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| 111th Freedom Day rites focus on Mindanao and jobs |
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KORONADAL CITY – The Philippines’ observance of its 111th Independence Day
today June 12, 2009 focused on Mindanao and jobs. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the traditional nationwide flag-raising and wreath-laying rites to mark the country’s 111th freedom day at the Rizal Park here in Koronadal City, the very first time it was done in Mindanao by any President of the republic. “Happy Independence Day to all of us,” the President greeted her audience and the entire Filipino nation in her speech here. “To those looking for a parade in Luneta, we say, this year’s flag raising focuses on Mindanao and jobs,” she intoned. Heroism, she said, is not obsolete. “It comes in many forms at different times. When the nation needs us it is an opportunity to become heroes today,” she added. The President stressed that “heroism today calls for the people to unite to weather the present global economic meltdown as compared to the time of our heroes who fought for political freedom.” She assured that the government remains focused on uplifting the lives of the poor and mitigating the impact of the global financial crisis, especially on the most vulnerable sectors of society. It is for this reason, she said, that the Arroyo Administration has geared up in investing in human and physical infrastructure. “Investing in our country’s human and physical infrastructure is one of the top priorities of our economic reform agenda,” the President said. “Our efforts to support our workers during these challenging times range from investments that will help create new jobs, livelihood assistance for affected workers, and retraining programs that will help them find new employment, among others,” she explained. The President also launched here today the government’s “Mega Job and Livelihood Fair” that aims to give access to thousands of jobs here and abroad. Under her Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), she awarded employment contracts, training vouchers and livelihood assistance packages to thousands of beneficiaries here. President Arroyo explained that this year’s celebration of freedom day was held in Koronadal City to “demonstrate her administration’s desire to achieve a long-lasting peace in Mindanao.” “We all want peace to reign once more in Mindanao but we must be patient as we undergo the peace process. We cannot solve this long-festering problem using quick-fix solutions,” she said as she assured that “addressing the conflicts in Mindanao and the plight of those affected remains a very high priority” of her administration. She expressed hope that the stalled peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government would resume soon and finally realize long-term stability and prosperity in Mindanao. For the meantime that Malaysia, the third party facilitator in the MILF-GRP talks has not given any advice yet on the resumption of the talks, the President said the government is working closely with local government units and international agencies in addressing the needs of the people in the conflict areas. She said Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak has assured her of his country’s support to the peace process, stressing that he will persevere in ensuring that the peace talks will resume shortly. “June 12 in Mindanao significantly harks back to Bonifacio who saw beyond the Katagalugan and imagined a nation. It harks back to Aguinaldo who saw brothers in the people of Mindanao then as now separated by geography, religion and culture,” the President noted. “History provides both a common past and a common future for us all. Together we march to nationhood,” she concluded. |
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| PGMA underscores gov't programs to cope with global economic challenges |
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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato --- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today
led the commemoration of the country’s 111th Independence Day with a special
accent on employment, skills training and livelihood as part of government’s
efforts to cope with the challenges brought about by the global economic
crisis. She awarded employment contracts, training vouchers and livelihood grants to workers in Mindanao region under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) as highlights of the first-ever Independence Day celebration held in the resource-rich region. In her speech keynoting the commemoration of Independence Day ‘09 at the Rizal Park here this morning, President Arroyo cited the government’s programs to empower the Filipino workers through employable skills, investments and livelihood opportunities as safety nets during these times of global economic uncertainties. “Our efforts to support our workers during these challenging times range from investments that will help create new jobs, livelihood assistance to affected workers, and retraining programs that will help them find new employment, among others,” the President said. In keeping with this year’s theme: “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan: Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan,” the Chief Executive also launched a “Mega Job and Livelihood Fair” that will give the Filipino people access to job-matching and placement services, pre-employment documentation services from such government agencies