President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has not lost sight of her objective to provide a decent home for every Filipino family.

Records bear this out. Since January 2001 when she took over the presidency from the failed Estrada administration to February 2004, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration has guaranteed security of tenure for 287,713 urban poor families, also called informal settlers. This was done through presidential proclamations declaring public lands as alienable and disposable for purposes of housing and implementation of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP).

In the relentless pursuit of the housing goal of her administration, the President flew to Cebu City on Tuesday (April 27) to personally hand out Certificates of Entitlements to Lot Allocations (CELA) to 3,987 families in various depressed barangays.

Thus, these Cebuano informal settler-families joined thousands of other beneficiaries of the President’s housing program whose status has been upgraded from squatters to homeowners.

In her first state of the nation address in 2001, the President vowed to ensure the security of tenure to 150,000 urban poor families every year, and provide housing units for another 150,000 families belonging to the formal sector and the urban poor.

It turned out Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo overshot her mark for the first calendar year ending in June 2002, with an accomplishment of 185,353 households given assurances they would never be ejected from the lots they occupied. The figure represented 123.57 percent of the 150,000 yearly target.

During the same period in review, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration put up 71,941 housing units for the formal sector or a high 90 percent performance vis a vis the 80,000 target.

Accomplishment in the President’s commitment to provide decent shelter for the urban poor more than made up for the slight shortfall in the delivery to the formal sector. From July 2001 up to June 2002, the government built 83,457 socialized housing units for the urban poor sector, surpassing the target of 70,000 by 19.22 percent.

An updated report by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) indicated that a record number of 209,010 families benefited from the presidential proclamations, far exceeding the 35,000 families chalked up by the previous administration, while CMP beneficiaries increased by 72 percent, or from 16,275 to 57,445 families.

The same document showed that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration provided housing and slum upgrading services to 142,450 households belonging to the bottom 30 percent of the social ladder during a three-year period ending in December 2003.

To speed up processing of housing permits, the President had ordered a dramatic reduction in the number of signatories from 188 to only 45, and processing time from 90 days to a minimum of 30 days. Processing time for housing loans by the Home Development Mutual Fund was also cut down from 30 days to 15 days, and to five days by the Government Service Insurance System.

A star-studded concert has been organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a free treat for workers on Labor Day tomorrow (May 1) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will attend the concert, scheduled to start at 7:00 P.M.

Billed as "Pasasalamat ni Pangulong Gloria sa mga Manggagawang Pilipino," the concert will feature performances by Sarah Geronimo, Parokya ni Edgar, Jong Cuenco, Bayani Agbayani, Vhong Navarro, Jimmy Bondoc, Paolo Santos, Nyoy Volante, Salbakuta, Joey Ayala, Gem Ramos, Gee Girls, Interactive band and other surprise guests.

Actor and Videogram Regulatory Board Chairman Edu Manzano and Joyce Jimenez will be hosting the show.

DOLE Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said, "The concert will add a different twist to the usual celebration of Labor Day in the country. And since Labor Day is a non-working holiday, the concert is a great opportunity for everyone to spend quality time with their families."

The government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) has freed 11 "political prisoners" as a gesture of goodwill towards the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Chairman Silvestre H. Bello III of the GRP negotiating panel said, in a radio interview this morning, that the release of 11 of the 32 political prisoners whose freedom has been sought by the NDF, was done unilaterally by the government.

"Walang kapalit iyan. Kasi, iyan ay pagpapakita ng goodwill (That’s not in exchange for any favor. It’s a show of goodwill)," he said.

Bello said that the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has a clear policy on the issue of political prisoners. "Malinaw iyong posisyon ng gobyerno na kapag ikaw ay isang political prisoner ay hindi ka dapat nandiyan sa loob ng piitan. (It’s the government’s clear position that no political prisoner should be in jail). Also, with or without peace talks, lahat ng mga political prisoners should be set free," he said.

