PNoy admin gives high hopes to Mindanaoans

THE people of Mindanao have high hopes in the new administration of President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Hopes range from simple delivery of the basic services to running after corrupt officials to forging peace in the island.

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Sun.Star surveyed some Mindanaoans as to what their expectations are on the Aquino administration and here are some of their replies:

"Lets us all be hopeful for a meaningful change," -- Chief Supt. Pedro Tango, Police Regional Office 11 director

"I missed it (inauguration) but I am looking forward to working with him (Pres. Noynoy Aquino). I will watch the replay tonight." -- City Mayor Sara Duterte

"Every Inaugural speech brings both hope and inspiration. Noy's speech is both hopeful and much of it is due to the credibility of his person and sincerity as a leader. He has, however, to face an inherited host of problems that require a personal sacrifice of heroic proportion. But his speech is strikingly clear on what he plans to do and yet refelcts the humility that he needs our help to bear the burden of nation rebuilding and renewal." -- Fr. Kim Lachico, S.J., Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.

"PNoy's words are powerful because they seem to match the man. (But) Even his supporters feel a certain fear he might not be able to deliver his promise. But it's more than a promise. It's the call of a leader who is at the frontline of the battle. I am personally drawn to join the struggle. I don't want him to fail. We must not overestimate his human power to lead this country, but neither should we underestimate our own capacity to follow such a leader! One thing we must make sure, that Pnoy really listen to Mindanawons in crafting a robust Mindanao Agenda." -- Fr. Albert "Paring Bert" Alejo, S.J. Bishop-Ulama Conference project team leader.

"How possible is his statement that reconciliation can only be done if there is justice? Can a previous appointee of GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) like Davide seriously handle the prosecution of GMA? We have to closely monitor his Truth Commission. Meantime, the struggle for genuine reforms and justice must continue.

He evades the issue on land reform. Irrigation support to farmers is not enough without land reform and putting an end to land conversion to banana and palm oil plantation. Emergency employment is not a long term solution to the unemployment problem. National industrialization is the answer.

He is silent on the US Intervention in the internal affairs of the country. What is his policy on Mutual Defense Treaty? and the Visiting Forces Agreement. US troops will still be here under his watch.
And finally, will he resume peace talks with the revolutionary forces and will he honor the previous signed agreements between the GRP and the NDF? He never mentioned these issues (in his speech). -- Makabayan vice president for Mindanao Joel Virador.

"As much as his victory emanated from the people’s campaign, he should listen to the voices of the people more, be in the communities, grounded with the real issues. We are hoping that he will put the country first above political interests. He should be above board and will show genuine leadership." -- Kabataan Kontra Korapsyon Mindanao convenor Maneth Babao

"My wish list for the new president is more focus on finding peace in Mindanao." -- Major General Carlos Holganza, Army's 10th Infantry Division commander

"I hope he will build on what has already been accomplished. I hope he will continue to take care of the economy and that the benefits of government will be felt by the people all over the nation, particularly in Mindanao." -- Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles

"He will do his best to fulfil his campaign promises." -- Mindanaoan Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

"I believe our country would be better off and I am confident that he is serious in his fight against corruption." -- Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy

"I expect that he will be a very unconventional politician. No excess baggage to carry around so he will be able to do what should be done without political favors." -- Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat

"Good things, clean government, less corruption, a level playing field and the benefits to trickle down to the people." -- Davao Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Louie Rabat

"I am afraid for him. The bureaucracy has been loaded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with her midnight appointments. Initially, a lot of frustrations, but with persistence and our active support, good will prevail." -- Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president Simeon Marfori

"As a Mindanaoan youth, I expect the incoming administration of Noynoy Aquino to urgently prosecute the previous administration for its atrocities committed against the people. Concrete actions are also expected to address the education crisis. He may allot emergency funds for education in his first 100 days and he should also push for the automatic allocation of the 6% of our GDP for education spending. Mindanao, which plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, needs the new administration to implement a genuine agrarian reform program that will stand for the interests of the farmers. And of course, we expect the new administration to deal with the peace and order situation particularly here in Mindanao. We call on Aquino to make all necessary actions to ensure the resumption of peace talks on both the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF," -- Karlos Manlupig, League of Filipino Students regional spokesperson and Kabataan Partylist coordinator. (BOT/JCZ/GAA)