Birthday boy Mike calls for unity in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY — Let us unite once and for all.

This was the message repeatedly uttered yesterday by First Gentleman Miguel "Mike" Arroyo as he attempted to bring the reconciliation efforts of his wife, President Arroyo, to as far as the evacuation camps here where some 42,000 people displaced by Mayon volcano’s recent eruption are presently housed.

Mr. Arroyo, wearing a red T-shirt and denim pants, personally visited two evacuation centers here where he led the distribution of assorted relief items which he bought out of his own pocket as gifts to the displaced Albayanos. Arroyo celebrated his 55th birthday yesterday.

"Magkaisa na po tayong lahat. Kalimutan na natin ang anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan upang tayo ay tuluyan nang umunlad (Let us unite once and for all. Let us forget whatever misunderstanding we had so we can achieve progress)," said Mr. Arroyo, who claims to have his roots in Bicol.

Warmly met by local leaders carrying placards and streamers with a "Happy Birthday Mike Arroyo" message, the First Gentleman directed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Virgilio Angelo to extend medical assistance to evacuees.

"Nagpunta ako rito sa utos ni Pangulong Arroyo. Nais niyang malaman kung ano ang mga pangangailangan ninyo. At gusto niyang magkaisa na tayong lahat (I came here on the orders of the President. She wants to know what your needs are. And she wants us to unite once and for all)," he said.

Mr. Arroyo also made the same call for unity when interviewed by the local media. "Let’s all unite now and work as a team so that progress will finally be achieved," he told a local radio station.

Aside from the relief items and bottled water, the First Gentleman distributed rice, noodles and canned goods provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provincial office.

After getting a positive response from the evacuees, Mr. Arroyo promised to personally inform the President of their additional needs.

"Alam kung mayro’n kayong problema sa tulugan, gamot at pagkain. Lahat ito ay makakarating sa Pangulo (I know you have a problem with beddings, medicines and food. I’ll bring this up with the President," he said.

Mr. Arroyo also ordered the PCSO to assist in the operation of a seven-month-old evacuee, identified as Alaysa Nuñez, who was born with deformed legs. Alaysa is a resident of Bonga, one of the villages located within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

He added that given an opportunity, the President would visit Albay anytime next week to see the condition of the Mayon evacuees.