Photo by Marhom Ibrahim/BIO
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government inaugurated on August 18 the new Php25-million public market in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur which is expected to propel economic growth in the said province.
This was a fully-funded project of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), in partnership with the local government of Pagalungan, which contributed the land as its counterpart.
“We are confident that the LGU of Pagalaungan will be able to successfully operate this project. We congratulate the good people of Pagalungan and its LGU led by Mayor Mamasabulod,” said MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, while adding that the inauguration ceremony was intentionally held during the 76th founding anniversary of Pagalungan town.
He said the ministry hopes that through this public market, socio-economic growth and revenue generation will intensify in the locality.
“Yung gusto nating mangyari ay magkaroon ng economic activity duon sa mga lugar natin. Dahil nagta-transition tayo from conflict, ‘yung business appetite for private investment na pumasok ay mababa po, so kailangan natin simulan para ma-prove sa mga investors na lalago ang negosyo,” Sinarimbo stated.
Aside from the physical structure, this project, part of the ‘BLESS’ or Bangsamoro Local Enterprise Support Services program, includes training LGU personnel in enterprise development and management, along with the implementation of a Market Code to ensure its sustainable operation.
Moreover, as part of the 12-Point Priority Agenda, the Government of the Day will inaugurate more public markets and municipal halls in other provinces this year.
“May mga completed na tayong public market sa iba pang provinces at inaantay na lang natin ang turnover sa Lanao del Sur na tatlo, sa Tawi-Tawi ay tatlo din. Isasabay po ang turnover sa anniversary ng Tawi-Tawi which is in September. Ang sa Maguindanao patapos na rin, this quarter medyo madami-dami ang ma-turnover na municipal buildings,” he said. (Majid Nur/BIO)
