NMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT,
UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA
chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY
embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila
mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000
telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000
FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top; representing peace and
justice) and red (representing courage); a white equilateral
triangle based on the hoist side represents equality; the center of
the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays, each
representing one of the first eight provinces that sought
independence from Spain; each corner of the triangle contains a
small, yellow, five-pointed star representing the three major
geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao;
the design of the flag dates to 1897; in wartime the flag is flown
upside down with the red band at the top

Economy
Philippines

Economy - overview:

The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades
with real GDP growth exceeding 7% in 2007. Higher government
spending contributed to the growth, but a resilient service sector
and large remittances from the millions of Filipinos who work abroad
have played an increasingly important role. Economic growth has
averaged 5% since President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office in 2001.
Nevertheless, the Philippines will need still higher, sustained
growth to make progress in alleviating poverty, given its high
population growth and unequal distribution of income.
MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue
measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures. Declining
fiscal deficits, tapering debt and debt service ratios, as well as
recent efforts to increase spending on infrastructure and social
services have heightened optimism over Philippine economic
prospects. Although the general macroeconomic outlook has improved
significantly, the Philippines continues to face important
challenges and must maintain the reform momentum in order to catch
up with regional competit