ARMM’s local leaders sign manifesto of unity

Davao City (December 2, 2016) – Government leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) signed a manifesto of unity on Thursday, December 1, signifying their commitment as partners in good governance in the ARMM and heeding the nation’s call for real change.

The manifesto was signed by municipal and city mayors, provincial governors, and members of the regional legislative assembly during the two day 3rd ARMM Local Government Summit, which ended on Thursday at the SM Lanang Premier SMXConvention Center in Davao City.

The document was handed over to President Rodrigo Duterte after Secretary Mike Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented highlights of the summit.

“This summit was organized in response to your directive to upscale the performance of local government leaders in the ARMM,” Secretary Sueno said.

 He said local government leaders will help fight corruption by spending resources properly.

“Ibinigay namin ito kay Presidente dahil ito ay resulta ng dalawang araw na Local Government Summit at ito ay ating commitment patungkol sa terrorism, accountability, criminality and drugs,” ARMM Governor Hataman said.

Stated in the manifesto is the important role of local government officials in pushing for good governance and reforms in the region. Local government leaders, the manifesto said, have made a commitment to fulfill their duties and responsibilities while refraining from activities that are contrary to government’s interest.

They also pledged to ensure quality services to the public and to denounce, in the highest terms, crime and corruption, most especially human rights violations and acts of terrorism. They also expressed support to initiatives and interventions of the National Government towards cohesion and convergence for national development.

“Buo naming ibinigay ang aming suporta atcommitment para mabago ang hindi magandang imahe sa aming lugar,” Kamid Buisan, acting mayor of Talitay town in the province of Maguindanao said. (Bureau of Public Information)

(By JC-MPF with PR from Bureau of Public Information - ARMM)