Mindanao execs on ‘roadshow’ for budget hike

DAVAO CITY — Several Mindanao governors and mayors kicked off last week a "roadshow" to enlist the support of Cabinet officials for an increased budgetary allocation for the island.

Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano said the roadshow will culminate with the Mindanao Budget Summit on June 3 at the Manila Midtown Hotel with President Arroyo as guest.

Mindanao receives only at least 12 percent of the entire national budget in spite of its significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mindanao officials are seeking an increase to at least 30 to 34 percent for Mindanao’s priority infrastructure, economic and social projects, which, they said, should be reflected in the 2003 and 2004 national budgets.

Quijano said certain Mindanao governors and mayors have been assigned to each of the Cabinet secretaries to present various concerns in their respective departments.

He said the roadshow and the budget summit are aimed at a better appreciation and understanding of Mindanao’s needs among national leaders.

"We are not griping nor complaining about what Mindanao is receiving but we are hoping that the island will receive some more funds to fast-track priority projects needed for its development," said North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol.

Piñol, president of the Mindanao Confederation of Governors and Mayors (Confed) which is spearheading the roadshow and budget summit, said they would like to convince national officials to adopt reforms that would address policy bottlenecks affecting Mindanao.

Quijano and Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario are tasked to meet with Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas.