Tacloban City (October 23) -- The unification of the country, the unity of the people -- these are the basic guarantees of the sure triumph of the country's cause to thwart the threats of terrorism.

Indeed, national unity is vital amid the county's unceasing crusade to repel the threats of terrorism and no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the nation to unite and help the government in the continuous fight against terrorism so that the country can move forward.

The bombing of the Glorietta 2 shopping mall at the Ayala Center in Makati City on Friday where 11 people were killed and many others were seriously injured, is a clear indication of the attempt by a certain group to destabilize the government and disturb the positive outcome of the country's economy.

In her speech at the 62nd Founding Anniversary of Catanduanes, the President expressed hope for the whole country to unite so that the people will enjoy peace and prosperity.

Musing and wishing that all these political noise will be over so that everyone could buckle down to work, the President noted that despite the attempt to disturb the peace and order situation in the country, the economy has continued to display a rosy performance.

In fact, she said, the economy has reached another new level of maturity and stability with some of the strongest macroeconomic fundamentals in 20 years.

Indeed, since the President assumed the presidency in 2001, the National Government has been able to generate large revenues unprecedented in history, cut down tax cheats, strengthen the peso and move the stock market.

Imagine what the country would have achieved and will be able to achieve if there is National Unity among the people – the government will translate the gains of the reforms implemented into real benefits that would trickle down to the Filipino people.