‘Mindanao crucial to nat’l dev’t’

DAVAO CITY — President Arroyo stressed anew yesterday the government’s objective to achieve peace in Mindanao, whose development is crucial to the nation’s welfare.

Mrs. Arroyo said her administration is implementing the strategy across many areas of action, from security to infrastructure, economic growth, poverty reduction, and law enforcement.

"Mindanao is crucial to our nation’s welfare," she said. "My administration has a sound strategy for peace and development in Mindanao. "

Mrs. Arroyo said the framework for the development of Mindanao is based on three principles, including a two-pronged approach for peace and development to go hand-in-hand.

She said she will try to focus the gains of her successful trips to the United States, South Korea and Japan for the benefit of the whole country, especially Mindanao.

"Much of the trade concessions we obtained will benefit many products of Mindanao," she said. "A considerable portion of new public and private investments we mobilized will create more employment and livelihood opportunities for the people of Mindanao," she said.

Meanwhile, a P3-billion program will be implemented to assist 40 towns and cities in Mindanao under the Mindanao Basic Urban Services Sector.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. said the assistance package consists of the construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, water supply facilities, public markets, bus terminals, slaughterhouses, parks, municipal and school buildings, and hospitals.

At least 46 local governments have signified intention to avail of the assistance.

At the same time, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay called on Cabinet secretaries to support Mrs. Arroyo on her projects in Mindanao.

Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles urged the Cabinet to focus not only on Muslim areas, but the Mindanao National Initiative or "Mindanao Natin" and the rest of the region.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert "Ace" Barbers urged Mrs. Arroyo to remain steadfast in her campaign against terrorism and called on the government not to suspend its offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). — Edith Regalado, Perseus Echeminada