P8.3 B alloted for ARMM projects

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang will invest an additional P8.3 billion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to provide more basic services for the people and uplift the standards of their living as embodied in President Aquino’s social contract with the Filipinos.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang told a press briefing on Friday that the implementation of various development projects in ARMM to be funded by the national government, was discussed during the President’s meeting with ARMM officials at the Palace on Thursday.

“If you recall some months ago, it was announced that on top of the regular budget of ARMM, the government would be willing to put additional funds, about P8.3 billion, into development projects in ARMM,” Carandang said.

“We want to put more money into ARMM for development projects. We are hoping that the projects will be completed during the term of officer-in-charge Mujiv Hataman and the funds will come from the national government,” he said.

Carandang said the government’s developmental initiatives would include infrastructure, water system and school buildings, among others.

“The things that have been lacking in ARMM for the longest time, we want to be able to provide some kind of development assistance,” he said.

The projects will be implemented by the Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The ARMM is composed of predominantly Muslim provinces that include Basilan (except Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The ARMM was created on Aug. 1, 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734 or the Organic Act of ARMM, in pursuance with a constitutional mandate to provide an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.