MALASIQUI - Thousands of people from here and nearby towns cheered President Macapagal-Arroyo as she dropped by this town before going to Baguio City to attend the graduation ceremony at the Philippine Military Academy last Tuesday.

In her brief speech, she assured that more projects would come for the third district aside from the ongoing infrastructure projects like the bridge constructions in Calasiao, Bayambang and Sta. Barbara. She recognized the support for her by third district Rep. Rachel Arenas, a “strong ally” in Congress.

Arenas, it will be recalled, voted yes for the change in the speakership in the House of Representatives and threw her support to Malacanang to the dismay of fourth district Congressman Jose de Venecia, Jr.

The President arrived almost 12 noon at the Malasiqui Central School. She quickly proceeded to the groundbreaking rites for a four-storey school building within the compound, then presided over service-oriented activities that aimed to fight hunger, alleviate poverty and generate employment.

Launched was the Food for School program by the education department in coordination with the National Food Authority where 11 school district under Pangasinan I division are program recipients. One-kilo packs of iron-fortified rice were given to pre-identified pupils from this town. Grocery packs were also given to identified recipients.

Training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, health insurance cards from Philhealth, farm implements from the agriculture department, and buntis kits from the health department rounded up the items and implements distributed to beneficaries coming from all over the district and from Dagupan City who formed part of the overflow crowd of some 10,000.

The presidential visit was also highlighted by a medical-dental mission which drew thousands of local residents. It was held in time for the Women’s Month celebration this month of March.
Cabinet members Esperanza Cabral (social welfare and development), Jesli Lapus (education), Francisco Duque (health), Arthur Yap (agriculture), and Peter Favila (trade and industry) accompanied the Chief Executive.

Arenas, Gov. Amado Espino, Dagupan City Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr. and mayors from the third district also graced the occasion. (PIA/DOS)