Sulu adopts 5-year development, physical framework plan

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 03, 2009) - Sulu has adopted a five-year development and physical framework plan, making it the first province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to formulate the plan using the new guidelines from the National Economic Development Authority.

Governor Sakur Tan, chairman of the Provincial Development Council, presided over a meeting recently that deliberated the adoption of the first Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) for 2008 - 2013.

Engineer Berthrand Chio made a presentation of the plan for consideration by the PDC members, and representatives of the different agencies in Sulu.

Fifteen municipalities participated and eleven mayors attended the meeting which also included other participants and government representatives from different agencies, the military and police and the academe. Vice Governor Nur-Ana Sahidulla and majority of board members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Sulu were also present.

Governor Tan stressed the importance of the adoption of the plan for the Sulu. After a thorough presentation of the PDPFP, Mayor Hussin Amin of Jolo moved for its adoption by the PDC, which was unanimously approved.

The meeting was also highlighted by the awarding of the Certificate of Appreciation to Governor Tan for his unwavering support and the members of the Technical Working Group for their invaluable service in the formulation of PDPFP.

Governor Tan said he firmly believes that the adoption of the PDPFP would serve as a proper guide for the Sulu provincial government and other sectors to move the province in the right direction towards peace and more development in conformity with the vision and mission of the province.

"Concerted efforts of all sectors and proper coordination are necessary to achieve the goals envisioned by the new development plans, six years from now," the Governor said.

Sulu's Chief Executive also acknowledged the efforts and accomplishments of the different mayors in their respective municipalities and emphasized the importance of peace and security, cooperative organizations, health services, agricultural programs in the local levels. "This is how we could empower our people," he said. (With reports from the Philippine News Agency and Sulu Public Information Office)