March 24, 2008 [ Manila Bulletin Online ]
By ALI G. MACABALANG
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao — Various infrastructure projects are ready for fast implementation in a proposed town in this province in what Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), described as a bold step to help the recipient area "cope promptly" in physical growth.
Construction works on six high-standard school buildings, potable water system, and a low-cost housing project will commence within this month in the proposed town of Datu Hofer, Gov. Ampatuan said in an interview here.
Datu Hofer is one of four towns proposed for creation in this province through the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly, RLA Speaker Paisalin Tago said.
Public hearings in the four proposed towns have already been conducted, drawing a resounding approval from residents in existing municipalities from which the new towns would be carved out, Tago said.
Under the ARMM Charter, the regional autonomous government, through the RLA, is empowered to create provinces, towns and barangays in pursuit of the constituents’ desire for a decentralized system of governance and fast delivery of services in the countryside.
Rasul Abpi, acting regional public works chief, said his workers are waiting for the current negotiations for the donation of lands where the planned infrastructure projects will be constructed.
The fast-tracked construction of six school buildings, a water system and dozens of low-cost housing units in the proposed Datu Hofer town "will surely alleviate social and economic conditions" of its residents.
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