July 02 2007

PGMA orders fast-tracking of vital gov't projects in Nueva Vizcaya

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to speed up the repair and rehabilitation of the irrigation system and the completion of the farm-to-market road projects in Barangay Bagabag during a visit here today.

The President happily informed the 300 farmer-beneficiaries present after the inspection that these projects would soon benefit them and their families.

"Agpas pasalamat ta naka-umay kayo ditoy. (I promise to finish all these projects in your province)," she said.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Deputy Administrator Serafin Palteng briefed the President on the status of the farm-to-market road projects implemented along the irrigation service roads within Barangay Villa Coloma.

Palteng told the President that the Nueva Vizcaya provincial irrigation projects, which have a service area of 1,750 hectares, would cost P33.38 million. He said it would benefit a total of 3,560 farmer-beneficiaries.

Other Cabinet officials and organizations present included Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde; Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo; Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ma. Lourdes Cuaresma; Bayombong Mayor Severino Bagasan; Bagabag Mayor Nestor Sevillena; Nueva Ecija Provincial Federation of Irrigators Association and Bagabag Irrigation System Associations.

After the 30-minute informal briefing and interaction with the farmers, the President proceeded to the Bagabag Airport and inspected the ongoing rehabilitation, repair and expansion of the airport.

She walked down the whole runway stretch of the Bagabag airport before leaving for another event in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Prior to these events, the President graced the 25^th episcopal ordination of Bishop Ramon Villena of the Diocese of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The concelebrated mass held at the Saint Dominic Cathedral in Bayombong, Nueva, Vizcaya was attended by various parishioners and supporters, including local government officials led by Cuaresma.

The mass coincided with the jubilee celebration of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Villena whom the President described as the "champion of social justice."

She thanked the bishop for his utmost dedication and love in serving his constituents and the Filipino people.

For his part, Bishop Villena thanked President Arroyo for her friendship, inspiration and concern.

"Thank you, Madam President, I am touched by your friendship and concern."

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PGMA inaugurates Stotsenberg Hotel in Clark, Pampanga

CLARK SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, Pampanga – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated today Pampanga's latest tourist destination – Hotel Stotsenberg – in simple ceremonies at the hotel's location at the corner of Gil Puyat Avenue and A. Soriano Street here.

Named after the valiant American General John Stotsenberg, whose name preceded what was formerly known as Clark Air Base, Hotel Stotsenberg is a 238-room five-star hotel which straddles 2.8 hectares of land of what was once the largest American military air base in the country.

With the opening of Pampanga's "grand and magnificent property" and Clark's "newest gem," tourism as well as employment opportunities in the area is expected to be further boosted.

According to Damian Ramos, president and CEO of Hotel Stotsenberg, the hotel employs 700 to 1,000 individuals "with more to be hired" in the succeeding months.

Upon President’s Arroyo arrival here at around 5:00 p.m. from a prior engagement in Nueva Vizcaya, she cut the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance of the hotel, formally opening the establishment to the public.

She was assisted by House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, Luzon Urban Beltway chair Ed Pamintuan, Ramos and Clark Development Corporation president Levy Laus.

After the ceremony, the President inspected the hotel’s state-of-the-art rooms and facilities of the presidential suite at the third floor.

She was then ushered into the hotel's Casablanca Casino, aptly named in honor of that famous movie starring Katherine Hepburn, where she met with hotel and casino staff.

The President gamely posed for pictures and shook hands of her "cabalens" who were all smiles and excited to meet her.

A short program followed at the VIP room of the hotel.

After partaking of dinner, the President departed back for Malacanang.

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02 JULY 2007		.