Cabinet execs launch PAMANA in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines - Despite recent hostilities, Cabinet officials last week trooped to Sulu to launch development projects under PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or Peaceful and Resilient Communities), the government’s program and framework for peace and development.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo visited the housing projects in the towns of Indanan and Maimbung and the proposed sites for the soon-to-be-established Philippine National Police sub-regional command and the integrated market in Maimbung.

Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Lualhati Antonino, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, and local officials accompanied the Cabinet executives.

In her address to local officials, Deles said these projects under PAMANA are in line with the President’s desire for peace to be won not only on the tables but also on the ground level. “They should be able to feel the gains if there is peace. That is why there is PAMANA,” she added.

For her part, Soliman assured the people that government is investing in them and that national agencies are one with the local government units in ensuring progress which will help bring peace to Sulu.

She announced that in solidarity with the Muslims’ observance of Ramadan, 1,200 sacks of rice will be distributed to all the municipalities in the province.

PAMANA is the administration’s peace and development framework program using a convergence strategy to reduce poverty, improve governance, and empower communities affected by conflict.