Malacañang
24 June 2010 
 

Barely a week before her term ends, President Arroyo was feted by local government leaders of the Cordillera Administrative Region with the conferment of "In-Inan di Kordilyera (Mother of Cordillera" title in recognition of the several economic development projects she implemented in the region.
Abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin, Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Rep. Solomon Chungalao and Mountain Province Gov. Maximo Dalog gave their version of "Pasasalamat" to the President during a testimonial event in Malacañang by citing the various development projects that greatly helped improve the lives of the people in their communities (e.g., farm-to-market roads and bridges, irrigation projects, cold chain facilities).
Environment Secretary and Cabinet Official for Regional Development (CORD) Horacio Ramos said the Cordillerans will be forever thankful on the legacy projects she had given them.
CAR Presidential Assistant Armando Galimba also led the reading of his composition, the Cordillerans Declaration of Thanks. It states, "Care and love you showered to the Cordillera Region, outpouring support you mobilized under your dispensation, roads and infrastructure projects you pursued with conviction, drawing all the Cordillerans nearer to their neighbors."
To further show their appreciation, President Arroyo was bestowed with gifts that included a crown of made of Igorot beads (for wisdom), a necklace (for enduring leadership) and an Ikat weave coat (for protection), among others. (MDF)