Arroyo back in Palace after spending holidays in Baguio

MANILA, Philippines - After a week-long vacation in Baguio City, President Arroyo returned to Malacañang Thursday afternoon, a Palace statement said Thursday. The Palace said Mrs Arroyo and her party took off from the Loakan Airport in Baguio City on board the presidential chopper at 1 p.m. She and her family had gone to Baguio last Dec. 26 to spend the holidays and to visit and inspect some vital government projects. Before proceeding to Baguio City, she passed by to Pangasinan to inspect the Spanish-inspired park where a statue of Spanish Augustinian priest Andres de Urdaneta was to be installed in front of the newly-built Urdaneta City Hall in Urdaneta City. She also witnessed the palay procurement activity in Binalonan. In Baguio City, she presided over the meeting of the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) at the Mansion House, then held a fellowship with the Baguio and Cordillera mediamen at the private Arroyo residence at the Polo Field in Pacdal. Last Sunday, she and first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and their children attended a morning Mass then took a short trek to two mystique caves-Hanging Coffins and Lumbiang Burial Cave in Sagada, Mountain Province. Before going to La Union for Rizal Day celebration last Tuesday, Mrs Arroyo led the unveiling of centennial markers at the gates of the Mansion to commemorate its 100th year. She then proceeded to San Fernando City in La Union to lead the commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the martyrdom of the country s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. There she also met privately with military and police officials and heads of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Dangerous Drug Board. In the evening, she had a fellowship night with Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos media people at Poro Point. On Wednesday, she had an interview with local media then distributed gifts to selected poor residents of the 128 villages of Baguio City at the Mansion grounds. She also inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated Baguio-Aritao Road. On New Year's Eve, the first family participated in a private Mass at the Mansion conference room which was officiated by healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez. Together with some special guests, they had a private media noche. - GMANews.TV