as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “We will also offer livelihood assistance, technology and skills demonstrations, legal assistance, and other similar services,” she said. Indeed, this year’s Independence Day commemoration showcased an array of programs and projects which give displaced workers new livelihood opportunities. The President, assisted by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Defense Secretary Teodoro distributed three types of assistance namely, emergency employment certificates, livelihood funding checks/certificates, and training vouchers/ scholarship certificates offered by 15 government agencies. These are: 1) 292 emergency employment certificates, 14 livelihood checks worth P600,000 to 235 beneficiaries from the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies; 2) 83 employment certificates from the Department of Agrarian Reform; 3) 703 bantay-dagat and bantay-gubat employment certificates; 4) 298 emergency employment certificates and the 697 contracts for teacher I positions from the Department of Education; 5) 166 employment certificates and seven livelihood checks worth P875,000 for 175 beneficiaries from the Department of National Defense; 6) 8 employment certificates and 4 Botika sa Barangays for four cooperative beneficiaries from the Department of Health; 7) 174 emergency employment certificates under the NARS program and livelihood funding checks for 13 projects worth P3.4 million for 7,428 beneficiaries from the Department of Labor and Employment; 8) 2,050 employment certificates, nine livelihood funding checks for 445 beneficiaries worth P7.5 million and the 607 training and scholarship certificates from the Department of Science and Technology. 9) 3 emergency employment certificates from the Department of Tourism; 10) 14 emergency employment certificates from the Department of Public Works and Highways; 11) 19 checks worth P2.4 million for 480 livelihood beneficiaries from the Department of Social Welfare and Administration; 12) 36 employment certificates from the Department of Trade and Industry; 13) 48 checks for displaced workers worth P4.2 million from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; 14) 5,301 educational scholarship grants from the Commission on Higher Education; 15) 1,000 Pangulong Gloria Scholarships from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The President likewise awarded 50 emergency employment certificates from the local government of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and 20 employment certificates from the Koronadal City Water District. A total of 4,594 emergency employment certificates, 144 livelihood funding checks worth P19 million for 8,811 beneficiaries, and 6,908 training vouchers and scholarship certificates were awarded by the President during the occasion. As of the latest count, the number of Kalayaan worker-beneficiaries in the SOCSKSARGEN region has reached 20,313. The Chief Executive said she was pleased that the government’s training scholarship program “is reaching those who need it and is making an impact where it is needed most.” From P200 million, TESDA’s budget has been increased to P3 billion to cope with its vastly expanded scholarship, technical training and retraining programs in the field of livelihood. “This is one of the many measures the government has taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. By training and/or retraining our youth and unemployed in new technical skills, we are giving them an opportunity to find jobs in industries that need their skills and in some cases, even the ability to start their own small businesses at home,” the President said. To ensure greater efficiency in the granting of scholarships, the President said the government has simplified the requirements for people to benefit from the program. “If you are 15 years old and above, a Filipino citizen, and have a desire to learn a skill that will help you find a new job or start a business, then you are qualified to apply,” the Chief Executive said as she urged interested individuals to visit TESDA offices. Likewise, she urged affected workers to visit the nearest DOLE and other relevant government offices to inquire about the programs that could be helpful to them. After her speech, the President toured the different booths to get a first-hand look at the various services being offered to the people. |
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| PGMA leads simple Freedom Day rites in Mindanao |
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KORONADAL CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led the Filipino
nation in commemorating its 111th Independence Day in simple but meaningful
ceremonies here. After the full military honors accorded her by soldiers clad in Katipunero uniforms, the President raised the Philippine flag at 8 a.m. at the Rizal Park grounds in this Mindanao city. The rites signaled the simultaneous nationwide flag-raising activity to mark the country’s Freedom Day observance. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Victor Ibrado, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel assisted the President in hoisting up the Philippine flag. After the flag-raising rites, the Chief Executive took time to shake hands with representatives of tribal communities as she walked towards the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal where she laid a wreath. The traditional wreath-laying rites at the foot of Rizal's monument on Freedom Day is meant to honor the national hero and the country’s other unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives to gain freedom for the Filipino people. During the wreath-laying, a military brass band played "Pilipinas Kong Mahal," evoking an emotional atmosphere in the park premises. A Philippine Air Force helicopter later dropped different fresh flowers on the crowd. The celebration also featured an ecumenical invocation led by religious leaders of various sects and ethnic groups. Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel and South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes delivered welcome remarks. Towards the end of the program, the President led the awarding of employment certificates, livelihood packages and scholarship checks or training vouchers provided by 15 government agencies. Shortly after delivering her Independence Day message, the Chief Executive released hundreds of tri-colored balloons to formally launch the combined mega jobs and livelihood fairs. Escorted by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and some local officials, President Arroyo toured the different booths to check on the services being offered by the government agencies to the local residents. |
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Speech of President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo Independence Day Celebration, 12 June 2009 Koronadal City, South Cotabato, 12 June 2009 |
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Tanan naton nga mga kasimanwa: Malipayon nga Independendence Day sang aton
pungsod! To those looking for a parade in Luneta, we say, this year’s flag raising focuses on Mindanao and jobs. Heroism is not obsolete. It comes in many forms in different times. When the nation needs us it is an opportunity to become heroes today. Kung sang una, ang mga bayani naton nakig-away para sa aton pulitikal nga kaluwasan, subong, dapat naton gamiton ang aton paghili-usa bilang isa ka komunidad para maluwas kita sa pagka-imol kag sa krisis sa ekonomiya sang kalibutan. I am happy to hold our traditional Independence Day flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies here at the Rizal Park in Koronadal. Wala sang pungsod nga nakalikay sa epekto sang global crisis. Apan diri sa SocSKSarGen siling sang inyong mga opisiyales mala’y dako nga epekto. Congratulations! Ang Pilipinas gid isa sa pila lamang ka pungsod nga nakapadayon sang iya positive growth rate. Ang produksiyon naton bilang GDP nagtubo gihapon, nangin 0.4% sa first quarter sang tuig, kag ang total nga ginkita sang pungsod nga ginatawag GNP nagtubo 4.4%. Tungod kay sadto pa, gin-tumar na naton ang mapait nga medesina nga amo ang mga reporma sang ekonomiya. Gingamit naton ang ganansya halin sa reporma sa pagpatukod sang dugay na nga kinahanglanon nga physical and human infrastructure. Investing in our country’s infrastructure is one of the top priorities of our economic reform agenda. We are further enhancing General Santos City Airport. Ginakompleto ang rehabilitation sang terminal building kag construction sa bakod. This P30 million project will be awarded within 30 days. These enhancements will support efforts to grow this SocSKSarGen as a major destination in our country. Our efforts to support our workers during these challenging times range from investments that will help create new jobs, livelihood assistance to affected workers, and retraining programs that will help them find new employment, among others. Kaupod sa aton sabat sa pagkadula sang mga trabaho tungod sa global economic crisis amo ang Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs o CLEEP nga ginapatuman subong sa bilog nga pungsod. Ang gina-una naton amo ang mga tawo nga nadula ang trabaho sang nagsira ang ila mga kumpanya tungod sa paghinay sang mga orders halin sa iban nga pungsod, kay dako ang epekto sang global crisis didto sa ginhalinan sang orders. The CLEEP here in Region XII has benefited 8,500 individuals, 14% of whom have come under the livelihood projects of the Petroleum Association of the Philippines, which has partnered with government on this. Later today we will award employment contracts, training vouchers and livehood grants under the CLEEP. Kag may ara kita saman sang Mega Job and Livelihood Fair that will give our kababayans access to job matching and placement serices, pre-employment documentation services from the NBI, NSO, BIR, DFA and other agencies. We will also offer livelihood assistance, technology and skills demonstrations, legal assistance, and other similar services. I am heartened to hear that the training scholarship program is reaching those who need it and is making an impact where it is needed most. Anay before our administration, and budget sa technical education and skills development P200 million. Subong it is P3 billion. This is one of the many measures the government has taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. By training and/or retraining our youth and unemployed in new technical skills, we are giving them an opportunity to find jobs in industries that need their skills and in some cases, even the ability to start their own small businesses at home. To ensure greater efficiency in the granting of scholarships, we have simplified the requirements so that more of our people can benefit from this program. If you are 15 years old and above, a Filipino citizen, and have a desire to learn a skill that will help you find a new job or start a business, then you are qualified to apply. We encourage those who want to take advantage of this resource to visit a TESDA office. Our