Thursday, October 02, 2008 (Philippines)

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo watches a dancer garbed in his colorful attire showing his dancing prowess during the opening ceremonies of the 29th MassKara Festival yesterday at the Bacolod City public plaza. OPS Photo PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured sugar leaders and traders Wednesday that her administration would try to protect Negros Occidental’s sugar industry against the grave threats of globalization and the world crisis. Speaking at the opening of the 29th MassKara Festival at the Bacolod City public plaza, Arroyo took note of the fact that the sugar industry is the lifeblood of the province’s economy. “We need food security stability and by protecting the sugar industry, the government would to able to solve the crisis.” What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers [full story]