Islamic City of Marawi (8 October) -- The report of President Benigno Aquino III dubbed as "Isang Daang Araw Sa Isang Daang Matuwid: Report Kay Boss" in which he detailed the highlights of his administration's accomplishments during the first 100 days drew mixed reactions in Lanao del Sur.
President Aquino did a good job in his first 100 days, said Marogong town mayor Haroun Maruhom.
We, in Marogong, hail his commitment in providing universal health care and expanding the access of the most vulnerable members of the society in terms of health care benefits, nutrition and education, Maruhom added.
He said the retention of the conditional cash transfer program and the President's priority agenda of attaining a universal insurance coverage for all Filipinos in three (3) years will really help in reducing the poverty incidence in Lanao del Sur and uplift the quality of life of his beloved constituents.
I noticed in his report that he is very sincere with his work and I hope this will continue until the end of his term, City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic said.
However, the President should put importance in the development of Mindanao including the cultural minorities and indigenous minorities, not just Luzon and other major cities, the city mayor further said.
Salic also hopes the government will be sincere with their peace talks with the MILF and other insurgents so that lasting peace and development can be achieve stressing that there is development when there is peace.
Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, director of Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, meanwhile cited that President Aquino's 100 days is likened to building a foundation for a building using the right material.
Committing to a so-called social compact with the people, the President has issued some controversial policy statements which will have long-term effect on the people, she said.
For instance, in the government owned and controlled bank where I work, he has cut down the allowances for Board of Directors which is positive in terms of saving up, she further said.
What I fear, she added, is the effect of displacement of government employees and the fight against corruption which will have some disgruntled people like the Quirino hostage-taker.
On the other hand, Abul Alibasa, president of Ranao Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development, said his group wishes the President will be different from his predecessors with regards to the Bangsamoro quest for self-determination.
We believe that with his political will, just like his late mother in dealing with then MNLF, the Mindanao long-aged conflict could end through negotiated political settlement, he said.
He also stressed that his group believes that the appointment of Dean Leonen, a stalwart in NGO works, is one of his steps towards peace-building in Mindanao.
We are also hopeful of non-repetition of the'carrot and sticks' policy of the previous administration and we are very optimistic that the President will not and will never be a failure.
