Infrastructure key to peace in Mindanao – Ang

MANILA, Philippines - Seeking a long-term solution to peace and order issues in Mindanao? Ramon S. Ang, head of one of the country’s biggest conglomerates, said building more infrastructure in the island is the key.

“The solution is to build more roads and more infrastructure. Naturally, the peace and order problem will be solved,” said Ang, president of food-to-infrastructure conglomerate San Miguel Corp., in an interview on the sidelines of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum yesterday.

Citing provinces such as Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon as examples, Ang said these areas were considered as a “no man’s land” for a time.    

“So what happened? They built roads and infrastructure. The same with Mindanao. If we develop that then the economic status and the life of the people there will improve. If you look at them now, they are having a hard time because infrastructure is lacking,” Ang said.

“The government should bid out port, airport and other infrastructure in Mindanao and the private sector should be the one to construct them,” he added.

Ang said SMC intends to participate in every infra-related government bidding in hopes of making the country’s facilities at par with its Asian neighbors.

For its part, Ang said SMC has earmarked close to P170 billion for the construction of modern toll roads and highways to help the government undertake major infrastructure projects nationwide over the next few years.

As for Mindanao, he said SMC is keen on investing on tollroads, airports, port, water project, and hotels to bring progress in the region.

“All of us wants progress, including our countrymen in Mindanao,” Ang said.