Cotabato City joins landmark lantern lighting

COTABATO CITY - The local government of Cotabato participated in the golden anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Cotabato City was one of the 50 chosen cities out of 145 to join the association in their nationwide celebration held in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed chairmanship of the Asean.

The 50 chosen cities were given the privilege to take part in the Asean Landmark Lighting where the Cotabato City Old City Hall was brightly lit up with Asean colors together with the Asean Lantern. The Old City Hall was selected for its historical background as one of the earliest establishments built in the metro that had witnessed the development and challenges its people encountered.

The Asean Lantern, inspired from a Filipino Christmas ornament, parol was designed with elements common in the Asean member states. The commonality signifies the association's vision to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful Southeast Asian community.

Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia J. GuianiSayadi, in her message, said the establishment of an integrated economic community will surely accelerate economic growth, enhance trade development, and allow freer movement of goods services, skilled labor, and capital.

"Cotabato City must develop its human capital and workforce skills while addressing income and gender inequality," she said.

The lady mayor underscored a review on the local government's programs and policies to level up and to not be left behind in the economic integration. She added that the integration offers a lot of opportunities to every member state that may help various sectors and industries to become more competitive .

The city government is embarking on a multimillion peso computerization for operation to keep up with the economic growth. The city also eyes to become the "Halal Hub" in the country.

Because of all of these plans, different infrastructures will soon be established to accelerate the development of the city.