Government of Maribojoc: Travel, Business and News

History unfolded anew when exiting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her successor President-elect Benigno Aquino III met Wednesday at Malacanang Palace during a symbolic gesture of unity in moving the country forward further.

“It signifies unity and continuity,” exiting Press Secretary Crispulo “Jun” Icban said on the side of the traditional courtesy call Mr. Aquino paid on President Arroyo that day.

He noted both leaders’ camps made this courtesy call part of activities leading to Mr. Aquino’s inauguration later that day as the country’s 15th head of State.

President Arroyo descended Malacanang Palace’s main staircase for the last time as head of State and headed towards the foyer to receive Mr. Aquino who arrived around 10:20 a.m. for the courtesy call.

They exchanged pleasantries briefly amidst cheers from people who witnessed the courtesy call then proceeded to ride in the presidential car that took them to Rizal Park for Mr. Aquino’s inauguration.

For the event, President Arroyo wore an ecru-colored Filipiniana gown with butterfly sleeves.

Mr. Aquino donned the traditional “barong” in almost the same shade as his predecessor’s gown.

His courtesy call followed the fellowship dinner President Arroyo and her Cabinet had at Malacanang the night before.

Vice-President Noli de Castro said members of the Cabinet enjoyed then reminiscing about their experience working under President Arroyo’s administration.

He’s also thankful for the opportunity to serve in government.

Exiting Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza recalled the President as having mixed feelings during the fellowship night.

“She was very loving that night,” he also said on the courtesy call’s side.

The “PGMA- Susan rivalry” which some sectors are trying to paint is only doing more harm than good.

The hint that “plans” from several groups, which have already been brought to Mrs. Poe’s attention seem to be geared to bring down the administration. These kinds of talk tend to only cause Filipinos to panic and be brainwashed into surrendering the national agenda to people who do not have a sense of national direction. These kinds of talk also tend to send the national psyche careening in fright as reflected by the continuing drop of the peso and the markets.

Government therefore needs to make reform moves faster and bigger in order to overwhelm all the noise and uncertainty fast filling the social atmosphere. There is a need to overtake events and stop punctuating them by reaction and explanation of the Administration’s side.

The people need to be shown that there is a leadership they can count on that will apply its vision, vast resources and unparalleled powers not to react to its detractors but to take the nation out of the rut and forward into global pride and competitiveness.

There are no magic pills. The administration just has to be serious and sweeping in addressing basic concerns for food, jobs and peace and order; and in attacking basic ills such as corruption, smuggling, tax evasion, etc., and by channeling otherwise wasted or idle government resources and manpower to achieve these ends.

The sacrifices that the President and her family are making, as well as the implementation radical reforms, are signals of better things ahead.