President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last night renewed her call for "all Filipinos who believe they have a stake in the future of our country" to rally behind government efforts to solve some of the country’s financial woes.

Gracing the 35th Mandaue City Charter Day fellowship night at the Waterfront Hotel here, the President urged all Filipinos, regardless of partisan or ideological inclinations, to do their share in resolving the financial problems.

"We need the best intentions and the best minds both from the administration and the opposition to come together to resolve a crisis that our country has finally decided to face. I am reaching out to all Filipinos who believe they have a stake in the future of our country. The people look forward to our solidarity and patriotism, regardless of our partisan or ideological leanings," the President said.

Earlier, the President thanked the local government of Mandaue City, led by Mayor Thadeo Ouano, for taking over from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the fiscal and administrative responsibility for the beautification and maintenance of the United Nations Ave. and A.C. Cortez Ave. in downtown Mandaue City.

She added that the Mandaue City example of helping the national government should serve as a model for every Filipino on the need for solidarity and sharing the burden posed by the country’s current financial problems.

The President also lauded the success of Mandaue City as the industrial center of Cebu province.

"Mandaue is the center of industry in Cebu; Mactan Island is the center of tourism, and Cebu City is the center of commerce. In a way, the Province of Cebu is like the whole country: there is specialization of every unit," she said.

The President congratulated Tourism Secretary-designate Joseph Ace Durano, whom she has given the additional task of Cabinet Officer for Regional Development for Region 7.

League of Cities of the Philippines president Iloilo City Mayor Gerry Trenas, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and a number of city mayors, mostly from the Visayas – Mindanao region, attended the Charter Day celebration.

Also present were Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Angelo Reyes, Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, and Government Media Head Cerge Remonde.