WASHINGTON D.C. – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and United States President George W. Bush Monday morning (Monday evening in Manila) equally noted the imperative need to wage an aggressive campaign against poverty as a way to counter global terrorism.

In a short speech following remarks by President Bush during state arrival rites at the White House’s South Lawn here, President Macapagal-Arroyo cited the "robust economic and trade ties that bind the Philippines and the US."

She disclosed that the "Philippines is pursuing long-needed economic reforms" aimed to strengthen the Philippine republic.

"They will make easier Philippine and American economic cooperation and they will promote the cause of fighting world poverty," she said.

The President thanked President Bush for helping in the alleviation of global poverty and other socio-economic ills "from which terrorism draws its strength."

In welcoming President Macapagal-Arroyo as a state visitor, President Bush said the US and the Philippines are committed to "adding the moral and material resources of our countries to the global fight against poverty and hunger and disease."

The US President said America and the Philippines shared "special ties of history and friendship and family" and "great goals in the world."

He also disclosed the US commitment to open markets in Asia and around the world to bring more people "into an expanding circle of development and prosperity."

In their remarks, President Macapagal-Arroyo and President Bush traced the long-standing friendship between the Filipino and American people.

The Philippine Chief Executive thanked the US President for the invitation to visit the US that, she said, "confirms that relations between our two countries are deeper and warmer today than they have been in a very long time."

She said "our two countries have a revitalized and maturing alliance, rooted in shared history, shared values, a common interest in global peace and prosperity, and a real commitment to combating terrorism and advancing freedom."

On the other hand, President Bush said the partnership between the US and the Philippines "is sustained by the friendship between our two peoples."

He cited the Philippines as the first democracy in Asia with a proud tradition of democratic values, love of family and faith in God.

He lauded President Macapagal-Arroyo for "carrying this tradition forward."

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said strong relations with the United States would greatly contribute to regional peace and stability in the Asia Pacific, especially in the war against terrorism.

"While Asia must take greater responsibility for its own political and economic security, it must also recognize that strong relations with the U.S. will contribute greatly to regional peace and prosperity, stability and security, especially from terrorism," the President said in her remarks during her arrival at the White House.

She said the Philippines is among the few countries in the region that has chosen to fight terrorism squarely alongside with the US particularly at this time when the country is also faced with such threats.

"The Philippines has chosen to fight terrorism. We compensate for such modest means as we command with an unshakeable resolve to defeat terrorism once and for all, and with faith in the justice of our cause and our friendship with the United States," she added.

Although the Philippines has made some significant gains, the President said the war on terrorism in far from over.

On the other hand, President George W. Bush said the US and Philippine law enforcement agencies are working together to disrupt terror plots, cut off terrorist financing, and to bring the terrorists to justice.

Bush said President Macapagal-Arroyo has welcomed American troops to train and advise their Philippine counterparts in anti-terror operations aside from building broader cooperation against terrorism in the Asia Pacific region.

"Madam President, for all you have done to make our world safer, America thanks you," he said.

He added the terrorist attack last week in Saudi Arabia that killed innocent civilians from many countries including Americans and Filipinos is a glaring reminder that the war against terrorism is far from over.

President Bush also recognized President Macapagal-Arroyo’s conviction to disarm Iraq of its suspected weapons of mass destruction and to liberate the Iraqi people.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (via PLDT) – The vast network of Filipino-American organizations throughout the United States is now being harnessed to provide assistance, including free legal services, to Filipino-Americans in their times of need.

This was the substance of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed here Sunday (early Monday in Manila) by Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople, Loida Nicolas Lewis, national chairman of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NAFFAA); and Miriam Bustamante Riedmiller, president of Philippine-American Bar Association of Greater Washington, D.C.

The MOU was signed in the presence of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Capitol Hilton Hotel here shortly after her arrival yesterday for the Washington D.C. leg of her state visit to the United States.

Ople said that the MOU would provide the general framework by which Philippine consular posts in the US could collaborate with interested Fil-Am community organizations in giving assistance to distressed Filipinos in their respective localities.

Through this MOU, Ople said, consular and other forms of assistance to distressed Filipinos could be provided on a wider scope since the Fil-Am organizations are going to backstop the consular offices, which, admittedly, have limited resources.

The MOU has set up a liaison and joint working group that would thresh out in detail the steps that would be taken in order to achieve the goals of the MOU and provide a channel of communication between the consular posts and the community organizations.

