The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Duterte eyes Mindanao, prioritizes region’s peace, infra projects
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism that Mindanao’s abundant natural resources and its dynamic people can help contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Duterte, who spoke at the Mindanao Business Conference here recently, said the government has allocated funds to build structures in Mindanao to facilitate the transfer of goods and services as well as enhance mobility and connectivity. “It is for this reason that the government is aggressively pursuing infrastructure projects in Mindanao,” he said.
The government is actively providing assistance in the production of high value crops, development of agricultural products and marketing of its goods, among others, to secure Mindanao’s important role as the country’s food basket, according to the President.
“The color-coded agrifishery map is now available to our farmers to help them identify the most suitable crops for their farms and this will be continuously improved with new data and tools to provide more information for our farmers and fisher folks,” he said.
Duterte, however, said all efforts to promote business, trade and investment in Mindanao will be in vain if there is no stability and order, as well as just and lasting peace in the island. “That is why the government is intensifying the fight against illegal drugs, crime and corruption, even as it creates a more enabling and nurturing business environment in Mindanao,” he said, reiterating that his administration is firmly committed to wiping out local terrorists and other threat groups that continue to hinder peace and development efforts, especially the Isis-inspired militants who occupied Marawi City on May 23.
The President assured investors and businesses in Mindanao that Marawi will rise again as a thriving and flourishing city. “The government is now expediting preparatory works for the implementation of the Marawi City Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan to see to it that this will really happen,” he said, but in order for the government’s plans for Mindanao and the country to succeed, Duterte also asked for the help and participation of the private sector. “With your cooperation and our people’s support, I am confident that we will create a more prosperous and progressive Mindanao,” he said.