PGMA's Speech during the Grand Opening of "Madayaw Dabaw" Exhibits and Festivities for the 'WOW Davao' Festival in Intramuros, Manila

Clam Shell, Intramuros, Manila (06 Nov 2003)
Thank you.

Thank you very much, Secretary Dick Gordon. We were all very proud to be elected as member of the security council of the United Nations. We are equally proud to be elected as member of the executive board of the world tourism organization represented by Secretary Dick Gordon.

Governor Dolfo del Rosario, not only governor of Davao del Norte but the governor of governors because he is the president of the League of Governors and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

Governor Marlene Palma Gil. You noticed we have the same blouse, the Mandaya blouse because the Mandaya is the ethnic group that is very unique to Davao region. And my blouse was given by no other than Governor Elena Palma Gil.

Congressman Way Kurat Zamora; mayor of Samal Island Garden City, Roger Antalan; Mayor of Kiblawan, Concepcion Caminero; Vice Governor Baby Suaybaguio of Davao del Norte; Mayor of Tagum City, Mayor Hementiza; Mayor of Panabo City, Mayor Gavina.

And I would like to thank all the various local officials who are here today -- a lot of them are here -- mga taga-Region XI, taga-Davao region, maayong hapon ug maayong pag-abot sa intramuros kaninyong tanan.

Gusto kong batiin ang Department of Tourism na naman muli ug ang mga gobyerno sa Davao region kauban ang private sector sa kapadala sa labing maayo sa Region XI sa "Visit Philippines 2003" diri sa Intramuros.

'WOW Davao" is one big event that will help bolster the image of Davao region as one of the country's more exciting havens for leisure as well as for business.

Ang atong turismo, 'yung ating tourism -- kaya naman si Dick ang daming awards na nakukuha. 'Yung huli niya kung saan siya na-represent ni Undersecretary Palabyab sa Myanmar dahil noong isang taon, kahit na ang terorismo ay tinakot ang buong mundo -- ang tourism sa Pilipinas, 'di ba, Dick? Tumaas ng 40 percent.

This is because of the natural lure and warmth of our country and people. Ang terorismo dili gibaba ang turismo tungod sa ayong dayon nga vigilance kauban ang aton mga alyado sa rehiyon ug sa kalibutan. And our political stability is what we are bolstering by our efforts to unify our nation.

This is perhaps the most sensitive point in the whole course of the current impeachment controversy. It is a time for everyone involved to take stock of conscience and duty.

On the one side, the supreme court is doing this by patiently consulting a panel of legal luminaries and Amici Curiae, and I would like to thank all our patriotic and well-meaning legal minds who are contributing their best to shed light on the issues.

On the other side, the House of Representatives, and Congressman Zamora is here, is engaged in an earnest bid at consensus building.

On my side, I have proposed a solution to the impasse in the form of a covenant. I'm confident that these separate institutional acts will have a point of convergence, although I don't expect instant results. I realize that the process of legal introspection in the supreme court and consensus building in the house are indispensable events that will hopefully contribute to a principled and commonly accepted solution. This could lead to a point of catharsis and consolidation for our nation and we should build our unity behind the constitution and the national interest. The best of our leaders are trying to find a solution and let's hold our peace and not allow our emotions to override the rule of law. If things turn out right, this could be a shining moment for Philippine democracy that will lead us to a higher plane of political stability.

Ang atong political stability gitabangan ug atong proseso alang sa kalinaw. Ug tungod kay karon, labi na karon nga naa na ang atong peace processs, Davao is one of the eight tourism areas prioritized by the tourists themselves, one of the eight favorite areas of our tourists.

And as Dick Gordon said, ang bag-o nga Davao international airport nga mainagurahan nato sa Disyembre, mo-abre pa sa labaw ang atong mga tsansa.

I commend "WOW Philippines," Dick Gordon and his team for bringing the best of our regions to Manila, particularly here in our historic Intramuros.

Of course, there's no better way than actually going to our regions but coming to Intramuros is a hassle-free and inexpensive appetizer or trailer or teaser for getting to know and appreciate our heritage and people.

Uban-uban, kinahanglan magamit nato ang turismo isip usa ka tinuod nga ginikanan ug kauswagan sa Pilipinas.

And Davao, one of the world's favorite eight destinations in the Philippines will surely on top of agri-business and industry be able to have tourism as a great source of continuing stability and progress.

Congratulations! Ug welcome gihapon kaninyong tanan.

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