Ople said that the provision of free legal assistance under the MOU is most welcomed since a number of Filipino-Americans, especially those who are financially strapped, could ill-afford the high cost of legal services in the US.

WASHINGTON D.C. (via PLDT) -- United States President George W. Bush Monday here announced that his government is moving to include the Philippines as one of its non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies.

In his opening statement during the joint press conference of the two leaders at the East Room at the White House, Bush said he was pleased to inform President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during their meeting at the Oval Office that the U.S. plans to designate the Philippines as a non-NATO ally.

"The step will allow our countries to work together on military research and development and give the Philippines greater access to American defense equipment and supply," Bush said.

The American President also said that the non-Nato status would put the Philippines "right up there" with Australia, Egypt and Israel.

Bush said these countries are major non-Nato allies, "which means that it will be easier for us to answer requests of military equipment to provide parts and equipment."

"To make sure that the defense capabilities of the Philippine military are modern, you know, that choppers fly, choppers are maintained, choppers move, when the President orders up a strike, it happens quickly, all this does is facilitate the capacity to interact on a better basis, on a priority basis."

Bush also announced that there would be a comprehensive review of the needs of the Philippine military.

"That means the military is gonna be involved with your military, in such ways that determine needs and assess whether or not we got the capacity to help meet those needs," Bush said.

WASHINGTON D.C. -- President George W. Bush Monday morning (Monday evening in Manila) reiterated the strong commitment of the US to help the Philippines in "defeating terrorists operating in its own part of the world."

President Bush also reaffirmed his offer of assistance in efforts of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to push for the meaningful and lasting resolution of the Mindanao Problem.

But he stressed that "the US is committed to helping, when asked."

On her part, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked President Bush for the offer to assist in her country’s fight against agents of terror, saying that "the US leadership and engagement with the US makes the world a safer place for all of us to live in."

President Macapagal-Arroyo noted how the "world came to help us" in the country’s erstwhile lonely fight against terrorists.

"I welcome the support of the world, and I welcome the support of the US in our war against terrorism," she said.

In a joint press availability with President Bush and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the East Room of the White House, the US President said he and President Macapagal-Arroyo "reviewed last year’s highly successful deployment of US troops to the southern Philippines."

"We agreed to a similar deployment in the near-term, in which US forces would support Philippine anti-terror operations," he said.

In the past, US and Philippine armed forces have engaged in joint military exercises called Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder).

Balikatan included joint civilian-military actions that have resulted in socio-economic growth in communities where the exercises were conducted.

President Bush said he and President Macapagal-Arroyo also reviewed the developments with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He said the MILF should "abandon the path of violence."

"If it does so, and addresses its grievances through peaceful negotiations, then the United States will provide diplomatic and financial support to a renewed peace process," he pointed out.

He said that it depended on the MILF "in choosing peace as a peaceful reconciliation of issues."

"If they continue to want to use terror and force, we will be involved to the extent that (President Macapagal-Arroyo) invites us to be involved," he added.

However, US involvement would be "within the Constitution of the Philippine government," President Bush stressed.

President Macapagal-Arroyo earlier said her administration is not closing its doors to a possible peace with the MILF.

"There is always room for peace for those who turn their backs on terrorism. They can come individually, or they can come in groups, or they can come as one whole group," she said.

Before she left for the U.S., the President ordered selective aerial and artillery attacks on terrorist-embedded lairs in Mindanao.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States President George W. Bush has accepted the invitation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to visit the Philippines this year.

President Bush said his visit to the country would coincide with the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) leaders’ meeting in Bangkok, Thailand before the year ends.

"I’m honored to accept President Arroyo’s generous invitation to visit the Philippines this fall, when I intend to travel to Southeast Asia for the APEC leaders’ meeting," he said.

He said he would also be sending other senior US officers to Manila, starting with US Secretary of Energy Spence Abraham.

The acceptance was made after President Macapagal-Arroyo earlier invited the American President, shortly after her arrival at the White House Monday morning (Monday evening in Manila) at the start of her three-day state visit here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) – "Madam President, for all you have done to make our world safer, America thanks you."

With these words, United States President George W. Bush poured praise not only on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but the entire Filipino nation.

Even before pouring out America’s gratitude to an old friend and ally, Bush, official Washington and the American people welcomed the Philippine President with the pomp of a rare state visit -- with full military honors and a 21-gun salute – at the South Lawn of the White House.

Bush and his wife, Mrs. Laura Bush, officially welcomed President Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo as they arrived on board the presidential limousine. Also on hand were Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Colin Powell

The Honor Guard performed the "Raffles and Flourishes" and the "Hail to the Chief" ceremonies.

