1.
Context (Introduction)
In this section, you should set up the historical and political backdrop leading up to Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo’s 2001 inauguration. Here are the questions to guide you:
What were the key events leading to the 2001 inauguration of Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo?
o Consider the political crisis surrounding then-President Joseph Estrada, the EDSA
II uprising, and his subsequent impeachment.
How did the social and political climate in the Philippines contribute to the need for
Arroyo’s rise to power?
o Reflect on the public disillusionment with the Estrada administration and the role
of civil society movements and the military.
What was the mood of the nation at the time of Arroyo’s assumption of power?
o Discuss the divisions within Philippine society—supporters of Estrada versus
those backing Arroyo’s rise to power.
Who was Gloria Macapagal Arroyo before her presidency?
o Briefly introduce Arroyo’s background, her political experience (as vice
president, former senator, and cabinet member), and her credibility to lead at the
time.
Why is this inauguration document important?
o Provide a brief statement on the significance of the inauguration speech in the
context of Philippine history.
2. Content (Main Text of the Inaugural Address)
In this section, you need to focus on the most important parts of Arroyo’s inaugural speech.
Consider the following questions:
What are the main themes or messages in Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s inaugural
address?
o Identify the key points she made about her vision for the country and her stance
on the political situation.
What references to the past or present did Arroyo make in her speech?
o Did she reference past presidents, historical events, or important symbols? For
example, how did she address the legacy of EDSA I and II?
How did Arroyo present herself to the nation?
o Look at how she positioned herself as the new leader—what tone did she set, and
how did she frame her role in the nation’s recovery?
What key actions or reforms did she promise to undertake during her presidency?
o Highlight her commitments to economic and political reforms.
What role did the people play in her inauguration speech?
o How did Arroyo acknowledge the people's role in her ascension to power?
3. Analysis
In this section, you need to critically analyze the content of the speech. Consider the historical
significance of Arroyo’s actions and address its relevance today. Here are some questions:
How does Arroyo’s inauguration speech reflect the political realities of the early
2000s in the Philippines?
o How did the political instability and the power shift affect the legitimacy of her
presidency?
What was the symbolic significance of the EDSA II uprising in her speech?
o Analyze her connection to EDSA II and what it represented to the Filipino people
at the time.
What impact did Arroyo’s presidency have on Philippine democracy and
governance?
o Reflect on her governance style, her attempts at economic reforms, and how her
presidency influenced subsequent administrations.
How did the people’s trust in the government evolve during her term based on this
speech?
o Discuss how her speech addressed concerns about corruption, political stability,
and government transparency.
What is the relevance of this inauguration speech to the present day?
o How can we understand this speech and the events surrounding it in light of
current political challenges in the Philippines?