GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — A spunky R150-million City Hall was inaugurated here last Tuesday with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cutting the ceremonial ribbon and declaring the building open for business.
The inauguration of the new City Hall symbolizes the continuous economic growth of this province’s youngest city, Mayor Ernesto Natividad said.
Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo arrived aboard a helicopter and conducted an assessment of the areas severely hit by tropical depression "Agaton." She was accompanied by Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas N. Joson, 4th District Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, Maj. Gen. Romeo P. Tolentino, commanding general of the Army’s North Luzon Command (Nolcom), and Maj. Gen. Jovito S. Palparan Jr., commanding general of the 7th Infantry "Kaugnay" Division (7ID).
She promised to order the release of calamity funds to assist farmers who suffered the crop damage and for the repair of several infrastructure projects such as bridges and a breached dike in Arnedo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
President Arroyo met with 77 New People’s Army (NPA) regulars who have surrendered to the military and yielded 52 high powered firearms.
The rebel returnees — who came from Cuyapo, Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora province — have signified to Mrs. Arroyo their desire to join the mainstream of society and support the government’s efforts for peace and prosperity. (Magtanggol Vilar)
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