MANILA, Philippines -Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Tuesday called on local officials in Muslim Mindanao to fast-track the delivery of programs and projects in strife-torn and poverty-stricken areas of the region.
"Malinaw ang posisyon ng ating Pangulo: kailangan natin ang lahat ng tulong para maisulong ang usaping pangkayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," Roxas said.
"Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs (local government units) sa Muslim Mindanao: tulungan ninyo kami sa pagbalangkas ng mga programa at proyekto para sa mga lugar na hindi pa ramdam ang kalinga ng pamahalaan. Ito ang magtitiyak na tuloy-tuloy na ang paglalakbay natin tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran," he added.
Roxas issued the appeal during a meeting with local officials who attended the 2nd ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development held at Waterfront Hotel, Davao City.
The Office of the ARMM Governor convened all the local chief executives of the Autonomous Region including the national ARMM legislators in one venue to present the ARMM situationer and development priorities and plans.
The two-day activity also aimed to discuss issues, concerns and recommendations to fast-track implementation of programs and projects in the region.
Disaster-related plans and best practices are also expected to be presented during the summit to develop awareness and appreciation among LGUs on the importance of disaster risk reduction and management plan preparation.
Roxas lauded ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman for gathering all the local officials under one roof, saying the event was necessary for Muslim Mindanao to unite on a common vision for peace and development.
"Mahalaga ang pulong na ito para malaman ng National Government kung paano lalo pang palalawakin at pabibilisin ang implementasyon ng mga programa at proyekto na nakalaan sa mga mamamayan ng Muslim Mindanao," Roxas said.
"Napapanahon din ang Summit na ito dahil mahalagang maitugma ang kasalukuyan at pinaplano pang mga programa sa ARMM tungo sa pagtatayo ng bagong Bangsamoro Region," he added.