MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino invited businessmen to invest in the country especially in three priority sectors of the government: agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

In a speech at the Philippines Investment Forum organized by Euromoney, Aquino said that these three sectors could give opportunities to investors, citing the country's goal to become self-sufficient in rice, the spike in tourist arrivals, and the rolling out of major infrastructure projects under the public-private partnership program.

He said the administration has been working to "level the playing field," citing the effort to reform the judiciary, streamline processes in setting up a business, and stick to the bidding process.

Aquino also put premium on the Filipino workforce especially its competence in the English language.

He considers the passage of the sin tax reform measure and the reproductive health law as achievements, saying that these will help the country attain universal health care while the framework agreement between the government and the MILF is expected to bring peace in Mindanao.

Aquino took pride in the country's 6.6% 2012 GDP growth and record highs in the Philippine stock market, crediting the country's fiscal policies and macroeconomic stability. Aquino believes that this "upward trend will continue."

"All of these only set the stage for the next chapter - one that we envision will bring us even closer to our goal of lasting, inclusive growth, and I am here to invite you to play an even bigger role in the years to come," Aquino said.