CALAMBA, Laguna -- President Arroyo on Tuesday, February 9, signed into law the proposed P1.54 trillion national budget for the year, her last outlay in her nine-year reign in the country.

The President, during a visit at Real Elementary School in Calamba, Laguna, said she signed the proposed 2010 budget with the education sector getting the lion share.

With the huge resources for the education sector, President Arroyo said her government has improved the quality and access of education, citing the construction of 100,000 classrooms, hiring of teachers, distribution of skills training and scholarships, among others.

The President, a teacher before joining public service, maintained that she believes the youth remains the hope of a progressive country.

The President received the 2010 national budget bill passed by the two houses of Congress last month and reviewed the measure. It was however still unclear if she used her veto powers on the cuts on debt service proposed by lawmakers.

The national budget was ratified by Congress last December 18, just before its Christmas break.