MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led the turnover of the certificate of completion of a multi-million peso bridge and awarded certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries of Davao del Sur during a brief stopover here

The President was on the first leg of her three-day working visit to Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

In simple ceremonies here, the President turned over to Hagonoy Mayor Jose Superales, Jr. the certificate of completion of the Balatucan-Lapulabao Bridge.

The bridge was built at cost of P21,620,207 by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under its Agrarian Reform Community Project and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

She also turned over a total of 64 CLOAs to 60 agrarian reform beneficiaries covering 91 hectares in the province of Davao del Sur.

To date, DAR said, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration has exceeded its targets on CLOA distribution for the Davao del Sur province as enunciated by the President in her State of the Nation Address last July 2001.

She also distributed assorted medicines worth P50,000 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and another P50,000 worth from the Department of Health (DOH) for indigent residents of this town.

The assorted medicines were turned over by the President to Magsaysay Mayor Arthur Davin.

After the awarding rites, President Macapagal-Arroyo and her official party motored to Quezon Avenue in Digos City to attend the wake of former Davao del Sur Vice Governor Antonio Sunga.

TAGUM, Davao del Norte – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today awarded some P15.6 million worth of checks for various livelihood projects and loans for small entrepreneurs as well as farm equipment for qualified beneficiaries in Davao del Norte.

The President was the guest of honor and speaker during the 35^th Founding Anniversary of the province of Davao del Norte held at the BSP-RDR Gymnasium, Mankilam in this city.

She also presided over the joint meeting of the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RDC-RPOC) of Region XI held here.

During the ceremony, the President handed a P10 million check under the cattle distribution scheme of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that would benefit some 2,500 cattle raisers in Mindanao within the period of 10 years.

Under the administration’s micro-finance program, which is funded by the Quedan Corporation (Quedancor) and the Ahon Movement, the President turned over checks worth some P3.74 million to benefit a total of 321 women entrepreneurs in Davao del Norte.

She also distributed purchase orders amounting to P4.16 million to 306 farmers under the Quedan/Ahon’s self-reliant farmers/fisherfolk program.

The President also turned over 2,000 assorted seedlings to 54 families from the Davao City Tribal Council for Peace and Development under the DA’s orchard establishment of indigenous upland farmers program.

Still under the DA, the President turned over the following:

• four units of 4-wheel drive farm tractors under the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) corn program;

• seven units of global positioning system (GPS) to 25 fishermen of the seven municipalities of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley;

• one unit of multi-purpose dehydrator for the Samal Island Mango Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative;

• four units of power sprayers to the Davao del Norte Mango Growers Council;

• three units of shallow tube wells for farmers of Davao del Norte.

In the same program, the Chief Executive released a check in the amount of P750,000 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as endowment fund of the Davao Regional Hospital to be used for indigent patients.

Another check amounting to P125,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was handed over by the President to Tanglaw Livelihood Sea-K (Self Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran) Association.

To the Kabayangan Sea-K Association, the President also turned over a check in the amount of P125,000.

Under the DSWD’s core shelter assistance project, the President also awarded a total of 100 checks at P25,000 each to the same number of beneficiaries from Davao Oriental.

From the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the President turned over a check in the amount of P100,000 to the SUYAPA Farmers Association of Alegria and Compostela, in Compostela Valley for its Quick Response Team (QRT).

The President also awarded certificates for scholarships to 57 technical-vocational scholars administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

For the health needs of indigent residents of the province, the President turned over 500 PhilHealth cards, making the total health cards released for Davao del Norte to 17,413 as of July 1.

On top of that, the President also distributed a total of 238 certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to 2,810 agrarian reform beneficiaries from Davao City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, covering an area of 1,548 hectares.

According to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), they have exceeded their target of CLOA distribution for Region XI for the first semester of this year.

Davao del Norte was originally a part of what was then collectively known as Province of Davao until the late Congressman Lorenzo Sarmiento, Sr. authored a bill, which was later passed into law – Republic Act No. 4867 – that divided Davao into three provinces, namely Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental, on May 8, 1967.

On June 17, 1972 the name Davao del Norte was changed to Davao under R.A . No. 6430.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, chairman of the ruling Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats-Union of Muslim Democrats of the Philippines (Lakas-NUCD-UMDP), continues to enjoy the full confidence and support of party members.

