GMA: Help me liberate Filipinos from poverty

President Arroyo appealed yesterday for help to free thousands of Filipinos from the clutches of poverty.

In a speech delivered in Filipino before the start of the 103rd Independence Day parade in Rizal Park, Mrs. Arroyo said the fight against poverty can be won only if Filipinos are united against the common enemy.

"True peace and freedom are possible only if the people are one and together in the pursuit of greater peace and prosperity," the Chief Executive said.

Earlier yesterday, the President said the Philippines is well on its way to economic and political stability under her five-month- old administration and is determined to carve its own niche in the global arena.

Mrs. Arroyo spoke before the international community during the traditional vin d’honneur she hosted for the diplomatic corps on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of Philippine independence.

She was in turn toasted by the diplomatic corps for her "impressive" accomplishments in the past five months.

Mrs. Arroyo noted with optimism that the "political healing process" has begun after the May 14 elections that were marked by accusations and counter-accusations of cheating by both the administration and opposition.

"I am also happy to note the willingness of both the administration and opposition members of the Philippine Congress as well as our local officials to work together for the nation’s good as a sure sign that the political healing process has started," the President said.

"For a combination of freedom and unity among our people who are pulling together in the same direction to the cadence of the leaders’ call creates a powerful if not inexorable force for creativity, productivity and achievement," she said.

The President spoke before the diplomatic community composed of the respective ambassadors, heads of missions and other international organizations in the country headed by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Franco as dean of the diplomatic corps.

In toasting Mrs. Arroyo, Franco expressed on behalf of the diplomatic community their gratitude for her reiterating the Philippines’ commitment to cooperate actively with their respective governments and peoples whom they represent here in the country.

"Although your government, Madam President, has been in place for barely a few months, your achievements are impressive. Your Excellency’s enthusiasm in reaching out almost everywhere and in doing so many things is truly amazing," Franco said.

He continued: "We are very glad and reassured by your explanation and information ... of what your government has embarked to achieve in the face of various needs and challenges facing it."

Wearing a green Maria Clara terno, the President noted that the Philippines celebrated yesterday its 103rd Independence Day anniversary amid great changes taking place in the state of affairs among and within nations.

"There is a lesson to be learned as we examine the success and failure of nations at nation-building and this is ... that nations with a free and united people and energized by effective governance have the best chance of survival even under an adverse international situation," she said.

"Therefore as my five-month old administration takes on the task of reviving our economy and addressing the inherited problems of insurgency and crime, we are also laying the foundation for the long-term change of the Philippines into a nation of inner strength and resolve," she told the diplomatic community.

She cited her administration’s peace initiatives with the various rebel groups since she assumed office Jan. 20.

"Thus we are also extending our hands of peace and reconciliation to those who have taken up arms against the government because of their political and ideological beliefs," she said, adding she was confident that a united Philippines would achieve progress.

Present at the vin d’ honneur were former President Corazon Aquino, Vice President and concurrent Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr., Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Cabinet members, top police and military brass and other officials.