MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proud of the various reforms his administration has initiated to push the region forward.
During the opening ceremony of the ARMM Investment Forum on November 24, the governor boasted of the pockets of reform his administration had instituted which, according to him, are now being felt on the ground.
“In our first 100 days, we focused all efforts on good housekeeping - introducing transparency mechanisms in our financial transactions; adherence to civil service regulations and audit rules; a merit-based, credible system in the appointment of officials and personnel; and a campaign for efficiency in public service,” he said.
Hataman said the ARMM reform administration also embarked on “ghost-busting” and ran after ghost employees, ghost teachers, ghost schools, ghost students, ghost projects, and recently, even ghost voters.
“In our ghost-busting in the Department of Education (DepEd) alone, in the first 100 days, we were able to save P164 million while in the Department of Public Works and Highways, we saved P56 million, which we used to purchase heavy equipment,” he noted.
The ARMM Governor further said that his administration has intensified the delivery of basic social services to ARMM constituents that earned the confidence of the national government and its line agencies, and the trust of international donor partners.
The Australian government through the AusAid granted P3.9 billion for basic education programs in Muslim Mindanao. In fact, we just launched the BEAM-ARMM last November 20, attended by no less than the DepEd National Secretary Bro. Luistro Armin, and AusAid Development Assistance Director General Rob Brazier, he cited.
In terms of infrastructure projects, Hataman said they have also implemented roads, schools and bridges projects the latest of which is a P300-million bridge connecting Bongao to mainland Tawi-Tawi and a P320-million water project in the same province.
“We have a P500-million road project in Marawi-Malabang, Lanao del Sur while we committed to complete the province’s circumferential road with P1.2 billion in Basilan,” he added.
According to Hataman, these are just some of our infrastructure projects in the region, many of which came from the President’s stimulus funds for the ARMM.
Meantime, Hataman gave assurance that the anticipated economic growth will not bypass the poorest members of the ARMM community committing the gains of development to increase social spending for public services like education, health care, water systems and housing.
He said the regional government will likewise ensure the protection of the environment and the sustainable utilization of natural resources will not be compromise.
“And although we start with economic growth, our eyes are set on economic stability, one which is founded on sustainability, long-term planning and goal-setting, supported by necessary economic policies and institutionalized mechanisms, the governor further said. (APB/PIA-10)
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