Filipinos, Filipino-Americans and Americans attending the ceremony warmly greeted the two Presidents by waving the flags of the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Philippine and US flags were hoisted by the Honor Guard around the South Portico of the White House.

Afterwards, President and Mrs. Bush escorted the President and Atty. Arroyo to introduce Vice President and Mrs. Dick Cheney, Secretary of State and Mrs. Colin Powell, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Richard Myers.

After the introduction, the two heads of state proceeded to the reviewing platform for the start of the military honors.

This was followed by the playing of the National Anthem of the Philippines by the Musical Troops while a 21-gun salute was executed. The playing of the United States National Anthem followed.

Afterwards, the two Presidents moved on to review the troops amid the cheers of the flag-waving crowd.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo was in a flaming red dress suit. Bush was in a blue suit and sky blue tie. Mrs. Bush was in sage dress suit.

The ceremonies were televised lived by the US networks.

Bush has only deployed the pomp of a state visit on two previous occasions, to Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Jon King, CNN White House correspondent, told Manila reporters that the President's state visit is a very significant event for the United States.

He said President Bush is very gratified for the "quick and decisive" decision of Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo to support the war against terror.

In brief remarks, President Bush noted that Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo's state visit is the first by a leader of an Asian country in his administration.

"You honor the American people with your visit, because our two nations share special ties of history and friendship and family and we share a commitment to the defense of democracy and the advance of freedom," Bush said.

Bush noted that just over a century ago, Americans and Filipinos worked side by side to liberate the Philippines.

"Nearly half a century later, in a world war, our soldiers fought and died together in places like Bataan and Corregidor and on this foundation of common sacrifice, America and the Philippines built an alliance that remains strong, an alliance that is essential to the peace of the Pacific," Bush said.

Bush further noted that Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo has become a leader in building broader cooperation against terror throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Bush also said the partnership between the two nations is sustained by the friendship between the two peoples.

He said more than 2 million Americans trace their ancestry back to the Philippines and they enrich the national life.

Citing US Army Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano as one of the highest-ranking Filipino Americans in the history of America's military, Bush noted that many Filipino-Americans serve in the US armed forces.

"He brings pride to both our countries, and we honor his service in the cause of freedom," Bush said.

He said the Philippines is the first democracy in Asia and has a proud tradition of democratic values, love of family and faith in God.

"President Arroyo, you are carrying this tradition forward and I'm proud to call you friend. Today, the First Lady and I are honored to welcome you and Attorney Arroyo to America and to the White House. Mabuhay!," Bush said.

In her brief remarks, Macapagal-Arroyo thanked Bush for his invitation to the state visit.

"It only confirms that relations between our two countries are deeper and warmer today than they have been in a very long time," she said.

She said that today, the two countries have a revitalized and maturing alliance, rooted in shared history, shared values, a common interest in global peace and prosperity, and a real commitment to combating terrorism and advancing freedom.

"Our alliance abides strong as ever, even as the world today requires a new perspective on political and economic security in Asia-Pacific," she said.

Afterwards, the two leaders proceeded to the State Floor via the South Portico steps.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) – US President George W. Bush had only words of praise for visiting Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when the two appeared before members of the media after their bilateral meeting at the White House.

"I’ve got a great deal of respect for your President, and her courage and her willingness to fight for security of the Philippine people and to defend freedom," Bush said.

He referred to Mrs. Arroyo as "a great example of leadership in a part of the world that is a dangerous part of the world."

Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Indonesia, suffered from a number of terrorist attacks, including bombings that left hundreds of innocent civilians, including foreigners, dead.

Praising her actions against terrorist groups in the Philippines including the Abu Sayyaf, Bush said Mrs. Arroyo "is tough when it comes to terror. She fully understands that in the face of terror, you’ve got to be strong, not weak. She knows, like I know, that the only way to deal with these people is to bring them to justice."

For this reason, Bush said his administration is looking forward to the continued cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, especially in addressing terrorism.

"We’ve got a lot of work to do, which means we’ve got to continue to work together to share information, cut off money, share intelligence, and hunt these people down and get them," he said.

And that’s why I appreciate President Arroyo’s leadership," Bush stressed.

He recalled that right after the September 11 terror attacks on the US, Mrs. Arroyo called him.

"There was no doubt in my mind where she stood. It was more than the condolence call. It was a let’s-get-after-them," he said.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT)—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that the United States would provide 30 helicopters to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as part of its continuing military assistance to the Philippines.

