By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that his administration will continue to preserve peace and stability in Mindanao.
In a speech during the distribution of financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Maguindanao del Sur, President Marcos urged the people to join the government in its efforts against armed conflict to achieve “long-lasting peace and unity” in the region.
“Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan ay nananatiling prayoridad ng aking administrasyon,” Marcos said.
“Sa ating pagkakaisa, makakamit natin ang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa Maguindanao del Sur, sa buong rehiyon ng BARMM, at sa ating inaantay na Bagong Pilipinas,” he also said.
The President also enumerated key infrastructure projects in Mindanao expected to usher in growth and development in the region, such as the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project in Cotabato and Maguindanao; the Ambal-Simuay Flood Control Project in Cotabato; as well as improvement of provincial access roads to boost local commerce and transportation.
He also ordered government agencies and local government units to ensure effective delivery of public services and other programs and assistance provided by the government.
“Layunin nating magbigay ng mabilis at komprehensibong tulong upang mabilis na makaahon sa mga pagsubok at hindi na muling masadlak sa kaguluhan ang lugar na ito,” he added.
The Chief Executive also mentioned several projects the government is implementing in Tawi-Tawi such as the Mindanao Road Sector Project that aims to construct three bridges in the province to improve transportation and maintain peace and order.
The government, likewise, continues to roll out the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Quick Response Fund, and “KALAHI-CIDSS Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay” aimed at providing assistance and jobs to individuals in need.
“Ang Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon o BangUn ay naglalayong din na masugpo ang malnutrisyon [sa] mga bata, sa mga anak natin at kababaihang nagdadalang-tao,” the President added.
First PH President to visit JTF Tawi-Tawi
Meanwhile, Marcos also commended the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tawi-Tawi for helping the government attain peace in Mindanao which then enhanced tourism and business activities in the region.
During his visit to the JTF Tawi-Tawi headquarters in Bongao on Thursday, the President said that he was able to visit the province due to the efforts of the JTF.
“Ngayon, imbes na naglalabanan, ang labanan ngayon dito pagandahan na ng resort. That is a very big achievement and the part that you played in that is a very major part. So congratulations for the good work and for a job well done,” he stated.
Notably, Marcos became the first Filipino president to visit the JTF headquarters in Tawi-Tawi, according to 2nd Marine Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Nestor Narag Jr.
“Indeed, we are very much honored and privileged to have you here with us this morning for it is the first time in the history of the deployment of our brigade here in the Province of Tawi-Tawi that the highest official of the land sets foot inside these headquarters,” Narag said.
The Chief Executive added that he was very happy to be able to claim to be the first Filipino president to set foot on the Marines headquarters on the island.
“The reason is not because other presidents did not want to come here. It was because other presidents were not allowed by the security conditions that had passed before to be able to come here,” he said.
However, the President stressed that the military has to transform from warfighters to peacemakers as the country marches toward development — giving insurgents the opportunity to return to the fold of the law.
“Kasama na ngayon sa mission natin ay ‘yung patuloy na peace-making para bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga fighters, ang mga dating fighers na magkaroon ng mas magandang buhay na hindi sila nakatago sa bundok, hindi sila laging gutom,” he said. – avds
