Commentary: Unity of all sectors imperative for nation's peace, emancipation from poverty
Tacloban City (October 24) -- Real economic development will only be ushered in if and when there is lasting peace in a community.
Thus, side-by-side with the fortification of anti-terrorism schemes, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo revealed that the government will accelerate the implementation of agricultural development programs as a key component of the government's anti-poverty initiative.
In the aftermath of the Glorietta explosion, the countries anti-terrorism strategies and other security measures will be tightened in order to ensure the safety of the people.
It is time the detractors learn that they are gravely mistaken if they believe that Filipinos will succumb to the sinister forces trying to sow chaos and fear among the people, violence and national discord.
It is imperative that the people, military, police and the government, all join hands in the wake of the nation's efforts to achieve unity. This, even as the President assures that the country will continue to keep its partnerships with other countries strong.
Together with the tightening of security measures, the President declared that the government will also bolster anti-poverty initiatives.
The President declared the government's program to develop two million hectares of agricultural lands, and create two million new jobs.
Aside from the two million new agriculture-related jobs, the President said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched it own initiatives to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) cope with the current strengthening of the Philippine peso.
All these initiatives, however, will all be in vain, if the people will not embrace them and give their support and cooperation.
It is imperative therefore, for all sectors of the country to join hands and unite if lasting peace and real economic development will be ushered in, in the country. (PIA 8) [top]