The President made the announcement at a press briefing at the Philippine Embassy here after her meeting with US President George W. Bush at the White House.

She said that the new helicopters would boost the fighting capability of the AFP, adding that the Philippine Air Force has now only nine helicopters.

The President said that in her meeting with President Bush, they have agreed to launch a comprehensive review of the security needs of the Philippines and how best the US could support to the AFP modernization program.

She said that the donation of 30 helicopters is part of Bush’s commitment to help address the pressing needs of the AFP, particularly in the area of mobility and spare parts.

A joint statement issued after their bilateral talks said that the two Presidents agreed that the US-Philippine security partnership has never been healthier as they emphasized the importance of US support for continuing efforts to improve the capabilities of the AFP.

The two Presidents also reaffirmed their commitment to destroy the Abu Sayyaf "once and for all."

Toward this end, the two leaders agreed to hold another joint military exercise "in the near term" where the US would provide support to the AFP in its ongoing operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT)—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the expected $1-billion windfall from the inclusion by the United States of some products from the Philippines under the generalized system of preferences (GSP) would help ease poverty, particularly in Mindanao.

In a press briefing at the Philippine Embassy here after her talks with US President George W. Bush at the White House, the President said the inclusion of carrageenin, tuna and pineapple juice in the next cycle of the GSP has a "very, very great economic impact" in Mindanao where these products mostly come from and where there is widespread poverty.

"These are all good measures to inspire market access, particularly in Mindanao where there is much poverty," the President said.

Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, who was also present at the press briefing, explained that the rough estimate of $1 billion is in the form of tax perks that the country would get if products like carrageenin, pineapple juice, dried mangoes and tuna are included in the GSP.

The GSP is a scheme whereby the US grants preferential treatment to some 4,000 products from l39 beneficiary countries, including the Philippines, in the form of duty-free access.

The scheme was reauthorized by the US Congress from Sept. 30, 2001 up to Dec. 31, 2006.

Roxas said that in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, President Bush pledged to work with the US Congress to grant the GSP benefit to the Philippines.

In fact, Roxas said, the pledge was embodied in the joint statement issued by President Bush and President Macapagal-Arroyo during the latter’s working visit to the US in November 2001.

A press statement by the DTI said that while the Philippine carrageenin or seaweed industry sees the GSP as a vehicle to further enhance its foothold in the US market, the US will also benefit in the process because of the presence of American companies engaged in the carrageenin business in the Philippines.

In 2001, carrageenin exports to the US reached $24.1 billion or 26 percent share of the country’s total export receipts.

The DTI said with the inclusion of pineapple juice as eligible article in the GSP would bring additional foreign exchange revenues for the country, not to mention the jobs that it will be able to generate.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) – US President George W. Bush today said he was impressed with the tax reform the Philippine government is set to undertake to solve its deficit problem.

In a press conference called after his bilateral meeting with visiting Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Bush’s issued statement dismissed earlier reports indicating that the US was concerned that the Philippines may not be able to contain its deficit.

"I was very impressed by the discussions on tax reform. The President put out a bold initiative," Bush said, referring to his discussions with Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo during their bilateral meeting at the White House.

Bush said he was convinced that "some of the tax proposals that the President laid out "would make sure that the government would be "more efficient in collecting revenues."

"And so in other words, it’s comprehensive approach, and it’s one (issue) we spent a lot of time discussing," he said.

Bush was also confident that the Philippine legislature will enact soon the tax reforms being pushed by the Arroyo administration.

"I was most pleased that the Speaker and the head of the Senate were here in Washington, D.C. and they were very receptive," Bush said, referring to Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via PLDT) – From diplomacy of dependency to a partnership between equals.

This was how President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo described today, the maturing relations between the United States and the Philippines during her bilateral meeting with US President George W. Bush.

"I did not come here to be a mendicant or a mercenary," President Arroyo said as she refused to quantify the success of her state visit here, based on how much economic aid and military assistance her country would get from the United States.

Instead, he said she came to the US to discuss with President Bush her ideas for a stronger partnership between the two countries, particularly in the fight against poverty and terrorism.

"Poverty and terrorism are twin evils we must fight. For the Philippines, we consider the US a strategic partner not only in security matters, but also in the economy, in the fight against poverty," she said.

President Bush also recognized the importance of keeping the Philippines as an ally in the global fight against terrorism, and the need to maintain the partnership of the two countries to win this war.

