NEWSFLASH
MORE GOVT AID TO ABRA'S AGRICULTURAL DEVPT
Bucay, Abra, March 24, 2001 - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Saturday the provision of more government assistance to Abra for speedy development of the province’s agricultural potentials.
The President, who arrived here to an enthusiastic welcome early Saturday morning from thousands of Ilocanos, distributed at the town plaza 130 certificates of land ownership to beneficiaries from the municipalities of Tubo, Tineg, Lacub, Bucloc and Daguiaman.
The Chief Executive was assisted in the distribution of titles by Secretary Hernani Braganza of the Department of Agrarian Reform and Jose Mari Gerochi, officer-in-charge of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
She also handed 97 free patent certificates from the DENR to landowners in Manabo, Tenarrubia, Tayum, Langangilang and Bucay.
Mrs. Arroyo capped her brief visit here with the presentation of a P4.5 million check from the Department of Agriculture to Bucay Mayor Luisito Bernardez for funding agricultural livelihood projects, and another P2.5 million check for rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of electric lines and facilities in the area.
The President, cognizant of the vast agricultural potentials of Abra, which produces such cash crops as corn, rice, root crops and vegetables, ordered more government assistance to the agricultural sector here.
Such assistance includes irrigation projects worth P50 million and other infrastructure facilities designed to create more livelihood opportunities for residents of the province.
This has been Mrs. Arroyo’s first visit to Abra since she became President on Jan. 21, 2001.
Speaking in the Ilocano dialect, President Macapagal-Arroyo expressed optimism that the townsfolk of Bucay and all towns of Abra could contribute to the further improvement of the country’s economy.
She also cited the track record of excellent public services and qualifications of the administration candidates for senator in the May 14, 2001 elections.
President Macapagal Arroyo said that her administration is now focused on fighting poverty through various economic-oriented programs.
Bucay is among the towns in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
In her speech, the President stressed the importance of unity among the Filipinos. "It is not important whether we are Christians or Muslims or pagans. What matters is that we are one as Filipinos," she said.
The President also visited the Catral Garment Factor whose employees included women trained as sewers by the Department of Social Welfare and Development during her tenure as DSWD secretary.
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