External payment dynamics remain strong on the back of rising foreign exchange reserves, sustained influx of overseas Filipino remittances and BPO receipts, and declining external debt to GDP ratio. I am also happy to note that our network of committed partners continues to expand. From seven in 2004, we now have 71 awardees, 42 of whom are in areas outside the National Capital Region.
Ladies and gentlemen. As we take stock of our achievements, we also take note that the resiliency of our economy strongly reflects the efficient performance of our information sharing initiatives. Indeed, our partnership continues to generate synergies that lead to transformational growth.