DBM chief says gov’t programs in Mindanao ‘bearing fruit’

NIGHT ATTRACTION | Muslims and Christians flock to the government center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City to enjoy a light show set up in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. The center also hosts a trade fair to allow small traders to earn. Photo from the BARRM Office of the Chief Minister)

MANILA, Philippines — Development efforts in Mindanao under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are bearing fruit, said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday.

Following former president Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a separate Mindanao, Pangandaman said that the government has been working to sustain peace and prosperity in the region.

READ: Duterte now wants ‘separate, independent’ Mindanao

“As the only Filipina Muslim member of the Cabinet, I can honestly and proudly say that the efforts at developing Mindanao under Bagong Pilipinas are bearing fruit. We will continue to endeavor in turning Mindanao from a land of promise into a land of promises fulfilled,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

“The future of Mindanao is bright, and as long as we stay focused and united, I am confident that our dreams for the economic transformation and upliftment of this region will be fulfilled,” she added.

Pangandaman also pointed to the success of the Intergovernmental Relations Body for the National Government (IGRB), which is tasked with solving issues between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“I am happy to report that for the first time, all seven mechanisms of the IGRB have been activated in less than a year, including holding for the first time the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum,” said Pangandaman.

Government leaders in Marcos’ administration have released statements of support for a united and peaceful Philippines after Duterte said that local Mindanaoan leaders will work to create their state.

National Security Advisor Sec. Eduardo Año, the interior secretary under Duterte, said that the peace process must be safeguarded.

“We emphasize that calls for the division of our country only serve to undermine our collective progress and prosperity. The strength of our country lies in our unity and any attempt to sow division must be rejected by all sectors unequivocally,” said Año in a separate statement.

READ: Año: Any secession move to be met with force

Dutrter’s former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff and current presidential peace adviser, Carlito Galvez, called for support for Marcos’ peace and unity agenda.