Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo underscored the competitive edge of Bohol's tourism industry and vowed to pour in more tourism investments and infrastructure here in the province.

6TH SONA. Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivers her State-of-the-Nation Address with newly installed Senate Pres. Manuel Villar Jr. and House Speaker Jose de Venecia the Batasang Pambansa last Monday where anti-Arroyo marchers failed to assemble due to inclement weather spawned by typhoon "Glenda." PHILSTAR FOTO

The president also lauded Gov. Erico Aumentado having overcome the communist threat in the province while spearheading initiatives for the much-needed constitutional reforms through the league of local authorities. Speaking before the joint opening of the third regular session of the 13th Congress, Pres. Arroyo delivered the longest and most applauded SONA. The one-hour and 10-minute speech elicited 167 applauses with visual presentations on the regions where developments are being undertaken.

Pres. Arroyo said the communist insurgency here in the province was neutralized during Gen. Johnny Gomez' assignment here as head of the Philippine Army in tandem with Gov. Aumentado.

This has been a major factor for the continued development in Bohol, and becoming a tourist destination distinct from Cebu, Boracay and Palawan.

Arroyo stated during her SONA that Bohol "now merits an international airport," unquestionably putting her seal of approval for the Panglao international airport as a priority government project.

The president also mentioned that more routes for the roll-on roll-off (RORO) system (President's Nautical Highway Project) would be opened here in Bohol in addition to the existing link from the province going to Manila through bus.

Arroyo specifically pointed out the opening of the Jagna to Camiguin route, which opens another passage going to and from Mindanao.

Moreover, the Ubay port will have more trips going to Maasin, Southern Leyte, a direct route going to Manila.

The RORO system has slashed travel time from the province to Manila from 30 hours to 24 hours and fare/freight costs by about 30%.

Arroyo said this is crucial in marketing agricultural produce and food shipments.

Meanwhile, Gov. Aumentado expressed elation over Pres. Arroyo's continuing efforts and commitment to bring progress here in Bohol.

During an interview in Manila, the governor said that there are many reasons why Boholanos should be thankful to the president.

Reiterating her call for constitutional change in order to open our rules of investment into the new millennium, Pres. Arroyo said our "outmoded" Constitution is the most prohibitive red tape.

She also said that her administration has adopted a new public bidding process which is shortened to 45 days for infrastructure and 26 days for supplies.

Pres. Arroyo said that the government is investing in five areas to make our country globally competitive.

The president personified the achievements of the country's growing economy by citing three ordinary citizens whose life stories have made an impact on other people.

First, is by making our labor force globally viable. Second, the reduction of electricity and power costs to make our factories productive with quality- low-cost products.

Third, modernizing infrastructure at least cost to efficiently transport goods and people. Fourth, mobilize, upgrade and disseminate knowledge and technologies for productivity. And reduce red tape in all agencies to cut business costs.

Pres. Arroyo said she will relinquish the presidency after her term ends, three years and eleven months from now.

The President was welcomed by the Congress welcoming committee led by newly-installed Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.