MANILA, July 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has received a pledge from the World Bank of full support for her 10-point pro-poor program.

    "We offer you 100 percent support for your programs and agenda," World Bank Country Director for the Philippines Joachim von Amsberg told Arroyo on Monday morning during a courtesy call at Malacanang (the presidential palace).

    "We can do much more for the Philippines in terms of support but you really have to go on first with important measures," Joachim added.

    Arroyo welcomed a suggestion by Joachim for a seminar-forum in the Philippines that will be attended by former world leaders whose countries also faced fiscal difficulties like a budget deficit.

    She asked Joachim to conceptualize the idea so that it can be implemented after her State of the Nation Address on July 26.

    Arroyo also instructed Philippine Finance Secretary Anita Amatong to tap former Philippine President Fidel Ramos to coordinate with the world leaders who would attend the seminar-forum.

    She further discussed with Joachim her 10-point pro-poor program, placing emphasis on the construction of school buildings,electrification and water for all and the people's credit finance cooperative.

    Arroyo told Joachim her government has focused on agriculture, particularly on irrigation.

    Joachim arrived three weeks ago and expressed satisfaction withthe social welfare situation in Cebu in the central Philippines and Mindanao in the south, which he has already visited. Enditem