SENATOR Grace Poe on Monday bewailed the government’s lack of support to the poverty-stricken Mindanao region, saying it needs a development program to help its people.
She earlier filed a resolution urging the Senate to conduct an inquiry into the government’s overall development program for the region.
“It is our common dream to see a truly strong and united country that realizes the aspirations of our Muslim brethren in Mindanao and the nation as a whole,” Poe had said when she praised the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro a year ago.
“We are hopeful that this initial step will bring us closer to our long-awaited peace and stability leading to progress in this important region.”
Poe also noted that the inclusion of Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur and North Cotabato in the agreement, provinces which are not within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and which enjoy relative peace and order, “is a clear indication that the problem is not only about peace and order but is more about the lack of focus in the overall economic upliftment of Mindanao.”
“With its vast potential, rich natural resources and resilient and hardworking people, Mindanao cannot go wrong if only the national government gives it more attention,” Poe said.
At the same time, Poe, the frontrunner in the various presidential preference surveys, underscored the urgent need to implement plans for a modern railway system in Mindanao.
“For years, we have heard of this railway system but that’s just that: all talk. We need to move and make this into a reality,” she said.
“Mindanao continues to have the potential of opening up Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand to more trade and business for the country. But sadly, this has yet to happen.”
Poe said the worsening power problem in Mindanao should be immediately addressed by the next President.
“This is a problem that many in government had actually anticipated but barely did anything about. The next administration should have a fresh start at taking this problem by the horns and solving it,” Poe said.