Extending a helping hand in a time of need not only saves lives, but it ensures that our trading partnerships remain strong, as evident by our relationship with the Philippines.

Hollywood was abuzz yesterday with the announcements of the 2014 Oscar nominations. 12 Years a Slave was among the leaders, which many expected after it received the Golden Globe for best film drama last weekend. This poignant film may be about a man bound to slavery in the 1800s, but it also highlights the conversation around modern day slavery and human trafficking today.