PGMA in Iligan City

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo once again bring the government, especially the central government, closer to the people, particularly in Northern Mindanao, as she presides over the first full Cabinet meeting for the new year yesterday at the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House in Barangay Buru-un, Timoga, Iligan City. The Cabinet meeting was originally scheduled in Molundo, Lanao del Sur, but was reset to Iligan City so the President could also visit the flood victims. On top of the agenda of the Cabinet meeting is the government's economic resiliency plan, specifically on the importance of putting in place vital infrastructures that are necessary for the country to weather the global economic crisis.The President and her Cabinet also tackle the government's comprehensive livelihood and emergency programs intended to assist the people cope with the effects of the global economic slowdown that has undeniably affected the local economy. The Mindanao peace process, particularly the Social Integration Program for Returnees, is also one of the priority matters that was discussed in the meeting. This include updates on the peace talks and development efforts as the achievement of a long-lasting peace in Mindanao remains one of the President's top priority. At 6 p.m., the President motor to the evacuation center at the Tubod Elementary School to visit some 700 families displaced by the Jan. 2 flashfloods that hit the city.