ARMM NEEDS IMPROVED ACCESS TO SOCIAL SERVICES - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara said the government must sustain efforts that target social inequities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) if it is to institute lasting reforms.

The Department of Budget and Management announced today that P1.97-billion has been released for social services in ARMM. The funding will go toward housing assistance, livelihood and feeding programs, as well as the construction of 845 daycare centers throughout the region.

"Mindanao has a curious mix of both challenges and opportunities all unique to its area. We must carry out programs that specifically target their problems, drawing on the potential of the people and the rich resources of the region," said Angara.

"We need more reforms that focus on the development of Muslim Mindanao by providing the people with increased access to quality education, as well as more and better opportunities for employment," said Angara.

Angara spearheaded last year the creation of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), a planning agency tasked to "promote, coordinate and facilitate the active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the socioeconomic development of Mindanao".

"Our goal here is to bring together all the other development programs and projects, and integrate them into a comprehensive plan of action for the region. We must move past this piecemeal approach to ARMM's growth and development," stressed Angara, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.