MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo defended her US trip, saying that despite having left as the nation reeled from typhoon “Frank,” she was confident that there were competent people to deal with the damages wrought by the powerful storm and that she had commitments to fulfill to push the interest of Filipinos.

"The terrible tragedy left in the wake of the typhoon and ferry accident has been constantly in our mind. Bago pa man ako tumulak sa
byahe ay ipinagbilin na sa mga kinauukulang ahensya na paghandaan ang darating na bagyo [Even before I left, I have asked agencies concerned to prepare for the coming typhoon]," she said in a speech at the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day in Baler, Aurora Monday few hours after she returned to the country from the 10-day, three-state working visit to the US.

"I'm happy to be back on Philippine soil," she said.

Arroyo said it was "a difficult decision" to forge ahead with the trip, but added that she did so "for several reasons."

"One, we have tremendous confidence in our people on the ground to do everything possible to handle the situation. Second, as President I had to make a choice whether to cancel important meetings with the US
President [George W. Bush] and leaders of Congress who specifically asked that we be in Washington at this time to advance pending Philippine legislation on the Philippine veterans' bill," she said.

"Finally, also we once again secured more investment, job creation, and pledges of interest by many new business leaders," Arroyo added.

She said the US trip had "reaffirmed the strong ties" between the
Philippines and the US and had advanced important issues with the US.

"In this trip, we are able to press for economic aid, food security, and stronger military cooperation," she added.

Even while she was away, Arroyo said she was in constant touch with officials through video conferences on the search and rescue efforts of the missing ferry passengers and relief efforts for the typhoon victims.

In a news conference, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the President's trip was successful but added that she was constantly concerned over developments in the country.

"The President of course had a feeling of accomplishment and agonizing over what was happening here so she managed personally in efforts of relief recovery and start rehabilitation work on ground. The visit was capped by triumphant victory of Manny Pacquiao she watched it from Round 1 up to knock out as we were catching up with our flight in Manila," Dureza said.

The US trip was a fruitful one similar to her trip to Spain last year,
Arroyo said.

She thanked Spain for sending a military aircraft to assist in bringing relief goods to the victims.

The aircraft, which will arrive on July 2 in Iloilo, has on board medical supplies, hygienic materials, and heavy duty water purifier, Dureza said.