GMA’s farewell speech calls for reconciliation

A week before she steps down from office, President Gloria Arroyo gave her farewell address to the nation Wednesday evening. President Arroyo’s five-minute speech was aired live at 7 p.m. over the Presidential Broadcast Center in Malacañang and patched through state-run network NBN 4 and sequestered television stations RPN 9 and IBC 13.

The President’s farewell address summarized her administration’s accomplishments in the past nine years, called for reconciliation and took a positive view of the incoming administration of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd.

“Nine years ago, I came to the presidency. At the time of a great turmoil in our nation, I accepted the challenge of the office that has been vested upon me. At the time, the country was reeling from political intrigue and distressed economy,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

“We set to work in reforming our economy and investing in our people. Along the way, we have to make unpopular choices. But we did so, against the odds, for a very simple reason—we had to have new money for more and better healthcare, education and job creation,” she added.

“Through hard work, determination and a clear plan of action, we have achieved many of these objectives. As a result, we have now 37 quarters of uninterrupted economic growth even at the headwind of the economic recession,” the President said.

She called for unity and reconciliation, which also formed part of her 10-point legacy agenda.

“Each successive government must build on the successes and progress of the previous one, advance the programs that work, leave behind those that don’t,” President Arroyo said.

She thanked ordinary Filipinos, who she said served as the backbone of economic growth in the country.

“We’re all on the journey together. As our nation moves forward, let us all join hands in unity and more confidently toward a better tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you,” the President said.

Ending her farewell speech, Mrs. Arroyo added, “Malaking karangalan ang makapaglingkod sa sambayanan bilang Pangulo. Sa inyong lahat, na napagsilbihan ko sa mahirap ngunit makasaysayang landas, maraming, maraming salamat [It was a big honor to serve the nation as President. To all of you, who I served during a difficult but historic journey, many, many thanks].” –JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ REPORTER, Manila Times