Arroyo takes a break

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo went scuba-diving at the Tubbataha Reef, a National Marine Park off Palawan seas, southwestern Philippines early yesterday. "It was a no-work day for the president," a staff member said yesterday.

Arroyo went diving on Bird Island and Bird Islet in Tubbataha, a marine reservation area, which boasts of some of the world's rarest marine flora and fauna. The United Nations recently declared Tubbataha a heritage site.

Arroyo, an amateur diver, has been taking diving lessons for some time, although not regularly. Army Rangers secured the entire area, while concentrating in the South Islet.

Tubbataha became a reservation following a one-woman campaign by environmentalist and former journalist Jasmine Arquiza, who focussed on the endangered species that were being systematically destroyed by its owner, ten years ago. The owner used the island to cultivate seaweed.

Arroyo, is scheduled to visit Calauit Island, also in Palawan, today. Calauit Island is home to assorted animals imported from Africa and South America.

In the 80s, Calauit was the playground of former President Ferdinand Marcos. The Marcoses wanted to create a mini-Africa on the island, offering their guests a chance to enjoy a safari in private.

Arroyo reportedly wants to promote Tubbataha and Calauit as major tourist spots in Palawan.
The province has recently been in the headlines, following the abduction of 20 tourists from Dos Palmas Resort by the Abu Sayyaf Group last year.

Dos Palmas suffered another setback when matinee idol Rico Yan died there of pancreatic disorder last month. Arroyo and her entourage were expected to spend the night at Dos Palmas.