Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City
20 June 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited good governance as foundation in building strong partnerships and relations for an effective Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government when he conferred with local executives in Davao City.

In his keynote speech, President Aquino said the convention is a symbol of their cooperation to further strengthen good governance in ARMM towards achieving a renewed region where every cent spent by the national and local government goes directly to public service. He lauded the efforts of the local leaders in instituting  reforms against graft and corruption.

He cited the P200-million Rural Electrification Program being implemented by the Department of Energy-National Electrification Administration, which has a project target date of October this year.

The government, through the Department of Interior and Local Government, has allotted P100 million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) as incentives for good governance-compliant local chief executives (LCEs) in the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

According to the President, around 425 LGUs have already received the PCF and wherein a total of P520 million have been given as incentives for their outstanding local governance from 2010 to 2011.

Sourced from ARMM’s P8.5 billion transition and investment support funds, the amount will be extended to ARMM LCEs who passes the DILG criteria which include an accountable, transparent and participatory governance; commitment to public interest; and structure of governance and development. It is a reward for them in helping the government attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing poverty and improving the opportunities for poor households to rise above their current conditions.

The President, assisted by Sec. Jesse Robredo and Governor Mujiv Hataman, led the awarding of the Seal of Good Housekeeping with a plaque of recognition and a P1-million check to five 1st-3rd class municipalities and eight 4th-5th class municipalities.

Prior to the President’s arrival, Sec. Robredo also led the launching and signing of memorandum of agreements for potable water supply projects worth P488.8 million to at least 72 ARMM localities.

Carrying the theme of “Open Governance,” the two-day convention held workshops and series of dialogues about local governance, socioeconomic development  and peace and security.

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