Outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has shifted to farewell mode with preparations for a final address to the nation and launch of two legacy books this week. Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said this week will be a “period of farewell” for the President who ends her nine-year stay in Malacañang on June 30.

Olivar said the President, who has recently been traveling across the country highlighting her achievements during her term, is scheduled to deliver on Wednesday her last address to the people. The President’s farewell speech, which will likely highlight and defend her past nine years as the country’s leader, will be carried live over state television and radio stations.

Two books documenting the President’s achievements and challenges during her nine-year term will also be launched on Tuesday, according to Olivar.

“Beating the Odds,” written by former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) chief Renato Velasco and Presidential

Spokesman Ricardo Saludo, will contain the inside story on the crises faced by the Arroyo government. Conspicuously not included in the book was the Hello Garci election fraud scandal that rocked the Arroyo presidency in 2005. “This will be useful book for those studying public management,” Olivar said. The other book dubbed “Beat the Odds," written by Professor Gonzalo Jurado and Olivar, will contain President Arroyo's achievements based on her 10-point legacy agenda.

“We are happy about the smooth transition of power promised by President Arroyo. This week is a period of farewell. We will come out with the legacy books and she will address the nation on Wednesday,” he said over government radio.

In the remaining days in office, the President will continue to have a hectic schedule with the inauguration of completed infrastructure projects as well as attendance in testimonials given by some government agencies and private sector, according to Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Elena Bautista-Horn. (Genalyn Kabiling)