GMA names new economic adviser for Northern Luzon

VIGAN CITY – President Arroyo announced here Monday the appointment of Dr. Enrie Mendoza as Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon Growth Management Area (NLGMA).

Mendoza succeeded former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson who resigned as presidential adviser when he filed his candidacy for governor recently.

The position has a Cabinet rank, with Singson regularly attending Cabinet meetings during his incumbency.

Mendoza has held various government positions including that of being Deputy Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon which he will vacate shortly.

A native of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, the new appointee holds a doctorate in Rural Development. Before his stint in Malacañang as deputy presidential assistant, he served as consultant, provincial administrator, provincial development coordinator, and general services officer all in the province of Ilocos Sur.

President Arroyo was here Monday. She attended the silver anniversary of the ordination as bishop of Archbishop Edmundo Abaya, the overseer of the archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.

Mrs. Arroyo praised Singson for doing a great job when he served as the government’s pointman in the evolution and execution of programs for the development of Northern Luzon as growth corridor.

"When I became President, I already knew what we needed in Northern Luzon so I appointed Chavit as the NLGMA presidential adviser because he was one of those who conceptualized the development plan," she said.

Singson saw the region’s strategic proximity" to China as a "clean advantage" and urged the government to seize the opportunity by providing the necessary development support. – Teddy Molina