By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of Trade and
Industry-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) newly installed
Secretary Sakiran A. Hajan said reforms are underway in his agency in adherence
to President Benigno Aquino III’s national reforms.
“Our direction is to revitalize our office thru structural reforms that
will adhere to the reform agenda of President Aquino, under the leadership of
ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman,” Sec. Hajan stressed during the PIA Media
Forum last Aug. 30.
Hajan, who was appointed as secretary just over a month ago, said to
implement these reforms they would strengthen and iron out the system and
mechanism to erase the negative impression about ARMM offices.
“First step is for us to put the right people at the right job. Then, we
will identify the various strengths and weaknesses on how to capacitate them,
geared at the implementation of programs and projects within the mandate of DTI
national office,” he explained.
Hajan added that his office is now concerned with the consumer welfare, a
basic program of DTI.
“We are not just concerned about the celebration of consumer welfare
month. The most important thing is we need to improve on the implementation of
consumer welfare and that it translates to resolutions or ordinances in all
ARMM areas,” he pointed out.
DTI-ARMM is also planning to hold a business conference before December
to woo investors within and outside the region.
“We want to consolidate the force of businessmen in the region to form a
link with other business communities not just in ARMM but from other regions as
well,” he said.
Hajan said the reforms being undertaken in ARMM have already attracted
big companies to invest there.
Del Monte, according to Hajan, has already invested in Datu Abdula Sangki
municipality by opening a 1,500-hectare banana plantation.
“As of the moment, 500 hectares were already being utilized, and they had
their first harvest just last June 27. This is a proof that investors are
slowly showing confidence in ARMM,” Hajan said.
Hajan asked the help of media partners to spread their advocacy saying,
“If ARMM develops, everybody will be happy. Not just us in ARMM but also the
neighboring provinces and regions.” (PIA9)