Gloria Arroyo

Gloria's Achievements and Challenges:

1) In 2002, looking back on her first year as president, she cited the country's economic survival as her greatest achievement, although she remained well aware that much work lay ahead, according to The Power and the Glory.

2) Prior to entering politics in 1987, Arroyo was a professor ofeconomics. Arroyo first took the position of president amid revolts and protests and this turmoil has come to characterize both of her terms in office. As president, Arroyo has focused on the economy and, through the implementation of a series of "holiday economics" polices, has lowered inflation rates to a recent low and garnered praise from international observers.

3) Arroyo is a strong supported of United States foreign policy, including the Iraq Warand War on Terror. She has also tried to improve regional relations as represented in the Cebu City hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2007.