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am as the flexitime sked does not apply. Everyone is supposed to attend our flag ceremony. Except for the customary flag ceremony during events, I don't remember ever attending one in my entire employment with this office on a very early Monday morning. Morning is such a tough deal for this blogger. Even if I manage to wake up early, lots of things can spoil the effort. I am trying to reform but with very minimal progress. The rest of the days should be fine. I have a one hour window from 8:00 to 9:00am to work with. The start of the week marks an important event as P/GMA delivered her last SONA. She was in a fighting mood as she made several snide remarks she directly addressed to various individuals or groups whom she referred to collectively as her “critics".
There is no question that a lot of the gains that Arroyo listed in her SONA were really the fruits of her remarkable work ethic. Even her worst critics will probably express only admiration for the long hours she puts on the job, not just in the office but in the field as well.
But who would miss the omission of certain facts related to the achievements cited in her SONA. Foremost among these is the quality of the economic growth that Arroyo celebrated in her speech as “uninterrupted growth for 33 quarters." She also cited increased investments, jobs, tourist arrivals, and an improving credit rating for the country. Many of the achievements she claimed were quickly challenged by economists, academics, independent politicians and business people. Did the growth she is so consumed about trickled to the masses? Lets ask ourselves that question.
Our economy is not shielded from external forces that have made whatever progress made insignificant. Whether the economy is on a slower growth or in a contraction, what is clear is that this level of performance already means some sectors of the economy are now at the losing end. Arroyo’s SONA missed a chance to assure these sectors that better times are just ahead. The people remain in the dark as to what options are available to them while the economy tries to weather the global crisis.
While the SONA failed to meet expectations of a clear roadmap for economic recovery in the coming year, there was a curious fighting stance that Arroyo conveyed to the political opposition. By repeatedly attacking the political opposition, Arroyo succeeded in making the SONA sound like a campaign speech. It will truly be a pity if the next few months are spent more on divisive politicking at the expense of the economy. (Culled from Post-SONA analysis: A curious fighting stance by
PING GALANG)
By midweek, P/GMA and her party crossed the Pacific Ocean to fulfill their most cherished dream....... to meet the charismatic President Obama after repeatedly being snubbed.
A friend who is back from the US called me to ask for an old friend's number. Last week, this friend was boasting about passing the state board for lawyers during a dinner saying an ESQ could now be attached to his name. At the same time, he was telling us about the difficulty of finding a job if you are not in the medical or IT profession. He was left at home becoming a home dad while his wife works as a teacher. He was asking for our friend's number because he wants to apply for a job here before trying his luck once again in the US. Apparently, being self-employed which he did while he was here, was not a good background if one is seeking employment in the US.
My brother is also experiencing the scourge of recession. America is still reeling from the financial crisis. His wife manages to get a job but my brother can only manage to have volunteer work. They are ambivalent about staying or not in the land of milk and honey. Back here, their home was ransacked by looters who took advantage of the raging rains in the dead of the night.
On Friday night, I met up with my friend, V......, for some girl's talk at some bar. These talks are essential to keep our sanity intact amidst various demands in today's crazy world.
In the weekend, an icon would depart from this mortal world and a nation would be united again as we all grieve her passing. Our family was contemplating on visiting President Cory Aquino's wake at La Salle Greenhills while having lunch on a Sunday. Hubby was not so keen. I cannot go so far with my car because of defective wipers and it was raining. We would learn later that a people's funeral from Manila cathedral to Manila Memorial Park in Sucat is being arranged on Wednesday. The girls and I will be watching the funeral march. ED will not be coming home and will watched it along with her friends at Roxas Boulevard. MD and I will be joining the throngs at Sucat Road to pay our respect to our dear President.
Clik here for live videostreaming of President Cory's wake.
Related Posts:
Summary: President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address from 2001-2008
Arroyo flies to the US to meet with Obama
Lito Lapid fails to get 'wish' with Obama
Corazon Aquino, Philippines president, dead at 76
It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero...... President Cory Aquino
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