First Family on vacation in Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo brought their children and grandchildren to Hong Kong yesterday for a three-day private vacation, officials said.

Mrs. Arroyo left Manila mid-morning and was in the former British colony by noon, officials said. The President arrived from Copenhagen, Denmark on Saturday.

“President Arroyo is in Hong Kong from Dec. 20 to 23 for a private family vacation in fulfillment of a promise to her grandchildren,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who joined the trip, said.

“She will spend Christmas eve with her cabalens (province mates) in Pampanga,” he said.

Mrs. Arroyo has three grandchildren: Mikaela Gloria and Eva Viktoria, children of Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and wife Angela Montenegro; and Diosdado Luis Miguel and Marie Angelique, by Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo and wife Viktoria.

Remonde said while in Hong Kong, the President will closely monitor developments in Albay, where Mt. Mayon is expected to erupt anytime.

He said Mrs. Arroyo has instructed Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral to coordinate closely with Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council.

She will deliver her Christmas message to the nation on Dec. 24.

Presidential economic spokesperson Gary Olivar said the Palace sees a better year next year as the global economy is slowly recovering from the crisis. The government is projecting a two to three percent growth in 2010.

“We are hopeful that we will able to realize that (growth) so that we can go back fully on track to long term growth that is the going to be the legacy of the President and whoever will succeed her can continue this,” Olivar told the government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

He said the remittances from overseas Filipino workers as well as the growth in the business process outsourcing industry have helped minimize the effects of the global crisis and sustain the country’s credit ratings. – Paolo Romero