Arroyo’s bday wish: More jobs, better education, health for all

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday said that she only has three wishes on her 59th birthday: more jobs, better education and health services for the people. The President arrived in her hometown of Lubao, Pampanga where she heard mass with husband Jose Miguel, daughter Luli, son Dato and granddaughter Micaela. In her short message after the mass officiated by Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto at the St. Augustine Church, Mrs. Arroyo said: “What is my birthday wish? For my birthday this year, I wish to have more and better jobs, education, and health for the people." In partly fulfilling her own birthday wish, the President directed Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. to release an additional P500 million for PhilHealth cards to cover the health insurance of more poor Filipinos. She also said that the government has earmarked P700 million to buy half-priced medicines to be sold in more than 5,000 Botika sa Barangay all over the country. The President had lunch with local officials before visiting the newly rehabilitated Escolastica Romero Hospital near the town's municipal hall, then inspected the megadike in San Fernando City. She also passed by San Fernando to inaugurate the town's PhilHealth building. At the start of her day, the President gave out gifts to 150 orphans at the Hospicio de San Jose near Ayala Bridge, Manila, and ate cotton candy with them. She said she hoped that the children would have good education and good health so that they can land good jobs when they grow up. Mr. Arroyo said that his wish for the President is that she becomes better appreciated for her hard work for the country, while her Cabinet members like Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita hopes she would continue to overcome all her political challenges.-GMANews.TV