Ubay, Bohol (29 June) -- Thousands came to see President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the last time as their national leader and they thanked her for the infrastructure projects she brought into the province, the latest of which is the Ubay Port which will serve as another gateway to Cebu and other parts of Luzon,Visayas and Mindanao.

The sentiments of the locals were expressed by Governor Erico B. Aumentado, who said that the Chief Executive's projects in the province have all bailed out the province from the so-called "Club 20" composed of the 20 poorest provinces in the country in 2004.

Aumentado said the President's more than 15 visits to the province ensured the completion and delivery of projects.

"Bohol is known for its Chocolate Hills listed under the World Heritage program; the world-famous tarsier and beautiful beaches and scenic spots that local and foreign tourists patronize," Aumentado said.

Aumentado called the President "patroness" of the province for giving not just her valuable time listening to their needs, but also bringing with each of her visit the funds and infrastructure projects.

Aumentado gave her full credit for the circumferential road, the Panglao International Airport, the four other ports in the province, including the new Ubay port and the anti- poverty initiatives as well as livelihood programs that "she gave to us from her heart."

"She loves the province so much and we certainly feel that love and we surely love her in return and we will always cherish every good deed she gave us," Aumentado said.

The President came with Transportation and Communication Secretary Anneli Lontoc and Philippine Ports Authority District Manager Alex Cruz for the unveiling of the marker and the briefing on the Ubay port project by Lontoc.

Aumentado said that under President Arroyo, the province became self sufficient in rice having increased its production to 115 percent in 2009, thus enabling it to export to neighboring provinces of Cebu, Dumaguete and other provinces in the Visayas even during the El Nino and the rice crisis of 2008.

Touched by the expressions of gratitude, President Arroyo went to the stage and summoned two beneficiaries of the Ubay port project namely William Tagle, a heavy machinery contractor and Ruben Hamilo, a poultry and livestock trader, selling his animals and animal feeds to Cebu and Bohol.