ARMM execs to embark on trade missions

COTABATO CITY — Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will embark on extensive trade missions starting this month to Japan, Canada and the United States to convince foreign donors to expand their socio-economic projects in the region.

ARMM Gov. Parouk Hussin, chairman of the Regional Planning and Development Board, said the initiative, if fruitful, will cushion the impact of the planned 50-percent cut in the region’s P11-billion budget this year on their peace and development programs.

The ARMM government has asked for P11 billion for its operations this year, but the Department of Budget and Management approved merely half of it, enough only for salaries of the region’s 18,000 personnel, including teachers, in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Marawi City, which comprise the region.

"The invitations for us to meet government officials and representatives of foreign donor outfits in the three countries came at a time when we are virtually moving heaven and earth to (forge) ties with sympathetic sectors abroad that can help us continue our peace-building thrusts in the ARMM," Hussin told The STAR.

Hussin inaugurated here yesterday a two-story livestock research center of the ARMM’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, built with contributions from President Arroyo and foreign and local donors.

He said the department will also inaugurate the P8-million animal breeding studies center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao by the end of the month. Savings from local agricultural projects and donations from international funding entities helped put up the center.