by Rene V. Carbayas
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan, Aug 14 (PIA) – At least twelve civil society groups in Basilan appealed to government
agencies to strengthen their public-private partnership (PPP) in the
implementation of the Php8.59 Billlion stimulus fund for the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In a provincial stakeholders consultation on the Transition Investment
Support Plan organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government of
ARMM last July 15, the different implementing government agencies concerned
presented to CSOs the status of the stimulus funds.
Nathan Insung of the Yakan Integrated Foundation Inc. asked the
implementing government agencies to work with the CSOs to ensure success,
citizens’ participation and acceptability of the programs and projects.
Thaiba Anwar, Program Manager of Basilan
Women Initiative Foundation and lead organization for the CSOs in Basilan said
that few people know about this program and she challenged CSOs to intensify
its information, dissemination and advocacy campaign so that more people could
keep an eye on the implementation of these programs and projects.
Jurma Tikmasan, Deputy Manager of ARMM Program Management Office said
that the gathering is an opportunity to exchange views with government agencies
and civil society groups regarding the implementation of the TISP for ARMM that
would stir further reform in the region.
“Just like the banca (paddle boat), the Byaheng ARMM is anchored on a well-coordinated and concerted effort
in paddling the boat forward, and in this case, towards progress and
development,” Tikmasan said, underscoring the same need to fast track
implementation of TISP since the deadline to complete the projects is on June
2013.
She said the role of the CSOs in the TISP implementation is crucial
especially in making sure that implementing government agencies realizes the
projects and programs. She also reiterated President Benigno S. Aquino III’s
statement at the LGU Summit in Davao a few months ago to “use the money or lose
it.” She said that if the funds were not utilized by ARMM, it will be given to
other regions.
Tikmasan said that the P-Noy administration is committed to an effective
and fast-tracked reform agenda for ARMM. And the 8.5 Billion pesos TISP was
approved to deliver goods, services and infrastructure projects and programs to
be implemented by various national and regional agencies of the country.
“Funding is sourced from 2010-2011 savings of the National Government. It
is a National Government intervention, intended to complement the efforts and
budgets of the LGUs. The programs and projects in the TISP shall be implemented
by 11 government agencies adapting various schemes,” she disclosed.
The funds came from the following line agencies: Department of
Agriculture (P1.060-B),
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P49,586,000.00), Department of
Interior and Local Government (P1.2-B), Department of Energy-NEA (P200-M),
Department of Health (P956-M), Department of Science and Technology (P24.6-M),
Department of Transportation and Communication (P80-M), Department of Public
Works and Highways (P2.8-B), Department of Social Welfare and Development (P1.9-B),
Department of Trade and Industry (P60-M), and the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (P61.6-M).
They will fund social development programs,
such as potable water supply, rural electrification, health infrastructure and
equipment, core shelter, feeding program, livelihood assistance, day care
center, emergency shelter assistance, cash for work, and private education
student financial assistance.
For its economic package, it will fund the
following: farm-to-market roads, municipal fishing port, halal production and
advocacy, rubber nursery, small enterprise technology upgrading, transportation
infrastructure, road infrastructure, BPLS Streamlining, OTOP, computerization
of business name registration, strengthening development of SMEs, training for
work scholarship, and skills job program for youth and Ulama.
The fund will also support the National Greening
Program through the DENR. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)