Alliance Center inaugurated

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT --- ARMM Governor MujivHataman led the inauguration of the Central Maguindanao Development Cooperation Alliance Center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. At inset is Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom (seated, 1^st from right) together with the ARMM officials. (Anne Acosta -MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Central Maguindanao Development Cooperation (CMDC) Alliance Center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao was inaugurated last December 19 in a ceremony led by Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The center would cater to the needs of 15 conflict-affected municipalities in Maguindanao.

Governor Hataman said the P30-million center will serve as the office of the executive body of the CMDC, an alliance of 15 municipalities in Maguindanao that are beneficiaries of the Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program (HDAP) of the regional government.

Central Maguindanao has been the center of encounters between government forces and lawless elements in the past.

“Forming an alliance among local officials will help restore normalcy and facilitate development efforts among the communities in Maguindanao,” Governor Hataman said.

The construction of the center was implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

A portion of the building will house the office of law enforcement and elders for the planning and implementation of the CMDC program for peace and development. The ARMM has earmarked P2.23 billion for the implementation of projects under the ARMM-HDAP.

The program aims to address the immediate needs of the affected families as well as in providing follow-through interventions in 15 affected municipalities in Maguindanao. These municipalities are Datu Piang, Talitay, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, Guindulungan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Datu Salibo, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, and Shariff Aguak.

The HDAP provides various interventions such as health, education, social welfare, infrastructure, livelihood, community development, and peace and governance. It will also help transform the better socio-economic situation in the 2nd District of Maguindanao.

To provide safe and clean water to the residents, DILG-ARMM Secretary Atty. Noorhafizullah Abdullah said Level II water supply systems, or communal faucets, will be completed this year in areas covered by the alliance. The new municipal halls of Datu Salibo, Datu Anggal, and Shariff Saydona are now completed while the municipal halls of Datu Piang and Talitay have been rehabilitated.

Also, hundreds of residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao availed themselves of free services from the ARMM government and its line-agencies during the 22nd ARMM People’s Day.

Governor Hataman and other officials led the People’s Day held at Dapiawan Elementary School in Barangay Dapiawan.

The social services included dental and medical services and supplemental feeding and distribution of hygiene kits, relief goods, fish corals, and tree seedlings, among others. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)