On the recent Presidential visit

A lot was accomplished by the November 9, 2007 visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Eastern Visayas.
           
I can cite at least three: (a) her continuing resolve to reduce poverty along with ensuring a peaceful Eastern Visayas, (b) her belief in the importance of addressing the region’s priorities by improving its infrastructure as well as attending to its economic and social services, and (c) her recognition of the role of the Regional Development Council in identifying projects necessary to improve the lives of people living in this region.
           
The presentation during the Local Peace and Development Assembly (organized by the National Security Council) made by RDC Chair Mel Sarmiento was, relevant, concise and contained doable projects which the President agreed to. In fact, she cited that many of those are on-going and some would just need facilitation.
           
The presence of Pres. Arroyo in Borongan and Jipapad in Eastern Samar and in Tacloban City further reinforces the attention of national government agencies which must focus on the key projects presented, such as the Roll-on-Roll-off ports and the improvement of power lines in Samar island. It also enabled the President to get a first hand view of projects she has personally pushed for. She is monitoring, first-hand, the progress of these projects.
           
Since the President accepted and supported the proposals, the government agencies involved now have what we can call as “marching orders”.
           
We can be certain that Presidential Assistant Vic. Domingo will again help ensure that the President’s projects are implemented as directed.

Based on the projects visited and the events she attended, this Presidential visit was very productive and has been the most meaningful of all her visits to this region.