PGMA urges Samareños to unite for peace and progress

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
October 18, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the occasion of her visit to celebrate with the people of Calbayog on the occasion of their 58th Charter Day commemoration urged all Samareños to unite for peace.

Speaking before an estimated 3,000 Samareños gathered at the Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (TTMIST), the President introduced her military officials whom she said could very well maintain peace and order in the area.

She mentioned LtGen. Cardoso Luna, who she said has a very impressive record of pursuing peace. She also mentioned 8th ID Chief MajGen. Rodrigo Maclang who has been newly installed as the 8th ID Commander based in Catbalogan, Samar. Another General, now PNP 8 Regional Director Eliseo dela Paz joined the ranks of the mentioned generals with the same mission: promote peace and eventually progress in Samar.

The President said that before Calbayog and Samar would be able to revive its old glory witnessed then by her father the Late President Diosdado Macapagal who ordered the construction of Calbayog Port in its prime, Calbayog and Samar have to achieve peace in all the villages in the area before it can attain progress.

Aside from emphasizing the benefits of peace in the area, the President also stressed that a Notice to Proceed regarding the construction of the Calbiga-Calbayog road section rehabilitation project amounting to P2.8 billion – a much sought after development project for the province of Samar has been given. This received a loud applause from the masses.

The President was joined by all congressmen of the whole Samar island, Governor Evardone was the only governor who attended the program. PIA learned though that Governor Milagrosa Tan joined the President and Party at the airport. She was accompanied during her visit by Secretary Arturo Yap, Secretary Gabriel Claudio who is also from Samar, Assistant Secretary of Air Transportation Office Nilo Jatico, among others.

PGMA also unveiled projects in Calbayog which the national government has supported, foremost of which is the Cabagyang Bridge, the Transco Project and the awarding of Secure Tenure Certificate to some 1,700 informal settlers.