Seldom does it happen that the President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines are together in one official event.

But it did happen Monday in Dumaguete City and Oriental Negros because the City of Gentle People "is the most peaceful city in the entire country," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said.

She said the city and the countrysides of the province are gearing towards being favorite places of cultural, tourism and sports destinations.

In the past months, a spate of killings in Dumaguete occurred that were believed committed by the so-called "vigilantes," who employed almost identical modus operandi in the murders.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo lauded the provincial government under Gov. George Arnaiz for having constructed a convention center which has now become a favorite cultural destination in Central Visayas.

She described the center as the "crowning glory" of the province, on top of the Galing Pook Award conferred on it in four straight years, and Arnaiz's being cited as the Outstanding Governor of the Philippines.

Arroyo said the province has successfully built the 1,000-seater convention center by using its own funds.

The fast development of the city and the province was the result of political stability, the President said.

She said development should not be hampered by political interest, as she challenged the opposition to help, instead of hurting the administration.

Arroyo and De Castro also distributed land titles to 472 beneficiaries of the socialized housing project in Bais City. Arroyo also formally opened the 2nd International Rondalla Festival, with the heads of delegations, Arnaiz, and Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas.*MA/RG

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