GMA unveils bridge project

President Arroyo opened 30 pilot bridges all over the country yesterday in a ceremonial launching of the "Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay Project" at Malacañang.

The President thanked Queen Elizabeth and the British government, which principally funded the program that will put up 402 pre-fabricated compact steel bridges re-linking Filipinos in far-flung areas to centers of development. The inauguration capped the numerous activities attended by Mrs. Arroyo on the occasion of her 54th birthday.

After a hectic schedule in Pampanga yesterday, the President flew back to Malacañang, where she switched on the lights of a Philippine map displaying the bridge sites. She was assisted by British Ambassador to the Philippines Allan Collins.

The "Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay" is a project principally funded through a concessional loan of 98 million pounds sterling (P6.9 billion) by the United Kingdom export Credit Guarantee Program.

In a pre-taped message, Prince Philip greeted Mrs. Arroyo and hailed the launching of the bridge project. A separate taped message from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was also played. – Marichu Villanueva