MALASIQUI – Despite stormy weather, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo motored here on Thursday to officiate in the mass oath-taking of all newly elected barangay officials in the third district of Pangasinan.

The mass oath-taking coincided with the birthday of Rep. Rachel Arenas, congresswoman of the third district of Pangasinan, held at the family’s spacious farm in barangay Nancapian.

Sworn in by the president were newly elected barangay captains and councilmen from Malasiqui, San Carlos City, Bayambang, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao and Mapandan.

Accompanied by Trade Secretary Peter Favilla, who is from Dagupan City, the President arrived at past 12 p.m. wearing a loose cream jacket with a hood to shield her head from the rains, amidst the cheers of Rep. Arenas’ well-wishers, numbering more than 2,000.

Because of stormy weather, the Presidential, chopper had to land at Clark, from Malacañang and the presidential party motored to Malasiqui.

After the oath-taking, President Arroyo had launch with the congresswoman and her mother socialite Rosemary Baby Areanas, and officials of Pangasinan.

Former Vice Mayor Oscar Lambino said that was only the second time that President Arroyo came over to Malasiqui. The first time was in barangay Cabatling when she was still vice president.

Mrs. Arroyo was met here by PNP Chief Director General Avelino Razon who came over to inaugurate a new built community precinct in the adjacent barangay of Lareg-lareg.