Rebeca Guico Estabillo, founding Chairman and president of the "Gloria Pag-asa ng Masa" movement said her group is fully aware of the need for President Arroyo to win in May to sustain the country’s economic recovery and growth.
"We believe in her mission and commitment to uplift the country," the movement said in their pledge to uproot the Chief Executive handed over to First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo recently in Malacañang.
Their group, Estabillo said, has commended Mrs. Arroyo’s "wide grasp of governance" that is a requisite in leading the country towards progress and development.
The group said they also believe in the President’s "intense desire and will to alleviate the plight of the disadvantaged and neglected sectors in the society by creating productive opportunities."
Estabillo, a balikbayan from Sacramento, California said she purposely returned home and formed the movement in December 2003 to help the President.
She said the movement is composed of various groups and organizations all over the country and are now aggressively campaigning for Mrs. Arroyo, particularly in Surigao, Agusan, Pangasinan, La Union, Siargao Island, Quezon, Rizal and Metro Manila, including the known oppositions’ bailwick.
Among the groups included in the Gloria Pag-asa ng Masa Movement are farmers associations, Federation of Cooperatives in Pangasinan, Bantay Niog, Philippine Guardian Brotherhood Inc., Friends of Rizal, Buklod Maralita, Bantay Bayan, Homeowners Organizations, Philippine Cultural Communities and Christian Foundation.
The group, Estabillo said, has active coordinators in Payatas, Quezon City and Davao who were former supporters of Poe. She names some of them as Lolita Famuleras, former leader of FPJ movement in Payatas, Esther Quides also from Payatas and Bobby Minandang from Davao.
Estabillo stressed that the group’s coordinators and supporters volunteered their services because they believe Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership competence and expertise that could propel the prosperity every Filipino aspires for.
The movement’s other officers included Ferdinand Garcia, national coordinator; Rogelio Macaraig, NCR coordinator; Prime Matienzo, secretary general; and Marcelito Matienzo, treasurer.
