On April 5, 1948 Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was a woman that would change
the Philippines, was born in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines. She grew up in a town
that was full of land, nature and blue skies. Wherever she looked she could spot
something green or nature related. As a child she grew up openly and
comfortable; free to fight for any dream that she ever had. She is the daughter
of the former Philippine president Diosdado Macapagal. Diosdado was known
for his integrity but dignified lifestyle. During his presidency, Philippines were
second to Japan in economic progress in Asia. Gloria always learned from her
father that she needs to always achieve her goals; that political change does
not come without difficulty. Indeed, Gloria had a successful childhood with
many achievements. She was valedictorian in her high school class at
Assumption Convent. Constantly, she was on the dean's list at George Town
University in Washington D.C. Gloria graduated Magna Cum Laude at
Assumption college. She obtained an amateur’s degree in economics in the
Ateneo de Manila University of the Philippines. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was
extremely dedicated; therefore, she became very successful and one of the
most well known women in the world.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, being a woman who has been in politics for
many years, has a remarkable life and career. From the moment she entered
politics one could tell that she would make great changes. She joined the
government when she was in her late thirties. Because she had recently joined
politics, most of her positions consisted of being a secretary. After being
involved with the government for a short period of time, she authorized 55 laws
on economics and social reform. From the many great changes she made, she
was named outstanding senator many times. She had become the senate of the
Philippines from 1992 to 1998; from there she still had hopes of helping the
Philippines more. With her career having many accomplishments, greater things
were bound to happen. In 1998, just 11 years after she entered politics, she
became vice president. That year there were over 13 million votes, which were
the highest votes ever in Philippines history. During her vice presidency run, the
current president was involved in many scandals. Joseph Estrada, the former
president, was found to have kicked backs, many mistresses and alias book
accounts. When finding this out, Gloria was infuriated so she changed positions
and went to the opposing side. She was later running for president of the
Philippines, which she won. That election bought in over 16 million votes, which
were the highest president votes ever in the Philippines. She was sworn into the
position of the fourteenth president on January 20, 2001 by Chief Justice Hilario
Davide Jr.Through her career she had many highs, but one ultimate low. In 2004,
when she was re-elected into presidency, she was accused of her election being
vote rigged, but that didn't stop her from being a great leader. Even after that
Gloria still manages to help the Philippines as much as she can. She would say
most of her success was due to her parents because they set a good example,
showing her integrity and how to always make a good effort. Through all of
these amazing events that occurred and how she impacted the Philippines in a
great way, one could tell that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was a notable woman.
Even though there has been struggles and failures in Gloria’s life,
she is one of the most known and honorable women in this world.
Gloria should be admired because she always followed her dreams.
Her father, a famous politician, inspired her to interact with the
government; thus, she followed through when she was in her late
thirties by entering politics. Gloria was so brilliant that she authorized
55 laws on economics and social reform during her time being
secretary. She was named outstanding senator more than enough
times during her young career. However, Gloria was not satisfied with
just working for the government. Despite the obstacles that got in her
way, she still became vice president of the Philippines. Gloria used her
determination and perseverance to concur her most precious and
important goals. Her path soon filled in with struggles and
controversies that she learned from, overcame and rose above from.
She showed that nothing should stop a person from being successful,
even when problems occur. Gloria then became the President of the
Philippines; she pulled in over 16 million votes in this election, which
showed that people believed she had good leadership. Gloria, who still
tries to help the Philippines in anyway she can, is admirable women
that shows leadership and the qualities that it takes to be a strong
independent woman.
Fact Monster:
"Gloria Macapagal Arroyo." Columbia Encyclopedia.
Ebsco Database
Confusion and Hope. 2000 Asianinfo.org. 3-1909 <http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/issues/gloria_macapagal.ht
m>.
Organization
Confusion and Hope: Politics in the Philippines. August 30,2008
AsianInfro.Org. March 19,2009
<http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/issues/gloria_macapagal.htm
>;.