Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (PNA photo)
MANILA – Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday said the government's efforts to further develop Mindanao under Bagong Pilipinas are now bearing fruit.
Pangandaman also cited the importance of staying united to uplift the region.
"As the only Filipina Muslim member of the Cabinet, I can honestly and proudly say that the efforts at developing Mindanao under Bagong Pilipinas are bearing fruit. We will continue to endeavor in turning Mindanao from a land of promise into a land of promises fulfilled," Pangandaman said in a statement.
"The future of Mindanao is bright and as long as we stay focused and united, I am confident that our dreams for the economic transformation and upliftment of this region will be fulfilled," she added.
Pangandaman said the national government and leaders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are working hard to maintain and sustain peace in Mindanao while also developing the region.
"As a matter of fact, as co-chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Body for the National Government, with Minister Mohaqher Iqbal for the side of BARMM, I am happy to report that for the first time, all seven mechanisms of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body have been activated in less than a year, including holding for the first time the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum," she said.
The Professional Regulation Commission regional office in BARMM is also established, as well as the recognition of the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office.
"We are even commemorating the establishment of Islam in the Philippines, to emphasize the importance of our Muslim heritage in Philippine history. All these efforts are directed at making Mindanao a shining example of peace and development in the Philippines," Pangandaman said.
Commitment to securing PH sovereignty
The Department of National Defense (DND), meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and securing the country's sovereignty.
"The mandate of the DND is to secure the sovereignty of the State and integrity of the national territory as enshrined in the Constitution," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement.
Teodoro said these policies will be strictly enforced "whether externally or internally".
Security officials earlier assured that the government will quell any attempt to destabilize or divide the nation.
Preserve unity
A Mindanao prelate has also opposed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the separation of the island from the Philippines.
Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad cited the need to preserve the country’s unity.
“No to disintegration of our land. I am for the preservation of our land, of our country, the Philippines," Jumoad said in a message to Church-run Radio Veritas. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno and Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
