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Monday, January 16, 2006
Council to push for more socio-economic projects
THE Mindanao Economic and Development Council (Medco) will push for more socio-economic investments in conflict-affected areas in the island in a bid to boost ongoing peace process with the Moro rebels.
Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, incoming Medco chair, said he would prioritize the delivery of various economic and development services to areas in the island that have remained undeveloped due to the lingering peace and order problems.
"There should be an economic component in the peace process and Medco should take that complementary role," he told reporters.
Leyretana said he would also push for consistency in the economic and development policies for Mindanao and equitable distribution of development initiatives.
"We need consistency in the implementation of programs and projects so we could achieve greater impact," he said.
Leyretana added that he would also ensure that the development gained through the years in Mindanao would be preserved and protected.
On Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced the appointment of Leyretana as the incoming Medco chair, replacing Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza, who was appointed last week as presidential adviser on the peace process.
Leyretana is currently the executive director of the Mindanao Peace and Development Fund, the agency that Arroyo created two years ago to replace the defunct Southern Philippines Development Authority.
The agency's main function is to cater the needs of people living outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The Mindanao Peace and Development Fund has been promoting peace and development in the island through projects that improve the conditions of poverty-stricken areas.
Through Leyretana's initiative, the agency has forged partnerships with various non-government organizations, local government units, and the private sector for the implementation of various socio-economic projects in the area. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(January 16, 2006 issue)
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