(By: Kate Angela Saura)
BUTIG, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–To create economic opportunities to decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their families in Bangsamoro communities, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process (OPAPP) launched the Php16M Waste Processing Livelihood Project, an Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization’s (ICCMN) Peaceful Return through Aggressive Inclusion and Social Entrepreneurship (PRAISE) project here on Friday, March 12,
DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman said the PRAISE project is a joint-collaboration of OPPAPP which funded the second Shared Service Facility (SSF) project in the municipality and DTI.
“This is the project we have turned over to the LGU. Ito ay isang machine na nag-poprocess ng mga basura para gawing kapakipakinabang. For example, ang eco-bricks na pwede gamitin sa parks beautification at marami pa,” he explained.
Asec. Ameenah Fajardo of DTI congratulated ICCMN, OPAPP, and the municipality of Butig for the establishment of the mechanized solid waste management system which will provide lucrative livelihood opportunities to the less fortunate and at the same time increase the solid waste diversion in the municipality.
She also reassured the public that the agency remains true to its mandate in ensuring Filipinos get back on their feet through providing livelihood assistance projects and continuously supporting MSMEs to foster economic opportunities and development in the country.
For his part, Ariel Hernandez, OPAPP’s Senior Adviser to the Secretary and Chairperson of the Joint Normalization Committee stressed that the agency is one with the people of Butig in achieving a peaceful and progressive community capable of its socioeconomic potential.
“Yung kasaysayan ng Butig [ay] puno ng kasaysayan ng kaguluhan. It already became a recent history kasi nag-transition na tayo sa mapayapa at maunlad na Butig. Since 2016, wala na tayong narinig na may kaguluhan pa dito. Ang makikita na natin ngayon ay ang tourist attractions [at] government projects. Ang nakikita lang natin ay ang pagkilos ng mga local government officials para sa kabutihan sa Butig,” Hernandez said.
He also highlighted the various efforts being carried out by OPAPP through its various peace tables, which he described as a “platform for the common good” with the collaboration, communication, and coordination of the national and local government.
Meanwhile, Butig Mayor Dimnatang L. Pansar said the project is a manifestation of achieving peace wherein the municipality is thriving to be “the most peaceful town in the region” following the Marawi siege in 2017.
“We will take care of the equipment to maximize its use, its purpose and objectives for the good people of Butig and its neighboring municipalities,” he added. (KAPS/PIA-ICIC)