initiatives are working to create new jobs for those affected by the global economic downturn. We urge those affected workers to visit the nearest DOLE and other government offices to inquire about the programs that can assist them. Nagapangabudlay kita para mabalanse ang ekonomiya sang pungsod. Tungod sa pagbutang naton sang mas dako nga pondo sa imprastraktura kag mga programa nga magabulig sa mga imol, ginpadako naton ang aton domestic demand o kun ang pagnegosyo sa sulod sang pungsod. Tungod sini, nagdyutay man ang aton panginahanglan sang exports. Amo nga subong, ang aton export to GDP ratio 28.5% na lang, kumpara sa 49% naton sang tuig 2000. Naghimo man kita sang programa agod nga mas magdamo kag lain-lain ang aton mga trading partners kag ang mga pungsod nga kaladtu-an sang mga overseas Filipinos. Samtang ginhimo naton ini, nagtukod man kita sang mga bag-o nga industriya tulad sang Business Process Outsourcing Industry, kun diin naga-dominar ang Pilipinas sa bilog nga kalibutan. Dali ang pagsaka naton sa industriya nga ini. We also must not lose sight of the challenges we were already addressing before the onset of the global economic crisis. Climate change ranks high on the list of challenges that must not be forgotten in the rush to fix a world economy in crisis. The challenge of climate change, and the devastating permanent impact it will have on economies around the world, will still be with us long after the global economy returns to health. To help mitigate climate change, our Administration is focused on developing renewable sources of energy to ensure that our power supplies are sustainable and that we are able to attain a higher level of self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources. The Biofuels Law and the newly-passed Renewable Energy Act of 2008 offers significant incentives to companies that wish to invest in renewable energy projects in our country. We are encouraging investors to take part in the development of alternative energy. That includes such projects as the proposed hydro-electric plant in Lake Sebu, which is still in the feasibility study stage, and the Korean jatropha plantation and processing project which was unveiled located in Soksargen. We are now focusing on promoting the wealth of natural resources that are available in our country so that investors are aware of these opportunities. Addressing the conflicts in Mindanao and the plight of those affected remains a very high priority. We are working closely with the LGUs and with international agencies to ensure that the needs of the people in this area are quickly met. We also hope to continue the peace process soon to achieve long-term stability and prosperity for the people of Mindanao. We are awaiting advice from our third party facilitator, the Government of Malaysia, on when peace talks will resume and to set the time and place where talks will be held. I had two opportunities to talk to the new Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, within the last 30 days. He gave his assurances of his country’s support to the peace process. He also stressed that they will persevere in ensuring that peace talks will resume between the Philippines and the MILF. At present, our Panel Chairman, Ambassador Rafael Seguis, is back-channeling to finalize the agenda and talking points between the two peace panels the moment peace negotiations will resume. Our Panel is being assisted by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Avelino Razon in implementing other programs under the peace process. We all want peace to reign once more in Mindanao but we must be patient as we undergo the peace process. We cannot solve this long-festering problem using quick-fix solutions. June 12 in Mindanao significantly harks back to Bonifacio who saw beyond Katagalugan and imagined a nation. It harks back to Aguinaldo who saw brothers in the people of Mindanao then as now separated by geography, religion and culture. History provides both a common past and a common future. Together we march to nationhood. |
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| PGMA bares plans to modernize GenSan International Airport |
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KORONADAL CITY – To develop and promote Central Mindanao’s tourism
potentials, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bared here today (June 12)
plans to modernize the General Santos City International Airport in South
Cotabato. “Investing in our country’s infrastructure is one of the top priorities of our economic reform agenda,” the President said in her Independence Day message delivered at the Rizal Park here. She said the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has allotted P30 million for further enhancement of the General Santos City International Airport.The project, which includes the rehabilitation and further improvement of the airport’s existing terminal building facilities, will be awarded within 30 days. “These enhancements will support efforts to grow this SoCSKSarGen area as a major destination in our country,” the President said. SoCSKSarGen is a sub-region of Central Mindanao covering South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and General Santos City. The DOTC said the P30-million fund will be for the expansion of the pre-departure and arrival areas. The amount is apart from the P10 million allotted last year for the construction of the airport’s perimeter fence. For 2010, DOTC officials added P81 million will be allotted for the provision and rehabilitation of air navigation