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President Gloria Arroyo did not cancel her official
trip to the United States, the Palace said Sunday.
The President held a meeting
Saturday night before leaving to the US to address the problems
brought about by Typhoon Frank this week. While abroad, she will be
holding frequent teleconferences with her Cabinet members.
Mrs. Arroyo instructed the
Departments of National Defense, Interior and Local Government,
Public Works and Highways, Health and Social Welfare and Development
to work together in addressing the situation caused by the recent
typhoon.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap
also received an instruction to ensure stable rice supply in
affected areas. President Arroyo warned rice hoarders not the
exploit the situation because they will suffer the consequences of
their acts.
While facing the huge task of
responding to the devastation made by Typhoon Frank, Press Secretary
Jesus Dureza said the President will not cut short the official
trip, and that she would continuously be hands-on towards the
situation in the Philippines. Likewise, the President can get the
National Disaster Coordinating Council to act as if she’s
personally here in Manila.
When Mrs. Arroyo wanted to get
constant updates from the Philippines, she immediately made a
telephone conference with officials of the disaster council upon her
arrival in the US.
Dureza said the President
scheduled another teleconference at 3 a.m. Monday in Malacañang
with the officials of the disaster council and other Cabinet
members.
Mrs. Arroyo is meeting US
President George Bush to strengthen the relationship of the two
countries. The two leaders are expected to discuss energy and food
security, and regional peace and security, as well as possible
additional aid to the Philippines from the US.
--Angelo S. Samonte
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