Aquino on Mindanao: Land of promises fulfilled

MANILA, Philippines -  President Aquino yesterday said that Mindanao is no longer a “land of promise” but a land of promises fulfilled.

Aquino made this projection as his administration tries to transform the conflict-torn region into one of the country’s most prosperous areas.

“I am glad to see the government is not alone in this endeavor,” he said in a speech during a meeting of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

He thanked the PBSP for helping the government develop Mindanao, particularly the region’s agricultural potentials through its Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP).

The PBSP and other groups seek to engage private sector support in investing in Mindanao.

The President vowed to reform the system and invest in communities in the region.

“We must boost Mindanao’s capacities so residents can catch up and contribute to our economic growth,” he said.

 The PBSP is promoting corporate social responsibility programs to help address poverty and create jobs, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. The MIAP covers coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber production.

The government’s efforts resulted in the construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of 3,491 kilometers of national roads, and 208.4 km of farm-to-market roads.

More than P99 billion was allotted for vital infrastructure in the region from 2011 to 2014, and P63.13 billion has been proposed for 2015. – With Edith Regalado