According to the American President, Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo "is tough when it comes to terror. She fully understands that in the face of terror, you’ve got to be strong, not weak. She knows, like I know, that the only way to deal with these people is to bring them to justice."

For this reason, Bush said his administration is looking forward to the continued cooperation between Philippines and the United States, especially in addressing terrorism.

"We’ve got a lot of work to do, which means we’ve got to continue to work together to share information, cut off money, share intelligence, and hunt these people down and get them," he said.

Bush also expressed gratitude to the President for being the first leader in Southeast Asia to openly support the US fight against terrorism.

Because of this, Bush said the US has decided to name the Philippines as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), putting it on the same level as Israel, Egypt and Australia.

With this, Bush said his administration will find it easier to "answer requests on military equipment to provide parts and equipment, to make sure that the defense capabilities of the Philippine military are modern and the choppers fly when the President orders up a strike."

Bush was also impressed with the tax reforms the Philippine government is undertaking to solve its deficit problem.

He was also confident that the Philippine legislature will enact soon, the tax reforms being pushed by the Arroyo administration.

On the President’s third and last day here, World Bank vice-president for policies Shengman Shang and International Finance Corp. Peter Woicke are scheduled to pay her a courtesy call.

After that, International Monetary Fund managing director Horst Kohler will also make a call at the Blair House which is the official residence of visiting heads of state in the US.

Later in the day, the President will grace a reception called by members of the Philippine Friendship Caucus.

She will have a coffee meeting with US Sen. Richard Lugar, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee.

After that, she will be meeting with the chief executive officers in a dinner hosted by the US-Asean Business Council.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, Attorney Arroyo, it is a high honor for Laura and me to host you at the White House. Madam President, I know you attended college here in Washington, so perhaps I should say, welcome back -- or, as they say at Georgetown, Hoya Saxa. (Laughter.)

With your visit, the Philippines and the United States affirm our strong friendship, our common commitment the fighting terror, and our shared determination to promote freedom.

Our nations are natural partners. We are connected by an ocean, united by a shared history, and sustained by the bonds of family and culture. More than 2 million Americans have family ties to the Philippines. Some are with us tonight, and you're welcome. Filipino Americans strengthen America's culture, our economy, and our government. And we are privileged that they call this country their home.

The United States and the Philippines are also joined by common values, especially the value of human freedom. And when freedom comes under attack, our countries respond.

Madam President, you've been a fierce fighter of terrorism in your own country. You've earned the respect of the American people for your resolve. And after September the 11th, you were one of the first leaders to contact me and express your strong support for the war against terror. And you have not wavered.

The President was also a strong and persuasive voice on the need to disarm Saddam Hussein and to liberate the Iraqi people.

Madam President, for your leadership and for your friendship, I thank you.

Seventeen years ago, the Filipino people restored their nation's democratic tradition and inspired lovers of freedom across the globe. In the years since, the Philippines has emerged as a stronger and more confident nation. The Philippines is building its prosperity on the foundation of markets, and building its future on a foundation of democracy. These commitments are opening new opportunities for the Filipino people, and setting a hopeful example for other nations traveling the road to freedom.

President Arroyo is playing a large role in her nation's success. Her bold and determined leadership has opened a new chapter in the friendship between our countries, and is responsible for revitalizing our strong alliance.

In his last poem, Jose Rizal, one of the founders of the Filipino independence, referred to his native land as the "Pearl of the Orient Seas." More than a century later, this "pearl" is admired the world over for its beauty, its progress, and its wonderful people.

Madam President, it will be my pleasure to visit the Philippines later this year, with you as my host. And Laura and I, and the American people are honored to have you and your husband as our guests here tonight. Would you please join me in a toast to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

(A toast is offered.)

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you, President Bush, and Mrs. Bush. Thank you on behalf of the 8 million Filipinos for honoring our country with this state visit.

The bonds between our two countries run deep. We've stood side-by-side at every crucial point in modern history. World War, the second; the cold War; Korea; Vietnam; and now, the war against terrorism.

I visit you at a time of great change -- change in the way economies work; change in the way wars are fought; change in the way countries organize or disintegrate. But in two things, there must be no change -- in the way governments treat people; and in the manner by which friends stand by each other. In the first case, with care and justice; and in the second case, with courage and steadfastness. In a time of crisis, friends do not ask, why; they ask, how.

The Philippines and America are friends. To guide our friendship in the 21st century, our meeting today was essential, so that we can develop a strategic framework for this century based on mutual respect and mutual help. Our talks focused on stopping terrorism, fighting poverty, and undertaking economic reform on both sides -- meaning, offering more markets to each other, and less resistance to mutual trade and investment.

