Friday, June 13, 2008 Arroyo calls for unity on Independence Day
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who commemorated the Independence Day at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Manila, renewed calls for unity.
"I am appealing that we unite for our country, for our family, and for the next generation," Arroyo said as she enjoined everyone not to let the sacrifices of the country's heroes go to waste.
In her speech, the President also defended the simpler and "out of the box Independence Day commemoration" Thursday which she said is in keeping with the efforts of government to conserve more resources to ensure continued funding for social services and assistance for the public, particularly the poor.
She said it is for this reason that this year's theme is "Republic Service sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunlaran."
She added that for this year also, the government put up booths showcasing the different products and projects from different regions and departments instead of the usual parades and float.
"We have decided that in keeping with how we are trying to conserve our resources, so that we can give direct service to the people. During this period of high world prices of oil and food, we have decided to dispense with the parade and use the budget instead to give direct service to the poor," she said.
Arroyo said the Philippines like any other country is now faced with the burden brought about by the increasing prices of oil and food.
She said if the country could not avoid this global problem, the government could at least do its job of extending aid to those heavily affected.
Arroyo said in addressing the issue of rice sufficiency, the government has a three-phase program that focused on securing the supply of rice, ensuring its proper distribution and sales, and arresting and stopping those who take advantage of the present situation through hoarding, speculation, among others.
She said many have tried but they have been tracked down, arrested and prosecuted by the government. She said that while the process could be tedious and long, the government is strictly enforcing the law.
She also assured that the government is giving priority to the poor to ensure that they have priority access to the government-subsidized rice.
"We have adequate supply of rice today and we have a solid plan for self-sufficiency. This is important for our domestic and international audiences to appreciate," she said.
Arroyo said that aside from the issue of rice, the government is also focused on cushioning the impact of the high prices of electricity and oil on the public resulting in one-time programs like the P500 subsidy for consumers with low electricity consumption.
She said the government is also working on addressing the energy and fuel needs of the country by tapping alternative sources of energy like natural gas, geothermal, solar and wind.
The President said the premium oil that could supply up to 10 percent of the county's need would also be drawn soon.
'Sentro K3'
Arroyo after the event opened the "Sentro K3" or the Kaisahan, Kagalingan at Kalayaan ng Bayan which showcased job fairs, sports and cultural activities, medical assistance, technology transfer seminars and demonstrations, agri-aqua fairs and exhibits and other special services and assistance extended directly to the people by various government agencies participating in the event.
She also visited the different booths which are categorized under: MSME or the micro, small and medium enterprise which included provisions of loans and scholarships; Ang Galing-galing Natin which showcased exhibits of government agencies; and Bayan Ko, Lapit sa Puso Ko which showcased pro-poor programs including jobs, housing, health and investments.
The "Sentro K3" also put up booths under the: Wow, Pinoy Ngayon which showcases Filipino talents in sports, entertainment, sciences and culture; Food Trips which included Filipino food and Filipino food companies; Lakad-Aral sa Liwasan which provided free park tours; and the One Town One Product (Otop) which promoted the best of Philippine products from the different regions of the country.
New kind of politics
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) challenged political leaders to give a new meaning to Independence Day by providing a new kind of politics.
CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo urged politicians to start a new method of governance different from what has been in practice.
"Independence Day should signal a new kind of politics where leaders are able to decide objectively based on people's needs," he said.
Lagdameo noted that "human freedom" has not been achieved by Filipinos despite having gained political independence 110 years ago.
He pointed out that one of the main reasons why most Filipinos are still financially languishing is because of injustice and graft and corruption.
He said for the country to have absolute freedom, it has to learn how to rise from the effects of numerous crises by effectively working together. (Sunnex)
