FLORIDABLANCA -- A busy Sunday afternoon marked by inspection of several schools and a turnover of microfinance checks to beneficiaries marked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit last Sunday afternoon.

The President arrived at the Basa Airbase around 2 p.m.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

First on the President's visit was the San Roque Elementary School to personally inspect the school's "requested" fencing program in the hope to provide a more secure learning atmosphere via a "fenced in" campus.

A project briefing was given by Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero who thanked President Arroyo for providing numerous projects and programs that have directly contributed to the progress and development of this town and its people.

Other schools that the President visited are the San Antonio Central Elementary School in Barangay San Antonio, the San Isidro Elementary School, Purok 3 in Barangay San Isidro, and the Mabical Elementary School in Barangay Mabical.

The President also inspected the recently upgraded infrastructures partially funded through the President's Social Fund.

Aside from the school inspections, the President, Guerrero and Butil Partylist Representative Agapito Guanlao also distributed various farm equipments to the three villages.

Arroyo then proceeded to Pulong Iglesia, Purok 6, Barangay Cabangcalan to tour the home-based chicharon business owned and managed by Laddy David, a beneficiary of microfinance program.

Chicharon-making is the leading cottage industry in Barangay Cabancalan, which involves 20 households and employing about 100 residents.

In support of this industry, the local government here has provided microfinance loans totaling P260,OOO.

The President led the turnover ceremonies for microfinance loan assistance checks for various livelihood projects to micro-entrepreneurs at the nearby basketball court of Barangay Cabangcalan.