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