THE PROPOSED Bangsamoro political entity would be crucial to the upcoming integration of the Philippines into the Southeast Asian economic community because Mindanao “is our gateway to our ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] neighbors.”
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) issued this statement on Tuesday, adding that regional development brought on by a more stable situation would be vital in boosting the national economy.
“When we achieve peace in the Bangsamoro, we will accelerate progress in an entire region whose growth has been stunted through four decades by armed conflict,” chief government negotiator Miriam Colonel-Ferrer said.
She added that “collaborative programs and mechanisms are already being created and set in motion in order to support conflict-affected MILF communities towards a smooth transition into the Bangsamoro era.”
The so-called Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program (SBP), meanwhile, had already been mobilized to improve the delivery of basic services and implement livelihood program in Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities, as part of initial preparations for the political entity’s formation, which would be created by a bill currently expected to be approved by the Congress in February.
Top economists have previously noted that with its proximity to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Mindanao should be able to better reap the touted benefits of integration.
Optimistic about the Bangsamoro deal, oil palm companies have recently expressed interest in the Mindanao region for plantation sites.
CALLS FOR FEDERALISM IN DAVAO
In Davao City, calls for a shift to a federal form of government were renewed, initiated by the informal group Council of Leaders of Mindanao, which organized a forum about the matter on Monday.
Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, a member of the Council of Leaders and organizer of the forum, said discussions on federalism is important now that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is being deliberated on by Congress and public consultations are being held around the country.
“The catalyst is the BBL because if you do not give to other regions the same, there will be a clamor,” said Mr. Duterte. “Both these proposals (BBL and federalism) would provide mechanisms for equal opportunities to all groups in the country,” he added.
Among those in the forum was former military officer Alexander Noble, representing indigenous people (IP) communities, who have expressed fear of losing rights and being marginalized once the BBL is passed and implemented.
Mr. Noble, a leader of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement during the time of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, said while several indigenous groups are opposing the creation of the Bangsamoro territory, they believe that federalism would address their concerns through the formation of IP states.
Also in attendance were Catholic Church leaders, including Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando D. Capalla, who is also chair of the interreligious group Bishops Ulama Conference.
Mr. Capalla, while stressing his support for federalism is personal and not representative of the Catholic Church nor the Ulama group, said a federal form of government will be a solution to an “incompetent and morally bankrupt” government.
Federalism, he said, will ensure the “adequate and humane promotion of the common good.”
The Council of Leaders of Mindanao include Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri, Jr. of Bukidnon, Reuben Canoy of the Radio Mindanao Network, former Transportation and Communications secretary Pantaleon D. Alvarez, former Zamboanga Rep. Romeo G. Jalosjos, and former Cagayan de Oro City mayor Vicente Y. Emano.
The group has also gathered support from leaders in the Visayas. -- Vince Alvic Alexis F. Nonato and Carmelito Q. Francisco
source: Businessworld
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