mental health needs.

This month, and all year long, let us all recognize that each of us has a part to play in ensuring America's foster children achieve their full potential. Together, we can reach the day where every child has a safe, loving, and permanent home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking time to help youth in foster care and recognizing the commitment of all who touch their lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

What They're Saying: New Steps to Protect Students from Sexual Assault

Valerie Jarrett, Lynn Rosenthal
April 29, 2014
06:00 PM EDT

Watch on YouTube

One in five college-aged women is sexually assaulted in college – most often by someone she knows. The Obama Administration is committed to putting an end to this violence, which is why today, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault released its first-ever report and announced a series of actions to help address the problem and make sure victims know they are not alone.

In addition to helping schools identify the scope of the problem, prevent sexual assault on campus, and respond when a student is assaulted, today’s announcements will also help strengthen federal enforcement efforts and improve and improve government communication with survivors, parents, school administrators, and the public.

To make enforcement data and other sexual assault resources accessible to students and schools, the task force launched a new website, www.NotAlone.gov. On the site, students can learn about their rights, search enforcement data, and read about how to file a complaint. Schools and advocates can find federal guidance on legal obligations, the best research, and relevant legislation.

See what organizations and elected leaders from around the country are saying about today’s announcements.

Valerie Jarrett is a Senior Advisor to the President and Chair of the Council on Women and Girls. Lynn Rosenthal is the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women
Related Topics: Violence Prevention, Women

1 is 2 Many PSA: 30 Second

April 29, 2014 | :30 | Public Domain

http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/1is2many

Download mp4 (20.4MB)

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2014

President Obama Signs Arkansas Disaster Declaration

Today, the President declared a major disaster in the State of Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on April 27, 2014.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Faulkner County.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency work for damage from the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Faulkner County. 

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Timothy J. Scranton as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

President Obama Speaks at Port Bonifacio

April 29, 2014 | 11:33 | Public Domain

President Obama delivers remarks to Filipino and U.S. Armed Forces at Fort Bonifacio.

Download mp4 (424MB) | mp3 (11MB)

Read the Transcript

Remarks by President Obama to Filipino and U.S. Armed Forces at Fort Bonifacio

Fort Bonifacio
Manila, The Philippines

9:56 A.M. PHT

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hello, everybody!  Please, have a seat.  Kumusta kayo.  It is great to be here at Fort Bonifacio.  Vice President Binay, distinguished guests:  It’s an honor to be here with our outstanding allies -- the leaders and members of the armed forces of the Philippines.  And we’re joined by men and women who stand tall and proud to wear the uniform of the United States of America.  And let me also welcome all our Filipino friends.

Now, I’m not going to give a long speech, because it’s hot and people are in uniform.  I hope you don’t mind me not wearing my jacket.  And I also want to make sure that I have some time to shake some hands.

But I’m here in the Philippines to reaffirm the enduring alliance between our two countries.  I thank President Aquino for his partnership and the deeper ties that we forged yesterday.  I’m especially proud to be here as we remember one of the defining moments of our shared history -- the 70th anniversary of the battle of Leyte during World War II and the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines. 

Right after this, I’ll pay my respects at the American cemetery here in Manila -- the final resting place of so many Americans and Filipinos who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of this country in that war.  These Americans and Filipinos rest in peace as they stood in war -- side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder -- balikatan.

Together, Filipinos and Americans put up a heroic defense, at Bataan and Corregidor.  Together, they endured the agony of the death marches and the horror of the prisoner of war camps.  Many never made it out.  In those years of occupation, Filipino resistance fighters kept up the struggle.  And hundreds of thousands of Filipinos fought under the American flag. 

And sadly, the proud service of many of these Filipino veterans was never fully recognized by the United States.  Many were denied the compensation they had been promised.  It was an injustice.  So in recent years, my administration, working with Congress and others, have worked to right this wrong.  We passed a law, reviewed the records, processed claims, and nearly 20,000 Filipino veterans from World War II and their families finally received the compensation they had earned.  And it was the right thing to do.  (Applause.)

What’s been written about Bataan could be said of their entire generation:  “The loss of life was grievous, and hardly a Filipino family was untouched by the tragedy.  But the heroic struggle brought out the best in the Filipino character in the face of adversity and served as a beacon to freedom loving peoples everywhere.” 

We are truly honored to have some of these extraordinary veterans here with us today.  Among them are men who fought at Bataan and Corregidor, and a survivor of those hellish prisoner of war camps.  Some fought in the resistance, including nurse Carolina Garcia Delfin.  These veterans are now in their nineties.  They are an inspiration to us all, and I’d ask those who can stand to stand or give a wave so that we can all salute their service.  (Applause.)

