Tuesday, July 25, 2006 (Philippines)

A toddler is caught between flashing a smile or not as her elder brother refuses to be cajoled to look at the camera. (Sun.Star Davao/Stella A. Estremera) PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced Monday a new direction for her government towards creating "super-regions" to spur economic development in the countryside even as she vowed to initiate reforms that will serve as cure to social ills. In her 6th State of the Nation Address (Sona) before Congress Monday afternoon, Arroyo said it was time to end the dominance of imperial Manila and give more opportunities to the provinces and the people. Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo [full story]