and air traffic control facilities, improvement of the control tower and fire station buildings, and the construction of an administrative building. The Air Transportation Office has classified the General Santos International Airport as a secondary international airport. Despite the present global economic meltdown, tourism has remained strong and a major pillar of the country’s economy and continues to generate jobs and livelihood opportunities. Central Mindanao boasts of many attractive eco-tourism destinations. Among these are the Napol Hills, a site ideal for camping and hiking; the Kalaia Conel, a rock-climbing site, and the Olimpog Trail for mountain bikers. For those who love caves, the Saikak, Masiag and Lemslolon Sol Cofnit caves are must-see sites to visit and explore. The region also has scenic and beautiful waterfalls, lakes like the Lake Sebu, Lake Maughan, Domolok Lake and Lake Buluan, among others. |
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| PGMA underscores urgency of struggle vs. climate change |
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ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – “Let’s work together against climate change.” Thus said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo here today as she rallied the people of Sultan Kudarat to become “partners” of her administration in addressing the problem arising out of the worsening global weather phenomenon. She warned that unless effective measures are adopted to mitigate climate change, severe weather disturbances could disrupt food production in Mindanao. The Philippines’ food basket, the Mindanao region has been relatively “typhoon-free” compared to other regions. “Kung tuluy-tuloy itong climate change darating ang araw na angMindanao, ang food basket ng ating bansa, dahil walang typhoon ay magkakaroon ng typhoon at mawawalan ng hanap buhay dito particular sa pag-provide ng pagkain sa buong Pilipinas,” the President said in her remarks at a briefing on Climate Change held at the Capitol Building here this morning. “Kaya importanteng-importante na iwasan natin ang mga pinag-uugatan ng climate change,” she added. To illustrate her point, the President explained that the three main contributors to global warming are: excessive use of fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, increase in solid wastes that produce methane, a green house gas, when collected and dumped in dumpsites or sanitary landfills; and decrease in trees brought about by logging, illegal or otherwise. Global warming is the direct effect of climate change. To address this problem, the President has ordered the construction of more materials recovery facilities (MRF). She has instructed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to prioritize its reforestation programs as counter measures against forest denudation and also to completely close all open sanitary landfills. An MRF is a waste disposing facility that segregated trash of households and commercial establishments for them to be transformed into reusable items such as compost for farming; bricks for construction and charcoal briquettes that can be used for cooking. In its entirety, a complete MRF system has been proven to effectively reduce waste by about 80-90 percent. “So sa madaling salita, dalawa ang projects na pinag-uusapan dito to mitigate climate change: solid waste management and reforestation,” the President said. She also called on the local government unit (LGU) of Sultan Kudarat composed of one city, 11 municipalities and 249 barangays, to put up their own MRF by splitting the cost 60:40. “The average price of an MRF, rounded off, is about P200,000 so for every P120,000 that any level of government will spend, we will give you P80,000 para magka-partner tayo,” the President said. On reforestation, the President told DENR Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus Manuel Gerochi to intensify the department’s reforestation program. She instructed Gerochi to cancel the reforestation contract between the DENR and an unnamed contractor and to identify the direct beneficiaries. “On reforestation, sinabi ni Undersecretary Gerochi na merong P15 million for reforestation in Sultan Kudarat pero he has instructed the PENRO (Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office) to instruct the CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) na makipag-coordinate sa LGU para alam niyo kung sino-sino ang mga beneficiaries niyang P15-million na yan,” the President said. |
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| PGMA asks Pinoys to help mitigate climate change |
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KORONADAL CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today (June 12, 2009)
urged Filipinos to help in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change