The spirit of these veterans -- their strength, their solidarity -- I see it in you as well when you train and exercise together to stay ready for the future, when our special forces -- some of you here today -- advise and assist our Filipino partners in their fight against terrorism, and when you respond to crises together, as you did after Yolanda.  Along with your civilian partners, you rushed into the disaster zone, pulled people from the rubble, delivered food and medicine.  You showed what friends can do when we take care of each other.

These are the kinds of missions we face today.  Yesterday, President Aquino and I agreed to begin a new chapter in our alliance.  And under our new agreement, American forces can begin rotating through Filipino airfields and ports.  We’ll train and exercise together more to bring our militaries even closer, and to support your efforts to strengthen your armed forces.  We’ll improve our ability to respond even faster to disasters like Yolanda.  Today, I thank the people of the Philippines for welcoming our servicemembers as your friends and partners.

Deepening our alliance is part of our broader vision for the Asia Pacific.  We believe that nations and peoples have the right to live in security and peace, and to have their sovereignty and territorial integrity respected.  We believe that international law must be upheld, that freedom of navigation must be preserved and commerce must not be impeded.  We believe that disputes must be resolved peacefully and not by intimidation or force.  That’s what our nations stand for.  That’s the future we’re working for.  And that’s why your service is so important.

Let me be absolutely clear.  For more than 60 years, the United States and the Philippines have been bound by a mutual defense treaty.  And this treaty means our two nations pledge -- and I’m quoting -- our “common determination to defend themselves against external armed attacks, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone.”  In other words, our commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad and the United States will keep that commitment, because allies never stand alone.  (Applause.)

In closing, I want to leave you with an incredible story that captures the strength of our alliance.  We all know about the massive international response after Yolanda.  What few people realize is that it started all with a single aircraft carrying a handful of Filipino and American troops and civilians.  The storm hit land that Friday.  The very next morning, the first aircraft took off -- a Philippine C-130 carrying Captain Roy Trinidad, a Philippine Navy SEAL; Colonel Mike Wylie, United States Marines; and Major George Apalisok, U.S. Air Force.

Just hours after the storm passed, with Tacloban devastated, they landed at the airport.  And the next day, they were joined by others, including Army Major Leo Liebreich.  In the days that followed, they worked together -- Filipinos and Americans -- setting up a medical station, clearing debris from the runway, reopening that airport.  Filipino soldiers unloading aid from American cargo aircraft; American troops loading supplies onto Filipino helicopters.  And when all the cargo was off those aircraft, our troops worked together to help local residents aboard so that they could be evacuated to safety.  And over and over, those grateful Filipinos responded with a simple word -- salamat.

There, in the ruin, men like these worked around the clock, day after day.  And at night they’d sleep on boards for cots, in a damaged building with only half a roof.  “It rained on some nights, and we got a little wet,” said George, “but nobody complained.”  “We’ve been training together for many years,” he said -- “we worked as a team.”  And because of individuals like these, thousands were evacuated to safety, and what started with a few men on that first day became a global relief effort that saved countless lives.  Roy, the Philippine Navy SEAL -- George, Mike, Leo -- they are here today.  George also happens to be a proud Filipino-American.  I want them to stand again and accept our thanks.   We are proud of their outstanding service.  (Applause.)     

There’s a connection between our proud veterans from World War II and our men and women serving today -- bound across the generations by the spirit of our alliance, Filipinos and Americans standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder, balikatan.  On behalf of the American people, thank you all for your service.  Thank you for making us so proud.  To the Americans here, I am never prouder than being able to stand before you as your Commander-in-Chief.  To our Filipino armed forces -- thank you for being such an outstanding ally.  Together, you are helping to secure the prosperity and peace of both our nations.

God bless you.  God bless the Republic of the Philippines.  God bless the United States of America.  And God bless the alliance between our great nations.   (Applause.)  Thank you.

END
10:07 A.M. PHT

Close Transcript

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2014

FACT SHEET: Not Alone – Protecting Students from Sexual Assault

One in five women is sexually assaulted while in college.  Most often, it happens her freshman or sophomore year.  In the great majority of cases, it’s by someone she knows – and also most often, she does not report what happened.  And though fewer, men, too, are victimized.

The Administration is committed to putting an end to this violence. That’s why the President established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault on January 22, 2014, with a mandate to strengthen federal enforcement efforts and provide schools with additional tools to combat sexual assault on their campuses. 