Regarding the collection of the so-called "permit to campaign" fees by the New People’s Army (NPA), military arm of the CPP, Bello referred to the Second Oslo Joint Statement signed earlier this month by the GRP and NDF negotiating panels at the Norwegian capital.

"Maliwanag na iyong karapatan ng taong pampulitika, like the right to be a candidate, the right to travel, the right to peacefully assemble, ay igagalang (It’s clear that man’s political rights, like the right to be a candidate, the right to travel, the right to peacefully assemble, must be respected)," he said.

Bello noted the government’s "substantial compliance" with its commitment under an agreement with the NDF regarding the release of political prisoners.

"We are trying our very best to meet the deadline," he said. But, he pointed out that while the administrative process is relatively easy to comply with, there are some obstacles in the judicial process.

BACOOR, Cavite – Despite the ongoing hustings, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo still finds time for governance as she inspected Thursday a water project here which would benefit some 20,000 households.

Direct from a "Pulong Bayan" forum in Bulihan, Silang, Cavite, the President arrived late afternoon but was still met by a throng of enthusiastic crowd in Barangay Molino III.

The beneficiaries of her Patubig project are residents of Linville Subdivision, Sabater Compound, Molino Heights, Pechayan, Progressive 12 & 14, Sampalukan, Green Valley, Malinis Compound and Molino Proper headed by its Barangay captain Melchor Bautista.

"This week we will start the drilling for deepwell and after election if I am still the President. We will start the construction of the two-kilometer water pipelines," she said.

She then handed down a wheelchair to Verna Ramos, a cripple resident who was overwhelmed by the President’s gesture.

The President also awarded financial assistance to the fire victims of Sta. Cruz, Cavite City to be arranged by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The fire took place last March 29 at JN Mateo street in Barangay 10-M Kingfisher, Sta Cruz, Cavite City.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today underscored her desire to heal the country’s wound of divisiveness even as she vigorously pursues a package of social, political and economic reforms.

"As a president, I want not just reforms, but also (national) reconciliation. I want to be president of both EDSA 2 and EDSA 3," Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said in an interview with Manila-based radio station DZRH.

The President was referring to the bloodless people’s revolution in January 2001 that toppled the Estrada administration. And installed her as the successor.

However, rabid loyalists of the deposed leader struggled to restore Estrada to power, culminating in the failed siege of Malacanang on May 1, 2001 in what the organizers termed "EDSA 3" in an apparent bid to muster enough public support and sympathy.

On Thursday, key leaders and members of the so-called EDSA 3 forces called on President Macapagal-Arroyo at Malacanang to pledge their support to her candidacy.

Norberto Reyes and Libertad Hidalgo, leaders of the 5,000-strong Katipunan ng mga Manggagawa sa Daungan (KAMADA) and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) presented to President Macapagal-Arroyo their respective manifestoes saying they support her "for the good of the Filipino people, and the fact that we have realized her good governance."

In the radio interview, the President admitted that she deliberately opened the doors of Malacanang for the EDSA 3 forces through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where they report every six months following their release from police custody as a result of their involvement in their botched uprising.

"I told the DSWD to invite them for breakfast at Malacanang so that we can reconcile and unify," Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo said.

The President also revealed that through her intercession, the court agreed to free the arrested protesters under the cognizance of the DWSD.

After staging a massive protest rally at the historic EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong, the Estrada loyalists, backed by certain politicians, marched to Mendiola and stormed the Palace in a bid to oust newly installed President Macapagal-Arroyo.

Policemen and elements of other law enforcement agencies managed, however, to contain the upheaval and arrested over a hundred protesters.

President Macapagal-Arroyo immediately looked into the plight of those arrested. She ordered the hospitalization of the wounded and the rehabilitation of those who tested positive for drugs.

SILANG, Cavite - Former President Fidel Ramos, in a rare appearance at the ongoing hustings, said Thursday it would take a generation to finish what had been started, saying employment and nation-building, including resettlement projects which he started in his term could not be possibly fulfilled and accomplished in a very short period.

