ARMM praises Marawi City's peace and development efforts in Mindanao

MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 17, 2009) – Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) praised Marawi City for its efforts in sustaining peace and development that brought positive in the region.

Ampatuan also congratulated the City Government which recently celebrated Marawi’s 29th Founding Anniversary. In a message read by Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Secretary Nadjemah Mokiin Salic-Malna, Ampatuan reaffirmed his commitment to do all necessary efforts to address the challenges that confronts the region.

Ampatuan emphasized that one of the projects of the ARMM is to create a positive environment by sustaining the distinct Maranao culture that will promote Marawi as the city by the lake and the center of Islamic education, culture and arts.

"This city has numerous historical, socio-cultural, and education landmarks which could make it a tourist and educational center of the region," he said.
He also said that he will continue efforts to bring the government closer to the people and the people closer to the government by intensifying the linkages with the provincial and city governments.

"Together, let us prove to the whole country, neighboring countries, and most importantly our constituents that indeed, we can make a difference in the ARMM", Ampatuan said.

With the theme "Revival of Cultural Values: A Key to Peace and Unity", the celebration focused on the unique cultural values of Maranaos.

Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic said they opted to celebrate the anniversary with the theme that focused on cultural values. “Maranaos traditional culture and way of life plays a vital role in peace-building and local governance,” Salic said.

While Vice Mayor Noryasmin Calandada said that every Maranao must work together to revive their very rich and good cultural values that are founded based on love, unity, peace and justice.

"Reviving cultural values will also revitalize the traditional way of resolving conflicts and feuds. I believe, if this will be materialized, it will eventually lead to development and progress" she said. (With reports from Apipa P. Bagumbaran and Merlyn Manos)