Her first stop was in Camp Abu Bakar where she inaugurated infrastructure and livelihood projects, had a dialogue with multisectoral leaders and the media, and got a briefing from the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Considering that Camp Abu Bakar in Maguindanao used to be the main headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and scene of the bloodiest fighting between government troopers and Muslim secessionists, the presence of the President and some members of her Cabinet, including Secretary Jess Dureza, was quite dramatic.

Department of Land Reform (DLR) Secretary Rene Villa articulated the sentiments of most of the members of the presidential party when he asked the bewildered question "are we really in Camp Abu Bakar?"

The President aptly used her dialogue with the media and the various leaders in the area to reiterate the national government policy of solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters except for those who take up arms against the government either for sheer terrorism or for the dismemberment of the republic.

It was an awesome sight to see the President being showered with affection by the natives in gratitude for the benefits and assistance that they got from the government and foreign donors for the betterment of their lives.

The progressive town of Upi, still in Maguindanao was the next stop of the President and her party. Here, in this town of the "lumads" known as the "Tirurays," the President inaugurated a nursery for coffee seedlings and personally turned over livestocks to beneficiaries.

The whole town turned out for the highest official of the land. It was the first time that a President visited the town. And the President went out of her way to do it, in part, as a recognition to the dynamic leadership of the young town mayor, Datu Piang, who is considered one of the most dynamic in all of Mindanao. This mayor has brought computer education in the public schools of Upi, among others.

The next stop of the President was in Marawi City where she spent the night with her party. A dinner was tendered in her honor by both the political and religious leaders in the area at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Resort. She received a resolution of support for her peace and development initiatives from the sultans of the 16 royal houses of Lanao who came garbed in their very colorful costumes.

The following morning, the President inspected millions of pesos worth of logs seized by the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. In the media interaction that followed the inspection, the President reiterated the total log ban policy of the government in the area. She pointed out that proof of her resolve is the fact that among those arrested for those logs were vice mayors and barangay captains.

The President then proceeded to Zamboanga City where a foreign terrorist suspect was presented to her upon arrival at the Andrews Air Force Base. That evening, the city officials of Zamboanga led by Mayor Celso Lobregat feted her at the historic Fort Pilar. After dinner, the President walked to the nearby shrine of the Nuestra Sra. Virgin del Pilar where she lit a candle and said private prayers.

A huge crowd of common people gathered around the Fort and the Shrine upon learning that the President was there. They chanted her name, waved to her, and some managed to shake their hands. Children kissed the hands of the President.

The following day, the President visited the Zamboanga Export Processing Zone which is considered as one of the worst performers in the counry. The President presided over a meeting of the board and virtually tapped all government agencies to solve the problems of the zone and make it attractive for locators. It was only after she was satisfied with the work done and another public dialogue that she returned to Manila.

Upon arrival in Malacañang, she was on top of yet another meeting. This time, with the National Price Coordinating Council headed by Vice President Noli de Castro.

Today, it is the President’s birthday. Yet, it will just be another working day for the Pesident. There will be no lavish parties. Only mass. A meeting of the National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC) group of the Cabinet. And then she will fly with just an official party of five to Rome to attend the papal funeral. After all, the Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia. And she is a good daughter of the church.

Happy birthday, Mrs. President. May your birthday wish of unity for the country and success in the fight against poverty be granted.