That is why, the former President said, it is necessary to have continuity under a leader like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who he believes is the most capable of building on what he had started towards a strong republic.

"Sino ba sa mga nagsusumikap na maging Presidente ngayon ng ating Republika ang handang-handa, mayroong mahabang karanasan, mayroong magandang record, mayroon napakabisang kakayahan upang maging Pangulo sa ating Republika? (Who among the presidential candidates now is the most capable, the one with experience and proven track record). Eighty million people are clamoring for good governance and strong leadership. Sino pa ba, kung hindi si Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (It’s no other than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo)," he said.

Ramos joined the President in a community forum at the Dasmarinas National High School in Barangay Bulihan here where both expressed admiration and support for their respective administration’s programs.

In deference to Ramos’ rare appearance, the President changed the "Pulong Bayan" question and answer format to give chance to the former leader to speak first before the Cavitenos.

The "Pulong Bayan" normally the question and answer forum where a community resident is given the chance to ask questions about the President’s various programs.

"Ididispensa na natin ang format ng Pulong Bayan dahil hindi naman araw-araw ay kasama natin si Pangulong Ramos at hindi araw-araw na isang pet project niya ay ating ipinagdiriwang," (We will change the format of the "Pulong Bayan" because it is not everyday that he is with us and it is not everyday that we are celebrating his pet project), "she said.

Ramos said that during his term from 1992 to 1998, he had a deep commitment for the resettlement areas in Cavite where he put up environment and housing projects.

"Dahil iyan ay trabaho ng lahat sa isang mahabang panahon na tinatag, tinatawag natin na one generation (Because this is one job for that would take a whole generation)," he said.

He openly endorsed President Arroyo citing her performance as Chief Executive of 83 million Filipinos.

He also called on the Cavitenos to vote for the K4 senatorial slate of the the President and all the candidates of the Lakas-CMD Party in Cavite particularly their Cavite gubernatorial bet Epimaco Velasco and congressional choice Dominic Tolentino.

In her reply, the President vowed to continue Ramos’ housing projects for the Cavitenos citing those he had pioneered in Silang, Cavite where 1,000 families have benefited.

In the wake of the first Filipino casualty in strife-torn Iraq, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated today her call on Filipinos there to avoid risks and play it safe.

"Once more, I appeal to all Filipinos in Iraq to exercise caution and avoid straying out to danger zones. Likewise, all must register with our embassy in Baghdad so that their safety can be tracked and ensured," the President said in a statement this morning.

The casualty, a private employee whose identity is still being confirmed, died in an attack while traveling with other nationals. His body will be shipped home soonest and his family given assistance, the President said.

The unfortunate incident happened despite efforts of the Philippine Iraq Team headed by Ambassador Roy Cimatu to inform nationals to keep out of harm’s way by staying put in their camps for the time being, according to the President.

The President also ordered Iraq Team to draw up a hazard map to inform Filipinos of the risk areas and hazardous circumstances they should avoid and to inform them of contingency plans drawn up by the authorities and private companies.

"The incident does not call for the mass evacuation of our workers, although we are prepared for a calibrated response to any emergent contingencies," the President said.

It also has not diminished the country’s commitment to democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, the President said, as she vowed to stand with the world against terrorism and terrorist attacks.

Apart from Lumauig, other signatories to the manifesto of solidarity and support include Emil Ong of Samar, Luz Bakunawa of Masbate and Leyte, Renato Dragon of Cavite, Antonio Bengzon of Pangasinan, Venice Agana of Bohol, Rodolfo Tingzon of Laguna, Rodrigo Gutang of Cotabato, Mariano Yulo of Negros Occidental, Mars Pineda of Pampanga, Teddy Macapagal of Zambales, Jun Ong of Samar, Licurgo Tirador of Iloilo, Alvin Dans of Basilan, Arden Anni of Sulu, Nards Guerrero of Cavite, Jun Paredes of Agusan del Sur, Greg Andolana of Cotabato, Jose Calingasan of Batangas, Ronnie Cosalan of Benguet, Jose Ramirez of Samar, Honorato Aquino of Baguio City, Manuel Puey of Bacolod, former Gov. Amado Almazan of Apayao, former Gov. Josie Co of Quirino and Art Briones representing the youth sector.

