ARMM CA approves agri chief appointment

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments in the 27-member “little Congress” of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao confirmed Thursday the appointment of the ARMM’s agriculture secretary, engineer Marites Maguindra.

Led by Speaker Rasol Mitmug, Jr. of the Regional Legislative Assembly, legislators belonging to the CA unanimously approved the appointment of aguindra as secretary of the regional Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) following lengthy deliberations.

Maguindra, of Iranon descent, was appointed last year by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

The CA of ARMM had earlier confirmed the appointment of Hataman’s natural resources secretary, Kahal Kedtag, an ethnic Maguindanao.

Mitmug said the approval of Maguindra’s appointment by Hataman garnered a 12-0 approval vote from the members of the assembly comprising the regional CA.

Right after her appointment was confirmed, Mangindra took her oath before Mitmug.

Maguindra immediately took her oath of office before Mitmug after the confirmation process.

Maguindra, in a brief message, vowed to vigorously push forward the ARMM’s agriculture and fisheries thrusts, particularly those complementing the Mindanao peace process, which is centered on the socio-economic empowerment of the region’s Moro communities.