In a statement, Secretary Gabriel Claudio, chief of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), said that the party members were not disappointed nor disenchanted with the President over the resignation issue of Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr. from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"There continues to be no doubt about her (the President) as the highest and most deserving symbol of political authority and leadership within the party," Claudio said.

Claudio, who is also the senior deputy secretary general of Lakas NUCD-UMDP, likewise said party members recognize that the Guingona-DFA issue is not a party matter.

"This is an issue of effective governance, particularly on the composition of the President’s Cabinet, which in the final analysis is the prerogative of the President," Claudio said.

Claudio also said there is absolutely no truth to reports that some Lakas-NUCD-UMDP members harbor doubts about the President’s loyalty to the party.

He noted that the President assumed the active chairmanship of Lakas, "even as she is titular head of the broader administration coalition of political parties and groups."

"Lakas members recognize and appreciate the high regard of President Macapagal-Arroyo for them and the party," Claudio said.

TAGUM, Davao del Norte—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today expressed the hope that the Philippines would become the number one banana producer in the world as she called on the people of Davao del Norte to work toward that goal.

In her speech at the 35^th Founding Anniversary of the province of Davao del Norte held at the BSP-RDR Gymnasium here, the President said the Philippines is now the world’s number three banana-producing country after displacing Colombia.

The President congratulated the people of Davao del Norte because their province, according to her, is the center of the country’s "strong and vibrant" banana industry.

She said that if the big China market would be added to the traditional markets of the Philippines for its banana exports, then the country might become the world’s top banana-exporter.

"We might even become the number two or the number one banana producer in the world, and that is up to the people of Davao del Norte to work for it," the President said.

The President also said that Australia, another potential market for Philippine bananas, is set to announce the result of its regular quarantine inspection service that is being undertaken in consultation with its private sector.

She said that it is very important for the Department of Agriculture attaché to Australia to work with the Australian private sector so that Philippine bananas could finally penetrate the Australian market.

The President said that the Philippines should continue to "work and pray" so that the two big markets—China and Australia—would be opened for Philippine bananas.

Also in her speech, the President congratulated Davao del Norte for being a model province in cooperative development. "Your cooperatives are models of strong leadership and cooperative governance," she said.

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today announced that the United Coconut Planters Bank (Cocobank) is now ready to make available some P700 million in coconut levy earnings for the benefit of the country’s coconut farmers and the coconut producing provinces.

The Chief Executive made this announcement in her speech before thousands of residents here who attended the 35^th Foundation Anniversary of Davao del Norte held at the BSP-RDR Gymnasium here.

The President recalled that during the Independence Day celebration this year, she had announced that the board of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund has approved the release of P86 million as first-year premium under the expanded farmers life insurance program.

"The upgraded life insurance policies for more than one million farmers are ready for distribution to the region," the President said.

She expressed the hope that in Region XI, the Department of Agriculture can supervise the distribution of the new life insurance policies for coconut farmers throughout the country.

The President also said she was elated to know that the price of coconut per kilogram is now P13.50 from its earlier price of P6.00 per kilogram.

"This is the highest price in the last three years. So that by itself, the coconut farmers now have doubled their income," she stressed.

The President likewise said that she has instructed all concerned government agencies to see to it that the first fruits of the coconut levy fund should go to micro-financing for coconut farmers at P1,000.00 per coconut farmer.

Saying that coconut farmers would like to pull their funds for cattle breeder programs, the President instructed the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) through Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor, to work this out with the different provincial agricultural officers in the coconut producing provinces beginning with the provincial agricultural officer of Davao del Norte.

In the livestock sector, the President said that her administration is now replenishing the cattle population.

"We have come up with the policy to decrease the cattle hectare ratio from one is to one, to one is to six," the President said.

"We want to make it attractive for coconut farmers to grow cattle underneath your coconut trees here in Davao del Norte," the President said.

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today called for peace, unity and cooperation among all Filipinos, as she reiterated her resolve to help Mindanao and its people attain socio-economic growth.

Arriving at Barangay Lower Bala here by helicopter from Davao City this morning amidst cloudy skies and an off-and-on drizzle, the President lauded Magsaysay Mayor Arthur Davin for fast-tracking the completion of various projects for the town’s constituents.

In a speech delivered in fluent Cebuano, the President asked the people of Davao del Sur to rally behind government programs and projects meant to uplift the quality of life of all, particularly the poor.

