Press Release
November 12, 2009

Gordon: Mindanao's time is NOW

Stressing that the full progress and growth of Mindanao has long been set aside, Senator Richard J. Gordon pushed for the creation of a comprehensive, long-term, socio-economic development program that would realize the promise of Mindanao now.

"Mindanao's time is now. It cannot be postponed any further. Our leaders have always seen Mindanao as a promised land. Yet, we have become like the proverbial promising young man-always promising but never delivering," Gordon said during his speech as co-sponsor of the bill creating the Mindanao Economic Development Authority (MEDA).

The senator said that kidnappings, as well as the recent beheading of a school principal, are still rampant in some parts of Mindanao because many "have not been enlightened by education."

He added that the decades of armed conflict have taken its toll on Mindanao, as shown in statistics that 45% of consistently poor provinces in the country are in the island.

Gordon said Mindanao is tagged as a "promised land" because of its abundant natural resources. Its rich soil accounts for bountiful harvests of a variety of farm products and the island's natural beauty make it one of Asia's favored tourist destinations.

To fully utilize the island's resources and potential, Gordon strongly supports the creation of the MEDA, which is contained in Senate Bill 3260 that he authored.

He explained that the MEDA would be the implementing agency for Mindanao-specific inter-regional and Mindanao-wide programs and projects, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects. It would promote, coordinate, and facilitate the participation of all sectors towards the socio-economic development of Mindanao.

"It is time that we have a focused authority that will really plan the length and breadth and depth of Mindanao. There has to be an authority that would effect a serious and comprehensive long-term program for socio-economic development in the area that is commensurate to the demands of a modern economy," Gordon said.

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