00:00I want to start by saying how grateful I am to see all of you here today.
00:06It is not often that we gather to discuss something as intangible yet immensely powerful as trust.
00:15Yet, here we are, united in our understanding that trust is at the heart of every meaningful relationship.
00:25My experience as a former diplomat and now as an entrepreneur and salesman for our country
00:32has taught me many lessons, but none more important than the sheer force that trust wields.
00:39In diplomacy, trust is the quiet cornerstone that not only manages relationships among states,
00:49but also builds bridges between leaders and fosters soft power.
00:55The same applies to the world of business and nation branding.
01:00Without trust, even the most carefully negotiated agreements or ambitious ventures can unravel.
01:08But with trust, barriers dissolve, partnerships flourish, and what once seemed impossible becomes achievable.
01:17That understanding did not leave me when I transitioned from diplomacy to living beyond.
01:24It stayed with me and fueled our decision to create the Philippine Trust Fund.
01:30Now, on its 13th year and in its ninth iteration, I am incredibly proud of how this initiative has evolved.
01:42And I am even prouder that for this version we have partnered with the Development Studies Program of the Ateneo de Manila University,
01:51working with an institution that shares our commitment to understanding and nurturing trust,
01:58has elevated our research to newer heights.
02:02Why do we at E.ON invest so deeply in our understanding of trust?
02:09Because trust is more than a concept to us. It's our greatest weapon and shield.
02:16It's what sets us apart. It's what empowers us to foster genuine relationships,
02:23create meaningful change, and navigate complexities with integrity.
02:29I've always believed that trust is the ultimate differentiator,
02:35and I am thrilled to share how the latest Philippine Trust Study shines a light on this ever-evolving landscape.
02:44This year's theme, the Accountability Revolution, reveals how trust in the Philippines has become more nuanced,
02:54more conditional, and more carefully taken.
02:58Our research shows that Filipinos now demand proof before belief.
03:03We want to be certain that promises are kept, that actions align with words, and that institutions remain transparent and accountable.
03:14As we unveil the 2024 Philippine Trust Study today, I hope it challenges you to think differently about trust.
03:25Whether you're a leader, a policymaker, or a media professional, I encourage you to consider
03:33how can you earn and sustain trust in a world where expectations have shifted?
03:40How can you make trust a core part of relationship and work?
03:47Trust will continue to shape our society, our institution, and our future.
03:54And at EON, we remain committed to championing these goals,
03:59not only as a business imperative, but as a personal mission of lift and empower our communities.
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