President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pledged Wednesday a smooth transition of power to the next administration so it could hit the ground running, saying she would leave the nation in a better shape after nine years in power.

But the President urged her successor to sustain her pro-poor programs as she admitted the economic gains achieved by her government have failed to reach the poor due to the global recession.

The latest remarks from the outgoing President were made during the formal assumption of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Bangit replaced Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, who retired yesterday at the age of 56.

“The history-rooted ceremony of change of command that we are having now reminds ourselves that leaders are transient, but the authority and responsibility endure as they are transferred to another leader. As it is with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) so it is with the entire Republic of Philippines. So, too, is our entire administration devoted to ensure a smooth transition to a new government,” she said.

“The people come first. Our accomplishments and progress to date must be passed on to new leaders to continue the forward march for progress,” she added.

With two months before the May 10 national and local elections, the President said the nation could count on the Armed Forces “to prove democracy works” in the country, brushing aside speculations the new AFP chief of staff was out to derail the polls.

Bangit was designated as new AFP chief of staff “to provide continuity to keep our nation stable and strong,” according to the President. She also thanked Bangit, the former head of the Presidential Security Group, for promising to put the nation first, to uphold the Constitution and protect the citizens.