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Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Aid for conflict areas to continue
By Jenny Molbog-Mendoza
MINDANAO Economic Development Council (Medco) Chair Jesus Dureza vowed to pursue the implementation of programs and projects in conflict-ridden areas while keeping track of the political solution to decades-old conflict with rebel groups.
Dureza, speaking before the delegates of the Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) forum Monday at Grand Men Seng Hotel, said with the presence of official development assistance (ODA) in Mindanao, this goal would be attained.
"In our anti-poverty efforts, we will devote urgent action and ample resources to Mindanao especially the areas which have been most affected by past conflicts," he said.
ODAs presently being implemented in Mindanao are from the governments of Australia, United States, and the Netherlands, among others.
Dureza said the government's policy for Mindanao stands on three fundamental policies, to wit: to ensure that peace and development in the region go hand in hand; that Mindanao is committed to the principle that any peace and stability in the island should preserve the country's territorial integrity under the Philippine constitution; and to pursue nationhood with complete awareness that the Philippines is a cultural country enriched with various ethnic and cultural groups.
"Along this line, we will strengthen the collaboration and partnership between the government and civil society in peace-building and conflict resolution, and in identifying immediate needs of areas affected by conflict," he said.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 12, 2005 issue)
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