BARMM infrastructure projects for LGUs were stepped up to help keep the peace
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ECONOMIC DRIVER. The newly-built public market in Indanan, Sulu is expected to drive more economic activities and generate job opportunities for residents and former rebels. The PHP25 million infrastructure is among the projects funded by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM) to bring regional moral governance to the grassroots. (Photo courtesy of MILG-BARMM)
MindanaoHerald | BARMM infrastructure projects for LGUs were stepped up to help keep the peace | COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG-BARMM) stressed Thursday how important it is to make local government units (LGUs) stronger so that peace can last.
In an interview on Thursday, Naguib Sinarimbo, the interior minister of BARMM, said that in addition to improving the infrastructure and capabilities of local governments, former rebels should also be given good job chances so they can easily become part of the community.
He said that people doing well financially include Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who used to work in parts of western Mindanao and the Sulu region.
“Before abandoning a lost cause and joining the mainstream, ex-ASG members will soon become useful citizens after they finish skills training offered by the BARMM government,” he said.
Maintaining peace
The BARMM spokesman, Sinarimbo, also said that a reformation center for former ASG members in Patikul, Sulu, worth 25 million Philippine pesos is almost finished.
He said the center’s goal is to meet the numerous skill-training needs of former ASG members and is an important part of the Bangsamoro government’s dedication to keeping peace in Mindanao.
“We believe that the long-term solution is to provide them with a new perspective on how to interpret their religious beliefs,” stated Sinarimbo.
Recently, Barangay Langhub was known as an ASG base. Heavy ASG presence made it hard for people in Sulu, including the troops, to get there.
Developing the economy
In addition to helping with law enforcement, Sinarimbo said, “our main goals are to support local moral governance, local economic development, and strengthening quick response during disasters in the region.”
Many buildings this month that will make it easier and better for the government to provide services in the towns are finished and will be turned over in the coming weeks.
The newly finished public markets in Indanan, Sulu, and the Pikit cluster of the BARMM Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato province, according to Sinarimbo, are expected to boost the economy and create jobs for locals.
He also said that three more city halls in Tawi-Tawi were just finished and will soon be handed over. (via PNA)
