Tuesday, August 23, 2005
US agency sets aside $26.5M for Mindanao projects
THE United States Agency for International Development has vowed to implement peace and development projects in Mindanao even if the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) "is yet to be signed," Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chair Antonio Santos said.
Santos on Monday said the international donor agency has even allocated a total of US$26.5 million for its development projects in the island for this year alone.
These projects are expected to benefit at least 4,000 Mindanaoans.
The budget will be used in the form of livelihood assistance to production and marketing of higher-value fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture products.
"The shifting of the Usaid's focus will be very beneficial to us. And we're very happy about that. Dati kasi gusto nila magkaroon muna ng peace agreement. With this, they're more acceptable to the people of Mindanao. Mindanaoans, not just the Muslims, will realize that they are sincere in helping us, na walang hidden agenda," he said.
In the wake of this development, Santos said, the signing of the peace accord will be supported further.
"Sa development and peace projects kasi, a number of jobs will be created. Kaya naman tayo actually nagkaroon ng problema ay dahil sa poverty and unemployment. Kapag binigyan mo ng trabaho ang mga 'yan, they would realize na may mga tao pa ring tumutulong sa kanila," he said.
On Saturday, Santos and other MBC officials had a dinner meeting with the Usaid executives to further strengthen their partnership. (JMM)
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