STA. RITA, Pampanga – A few hours before leaving for the United States for a meeting with President Barack Obama, President Macapagal-Arroyo came first to her homeprovince of Pampanga on Wednesday, her 20th visit since February.
Coming in red pants and blouse, Ms Arroyo led groundbreaking rites starting 9 a.m. for two water systems. The one in Barangay Dila-Dila costs P10 million and the other in Barangay San Basilio is worth P5 million. These will benefit a total of 2,700 households or 17,000 people, according to Antonio Magtibay, interim president of the Sta. Rita Waterworks.
"Lupa yang mapagal (She looks tired)," a man shouted after jostling for space in the cheering crowd in Dila-Dila.
It was her third visit in Sta. Rita, according to Mayor Yolanda Pineda.
In Barangay Sta. Monica where the government’s service caravan was held, Ms Arroyo gave 10 cal. 45 pistols to the town’s police and 10 shotguns to 10 barangay peace and order committees. The firearms were distributed infront of some 1,000 elementary students.
She told her audience that the distribution of firearms to lawful authorities was part of the intensified peace and order drive she promised to carry out during her State of the Nation Address before Congress last Monday.
Before returning to Malacanang, Ms Arroyo inspected the cleaning of waterways in Barangay San Agustin by volunteers with the Organized Youth Stewards of Esteros and Rivers (Oysters) of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the President will take a 1:30 p.m. flight to Vancouver, Canada for a connecting flight to San Francisco in California.
Like in past visits, Ms Arroyo did not announce any political plan that she would take after her term ends on June 2010.
The frequent visits in Pampanga’s second district had fueled reports she would vie for a seat in Congress via the same district.
Her son, incumbent Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, did not join the President in the Sta. Rita visit.
