Changing The World One Women At A Time . . .

1. Changing The World One Women At A Time . . . Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Geetanjali Gunanathan Rossibel Fernandez Class: 8-3

2. The Beginning of An Era 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.

3. "Without Difficulty There is No Change" 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.

4. One To Admire . . . One To Want To Be 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.

5. Citations Fact Monster: "Gloria Macapagal Arroyo." Columbia Encyclopedia. Ebsco Database Confusion and Hope. 2000 Asianinfo.org. 3-19-09 <http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/issues/gloria_macapagal.htm>.  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>;.