Monday, September 01, 2008 Minda bizmen present 6-point policy agenda
THE 17th Mindanao Business Conference drafted a six-point Mindanao Business Policy Agenda for the National Government to address in order to help the business sector on the island.
First proposal is for the government to pursue a unified private-sector led development agenda for Mindanao agriculture, fisheries, and the food industry.
Second, is for government to support Mindanao's human resources development.
Third, forge a strong private-public sector partnership to develop a world-class Mindanao Tourism Industry.
Fourth, accelerate infrastructure development in Mindanao through increased budgetary allocations and efficient use of resources.
Fifth, ensure efficient ports and shipping services in Mindanao.
And the last proposal was for government to accelerate development of an environmentally and socially sustainable mining industry in Mindanao.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was supposed to receive the Mindanao policy agenda during the closing ceremony Friday but failed to attend the gathering of Mindanao businessmen.
Trade and Industry Undersecretary Merly Cruz instead received the Mindanao policy agenda in behalf of the President.
PCCI regional governor for Western Mindanao and Armm Edwin Capili said the six-point agenda is the product of an "honest-to-goodness consultation of various stakeholders in Mindanao."
Joji Ilagan-Bian meanwhile said that the policy agenda is very important for Mindanao "more so now because we need government support to enable business and agriculture to meet its targets."
"If you examine closely, the policy issues would need strong political will. And I am certain that the President is very focus now in Mindanao and I think she knows the urgency for these policies to be in place. We know that PGMA have the political will regarding Mindanao concerns," Bian said. (BOT)
