Revived SPDA gears up for more programs
by Prix D Banzon
Davao City (3 October) -- The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) is gearing up for a more aggressive investment generation and project-oriented approach program.
Administrator Secretary Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan in a statement said SPDA will re-establish itself as a leaner and meaner agency by operating a corporate structure.
He said that by doing so it would effectively serve its purpose as the implementing economic development arm of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement.
He said it is more than just operating on its present asset even as he said that sleeves will be rolled to rework processes and ensure that they will develop and implement good and sound livelihood projects.
SPDA he said will focus on areas that lack investment and explore schemes that will provide more investment access to small entrepreneurs or investors.
The SPDA has been reactivated through Executive Order No. 560 with Ampatuan as the newly appointed administrator.
Alongside its reactivation, it shall properly coordinate with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and will have a funding of P10 million from the President's Contingency Fund and its subsequent budget shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
The reactivation of SPDA through EO 560 was signed by President Arroyo on August 29, 2006 in order to pursue development efforts as part of the catch-up plan for the full implementation of the peace agreement.
It may be recalled that SPDA was created through Presidential Decree No. 690 by then President Ferdinand Marcos and since then has been engaged in various development projects in conflict-affected areas and communities but was deactivated in 2002 following the rationalization of government agencies. (PIA XI) [top]
