We’ve done the ‘impossible’ – ARMM Gov. Hataman

 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor 
Mujiv Hataman 

Cotabato City (June 4, 2018) – “Masaya ako at nagpapasalamat ako ng lubos sa inyo. Hindi ninyo ako iniwan sa loob ng pitong taon. Pinilit nating baguhin ang alam nating imposible na nating baguhin,” said Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the regional government’s flag ceremony here on Monday, June 4.

The governor said the ARMM’s limitations made the efforts to develop the region extra challenging.However, he noted the accomplishments of the regional government to the shared efforts of everyone.

“Sinong mag-aakala na magbabago ang indikasyon sa ating ekonomiya mula negatibo papuntang positibo. From -.4% to 7.3%, at aangat ang sitwasyon sa larangan ng edukasyon sa atin. Sa loob ng pitong taon nakasemento tayo ng mahigit 1,000 daanan na pinapakinabangan ng ating mga kababayan ngayon,” he added.

The proposed BBL seeks to create the Bangsamoro political entity replacing ARMM. The ARMM was established in 1989 through Republic Act 6734. Upon ratification of the BBL in a plebiscite, as envisioned under the bill, the ARMM regional government shall be deemed abolished.

Two different versions of BBL were passed by the two legislative houses and a bicameral conference is yet to start to finalize the proposed law’s draft that would be submitted to President Duterte for his signature.

“Wala pang pinal kung ano yung batas na lalabas para sa ating lahat dahil marami pa ang proseso na dadaanan nito,” said Gov. Hataman. “Ito ang panahon na dapat natin ilabas ang ating mga katapangan. Pambihirang pagkakataon sa atin lahat."

The regional governor called for unity among his constituents. With easy access to social media, he urged everyone to raise the discourse online saying: “Sa mga mahilig sa social media, baka ito ang pagkakataon na gawin nating objektibo na tama ang ating mga pamumuna, kung ano yung ating mga kritisismo, kung ano yung dapat palitan at hindi palitan,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, he expressed his gratitude to the regional government’s employees and encouraged everyone to continue serving the people. “Pinapaabot ko ang aking pasasalamat kasama ng lahat ng pamunuan ng ARMM, sa lahat ng nagsilbi, ituloy natin ang ating pagseserbisyo dahil hindi natin alam kung ano ang kinabukasan ng batas na ito.” (By JONG CADION with Bureau of Public Information)