Hataman to MILF: “Continue effective programs or do better”
At the groundbreaking Sunday of a project in Pandag, Maguindanao under ARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) program, Hataman said he hopes the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that is expected to take over the ARMM after the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law next year would continue the “synergized and integrated program approach” in preparation for the Bangsamoro ministerial government which is expected to be installed by June 30, 2016.
“I would surmise they will have new strategies or better ways of dealing with peace and development agenda, I hope they can enhance more specially on the ‘Tuwid na daan’ slogan of this present administration,” Hataman said.
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are set to sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on Thursday, March 27.[]
Under the ARMM-HELPS program, the ARMM government invests a total of P10 million in each of the 50 pilot barangays in the region, at ten barangays each in the region’s five provinces.
ARMM comprises five provinces – Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur – and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
The P500 million fund allocated for the project is included in ARMM’s 2014 budget.[]
The program intends to set up in each village, a barangay hall, covered court, children’s park, health center and day care center.
The recipient town of Pandag is one of the municipalities in ARMM that doesn’t have internal revenue allotment (IRA).
At the groundbreaking rites, residents said they were happy to see high-ranking government officials, led by Hataman, come to their place for the first time with a package of projects.
Zabidee Abdullah, 46, a farmer and father of six in Pandag said they look forward to the completion of the projects. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / Mindanews)