She said she took pride in the completion of the Kilolog Bridge which has started to link people from at least nine barangays in Magsaysay and has spurred agricultural trading activities in the area.

Magsaysay, a palay-producing area, is some 80 kilometers southwest of Davao City.

She thanked the British government for providing a loan to bankroll the construction of the 58-linear meter steel bridge over Bulatukan River and of other bridges in other villages nationwide.

The President said: "Let this project also serve as a bridge for all of us to be united in pursuing peace and socio-economic development."

She recalled that today’s visit was the second she made in this town. The first was when she was still vice president when she attended a gathering of farmers in the town.

She said that she was the second Macapagal to have recognized the town and its people.

The late President Diosdado Macapagal, father of President Macapagal-Arroyo, was responsible for the creation of the town some 35 years ago, according to Mayor Davin.

In her speech, the President also took note of the faster delivery of basic services -- such as those on health care, agricultural development, education, infrastructure, among others -- in poorer communities in the country.

"As a child of Mindanao -- having lived in the region for many years, I reiterate my resolve to see the region grow economically," she said.

A huge crowd of townspeople -- gathered at the foot of the makeshift stage built alongside the road right after the Kilolog Bridge -- applauded the President many times in the course of her short speech.

On her way to Lower Bala, people -- most of them schoolchildren in their uniforms -- lined on both sides of the main highway and waved at the President and her party.

The President took note of this and thanked the people here for the warm welcome accorded her.

After her speech, the President led officials in turning over some P100,000 worth of branded medicines to Mayor Davin for the use of the townspeople.

Assisted by Cabinet Officer on Regional Development 11 Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez and Davao del Sur governor Reynerio Llanos, she also distributed 90 certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), covering 91 hectares of farmland, to 60 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

She further gave out bags of agricultural produce worth P1,000 each to the people as part of the government’s "Pagkain ng Bayan" program.

As the program was going on, a medical civic action program was conducted across the stage.

The medical mission, which served some 300 folks, was undertaken under the "Paglilingkod Abot Kamay" of Mayor Davin, in cooperation with the Army’s 25^th Infantry Battalion, 601st Brigade; the Presidential Security Group, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and local government agencies.

Nearby, a National Food Authority-deployed rolling store sold cheap rice and other food products and medicines to the village people.

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today paid tribute to the late former Davao del Sur Vice Governor Antonio Sunga, who had set a shining example of honesty and integriy while in public office.

The President went out of her way from a hectic schedule to motor to the Sunga residence in 272 Quezon Ave. here, where Sunga’s remains lie in state, to condole with the bereaved family -- Sunga’s wife Dulia, and children Romeo, John, Anthony and Joseph.

The late former vice governor was supposed to be among those who should have met the President in her visit to nearby Magsaysay town where she inspected this morning the newly-opened Kilolog steel bridge and awarded various socio-economic programs and projects to benefit the town’s people.

Sunga, a doctor, would have represented the Aguman Ding Capampangan, Inc. (Davao chapter) group as its president.

The Aguman members have been very supportive of the President in her efforts to bring about growth in the country, particularly the countryside.

Also a native of Pampanga like the President, Sunga succumbed to cardiac arrest last Thursday, June 27.

People remembered Sunga, who also served as chairman of the Davao del Sur Lakas-NUCD-UMDP party, as their three-time vice governor until he lost in his gubernatorial bid in the last local elections.

But more than this, they looked up to the standards set by Sunga in the field of good governance, adding that he was one of the best political leaders the province had.

After the visit, the President flew to Tagum City in Davao del Norte where she attended activities commemorating the province’s 35th foundation anniversary.

DAVAO CITY -- Continuing her commitment to give Mindanao what is due the region, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led Cabinet members in attending to development and peace issues in Southern Mindanao (Region XI).

Joining the President in the joint Region XI Regional Development Council and Regional Peace and Order Council (RDC-RPOC) meeting held in Tagum, Davao del Norte this afternoon were at least 34 Cabinet men and other ranking government officials.

Tomorrow, the President and many of her Cabinet members are expected to be in Cotabato City to discuss the same concerns with officials of Central Mindanao (Region XII).

The President arrived here by Lear jet from Manila at about 9:30 a.m. and was given planeside honors.

On hand to welcome the President were Presidential Assistant for Regional Development Paul Dominguez, Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza, Southern Mindanao Police Chief Superintendent Eduardo Matillano, Regional Political Officer Encarnacion Blanco and Davao City International Airport Manager Frederick San Felix.