Today, the Task Force is announcing a series of actions to: (1)  identify the scope of the problem on college campuses, (2) help prevent campus sexual assault, (3) help schools respond effectively when a student is assaulted, and (4) improve, and make more transparent, the federal government’s enforcement efforts.  We will continue to pursue additional executive or legislative actions in the future.

These steps build on the Administration’s previous work to combat sexual assault.  The Task Force formulated its recommendations after a 90-day review period during which it heard from thousands of people from across the country -- via 27 online and in-person listening sessions and written comments from a wide variety of stakeholders.

Helping Schools Identify the Problem: Climate Surveys
As we know, campus sexual assault is chronically underreported – so victim reports don’t provide a fair measure of the problem.  A campus climate survey, however, can.  So, today:

  • We are providing schools with a toolkit for developing and conducting a climate survey.  This survey has evidence-based sample questions that schools can use to gauge the prevalence of sexual assault on campus, test students’ attitudes and awareness about the issue, and craft solutions.  We call on schools to voluntarily conduct the climate survey next year and, based on what we learn, we will further refine the survey methodology.  This process will culminate in a survey for all schools to use.
  • We will explore legislative or administrative options to require colleges and universities to conduct an evidence-based survey in 2016.  A mandate for schools to periodically conduct a climate survey will change the national dynamic: with a better picture of what’s really happening on campus, schools will be able to more effectively tackle the problem and measure the success of their efforts.   

Preventing Sexual Assault – and Bringing in the Bystander
The college years are formative for many students.  If we implement effective prevention programs, today’s students will leave college knowing that sexual assault is simply unacceptable.  And that, in itself, can create a sea change.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a systematic review of primary prevention strategies for reducing sexual violence, and is releasing an advance summary of its findings.  This review summarizes some of the best available research in the area, and highlights evidence-based prevention strategies that work, some that are promising, and those that don’t work.  The report points to steps colleges can take now to prevent sexual assault on their campuses.
  • The CDC and the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women will pilot and evaluate prevention strategies on college campuses.  This work will build on the CDC’s systematic review, and will identify and fill gaps in the research on sexual violence prevention.
  • Getting Bystanders to Step In and Help Is a Promising Practice.  Bystander intervention programs work to change social norms, and teach everyone to speak out and intervene if someone is at risk of being assaulted.  These programs are among those the CDC found most promising. 

Helping Schools Respond Effectively When A Student is Sexually Assaulted: Confidentiality, Training, Better Investigations, and Community Partnerships
By law, schools that receive federal funds are obliged to protect students from sexual assault.  It is the Task Force’s mission to help schools meet not only the letter, but the spirit, of that obligation.  And that can mean a number of things – from giving a victim a confidential place to turn for advice and support, to providing specialized training for school officials, to effectively investigating and finding out what happened, to sanctioning the perpetrator, to doing everything we can to help a survivor recover. 

  • Many survivors need someone to talk to in confidence.  While many survivors of sexual assault are ready to press forward with a formal complaint right away, others aren’t so sure.  For some, having a confidential place to go can mean the difference between getting help and staying silent.  Today, the Department of Education is releasing new guidance clarifying that on-campus counselors and advocates can talk to a survivor in confidence.  This support can help victims come forward, get help, and make a formal report if they choose to.
  • We are providing a sample confidentiality and reporting policy.  Even victims who make a formal report may still request that the information be held in confidence, and that the school not investigate or take action against the perpetrator.   Schools, however, also have an obligation to keep the larger community safe.  To help them strike this balance, we are providing schools with a sample reporting and confidentiality policy, which recommends factors a school should consider in making this decision.
  • We are providing specialized training for school officials.  School officials and first responders need to understand how sexual assault occurs, the tactics used by perpetrators, and the common reactions of victims.   The Justice Department will help by developing new training programs for campus officials involved in investigating and adjudicating sexual assault cases and by launching a technical assistance project for campus officials. The Department of Education will develop training materials for campus health center staff to improve services to victims.
  • We will give schools guidance on how to improve their investigative and adjudicative protocols.  We need to know more about what investigative and adjudicative systems work best on campus.  The Justice Department will undertake this work, and will begin evaluating different models this year with the goal of identifying the most promising practices.  The Department of Education’s new guidance also urges some important improvements to the disciplinary process.
  • We are helping schools forge partnerships with community resources.  Community partnerships are critical to getting survivors the help they need:  while some schools can provide comprehensive services on campus, others may need to partner with community-based organizations.  Rape crisis centers in particular can help schools better serve their students.  We are releasing a sample agreement between schools and rape crisis centers, so survivors have a full network of services in place. 

