In Nueva Ecija, she inaugurated the Lateral-A Irrigation Canal of the Casecnan Multi-Purpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) at Barangay Magtanggol in Muñoz City. The project is expected to irrigate almost 27,000 hectares of farmlands in Nueva Ecija and in Victoria town in neighboring Tarlac province, and benefit 15,000 farmers.

With these road and irrigation projects, coupled with others still in the pipeline, President Arroyo intends to spur economic activities and development in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle composed of Regions 1, 2, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the northern part of Region 3.

The President is very focused on the Super Regions development and she will not allow any distractions attendant to the forthcoming political season to stand in the way of the economy. The momentum is strong and our people can be assured that the fruits of growth will be delivered right to their doorstep every single day moving up and forward. But we need sustained unity, productivity and excellence combined with strong leadership to pull the train of Philippine stability and prosperity forward.

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Charity begins at home – or at least close to home. On the second working day of the year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Manila’s Barangay 830, Zone 90 District VI near the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Nagtahan across the Pasig River from Malacañang. She discussed with residents and barangay officials their request for various government livelihood and development assistance to the area.

The President’s visit coincided with the opening of a jobs fair in the area, and the inauguration of a Tindahan Natin convenience store and a Botika ng Bayan or barangay drugstore. Both outlets offer items at prices lower than those of similar goods sold by retail stores. The Tindahan Natin sells basic goods such as rice, noodles, sugar and coffee, while the Botika ng Bayan offers quality medicines at prices markedly lower than private drugstores.

The President also awarded 140 TESDA Scholarships to deserving students in the barangay.

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As concurrent Defense Chief, President Arroyo has taken steps to complete the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with a Pre-Procurement Conference, the first phase in the process of procuring R10 billion worth of equipment for the (AFP) modernization. While the AFP Modernization Program was passed by Congress in 1995, it could not be fully implemented because of the perennial lack of funds but funding worries appear to be over as a result of the fiscal and economic reforms that are now starting to bear fruit.

With the AFP Modernization Program, the AFP is expected to be better positioned to carry out its mandate of defeating of the communist terrorist movement, crushing of the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorists groups, and containing secessionist groups in order to establish a secure environment conducive to national development.

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Just like any other agreements, the VFA can always be subjected to a second look in order to make sure that all provisions are attuned to current circumstances and scenarios. The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as other institutions of the government, is more than willing to reassess some provisions of the agreement in consultation with the United States at a time deemed mutually appropriate. The core objective of any review is to ensure that the operability and function of the accord are at pace with the times.

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All the ASEAN membercountries as well as our dialogue partners are committed to making this year a moment of glory for regional stability and security. True to our theme of "One Caring, One Sharing Community," all countries of Southeast and East Asia are prepared to unite and to act as one in addressing imbalances in trade, poverty, environmental degradation, conflict and insecurity, terrorism, transnational crime and other issues that affect a region that spans half the world. This year’s Summit will be a banner year towards a greater sense of community among nations, and a deeper commitment to expand and liberalize trade, tourism and technical cooperation for the benefit of all our peoples, including all Filipinos wherever they live and work.

Note: Past issues may be viewed at http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/palace_bunye.htm.