even as they confront the challenges posed by the global economic crunch. Keynoting commemoration of the country’s 111th Independence Day at the Rizal grounds here, the President said climate change “ranks high on the list of challenges that must not be forgotten in the rush to fix a world economy in crisis.” “We also must not lose sight of the challenges we were already addressing before the onset of the global economic crisis,” she stressed. She pointed out that the challenge of climate change, and its devastating permanent impact on economies around the world, “will still be with us long after the global economy returns to health.” As part of the government efforts to help mitigate climate change, the President said her administration is focused on developing renewable energy sources. She said renewable energy resources help ensure sustainable power supply, reduce reliance on external sources and attain a higher level of self-sufficiency. The Chief Executive said the Biofuels Law and the newly-passed Renewable Energy Act of 2008 offer significant incentives to companies that wish to invest in renewable energy projects in the country. “We are encouraging investors to take part in the development of alternative energy,” she emphasized. She cited as example the proposed hydro-electric plant in Lake Sebu, which is still in the feasibility study stage, and the Korean jatropha (tuba-tuba) plantation in the SOCSKSARGen area that will have its own biodiesel processing facilities. SOCSKSARGEN is a sub-region of Region 12 that includes South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The President said the government is now focused on promoting investments in developing the wealth of the country’s natural and renewable energy resources. The Department of Energy noted that the country has vast natural and renewablle energy potentials including 4,531 MW of geothermal power; 13,097 MW from hydropower, 277 million barrels of fuel oil equivalent from biomass; 5.0-5.1 kwh/m2/day from solar energy; 76,600 MW wind power; and 170,000 MW from ocean waves. |
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| Gov't will persevere in its quest for end to Mindanao conflict - PGMA |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said that while no quick-fix
solutions to the “long-festering” Mindanao conflict are expected, the
government will nevertheless persevere in its efforts to end the dispute
through peaceful means. In her Independence Day address this morning in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, the President stressed that the resolution of the Mindanao conflict and the plight of thousands of Filipinos affected by the dispute “remains a very high priority” of her administration. “We also hope to continue the peace process soon to achieve long-term stability and prosperity for the people of Mindanao,” she said. The government, the President pointed out, is coordinating closely not only with the local government units (LGUs) in the conflict areas but also with international agencies to ensure that the needs of the people are quickly met. She said that she had been assured by new Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak of his country’s continuing support to the Mindanao peace talks. The Malaysian leader “stressed that they will persevere in ensuring that peace talks will resume between the Philippines and the MILF,” she added. Malaysia is the third party facilitator of the peace negotiations. The President said that she had talked to the Malaysian leader twice during the last 30 days about the resumption of the stalled negotiations. Malacanang is awaiting advice from Malaysia on “when peace talks will resume and to set the time and place where the talks will be held,” she said. The government peace panel, chaired by Ambassador Rafael Seguis, is “back-channeling to finalize the agenda and talking points between the two peace panels the moment peace negotiations will resume.” “We all want peace to reign once more in Mindanao but we must be patient as we undergo the peace process. We cannot solve this long-festering problem using quick-fix solutions,” the President pointed out. |
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| PGMA optimistic long-lasting peace will soon reign in Mindanao |
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KORONADAL CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed optimism
today (June 12, 2009) that long-lasting peace in Mindanao will be achieved
soon. In her Independence Day address at the Rizal Shrine here, the President said the government panel is awaiting the advice for the resumption of talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from the Malaysian government. Malaysia has acted as peace talks facilitator between the government and the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Addressing the conflicts in Mindanao and the plight of those affected remains a very high priority” (of government), the President stressed. She disclosed that during her two recent meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, she was given an assurance that Malaysia remains supportive of the peace process. “He also stressed that they (Malaysian leaders) will persevere in ensuring that peace talks will resume between the Philippines and the MILF,” she said. The talks bogged down last August when rogue MILF elements led by three recalcitrant commanders attacked civilian populations in North Cotabato, Sarangani and Lanao del Norte to protest the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). The President said GRP Panel chairman Ambassador Rafael Seguis is back-channeling to finalize the agenda and talking points between the two panels while awaiting the signal from Malaysia for the talks resumption. Meantime, she said Secretary Avelino Razon, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, has been pushing the implementation of other programs and development projects that include education, health and livelihood, among others, in the conflict areas. “We all want peace to reign once more in Mindanao but we must be patient as we undergo the peace process. We cannot solve this long-festering problem using quick-fix solutions,“ she stressed. |
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