LUBAO, Pampanga – Former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo turned 70 yesterday and celebrated her birth anniversary with constituents here outside detention for the first time in six years.
But instead of holding a lavish celebration and wishing more for herself and family, Mrs. Arroyo wished and prayed for the success of the administration of President Duterte.
“I have no personal birthday wish because I think I have everything,’’ Arroyo said. “But since I have been a leader, my wishes are for the country. And my wish is for the success of President Duterte because his success is the success of the country.’’
Arroyo first attended a thanksgiving mass offered at the San Agustin Church together with her husband, former First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel “Mike” T. Arroyo, and children Mikey, Dato, and Luli, and her grandchildren. She then joined well-wishers in a simple reception at the grounds.
Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Reps. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Lorna Silverio of Bulacan accompanied Arroyo in her birth anniversary celebration.
Arroyo also attended the inauguration of the two-story Escolastica Romero District Hospital and its extended building in this town, where she was joined by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial and other hospital officials and staff.
She disclosed that the ERDH was named after her great grandmother Escolastica Romero and it was also the hospital where her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal, was healed of his sickness during his childhood.
“My wish is that doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff should love this hospital. Their hearts and dedication should be in this hospital,’’ she said. (Franco G. Regala)