Icban: good things are happening in the country
BY VENUS G. VILLANUEVA

KALIBO, Aklan -- Press Secretary Crispulo Icban said many good things are happening in the country despite investigations and denunciations against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration that contributed to her poor ratings.
Icban was here on Saturday to grace a tribute ceremony tendered by the Aklan media for former vice governor, lawyer and journalist Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino; and the second anniversary of Kapihan Sa Aklan at Hernani’s Mix and Match.
The newly-appointed Press Secretary, who took over the position after Cerge Remonde’s death, said he felt there is something he can do to point out the good things the government is doing for the people.
“Few weeks after serving as Press Secretary, I learned that the country enjoyed 34 quarters of uninterrupted economic growth, we escaped from recession, and our economy is very good,” Icban said.
He said the country’s Business Process Outsourcing sector is also big, second to India, which is currently employing half a million Filipinos.
“In my first week as Press Secretary, President Arroyo started her tour of super regions. I learned for the first time that the cyber industry does not only exist in Manila but in Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao,” he related.
He also noted other government programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, potable water systems, thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges constructed, and assistance extended to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
“All these are now being put together to be turned over to the next administration, as the President has repeatedly emphasized that on June 30, she will step down from the Presidency. I hope the next President will be as hardworking as PGMA,” Icban said.
He also called on the local media to be dedicated chroniclers of truth.
Press Usec. Butz Junia accompanied Icban. They also held a press conference during their stay here.
Icban said his going to Aklan was his first public appearance outside Manila as Press Secretary.