ARMM unveils book for region's infra projects

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -    Officials launched Wednesday the first ever “Book of Infrastructure Projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”  as a medium for disseminating the present administration’s handling of state funds for local development initiatives.

The 244-page book, also labeled Progress Report on the Department of Public Works and Highways ARMM Reform Action, details  all local and foreign-funded infrastructure projects in the autonomous region, including those still being implemented by the office of Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

The book was conceptualized by Hataman and his public works secretary, Engineer Emil Sadain.

The book  also presented the reforms and improvements pursued by the present administration and  the revitalized  district engineering offices in the region, which covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

Hataman said ARMM residents can use the book as a reference in verifying from the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit the funding details for each of the projects enumerated in its chapters.

Hataman, a Liberal Party stalwart,  was appointed  in December 2011 by President Benigno Aquino III to be  ARMM caretaker.  Hataman was elected governor of the autonomous region during the May 13 regional elections.

A senior official of the central office of DPWH in Metro Manila, Sadain, an ethnic Tausog,  is the acting regional public works secretary.

The launching of the book, held at the guest house of the Office of the Regional Governor here, was witnessed by representatives of different media outfits in Cotabato City.

Hataman expressed gratitude  to members of the ARMM’s media community for supporting transparency and encouraging  active public involvement in monitoring projects of the regional government.

Sadain said the treasury of the DPWH-ARMM and all of its official bank accounts are open to scrutiny by journalists and  residents of  the autonomous region.

Sadain said public vigilance and cooperation in monitoring infrastructure projects is one way of generating confidence of local communities on the ARMM government.