Panama leader to copy Dominican par´s surprise visits

Tamayo.- Panama presidentJuan Carlos Valera aims to take the program of surprise visits to his country to help improve the livingconditions of the poorest, given their success in the Dominican Republic.

President Danilo Medinamade the announcement Thursday, during a surprise visit where he introducedVarela to more than a100 farmers in the impoverished area of ??the south region.

"I want to strong applausefor the president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, who also wants to implementthis program for the poorest of the Panamanian people," Medina said.

The farmers gave Varelaa standing ovation, who smiled throughout, despite the grueling schedule sincehis arrival for an official visit in Dominican territory Wednesday.

Funding

Medina announced loans at 5% for hundreds of farmersof the towns of El Granado, Guarante and Cabeza de Toro, Baoruco province.