GMA to lift Bicol economy via railways.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Ronnie Lorejo and Juan Escandor Jr.

LEGAZPI CITY-President Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday vowed to help the Bicol region rise from being the second poorest region in the country to a higher economic level within six years, especially through the rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways from Metro Manila to Legazpi City.

The President arrived at the Legazpi airport here at about 5 p.m. and was given a briefing on the peace situation by military and police officials, together with Albay Gov. Fernando Gonzales, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, Rep. Joey Salceda and other local officials, at the arrival area of the airport.

Briefly speaking before participants and guests in the Ibalong Festival street presentation at the Pe[currency]aranda Park here, she called on the Bicolanos to urge their congressmen, governors and other local officials to work together for the realization of their dream to be lifted out of poverty.

The Chief Executive also told the Bicolanos that she would push for the establishment of roll-on, roll-off facilities at the major Bicol ports to facilitate the movement of passenger and cargo between the region and the Visayas provinces.

Rosal crowned President Arroyo with a headdress locally called "putong," in recognition of the great concern the President has shown to the Bicolanos.