MANILA, July 28 (PNA) -- The message conveyed in the eighth state of the nation address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo showed that because of her "tough decisions," the government has "softened" the worst effect of the global crisis on the Philippines.

In her speech, the President said "we are on a roller coaster ride of oil price hikes, high food prices and looming economic recession in the US and other markets. Uncertainty has moved like a terrible tsunami around the globe, wiping away gains, and erasing progress."

To address these global challenges, she said the country must "go on building and buttressing bridges to allies around the world -- to bring in the rice to feed our people, investments to create jobs, and to keep the peace and maintain stability in our country and the rest of the world."

Such tough decisions include the continued implementation of the value-added tax (VAT) on oil and power despite critisms from some sectors.

President Arroyo said that due to its implementation, more investors are now coming in the country, the peso is much stronger, and the government was able to fund vital infrastructure in the country.

"Pag ibinasura ang VAT sa langis at kuryente, ang mas makikinabang ay ang mga may kaya na kumukunsumo ng 84 porsiyento ng langis at 90 porsiyento ng kuryente, habang mas nasasaktan ang mahihirap na mawawalan ng bilyun-bilyong piso para sa programang pinopondohan ngayon ng VAT," she said.

"Take out VAT and we strip the majority of our people of the means to ride out the world food and energy crisis," she added.

The President said that bacause of her tough decisions, "the global crisis did not catch us helpless and unprepared. Through foresight, grit and political will, we build a shield around the country that has slowed down and somewhat softened the worst effects of the global crisis."

"We have come too far and made too many sacrifices to turn back now. Leadership is not about doing the first easy thing that comes to mind, it is about doing what is necessary, however hard," she said.

The President cited the P4-billion fund, which was taken from VAT in oil for the first semester of the year -- P2 billion power subsidy for four million lifeline power consumers; P1 billion college scholarship and loan grants for 70,000 poor students nationwide; P500 million for conversion of public utility vehicles into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), or any biofuel alternatives; and P500 million for local governments to change into fluorescent bulbs.

"Patuloy nating gagamitin ang lahat ng kakayahan para tulungan ang mga mahihirap sa bilihin at bagyo, habang nagpupundar para sanggahan ang bayan sa mga krisis sa hinaharap," she said.

For the second semester, President Arroyo said, another P4 billion "Katas ng VAT" will be used to help the poor -- P1 billion for power subsidy; P500 million for senior citizens who are not GSIS/SSS pensioners; P500 million for livelihood assistance for families of public transport drivers; P500 million for upgrade of public hospitals nationwide; and additional allocation for calamity.

She also cited the increase of indigent beneficiaries who now have PhilHealth cards totalling 65 million, of which 15 million are poor.

The indigent beneficiaries largely come from West and Central Visayas, Central Luzon and Ilocos.

"We will expand this vital program especially to Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Apayao, Dinagat, Lanao Sur, Northern Samar, Masbate, Abra and Misamis Occidental," she said.

The President said the government will also launch a massive school feeding program at P10 per child every school day in calamity-stricken areas such as Agusan Sur, Kalinga, and Surigao Sur.

On the issue of population growth, President Arroyo said "our campaign spreads awareness of responsible parenthood regarding birth spacing."

"By promoting natural planning and female education, we have curbed population growth to 2.04 percent, lower than the 2.36 percent in the 1990s," she said.

The President said that there's a need for couples, mostly Catholics, to know more about natural family planning.

In these trying times, she called on all government workers at the national and local levels to be more responsive and accountable to the people.

"Where government can help and should help, we must be there with a helping hand. Where government can contribute nothing useful, stay away," she said.

"Let us be more helpful, more courteous, and more quick to respond," she added.

"I care too much for this nation. As your president, I will not let no one -- and no one's political plans -- get in the way of the well-being of our people. I will let no one hinder our people's progress and prosperity. I will let no one threaten our nation's survival," she said. (PNA)