THE House oI Repiesentatives ha6 adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 2599 expre$ing the apprccia- tion of the House of Representatives for the remark- able achievement6 and contributions by the House leader8hip, the Maiodty and the Minority Leaders, the chairpersons oI the standing and special commitj tees, the congr$sional staff, the Secretariat peFon- nel, and other entities and individuals, that have contiibuted to the outstanding perfomrance of the House of Reprcsentatives during the 17th Congress. HR No, 2599, principally authored by Spealer Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo, House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro and House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, cites that the 17th Congress oftlie Republic ofthe Philippines reaches the culmination of its term with pride after a successful run toiMard the enactment ofmeaningfirl and vital legislative measuies. The resolution states that during the Fi$t and Second Regular Sessions, fomer Speaker Pantaleon Alvalez the Standing and Special Comnittees were equally proved his d i slmctive leadership to promote e\cellence competent in prcviding the guidance and clear definition in pub lic service and facilitad the enachnen t ofseveral necessary to create, discu$s and approve substantive miasures tha t resolved a rdnge of issues deemed crucial and beneficial bills and resolutions for the consideration towa-rd buiJding a morcresponsive govemmenl. of tlie Congress of the Philippines. It further sl.al.es Lhat during the Third Regu.lar Ses- With their institutional knowledge and experience, sion,Spea-ker Arroyoeffectively steered the Houseto rise the Sesetar-ia t olficials dnd employees skillfully aided a bove thepressure ofvarying personages and ideologies tJre House leadership and all House Memberp. composirig the legislature, and wi th her usual grit and The seryices rendered by the CongressionaJ staff were steady resolve, led the House Members to perform wi th likewise critical for they have provided the first line of determination, compassion and open-mindedness. assistance required by the House Members and as such, The Deputy Speakers deliveied exceptional contuol should be duly recognized, the resolution states. and wisdom while presiding over *re Plinary sessions The House of Representatives is likewise grateful to and assuming the du ties ard powers of the Speaker, and the distinguished persons in various govemment agell- were instr:urnental in the fomulation of appropriate cies who selflessly renrlered their support and techrrical policies, stral.egies and programs of actiorr ?6t , more expertise during the legislative process. responsive and dlmamic House., it states. fhe resolution states that the synergy among the Moreover, it cites the Maiority and the Minority House leadership, House members, Seiietariat, Con- l,eaders' admirable feat ol harmbnizing the diverie gressional staff, other govemment agencies and private causes and policies:'espoused by each House member, individuals, fgrged a formidable cornmihnmt to deUver leading to a uni fted and productive legislative body. vital pieces of legislation and ensured the success of the As also stated in tlle lesolution, the chairpersons of 17th Congess. Pqa3