Warm welcome for PGMA by DC FilAm Community
By Bambi Lorica, MD
Washington, DC, July 30, 2009 - An enthusiastic group of approximately 400 FilAm community leaders warmly welcomed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel here in Washington, DC, soon after arriving from Manila via Vancouver, the night before her anticipated meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House.
The dinner, sponsored by Filipinos International USA (FilUSA), also served as the launching of the the “Proudly Filipino” campaign of FilUSA. FilUSA is an organization that aims to strengthen the relations between the Philippines and the US, as well as be the messenger of good news to the FilAm Community in the US, by presenting information that gives more emphasis to positive developments that are taking place back home.
With the flight from Vancouver delayed for 2 hours, the FilAm community patiently waited for the arrival of the president, while being serenaded by the Mission of Mercy Choral Group lead by Community leaders Yolanda and Joe Arzadon.
During her speech, the president proudly reported that the state of the Philippine economy is strong in the face of a global economic recession. She thanked the FilAm community abroad for their remittances, which have continued to increase despite the recession.
In her speech, PGMA also stated that she has no desire to stay in office beyond 2010, but quickly reminded everyone that she still has one more year to further serve the Filipinos.
The president was accompanied by DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and House Speaker Prospero Nograles who will meet with their respective counterparts here in the US.
Secretary Ed Pamintuan, Presidential Adviser for External Affairs was instrumental in gathering support for the President in the US with the help of local community leaders Henry Balagtas and Marlon Deausen.
While in Washington, Arroyo also met with key US government officials and members of the House of Representatives, private sector partners and business groups.
President Arroyo is the first leader from Southeast Asia invited to visit the U.S. under the Obama administration.
[...] 10 PM Actual start with the dinner was held with around 400 members of FILUSA: [...]
A well written article. I appreciate the initiative of FilUSA in highlighting positive developments here in the Philippines. More power to you all.