This article was first published on DBM by piudbm
In the heels of bright news on the country’s economy, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad confirmed that the development of Mindanao continues to be a priority for the Aquino administration, especially in view of the Bangsamoro peace framework and the region’s overall growth potential.
“Unlocking Mindanao’s potential is high up in the Administration’s list of priorities. Already, the region is poised to make great strides in pursuing its socio-economic goals, given the wealth of its resources and its remarkable growth prospects. The Bangsamoro peace agreement has also encouraged greater confidence in the region, particularly in areas where armed conflict once undermined efforts at community development or commercial progress,” Abad said.
The Budget chief made this statement ahead of the 2013 Philippine Development Forum (PDF) in Davao City, where the country’s global development partners will join government leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders in discussing urgent development goals and issues unique to the Philippines.
“This year’s Philippine Development Forum will be crucial in bridging the Aquino administration’s socio-economic agenda with the objectives of our development partners. We’re looking forward to nurturing a more focused and coordinated relationship with them, so we can seamlessly confront our most pressing development challenges in the country while facilitating growth and reform,” Abad said.
Through the 2013 PDF, the Administration and its development partners are expected to fine-tune the development agenda for the country and strategize the allocation of resources and knowledge, with the goal of streamlining programs and projects that will be conducive to growth in the Philippines.
“It’s no coincidence that the 2013 PDF is being held in Davao, considering the Administration’s aim of enhancing Mindanao’s growth capacity and invigorating the region’s agri-fishery and tourism industries, as well as other fast-growing sectors,” Abad said.
“With the Philippine economy performing very well, we need to ensure that the gains we’ve made will actually be felt by all Filipinos. Together with our development partners, we can work toward creating more growth dividends for Mindanao, thus empowering the region and giving it ample room for socio-economic progress,” he added.
