77 ARMM towns to benefit from potable water projects

By Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, June 22 (PIA) – Some 77 municipalities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will benefit from potable water projects set to be implemented by the Aquino administration under the region’s Transition Investment Plan.

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured this on Wednesday during the gathering of the local government units of ARMM held in Davao City where officials discussed on local governance and reforms in the region.

Aquino said initial assessment has been made on the five towns in Basilan, 21 in Lanao del Sur, 34 in Maguindanao, eight in Sulu and nine in Tawi-Tawi as recipients of the projects.

“Ito na nga po ang papatid sa uhaw ng mga komunidad na matagal nang natuyuan ng lalamunan,” he stated in his keynote speech during the ARMM Convention on Local Governance.

The potable water projects are part of the approved P8.59 billion fund which the President committed to fund various projects apart from the potable water need placed under the Transition Investment Plan of ARMM being implemented toward the next ARMM election.

Aquino said the fund also aims to address the needs for health infrastructure, core shelter assistance for families caught in the middle of the political conflict, farm-to-market roads, repair and rehabilitation of roads and bridges and energization of remote areas.

“Makakaasa po kayong nasa likod ninyo ang ating administrasyon, handang alalayan kayo sa inyong pangangailangan,” he assured the ARMM mayors and governors.

“Binigyan po tayo ng pagkakataon upang patunayan sa mga taga-ARMM na ang mabuting pamamahala ay nagbubunsod ng tunay na pagginhawa,” Aquino said.

The President urged the ARMM people not to waste this good opportunity, saying “Huwag nating ipagpabukas pa ang kaya nating isakatuparan ngayon para sa lalo pa nating pag-usad,” he said. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)