GMA's Christmas wish: A united, optimistic RP

President Arroyo said her Christmas wish is for the nation to be united and for Filipinos to remain optimistic of the future in order to help the country overcome the challenges of the global economic crisis.

The President talked about her Christmas wish during an interview with dxCC-RMN at the VIP Lounge of the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday.

She expressed elation that in the midst of the current recession roiling other economies worldwide, the Philippines remains “an island of calm.”

“So I wanted to bring the message of hope and optimism that when the new year comes, we are all united so we can overcome the world economic crisis and bring prosperity to our nation,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

She said that by coming together as one nation, “Filipinos would demonstrate the shared strength and resilience in the face of the gloomy world economic prospects next year.”

The President expressed confidence that the Philippines would be able to weather the global economic storm, thanks to the big revenue surplus generated by tax reforms instituted by her administration, notably the value added tax (VAT).

The VAT proceeds are to be mobilized to spur the economy next year, she said.

Before and after the interview, Mrs. Arroyo was serenaded with a choral rendition of one of the oldest Christmas songs, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” sung by the regional officials of government line agencies, members of the media and local officials led by Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, Mayor Constantino Jaraulla, Vice Mayor Vicente Emano and Misamis Oriental 2nd district Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano.

After the interview, she proceeded to the Christmas gift-giving event for some 3,000 indigent residents of Camiguin.