WASHINGTON D.C. -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the United States to help ensure food supply in the Philippines.

Arroyo made the call in separate meetings here with US President George W. Bush and US Agriculture Secretary Ed Schaefer.

"During our meetings with President Bush and Agriculture Secretary Schaefer, we called on the US, as the breadbasket of the world, to help ensure supply, invest in research, and continue to provide vital humanitarian supplies to the truly needy in our nation and others affected by this global phenomenon," she said before the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel.

She said the government has been working "tirelessly" to address the challenges arising from the slowdown in the global economy combined with the rising cost of food and oil.

In fact, she said, the country has been able to keep the situation from becoming a crisis through swift intervention to ensure the supply of rice, effective distribution, and enforcement against rice hoarders.

"However, no matter what actions we take, this is a global problem," Arroyo said.

"We must work together to resolve this [if] there is going to be any long-lasting improvement," she said.

The President also urged the need for a "strong, global leadership and coordination" to avert the situation from becoming a perpetual problem.

In the same forum, Arroyo reiterated her commitment to continue the fight for the economy, education, and the environment.

She also promised to "fix" the corruption that has long plagued the nation as she pushed for the passing of a comprehensive anti-corruption reform act in 2008.

"We will continue to hold officials accountable if they are found to be corrupt," Arroyo said.