SAN PEDRO, Laguna – It takes one to know one.

It is in this sense that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today appealed to women all over the country to continue supporting each other "to ensure a bright future for our children."

Speaking at the 99^th anniversary of the lst Women Assembly at the Pacita Elementary School here, the President said: "Let’s not gamble our future, the future of the whole country. Vote for experience and sincerity for the future."

The 1^st Women Assembly, held 99 years ago, marked the day Filipino women fought and won the right to vote. The President said the occasion should remind everybody about the big role of women as voters.

She implored those who attended the rites to vote and vote right on May 10, saying that what is at stake is the future of the children and the family.

"Let’s finish, and complete the change we started. Together let’s eliminate poverty and unite the whole nation," the President said.

She stressed that it is in the hands of women voters to choose a leader who has experience and the platform of governance to effect the change that the country needs or to entrust the country’s future to one who does not have the experience and even a program of government.

The President reminded the women of their role as mothers to safeguard the health and education of their families.

She said that in her short time as President, she was able to deliver clean water, food, decent housing, cheap hospitalization and cheaper medicines.

If given the chance, in the next six years, the President said, she will continue her program of livelihood, peace, health, and education for every family.

"We will not stop until poverty, crime, terrorism, corruption and illiteracy are eliminated," she said, pointing out that these can be achieved with the unity and cooperation of the Filipino women.

The President was presented with the song "Yo Gloria" performed by Rachelle Ann Go and the Salbakuta.

Two numbers, "Babae Ka" and "I’m a Woman," were also rendered by Nora Aunor and Pops Fernandez, with the President joining the duet towards the end of the second song.

She also joined an aerobics production that emphasized the importance of exercise for the body.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will lead tomorrow’s observance of Labor Day to highlight significant gains of her administration in job generation and maintenance of industrial peace.

This year’s celebration has for its theme "Araw ng Paggawa, Pasasalamat sa Manggagawa" to underscore national appreciation for the workers’ contributions to the national economy, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said.

Thanking the workers on Labor Day, she said, is a recognition of their contributions to sustain the economy in the midst of daunting problems such as the Iraq war, the SARS scare, and the continuing threats of terrorism.

"Gains in the efforts to generate jobs and stabilize industrial peace also give us more reasons to be thankful on Labor Day," Sto. Tomas added.

Data from the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the National Statistics Office (NSO) show that the economy generated a total of 3.182 million new jobs from 2001 to 2003, representing an average of 1.06 million yearly.

Sto. Tomas pointed out that this exceeds the targeted one million new jobs a year under the Philippine Development Plan.

Job generation boosted the much-improved industrial peace, with a 21-year low of 30 labor strikes occurring over the past three years.

Sto. Tomas said the remarkable industrial peace underscored government efforts to attract foreign investments, resulting in a 26 percent investment growth last year.

The labor chief also noted that the low incidence of strikes is a testimony to the strengthened employee-employer relationship borne out of tripartism.

She pointed out that government achievements in employment generation was in fulfillment of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s promise to lift the workers’ standards of living.

Sto. Tomas recalled that Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo immediately called for an Employment Summit shortly after assuming the presidency in 2001.

The summit resulted in the inclusion of the Employment Plan in the 2001-2004 Philippine Medium Term Development Plan, integrating employment generation into the mainstream of national development. A milestone in employment policy formulation, the Employment Plan is envisioned to eliminate poverty through the promotion of full, decent, and productive employment.