"Bringing her top-notch men to the regions is one of the best ways by which the President shows her resolve to keep the government closer to and make it more responsive to the needs of the people," said a local official.

The President’s men included Transportation and Communication Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Region XI Pantaleon Alvarez, Presidential Assistant for Jobs Generation Luis Lorenzo, Education Secretary Raul Roco, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez, Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr., Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit, National Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes;

Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez, Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro, Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Economic Planning Secretary Dante Canlas, Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor Teresita Quintos-Deles;

Official Development Assistance Secretary Marita Jimenez, National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo, Press Undersecretary Roberto Capco, Budget and Management Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, Energy Undersecretary Benhur Salcedo, Presidential Assistant for Agricultural Modernization Angelito Sarmiento, Philippine Charity Sweeptstakes Office Chairperson Ma. Livia de Leon;

TAGUM, Davao del Norte -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said the introduction of the hybrid rice into the country gives the Filipino farmer P30,000 net income for each hectare that he tills.

Speaking at the 35^th founding anniversary of Davao del Norte held at the BSP-RDR Gymnasium in Mankilam here, the President said earlier in Davao del Sur that she met some of farmers "who planted hybrid rice and have already harvested and they are P30,000 richer than they were before they adopted hybrid rice."

The President said her administration intends to introduce hybrid rice to some 80,000 hectares throughout the country by October this year. In Mindanao, the President noted, hybrid rice has already been introduced to some 37,000 farmers.

She noted that every farmer who adopts the hybrid rice program gets P10,000 loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines through the Quedan Rural Credit and Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor).

The President further noted that the research and development of the hybrid rice has been given a budget of P450 million.

On irrigation, the President said more irrigation facilities are going to be built in the next few months. In the past year, at least 10,000 hectares in Mindanao have been irrigated on top of the total 26,000 hectares nationwide, resulting in the irrigation of more than 129,800 hectares.

The President also said that more than half a million farmers were granted various types of loans during her administration: 36,000 farmers extended crop insurance and 50,000 covered with guaranteed loans.

The President further noted that the Land Bank is restructuring the past due debts of impoverished farmers after two years of impasse.

She said Land Bank President Gary Teves informed her that most of those responsible for the big past due debts are big corporations and not small farmers.

"So I said, since the past due debts of small farmers is just a smaller portion of the past due debt of the Land Bank, be strict on the big corporations but give the small farmers a chance to rehabilitate themselves," she said.

"Now, the Land Bank is undertaking debt restructuring to small farmers, waiving its penalties and past due interests," the President said.

The President also noted that under the agriculture and fisheries modernization program of her administration some P250 million have been made available to marginal fisherfolk communities for financing.

During the program, the President distributed purchase orders amounting to more than P4 million to 306 farmers under the self-reliant farmers and fisherfolk program.

She said her administration would continue to construct farm-to-market roads, market halls and stalls, processing plants, laboratories and post-harvest facilities to facilitate the needs of the Filipino farmers.

DIGOS, Davao del Sur -- Lawyer Wencelito Andanar, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Peace and Order, today sought the institutionalization of people power as a way to bring about growth and progress in the country.

In his speech during the commemoration of the province's 35th foundation anniversary at the Capitol here, Andanar stressed the need for the people to continue harnessing the strength they have gained from the experiences of the past.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor and speaker at the founding anniversary.

"It is high time for all of us to unite and cooperate as we pursue our common aspiration of raising the quality of life of every Filipino," Andanar said.

He noted that government resources are not that big to meet all the requirements of building the nation.

"Thus all sectors of society should consider being partners of government in nation-building," Andanar said.

Andanar stressed that the strength of a nation lies in its people. "The voice of a united people will always be heard," he said.

"We have seen this before, during the times when we all clamored for the ouster of a dictatorship and wanted democracy to live on in the country," Andanar recalled.

"We have had a similar experience in EDSA 2, when we sought for good governance and morality in public service," he added.

In both instances, people power prevailed, Andanar said.

"People empowerment is a means by which we, united and cooperating with each other, can achieve national development," he said

Andanar cited the unity shown by local officials, led by Governor Reynerio Llanos, and the people of Davao del Sur in transforming their once sleepy agricultural province into a more progressive production and trading hub in southern Philippines.

"Good governance gets its inspiration and strength from an empowered citizenry," he said.