Thursday, March 15, 2007 Lasting peace spurs economic dev’t in Mindanao: Pimentel By Bong Garcia
GENUINE Opposition (GO) senatorial candidate Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel said only a final and lasting peace agreement between rebel groups and the government can spur growth in Mindanao.
"Peace must be achieved by nonviolent means at all costs. No shooting wars since the casualties are all Filipinos-soldiers, rebels and civilians. There is no point in killing each other," said Pimentel, the lone opposition candidate from Mindanao.
Pimentel presented his Mindanao Agenda that includes the pouring of more resources all over Mindanao especially in long-neglected areas.
"The people of Mindanao are craving for peace, economic growth, education and jobs. They should be given opportunities to achieve these," he said.
A lasting peace will entice investors to create industries in Mindanao, resulting in employment and development, he said.
Once elected to the Senate, Pimentel said he will focus on creating legislation to bring economic growth to Mindanao.
He said in the last five years, the Arroyo administration has failed to sign a final peace agreement with rebel groups.
"It should be on top of the government's agenda if it really wants to develop Mindanao," Pimentel said.
"The Philippine military does not exist in order to kill fellow Filipinos. The government must show good faith and sincerity in wanting Mindanao to be developed by pouring resources into Mindanao especially in war-torn areas," he said.
He said war-devastated areas should be rebuilt, providing communities with basic needs.
He is eyeing Mindanao to become the country's food basket through investments in agriculture and fisheries. This can be done by ensuring that Mindanao can competitively serve the Metro Manila market and other lucrative markets in the country.
To promote trade with neighboring countries, Pimentel said Mindanao should be transformed into a transportation hub by creating routes to different Asean and Asian cities.
All economic programs will be handled by a Mindanao Development Authority, an agency that will be composed of representatives from the government, businessmen, tribal groups, experts and other sectors in Mindanao.
Pimentel is also pushing for energy independence for Mindanao through the development of alternative or renewable energy sources. Part of the agenda includes establishing an information technology hub in Mindanao.
