President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday said she is going to turn over to the next administration a “new" Philippines that experienced “37 quarters of uninterrupted growth" and ready to become a First-World country in 20 years. In her speech during the celebration of the country’s 112th Independence Day, Arroyo boasted of her accomplishments, which she said will benefit the administration of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III. “We will leave a legacy of hard work, a strong and stable economy and renewed global engagement, major investments in healthcare, education, and physical infrastructure," she said in her speech in Malacanang. “I know much work remains to be done, but I am determined to turn over to a new government, a New Philippines, one that is ready for the challenges of bringing the nation to the verge of first world in 20 years," the President added. Arroyo particularly highlighted her accomplishments in giving the country’s economy “uninterrupted growth" during her nine years as president. “We put the economy first, raised revenue, invested in physical and human infrastructure. These actions would form the building blocks of a turnaround that would deliver 37 quarters of uninterrupted growth, even against the headwinds of a global recession," she said. The President likewise spoke of “improved" foreign relations under her administration, in the speech witnessed by members of the diplomatic corps. “Improved foreign relations have opened the doors of economic opportunity for those Filipinos who have chosen to go abroad. Diplomacy has helped protect the interests of hardworking Filipinos in every corner of the globe," she said. Earlier in the day, President Arroyo led the flag-raising ceremonies and laid a wreath at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila to commemorate Independence Day. Arroyo is set to relinquish her post to President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III on June 30.
