Arroyo again thanks US solons

WASHINGTON DC – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo once gain expressed her profound thanks to a group of American congressmen belonging to the US-RP Caucus for their efforts in the payment of benefits to Filipino veterans of World War II.

“Thank you friends of the Philippines. We are delighted to meet with you today,” the Chief Executive said in her speech during a luncheon reception with the Caucus July 29 at the Veterans Committee Room of the Cannon Hall Building here.

The President said the recognition ‘will go a long way to rewarding those patriotic Filipinos who fought side by side with Americans, under the United States command, during the heroic days of World War II.”

Before her speech, the President conferred awards to the following: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, Golden Heart Award; Rep Mike Honda, Golden Heart Award; Rep. Mazie Hirono, Golden Heart Award; and Rep. Bob Filner, Order of Lakandula Award; Rep. Darell Issa, Order of Lakandula Award; and Rep. Bryan Bilbray, Order of Lakandula Award.

According to the President, the historic ties that bind the two nations run deep adding, that the US is essential to the country’s economic, diplomatic and national security. The President pointed out that her administration stands firmly with the US government in the fight against terrorism, standing up to North
Korea’s nuclear adventurism as well as fighting for human rights.

She told American legislators about the re-establishment of official contact toward the resumption of peace talks in Mindanao, in the Muslim south of the Philippines.

“Interfaith dialogue and the pivotal role of the international community, including members of the Philippines-US Friendship Caucus, played a central role in getting the peace process back on track,” the
President declared.

Through your support for the budget, the President added that the US has been “a strong ally in helping train our military to be professional and effective.”

Aside from this, the President likewise noted that the US has been a key ally in advancing the ‘soft’ power by helping build schools, roads and bridges and building up the local economy through development assistance.

The President expressed hope that his new paradigm for peace is something that can be replicated elsewhere in the world. In this connection, she underscored the need to bring peoples of all faiths together, stop violence and move ahead in common humanity.

At the same time, the President lauded the American House specifically for passing the proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act. The President said that the Philippines, as an island nation, is particularly vulnerable to dramatic changes in weather and rising seas.

She vowed to do everything in power to work with the US on this vital issue that confronts the Philippines and the entire human race.