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Monday, September 20, 2004
Minbizcon vows support for GMA 10-pt. agenda
BUSINESSMEN attending the 13th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon), touted as the island's biggest and most prestigious gathering of business leaders, have vowed to support President Arroyo's 10-point agenda.
This, as Philippine Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Mindanao Antonio Santos Sr. presented to the President the businessmen's action agenda.
They committed to help empower local development councils, collaborate with Mindanao congressional representatives, and work for a multi-sectoral Mindanao Coalition of Cities for Transparent and Accountable Governance.
To forward the President's goal of accelerating infrastructure projects all over Mindanao, traders committed to support the Mindanao-wide synchronized budget planning and investment programming.
But they also asked President Arroyo to prioritize the shift to a federal government in the 2005 legislative agenda.
They also challenged her to appoint a Mindanaoan as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who would focus on key Mindanao infrastructure projects such as the Laguindingan Airport Development Project and the development of seaports.
At the same time, they also called for the revitalization of the Mindanao mining industry even as they sought the creation of an Inter-Agency Executive Committee to settle the constitutionality of the Philippine Mining Act that is causing uncertainty among investors.
With a power shortage seen to hit Mindanao late next year, traders pledged to coordinate with the Department of Energy in marketing private-sector power generation projects in the Sulu Archipelago, Dinagat Island, Siargao, and the Southern Mindanao Area.
And in a move to reduce domestic shipping costs, they aim to form a Federation of Mindanao Shippers Association that will push for policy modifications in the ports and shipping sector.
They also want a Mindanao-wide chamber program, increased micro-credit activities, and a stronger information campaign on the BMBE (Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises) Act and the Sulong (SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth).
They will also push for a wide-scale marketing program to lure investors into the business process out-sourcing industry.
(September 20, 2004 issue)
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