California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, also called the ‘Governator’—in homage to his popular movie character in the “Terminator” series—is expected to arrive in Manila on Feb. 7 to look into Philippine rebuilding efforts after the onslaught of Storms Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) and “Pepeng” (Parma) last year.

This was announced by Butch Meily, executive director of the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF).

The PDRF is the private sector arm of the Special National Philippine Reconstruction Commission (SNPRC) that is mandated to undertake a study of causes, costs, and actions to be taken in the wake of typhoons “Frank,” “Ondoy,” and “Pepeng;” to seek aid to fund the reconstruction, tap the resources of the private sector, recommend to the President reconstruction and rehabilitation projects for funding; oversee and periodically report the implementation of the reconstruction program; and act as a clearing house for international assistance implemented by the donors.

According to Meily, Schwarzenegger, who will be accompanied by former California State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown and a group of Filipino-Americans, will visit areas devastated by the calamities, during his one-week stay.

“We’re hoping to have a meeting with him at PDRF. We will be talking to him about the disaster recovery plan,” Meily said.

During the same briefing, President Macapagal-Arroyo’s deputy spokesperson, Gary Olivar, joked that Schwarzenegger would “assist in heavy lifting,” alluding to the actor-turned-politician’s former career as a bodybuilding titlist.

Meily said Schwarzenegger might also have an audience with the President, who earlier formed a commission to facilitate recovery efforts and rehabilitate the country.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, became California’s second foreign-born governor in 2003.

A former bodybuilder, he maintained record titles, including being the youngest Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe, before jumping into acting starring in more than a handful of action movies from the late 70s up until 2003, when politics beckoned.

It is widely rumored that Schwarzenegger may opt to run for the United States Senate in 2010, as his governorship will be term-limited by that time.