BRIDGE LGUs in BaSulTa prioritize local investment

IPMO RD Noor Saada together with technical coaches from DAF, BFAR, DOST, DTI and DOT
reviewing an LGU proposal as municipal participants explain the context and additional details of their proposal.

Zamboanga City - The Autonomous Regional Government headed by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman through the Integrated Project Management Office (IPMO) consulted with the nine (9) target BaSulTa municipalities regarding their priority development to be funded out of the ARMM BRIDGE project, on October 29-30, 2015 at Lantaka Hotel in this city.

The ARMM Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) aims to support the development of local areas outside of the capital town to spur economic development through additional investment in agriculture, fisheries, trading and tourism.

In his message IPMO Regional Director Noor Saada emphasized the need to spur local economic growth both as a mechanism for poverty reduction and local development. He pointed to municipal participants to consider "return on investment" (ROI), and not just dole-out mentality. This means, LGU should think of ROI to operate and manage their proposed facilities and equipment efficiently and sustainably. It is also important to think of maximum benefits, or ensuring that their proposals reach a bigger chunk of the local population or provide services that further promote cohesion and good governance.

Similar activity will be undertaken for mainland municipalities on November 5-6, 2015, at Cotabato City.