The strength of the Philippine economy goes beyond transient political events like the forthcoming May elections.

We have already laid the fundamentals of growth—a sturdy fiscal house, a solid program of good governance, a robust social payback to the people, mounting gains in the security front, and a democratic system in full bloom.

The business community is on the right track by placing their bets on this nation and government, the excellence of the Filipino and the spirit of enterprise that lives in our society.

As sure as the sun rises, we shall have clean and peaceful elections in May and there should be no doubt that the Filipino will make this happen.

"As sure as the sun rises, we shall have clean and peaceful elections in May and there should be no doubt that the Filipino will make this happen," she assured, noting that the Philippines is a nation that cherishes democracy and freedom as deeply as it cherishes enterprise and competition.

We appreciate the civic-minded move of the country’s leading business groups to sponsor and host the debate between Team Unity and the opposition.

We support all efforts to gather the nation around an enlightened, sober and informative discussion of the issues in the campaign.

Let both camps prepare their arguments in a way that will clearly reflect their respective platforms and programs of implementation.

Let this debate serve as an opportunity for the people across all sectors to scrutinize the political, social and economic creed of each candidate and show that he or she is prepared to put this on the line.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged today the leaders and organizers of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship to tie up with the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and avail of the ongoing program of the agency to provide financial assistance to all micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

The President described the ongoing Tourism Negosyo Expo of the Department of Tourism (DOT) at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City as the best tool to help her administration achieve its goal of providing job opportunities to Filipinos in the countryside.

"Sana ang Go Negosyo ay makipag-partner sa PTA para makatulong sa pagbibigay ng panimulang pondo sa eco-tourism. Sana makatulong itong Go Negosyo para makalikha ng maraming trabaho," she said in her speech honoring the Most Outstanding Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs at the three-day expo.

The President expressed confidence that with Go Negosyo, the government will be able to surpass the 3 million tourist arrivals in the country this year, resulting in more job opportunities in the tourism industry with the help of entrepreneurs.

The President awarded the trophies for the Best Improved Gawad Kalinga Product to Tabernacle of Faith Christian Academy, first place; Xavier School, second place; and San Beda College, third place.

The Tourism Awardees were Jay Aldeguer for his island souvenir savvy; Anton Carag for his adventure entrepreneurship; Don Conrado Escudero for his major tourism landmark Villa Escudero cited as APEC awardee for community based Tourism; Jomar Flores a "Spa Superman" and president of the Spa Association of the Philippines;

Ariel Jersey a "Guide Guru" for his United Tourist Promotion; Vicky Wallace a "Queen Bee "of Bohol and owner of famous Panglao Beach Resort; Ralph Espino well known as "Aquaman" for helping promote scuba diving in the country and to the world,;

Evangeline Garcia a noted Spa Queen; Joaquin Ernesto Po, president of Asian Spirit for pioneering the inter-island airline in the country; Robert Yupangco for his Hayup Entrepreneurship and Jose Mari Del Rosario, president and CEO of Microtel Inns & Suites Philippines for promoting Pinoy Hospitality.

The awardees received figured fish trophies from the President.

The Chief Executive also awarded a Special Award to Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte as aleading advocate of adventure tourism and transforming his province into a prime destination for extreme water sports.

Tourism Negosyo is co-presented by the DOT, PLDT, Smart and PAGCOR, Hyundai, San Miguel Corporation and RFM Corporation, GMA7, RPN9, NBN4, IBC 13, Business World, ASPAC Law Advertising and Ideal Minds Corporation.

From the Mall of Asia, the President motored to Teoville Subdivision in Sucat, Paranaque and led the ceremonial water commissioning of Patubig para sa SUBPRES (Subdivisions along President’s Avenue and Adjacent Areas).

With the water interconnection of Maynilad Water Services Inc. to SUBPRES, a total of 2,750 households in nine subdivisions are now enjoying water supply, including 201 commercial establishments along President Avenue and Dr. Santos Avenue.

The SUBPRES area remained waterless for almost 22 years due to the inadequate water volume being supplied to the South, especially in Paranaque City.