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Monday, September 19, 2005
'Energized' Arroyo back in RP, ready for tasks
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returned to the country Sunday from a successful trip to the US, where she presided over the United Nations Security Council meeting and attended the 60th UN General Assembly.
Her spokesman Ignacio Bunye, who accompanied her on her US trip, said Arroyo is now more prepared and "energized" to face her tasks and her detractors, including the protest moves against her.
Arroyo arrived in the country at 4 a.m. Sunday. She was welcomed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, police and military officials and members, and boxer Manny Pacquiao.
The President, after a short meeting, took time out to pose with some employees of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) who were among the first to welcome her back. A streamer congratulating her for "the success of the UN trip" was also hoisted at the airport premises.
Arroyo was supposed to return to Manila Saturday but decided to stop by San Francisco to visit her family, particularly her granddaughters by Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, Mikaela Gloria and Marie Angelique. They have been in the US since July.
Officials said the President wanted to unwind before returning to Manila and facing the country's problems.
Bunye said the UN trip has helped boost the President's morale as it "energized" and inspired her to do her job better. This includes addressing the incessant increase in oil prices and creating more jobs for the people.
He said aside from the UN-related activities where Arroyo stressed the need to rally behind the US in the fight against terrorism and called for a collective UN approach in easing the energy problem, the President met with some potential investors.
She also had bilateral meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao with whom she discussed the progress of the Northtrail project; Malaysian Prime Minister Abudullah Badawi whom she thanked for his role on the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and for heading the international monitoring team; and Brunei Darussalam's Sultan Bolkiah whom she thanked for his contribution in the peace process with the MILF and for the training of Islamic teachers.
Arroyo, in a live broadcast with Trade Secretary Peter Favila, said Filipinos should be proud of her presiding over the Security Council, which is a rare honor bestowed on the country.
She reiterated that the Philippines had been at the forefront of the campaign against terrorism long before the 9/11 attack in the US and the united move against terrorism is an important thing for her and the Philippines as well.
Arroyo said she is returning with a renewed determination and energy to address the immediate problems of the country. She reiterated the need to pass the 2006 proposed budget, which will help provide for the needs of Filipinos--from jobs, education, to health services, among others. (JMR/Sunnex)
(September 19, 2005 issue)
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