Mindanao Fund director named

COTABATO CITY — Efforts of local sectors for Central Min—danao to be represented in the national government got a much-needed boost this week with President Arroyo’s designation of a Cotabato City-based deputy presidential assistant as director of the newly created Min-danao Peace and Development Fund (MPDF).

Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza confirmed the appointment of his deputy, Virgilio Leyretana, as director of the MPDF, which will focus on the socio-economic development of war-torn communities in the South.

Dureza said the President also appointed Fr. Jose Collin Bagaforo a member of the MPDF’s board of directors, representing Mindanao’s private sector.

"We ought to thank Malacañang for recognizing the capability of two of our leaders in Central Mindanao to help manage its socio-economic programs in the South," said North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol.

The MPDF replaced the defunct Southern Philippines Development Authority, which Malacañang disbanded last year after it was rocked by administrative and fiscal squabbles among its officials.

Dureza said the MPDF will extensively involve local government units, non-government organizations and the Muslim and Christian religious communities in planning socio-economic programs for impoverished villages in Mindanao. — John Unson