President Rody Duterte promised to strengthen the poorest parts of Mindanao during the launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict areas in the region on October 29.

President Rody Duterte promised to strengthen the poorest parts of Mindanao during the launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict areas in the region on October 29. The President said he has ordered Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo to focus on programs and projects that will help the Muslim communities especially on poverty alleviation noting high incidence of hunger in Mindanao based on statistical reports. Prior to giving his speech, Duterte also led the ceremonial distribution of government assistance to several malnourished children and their families. Duterte vowed to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group and maintain peace and order to encourage more investors to enter in the region. The President also reiterated his appeal to Moros and other communist rebels to stop waging war against government troops. Being the first President who hails from Mindanao, Duterte vowed to develop the region to its "fullest extent" noting that it could become the richest due to its abundant natural resources. He said Mindanao "holds a promise in agriculture." The President pledged to provide equipment such as tractors and seeds to the farmers to help them in their livelihood. He likewise vowed to give boats to fisherfolk. The President again underscored the need to shift to federalism type of government believing that it will pave way for the country’s economic growth and development especially in Mindanao. #PartnerForChange