Spain plans to hike financing in Phl

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Spanish government is planning to pour in more investments in the Philippines with the positive outcome on the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Spanish ambassador Jorge Domecq disclosed this yesterday during his meeting with Mayor Celso Lobregat.

Lobregat briefed Domecq about the city’s development after it was branded as Asia’s Latin City.

Domecq, for his part, said that Spain is committed to help Mindanao and that it is strongly supporting the peace talks to attain lasting peace in the conflict-stricken region.

Domecq was guest speaker of the 75th Dia de Zamboanga as the first charter city in Mindanao.

“We hope to be able to increase the financing if the Philippines and the MILF will reach an agreement,” Domecq said, adding that the forging of the peace agreement will help ease security issues in the southern Philippines.

“Both parties (government-MILF) should use this window of opportunity because this is the right moment,” he stressed.

At present, the Spanish government, through different non-government organizations, has been implementing various projects, including health, education, and shelter, in the country.

Aside from Mindanao, Domecq said they are also planning to invest in Bicol because of its potentials in agriculture.

Spanish authorities are also closely cooperating with the Philippine authorities in the fight against international terrorism.