GMA celebrates advanced birthday with Pangasinenses

MAPANDAN, Pangasinan — President Arroyo who considers herself a Pangasinense is celebrating today her birthday in advance with fellow Pangasinenses when she arrives here at 10 a.m. to inaugurate several projects, which will be followed by a big free luncheon picnic with the townsfolk prepared by the local officials at the town plaza.

The President’s natal day coincides with the town’s fiesta celebration, said Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim. Two years ago, she also graced their town fiesta celebration.

Calimlim told The STAR that it will be a big family day celebration of Mapandenians as about 5,000 people are excepted to troop to the town plaza to partake of food to be provided by the local government.

"We will provide everything. Maybe they just have to bring extra drinks. This is the least that we could do to make our people happy," he added.

Mrs. Arroyo is turning 59 tomorrow. On her birthday last year, she wished for unity among Filipinos in difficult times.

Asked what her birthday was this year, she said: "I’m still thinking about it."

At Malacañang, the President was in a good mood yesterday and shook hands with media people, thanking them for their birthday greetings right after hosting a televised roundtable discussion on lowering the prices of liquefied petroleum gas.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he wishes the best for the President so she could continue to govern the country well.

"What better wish can we make than for her to have first, perfect health, and second, sound mind and body so she can push for all her visions for the Filipinos," Ermita said.

Mrs. Arroyo is set to spend her birthday in her hometown in Lubao, Pampanga where she usually goes to church and mingle with her townmates.

She also gets to have some private time with her family and receive the usual dozen roses from her husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. — With Aurea Calica