Maguindanao to showcase changes through conference of vice mayors

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu. AP FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu is hoping the holding of the 2nd quarter meeting of the national executive board of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) in Buluan, Maguindanao, will help dispel the notion of the “culture of un-peace and the state of un-development” in their province.

Mangudadatu, speaking to the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone, said for three days until Wednesday, the VMLP board headed by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno would hold its sessions at the Buluan town municipal gymnasium.

“This is another opportunity for Maguindanao outsiders to see for themselves how we fare in this part of the country,” he said.

Just recently, Maguindanao hosted various activities aimed at showcasing the province and its facilities. These included the grand thanksgiving for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which drew over 1,000 visitors from across the country, he said.

Buluan Vice Mayor Jhazzer Mangudadatu, VMLP political affairs officer, said part of the progress being experienced by the province could be seen in its fully airconditioned gymnasium.  “We hope to showcase also to the country’s vice mayors the positive side of Maguindanao and what the province has to offer in terms of accommodation,” he said.

The governor has announced that a P200-million sports complex to be funded out of the P2-billion Omnibus Loan that Maguindanao got for its education, agriculture, infrastructure and sports development initiatives will be built – also in Buluan, to boost the province’s hosting capabilities.

“The construction works for the provincial sports development complex, which will also include a modern stadium will be started soonest this year,” he said.