Peace, order in Mindanao remains a priority -Marcos

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said maintaining peace and order in Mindanao remains among his administration’s priority.

Speaking at the distribution of government assistance to El Niño-affected farmers, fisherfolk and other beneficiaries at the Datu Abdullah Sangki Sports Complex in Maguindanao del Sur, Marcos enumerated the key infrastructure projects in the area that will usher in growth and development.

The President mentioned the recently inaugurated Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project that will help irrigate thousands of hectares of farmlands in Cotabato and Maguindanao; the Ambal-Simuay Flood Control Project in Cotabato; the planned flood risk management project in the Ala River Basin; and the construction and improvement of provincial access roads in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, and Rajah Buayan to boost local commerce and transportation.

Despite these development projects, Marcos said the government does not forget the security challenges that continue to hamper Mindanao’s growth.

“Ang kasaysayan ng kaguluhan ay nag-iwan ng marka sa magandang lupain na ito na patuloy na nakakaapekto sa inyong araw-araw na kabuhayan (The history of turmoil has left a mark on this beautiful land that continues to affect your daily livelihood),” he said.

“Ngunit, alam kong malalampasan natin ito. Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na ang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan at nananatiling prioridad ng aking administrasyon (But, I know we will get through this. I assure you that the safety of our people remains a priority of my administration),” he added.

The President urged the public to continue working hand-in-hand with the government to maintain the momentum in the thrust for peace and prosperity.

He also called on government agencies and local government units to ensure the effective and seamless delivery of public service.

“Kabilang dito ang tulong pinansyal, suportang teknikal at iba pang mga programa ng gobyerno (This includes financial assistance, technical support and other government programs),” Marcos said.

“Layunin nating magbigay ng mabilis at komprehensibong tulong upang mabilis na makaahon sa mga pagsubok at hindi na muli nasasadlak sa kaguluhan ang lugar na ito (Our goal is to provide quick and comprehensive help to quickly get out of the ordeal and prevent this area from falling into chaos again),” he added.

El Niño aid

During the ceremony, the Chief Executive handed PHP10 million each to the provincial governments of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Select farmers and fisherfolk from the three provinces also got PHP10,000 each from the President.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed PHP10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries, while the Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez gave five kilos of rice to each attendee. (PNA)