Implement projects as prescribed –ARMM exec

COTABATO CITY—With close to a billion pesos appropriated to local government units (LGUs) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) this year under the “Bottoms Up Budgeting” (BUB) meant for agricultural development, the Office of the Regional Governor reminded would-be recipients to make sure the projects are “well implemented as prescribed.”

Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said at least 338 projects on infrastructure and livelihood would benefit 104 municipalities in the five ARMM provinces.

Makmod Mending Jr., agriculture regional secretary, said the reminder came when Congress was investigating the alleged misuse of P10-billion pork barrel allotted to senators.

Mending said that of the total of P959,392,914.11 BUB fund for ARMM, the first release amounting to P40.3 million was personally distributed in February by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to eight Lanao del Sur  LGUs and three in Maguindanao province.

On March 25, Alamia and Mending handed over another P16.7-million  BUB checks to five Lanao Sur mayors, namely, Mamintal Razuman of Lumbatan town (P4.1 million plus P350,000 for livelihood), Sahrodin Ampatua of Bayang town  (P2.9 million and P392,000), Jamal Manabilang of Bumbaran town (P1.5 million and P250,000), Jamal Asum of Lumbayanague town (P6 million) and Misangcud Capal of Tagoloan town (P1.66 million).

Mending said the Commission on Audit, the Department of Public Works and Highways, among other government agencies,  would be around to monitor and supervise the construction of farm-to-market roads and livelihood project implementation.

“These proposed projects have been identified  by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team and duly approved by the National Anti-Poverty Commission and civil society organizations,” Mending said.

“The Office of the Regional Governor is doing this for the constituents of ARMM to truly benefit from the national government’s funding assistance,” Mending said.

He said the 11 towns of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao that earlier got a total of P49.3 million were Ditsaan, Ramain, Taraka, Sultan Dumalondong, Piagapo, Calanogas, Bumbaran and Balindong, all of Lanao, and Parang, Buldon and Barira of Maguindanao.

Mending urged other chief executives, whose municipalities are covered by the BUB program, to  immediately submit to his office their project proposals and other requirements and vital documentation indicating project cost that would facilitate the release of corresponding fund aid. Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao