Movement for federalism to hold conference on Oct 29

The princess of a small town in Lanao del Norte will serve as the host of the upcoming conference with members of a non-profit organization called Movement for Rody Roa Duterte (MRRD) which has launched an agenda dubbed the National Movement for Federalism.

Former Mayor Bae Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud of the municipality of Pantao Ragat said the conference will be held on Oct. 29 in the town and will be attended by members of the Cabinet and the House of Representatives.

MRRD is a group comprised by private citizens whose advocacy is federalism. Organized during the presidential campaign of then Davao City Mayor Duterte, MRRD later launched its National Movement for Federalism campaign just two weeks after Rodrigo Duterte was elected President.

MRRD is embarking on a tour of several cities throughout the country to disseminate information on federalism and the benefits the country can enjoy under such a form of government.

The group will meet with Mayor Lantud on October 29 ,2016

Lantud , a supporter of President Duterte is the country’s first Muslim woman to be elected mayor and is now helping her husband, Mayor Lacson.

Although she ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Lanao del Norte under the UNA Party during the recent national elections, Lantud has acknowledged the benefits her home province could reap under a federal system of government.

At present, Lanao del Norte is facing several challenges. “Crime is a problem in the municipalities and major infrastructures need to be improved. These include roads linking the smaller towns of Lanao del Norte. Most of these roads are practically impassable,” she said.

She noted that under a federal system, overlooked provinces like Lanao del Norte will be given equal treatment in terms of budgeting. This will give the province the opportunity to address such pressing problems like crime, health, domestic violence against women and children, environmental protection, and the lack of infrastructure.