Improving and Making More Transparent Federal Enforcement Efforts
To better address sexual assault at our nation’s schools, the federal government needs to both strengthen our enforcement efforts and increase coordination among responsible agencies.  Importantly, we also need to improve communication with survivors, parents, school administrators, faculty, and the public, by making our efforts more transparent.

  • On Tuesday, we are launching a dedicated website – www.NotAlone.gov – to make enforcement data public and to make other resources accessible to students and schools.  On the website, students can learn about their rights, search enforcement data, and read about how to file a complaint.  The website will also help schools and advocates:  it will make available federal guidance on legal obligations, best available evidence and research, and relevant legislation.  Finally, the website will have trustworthy resources from outside the federal government, such as hotline numbers and mental health services locatable by simply typing in a zip code.
  • The Department of Education is providing more clarity on schools’ legal obligations.  The Department of Education is releasing answers to frequently asked questions about schools’ legal obligations to prevent and respond to sexual assault.  Among many other topics, the new guidance makes clear that federal law protects all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, immigration status, or whether they have a disability.  It also makes clear questions about a survivor’s sexual history with anyone other than the alleged perpetrator shouldn’t be permitted during a judicial hearing, and also that a previous sexual relationship doesn’t imply consent or preclude a finding of sexual violence.  And that schools should take steps to protect and assist a survivor pending an investigation.
  • The Departments of Justice and Education have entered into an agreement clarifying each agency’s role.  Both agencies have a critical role to play in enforcing the laws that require schools to prevent and respond to sexual assault on their campuses.  The agencies have entered into a formal agreement to increase coordination and strengthen enforcement.

Next Steps
The action steps highlighted in this report are the initial phase of an ongoing plan and commitment to putting an end to this violence on campuses.  We will continue to work toward solutions, clarity, and better coordination. We will review the legal frameworks surrounding sexual assault for possible regulatory or statutory improvements, and seek new resources to enhance enforcement.  Campus law enforcement agencies have special expertise- and they, too, should be tapped to play a more central role.  And we will also consider how our recommendations apply to public elementary and secondary schools – and what more we can do to help there.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Remarks by President Obama to Filipino and U.S. Armed Forces at Fort Bonifacio

Fort Bonifacio
Manila, The Philippines

9:56 A.M. PHT

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hello, everybody!  Please, have a seat.  Kumusta kayo.  It is great to be here at Fort Bonifacio.  Vice President Binay, distinguished guests:  It’s an honor to be here with our outstanding allies -- the leaders and members of the armed forces of the Philippines.  And we’re joined by men and women who stand tall and proud to wear the uniform of the United States of America.  And let me also welcome all our Filipino friends.

Now, I’m not going to give a long speech, because it’s hot and people are in uniform.  I hope you don’t mind me not wearing my jacket.  And I also want to make sure that I have some time to shake some hands.

But I’m here in the Philippines to reaffirm the enduring alliance between our two countries.  I thank President Aquino for his partnership and the deeper ties that we forged yesterday.  I’m especially proud to be here as we remember one of the defining moments of our shared history -- the 70th anniversary of the battle of Leyte during World War II and the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines. 

Right after this, I’ll pay my respects at the American cemetery here in Manila -- the final resting place of so many Americans and Filipinos who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of this country in that war.  These Americans and Filipinos rest in peace as they stood in war -- side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder -- balikatan.

Together, Filipinos and Americans put up a heroic defense, at Bataan and Corregidor.  Together, they endured the agony of the death marches and the horror of the prisoner of war camps.  Many never made it out.  In those years of occupation, Filipino resistance fighters kept up the struggle.  And hundreds of thousands of Filipinos fought under the American flag. 

And sadly, the proud service of many of these Filipino veterans was never fully recognized by the United States.  Many were denied the compensation they had been promised.  It was an injustice.  So in recent years, my administration, working with Congress and others, have worked to right this wrong.  We passed a law, reviewed the records, processed claims, and nearly 20,000 Filipino veterans from World War II and their families finally received the compensation they had earned.  And it was the right thing to do.  (Applause.)

What’s been written about Bataan could be said of their entire generation:  “The loss of life was grievous, and hardly a Filipino family was untouched by the tragedy.  But the heroic struggle brought out the best in the Filipino character in the face of adversity and served as a beacon to freedom loving peoples everywhere.” 

We are truly honored to have some of these extraordinary veterans here with us today.  Among them are men who fought at Bataan and Corregidor, and a survivor of those hellish prisoner of war camps.  Some fought in the resistance, including nurse Carolina Garcia Delfin.  These veterans are now in their nineties.  They are an inspiration to us all, and I’d ask those who can stand to stand or give a wave so that we can all salute their service.  (Applause.)

