President Aquino to Stakeholders: Help Speed Up Development in Mindanao

Davao City — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday underscored the importance of the participation of stakeholders from different sectors in establishing a stable and peaceful Mindanao.

Speaking before participants of the Philippines Development Forum on Bangsamoro here, President Aquino cited the developments in Mindanao following the signing of a peace accord between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“It is with the participation of stakeholders from different sectors across the world that we have successfully established Mindanao as a stable, peaceful region. With the help of everyone present here today, I am certain we can do much more,” he said.

The Chief Executive expressed optimism that just and lasting peace in Mindanao will soon be achieved.

“If we continue thinking of new, better ways to accelerate development in the region; if we continue to work with perseverance and creativity; and, above all, if we always remember that the end goal of our efforts is to uplift our fellowmen and allow them to live full, dignified lives, then I am certain we will achieve what we have hoped for all these years,” he said.

“Together, we will realize our vision of a new Mindanao: one seen by the global community as a region of skilled, talented, and peace-loving people, of vast natural gifts, and of boundless progress and prosperity,” he added.

During the forum, the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) was presented to President Aquino.

The BDP, which serves as the blueprint for the development of Bangsamoro areas, was drafted by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), with assistance from other government agencies and development partners.

The projects and programs of the draft BDP fall under seven thematic areas: livelihood, infrastructure, education, social services, environment, culture and identity, and security and normalization.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF was signed on March 27. President Aquino turned over the final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to leaders of Congress last September. PND (co)

Source: PCOO