The Chief Executive was briefed by ARMM Officer-in-Charge Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman on the progress of the ARMM projects at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, ARMM Compound here.
The President’s visit to Cotabato City is to showcase his administration’s commitment to embark on more pro-people projects to complement the improving peace and security situation in the ARMM region.
Hataman made a presentation on the on-going ARMM projects aimed at addressing issues like education, health, poverty, among others. He also reported to the President about the booming business climate in the area.
He said the national government, through various government agencies, has allocated a total of P9,401,144,000 for various projects in the region.
Hataman said many national roads in the region are included in the Department of Public Works and Highways’s Annual Infra Fund for this year. The DPWH allocated P2.510 B for ARMM infrastructure projects.
Other ARMM projects that are being carried out in the region include Agri-Pinoy of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) with a budget of P280.361 M; Fish for Peace of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (P129.982 M); Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (P852.000 M); 2013 PAMANA otherwise known as Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or Peaceful and Resilient Communities program (P1.546 B), the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao or BEAM-ARMM of the Department of Education (P3.900 B) and Health Facility Enhancement of the Department of Health (P182.752 M).
Hataman also reported to the President about the existing major investments in the ARMM in a bid to stimulate economic development in the region. The Bumbaran Development Corporation had already launched its P365 M Housing Project for ARMM residents. The company is constructing 1,500 housing units in the region.
Del Monte, through its subsidiary Delinanas Development Corp., has invested P569.0 M for the development of the 550 hectares of banana plantation in the ARMM.
Hataman said Del Monte plans to increase its investment to as high as P750.0 M in the region with a goal of developing up to 3,000 hectares of banana plantations and providing direct employment opportunities for thousands of locals.
On the other hand, the Bumbaran Development Corporation intends to build 1,000 housing units in Maguindanao with an investment of P300.0 M.
Hataman said a Malaysian investor plans to put up P500 M palm oil business in the region while the La Frutera intends to expand its business in Maguindanao amounting to P300 M.
The local officials thanked the President for his initiatives in bringing progress to the ARMM.
