PGMA lauds Sarangani initiatives

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 26, 2006) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has noted that development initiatives in Sarangani have potential contribution to national economic growth.

"Ang pagpapatupad ng mga prinsipyo tungo sa mahuhusay na namamahala ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy ang pag unlad ng inyong probinsya ," said President Arroyo in her anniversary speech read by Agrarian Reform Sec. Nasser Pangandaman.

Sec. Pangandaman represented the President as guest of honor during the opening program Friday of Sarangani's 14th Foundation Anniversary and Munato Festival with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity."

"Maganda ang kinabukasan ng inyong programang Provincial Steering Committee for Externally-Assisted Projects na nabigyan ng P1 billion na pumunta sa iba't-ibang programa upang maiangat ang inyong ekonomiya at mabawasan ang kahirapan dito," Arroyo said.

Out of confidence in governance, externally-assisted projects - or those coming from foreign donors, national agencies, non-government agencies and private corporations – have been funding most of the agri-infrastructure and socio-economic projects in Sarangani.

The President also cited the national recognition achieved by the Municipality of Maitum through its anti-poverty innovation award from the United Nations Development Programme and Galing Pook Foundation " bilang isang mahusay na child-friendly town."

Maitum won the award a few weeks before Mayor George Yabes was gunned down in the poblacion. The President has tasked Governor Migs Dominguez to bring Mayor Yabes' killers to justice.

"Marami ang potential ng inyong probinsiya upang makatulong ng mas malaki sa ekonomiya ng bansa ," Arroyo said.

The President took note of Sarangani's production of high-value crops like banana, mango, pineapple and asparagus.
"Bilang isang Pangulo, nais kong madagdagan ang pagkakataon upang lalo pang lumago ang ekonomiya. Ang layunin ko ay makitang mabawasan ang bilang ng mahihirap sa buong bansa at lalong mapabuti ang pamumuhay ng Bawat Pilipino, " Arroyo said. "Ito rin ang layunin ko para sa mga taga Sarangani na magkaroon kayong lahat ng pag-unlad at matiwasay na buhay."

Earlier in the program, lone district Rep. Erwin Chiongbian said the people of Sarangani are celebrating "the vision and quest for a better future."

"The dream of one people for development is the binding spirit that carries on the torch we shall pass on from generation to generation," he said. "This occasion is our moment of unity. Now, more than ever, we must be strong to face challenges. We must not be afraid to lead the way," Chiongbian added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)