MAASIM, Sarangani (January 17, 2007) – "2006 is a banner year for us. The single greatest achievement I would like to present with pride and honor to the people of Maasim is the stable peace and order condition."
This concludes Mayor Aniceto "Jojo" Lopez Jr.'s State Of the Municipality Address (SOMA) Tuesday delivered before his constituents and municipal and provincial officials headed by Governor Migs Dominguez.
"It is the ideal state of our municipality where everyone of us now lives in a tranquil and flourishing environment," the mayor said.
Lopez reported that Maasim gained international recognition on environmental protection and conservation, investments, tax revenue collection efficiency and local legislation.
Lopez said the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) has recognized the successes Maasim has made in the implementation of the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) which aims to optimize the use of its land in terms of livelihood and soil protection and conservation.
"In November 2006, we were able to surpass the achievements of other municipalities ahead of us," Lopez said, citing the FLUP annual review and assessment conducted by the Philippine Environmental Governance Project (EcoGov) in Davao City.
Since last year, the town also topped the province's real property tax administration and collection efficiency, exceeding this year its targeted collection by 60%.
"This was prompted by vigorous tax collection campaign as part of the no-nonsense implementation of the revised tax ordinance, effective real property tax administration, and installation of a one-stop shop processing of business licenses," he explained.
The operation of pineapple giant Dole Philippines, prompted by the FLUP implementation in the former rebel grounds of Barangay Amsipit, has contributed significantly to the fast growing income rate of the municipality according to Lopez.
Amsipit accounts for the biggest agricultural land area of 12,715 hectares or 25.41% of the town's total land area.
The municipal planning office said there are at least one thousand hectares of land now planted to pineapple by farmer-growers with the help of Dole's Polo Samahang Nayon Cooperative.
"Our reconciliation effort with our rebel brothers through the program 'From Arms to Farms' paid its price," the mayor said.
Under this program, former New People's Army combatants now cooperate with the local government and become farmers and peacemakers in the area.
Sangguniang Bayan member Hanafi Ibrahim reaffirmed support for the Lopez administration, now on its second term of office.
"We ourselves have brought legacy to his leadership by winning third place best performing local government unit in the field of legislation by the Department of Interior and Local Government," said Ibrahim, an ex-officio member of the provincial board.
The local government has also enhanced its social services by providing health care services, educational opportunities for the indigenous people and youth programs.
With the municipal tourism council now reactivated, the town's world-class diving destinations and other historic sites can be developed into prime tourist spots.
Governor Migs Dominguez has been leading the local government's initiative in outsourcing funds from various national and international agencies in bringing investments to the province.
The Provincial Steering Committee on Externally Assisted Projects and local initiative funds has gained P1 billion worth of investments in 2006.
"Dahil sa inyong suporta, ang Maasim noon ay ibang iba sa Maasim ngayon. Ang success naming bilang leaders ninyo is the success of everybody," Lopez said. "Maasim has soared high and it will continue to soar high in the coming years." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)
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