Butuan City (March 28) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Secretary Cerge Remonde, to immediately repair rain-damaged roads in some areas in Caraga region.

The President made the instruction after she inspected the National Food Authority (NFA) Warehouse in Barangay Libertad, this city.

President Arroyo said the rain-damaged sections of the Surigao-Davao road must be given priority, as well as in Claver, Surigao del Norte to Carrascal, Surigao del Sur so that rice can get out from the granary will be immediately brought from Cantilan and Madrid to Tago, all in Surigao del Sur.

The President added that in order to avoid rice shortage in the country, all infrastructure projects must be given attention especially roads so that supply of rice will immediately be delivered to its destination.

The President also said that in Manila, there are ships carrying rice that cannot dock due to congestions. Because of this, she said that she has instructed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap to talk to Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza to give priorities on this concern.

As to the delay of delivering rice by land, President Arroyo already instructed Sec. Remonde to relay the instruction to PNP Chief Avelino Razon to ensure that rice crops and other food convoys be secured against harm.

She also added that 'Kotong' cops must be "quashed like rats" so that this will not be a reason for eliminating police checkpoints because this can help the motoring public in deterring crime. "Checkpoints are meant to deter criminals and not to detain food", the President said.

Before ending her pronouncements, the President again reminded Sec. Remonde to keep in touch with the PNP and the DPWH.

The chief executive of the country is also here in the city to be with the Bishops of Mindanao for a dialogue and testimonial dinner with Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Edward Joseph Adams. It was also learned that today is the celebration of the 40th year of the priesthood of Butuan Bishop Juan de dios Pueblos.

Tomorrow, March 28, she will be flying to Malimono, Surigao del Norte tomorrow, March 28 for the delivery of social services to the poorest of the poor. (PIA-13) [top]