The spirit of these veterans -- their strength, their solidarity -- I see it in you as well when you train and exercise together to stay ready for the future, when our special forces -- some of you here today -- advise and assist our Filipino partners in their fight against terrorism, and when you respond to crises together, as you did after Yolanda.  Along with your civilian partners, you rushed into the disaster zone, pulled people from the rubble, delivered food and medicine.  You showed what friends can do when we take care of each other.

These are the kinds of missions we face today.  Yesterday, President Aquino and I agreed to begin a new chapter in our alliance.  And under our new agreement, American forces can begin rotating through Filipino airfields and ports.  We’ll train and exercise together more to bring our militaries even closer, and to support your efforts to strengthen your armed forces.  We’ll improve our ability to respond even faster to disasters like Yolanda.  Today, I thank the people of the Philippines for welcoming our servicemembers as your friends and partners.

Deepening our alliance is part of our broader vision for the Asia Pacific.  We believe that nations and peoples have the right to live in security and peace, and to have their sovereignty and territorial integrity respected.  We believe that international law must be upheld, that freedom of navigation must be preserved and commerce must not be impeded.  We believe that disputes must be resolved peacefully and not by intimidation or force.  That’s what our nations stand for.  That’s the future we’re working for.  And that’s why your service is so important.

Let me be absolutely clear.  For more than 60 years, the United States and the Philippines have been bound by a mutual defense treaty.  And this treaty means our two nations pledge -- and I’m quoting -- our “common determination to defend themselves against external armed attacks, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone.”  In other words, our commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad and the United States will keep that commitment, because allies never stand alone.  (Applause.)

In closing, I want to leave you with an incredible story that captures the strength of our alliance.  We all know about the massive international response after Yolanda.  What few people realize is that it started all with a single aircraft carrying a handful of Filipino and American troops and civilians.  The storm hit land that Friday.  The very next morning, the first aircraft took off -- a Philippine C-130 carrying Captain Roy Trinidad, a Philippine Navy SEAL; Colonel Mike Wylie, United States Marines; and Major George Apalisok, U.S. Air Force.

Just hours after the storm passed, with Tacloban devastated, they landed at the airport.  And the next day, they were joined by others, including Army Major Leo Liebreich.  In the days that followed, they worked together -- Filipinos and Americans -- setting up a medical station, clearing debris from the runway, reopening that airport.  Filipino soldiers unloading aid from American cargo aircraft; American troops loading supplies onto Filipino helicopters.  And when all the cargo was off those aircraft, our troops worked together to help local residents aboard so that they could be evacuated to safety.  And over and over, those grateful Filipinos responded with a simple word -- salamat.

There, in the ruin, men like these worked around the clock, day after day.  And at night they’d sleep on boards for cots, in a damaged building with only half a roof.  “It rained on some nights, and we got a little wet,” said George, “but nobody complained.”  “We’ve been training together for many years,” he said -- “we worked as a team.”  And because of individuals like these, thousands were evacuated to safety, and what started with a few men on that first day became a global relief effort that saved countless lives.  Roy, the Philippine Navy SEAL -- George, Mike, Leo -- they are here today.  George also happens to be a proud Filipino-American.  I want them to stand again and accept our thanks.   We are proud of their outstanding service.  (Applause.)     

There’s a connection between our proud veterans from World War II and our men and women serving today -- bound across the generations by the spirit of our alliance, Filipinos and Americans standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder, balikatan.  On behalf of the American people, thank you all for your service.  Thank you for making us so proud.  To the Americans here, I am never prouder than being able to stand before you as your Commander-in-Chief.  To our Filipino armed forces -- thank you for being such an outstanding ally.  Together, you are helping to secure the prosperity and peace of both our nations.

God bless you.  God bless the Republic of the Philippines.  God bless the United States of America.  And God bless the alliance between our great nations.   (Applause.)  Thank you.

END
10:07 A.M. PHT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister Abbott of Australia

President Obama looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia to the White House on June 12, 2014.

The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Australia's leadership of the G-20 this year, the future of Afghanistan, and the growing bilateral defense relationship, including the rotation of U.S. Marines through Darwin.  They will also address some of the most serious security issues that confront both Australia and the United States, including Syria, Russia's actions in Ukraine, North Korea, and the security and stability of the Asia Pacific region.

Australia is a valued friend and stalwart ally, and the President looks forward to working with Prime Minister Abbott to deepening U.S.-Australia cooperation on these and other issues.