My fundamental concern in the Philippines is the need to lick mass poverty. Central to this concern is the task of building a strong republic -- a republic able to keep crime and terrorism totally at bay; a republic free from vested and corrupt interests that subvert free markets; a strong republic empowered to execute good policy and provide essential services to all our people.

In this task, we value America as a partner, a partner in our common desire to create the kind of world in which we want both our countries to exist -- a world of progress and ever-widening prosperity; a world of justice, freedom, and peace. These are within the grasp of modern economies and modern technology, and men and women of firm resolve and goodwill.

And how do we define a man or a woman of firm resolve and goodwill? It was once thought difficult to take a firm stand against tyranny, and nearly impossible to cope with terrorism. Now, the world knows better, especially after March 20th. Indeed, it's not easy, but, clearly, it can be done, with fearless leadership and iron resolve, combined with a bold strategic vision, and an unfailing sense of justice. I'm describing President Bush.

Only a strong and steadfast partnership, such as that between our two countries, can respond to the manifold and threats and challenges that the world working towards freedom and prosperity must face. I hope ever more countries join this partnership. Two are better than one. Three are harder to break. Four and more, nothing can prevail against them.

On that note of hope for an ever-widening partnership of the good to complete the greater task of the coalition of the willing, I invite you all to join me in a toast for the continued success and good health of President and Mrs. Bush, and the relations between out two countries. Mabuhay!

WASHINGTON D.C. – When Assistant White House chef Cris Comerford, born in the Philippines and now a US citizen, said she sought a common ground between the two nations as she prepared the menu for the state dinner accorded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by President George W. Bush, little did she know that among the guests were Fil-Americans like her.

"It was like a marriage between the two countries, " she told reporters before the dinner.

True enough, among the 130 guests who attended the state dinner aside from government officials are dignitaries and staff with Philippine ancestry.

There was US Army Maj. Gen. Edward Soriano, the first Philippine-born soldier to become a general in the US Armed Forces.

The 55-year-old Soriano, a native of Alcala, Pangasinan, became the highest- ranking Fil-Am in the US Army history when he received his third star and took over command of Fort Lewis.

Also in the state dinner were Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio, daughter of Filipino immigrants who became the first woman of Asian-American heritage to win the coveted crown; former Daly City mayor now Councilman Michael Guingona; and Milpitas, California Mayor Jose Esteves.

Baraquio, eighth of the 10 children of Hawaii immigrants Claudio and Letty Baraquio, is a teacher in Hawaii who went on to become the first Asian and Filipina Miss America.

Guingona was born in San Francisco and raised in Daly City. He was only 31 years old in 1993 when he became the first Fil-Am elected to the City Council of Daly City. Two years later, he became Daly’s youngest mayor ever.

There’s also a sportsman in boxer Brian Viloria who represented the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Viloria is also a Fil-Am.

President Macapagal-Arroyo, clad in a simple purple terno with a lime green sash, was joined by First Gentleman Jose Miguel-Arroyo, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Mrs. Mila Drilon, Speaker Jose de Venecia and Mrs. Gina de Venecia, Jr. and other government officials in the strictly black tie affair that started promptly shortly after seven in the evening.

Upon arrival, President Macapagal-Arroyo gave US First Lady Laura Bush a state gift of 14 mm South Sea pearl earrings mounted on finely worked flowers and leaves of Philippine-mined 18-karat yellow gold.

The Marine Orchestra rendered pieces during the guest reception in the Grand Foyer and throughout dinner. Brass horns and strolling strings played during dessert. Opera singer Susan Graham warmed up in the East Room as the White House put the finishing touches on the State Dining Room.

Bouquets of pink and white peonies graced each table and flanked a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

In finding a common ground between the two nations, chef Comerford featured in the first course crabs which the Philippines and Maryland are known for. Mango sorbets, filled with coconut mousse, were draped with brightly-colored leis made of sugar and chocolate, said pasty chef Roland Mesnier.

The main course included lamb, achiote polenta, fava beans and cipollini onion.

The wines were a 2001 Pride Mountain Viognier and a 2000 DuMol Pinot Noir "Finn," both from California, said White House usher Daniel Shanks.

Shanks said he goes out of his way to find American wines and did not try to keep French wines off the White House tables.

White House chief usher Gary Walters said the rarity of state dinners did not heighten the excitement for the staff.