DC Forum Gives a Perspective on Mindanao
A forum entitled “A Perspective on Mindanao” featuring Philippine Congresswoman Amihilda J. Sangcopan was held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on 25 June 2019. (Washington PE photo)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 02 July 2019 — Congresswoman Amihilda J. Sangcopan (AMIN-Anak Mindanao Partylist) was the featured speaker in a forum entitled “A Perspective on Mindanao” held at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 25 June 2019.
Congresswoman Sangcopan began her talk by providing the audience a snapshot of the political composition and landscape of the incoming 18th Congress of the Philippines, and noting that the majorities supporting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in both chambers may well allow the passage of major legislative priorities of the Administration.
She highlighted the priority legislative agenda of the Duterte Administration, particularly as they pertained to Mindanao, such as law and order, creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Islamic banking and finance.
Congresswoman Sangcopan also discussed the pillars of a Mindanao 2030 vision where there is improved quality of life for all Mindanawons. Aside from providing enabling conditions in power, infrastructure and connectivity; and a definite and lasting peace, she said that all efforts are being geared towards a dynamic, inclusive and green economy; and for human development and social cohesion.
The final part of her presentation dwelt on the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City. She noted that great impetus in this regard was provided by the House of Representatives through the sub-committee for Marawi Rehabilitation that exercised its oversight powers on the rehabilitation efforts in the city undertaken by the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
Congresswoman Sangcopan closed her brief presentation by reminding the audience that the story of the people and cultures of the southern Philippines is undeniably intertwined with that of the Filipino people.
“The narrative of every Mindananoan is the narrative of every Filipino. Let us reconnect and reclaim our shared heritage toward a peaceful and progressive Mindanao,” she pleaded in ending her remarks.
The presentation was followed by a wide-ranging and substantive discussion ranging from the challenges of climate change in Mindanao, to the federalism debate, the importance of effective reconstruction and rehabilitation in Marawi, and to the continued relevance or usefulness of the partylist system.
Remarks and perspectives were also offered by Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Professor Yasmira Moner who are both in Washington DC for other official engagements.
“The story of Mindanao and the Philippine Government’s commitment to its peace and development is one that needs to be shared more with our friends here in Washington DC. I am happy that Representative Sangcopan was able to do just that during her presentation,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement after the forum.
“Congresswoman Sangcopan provided a valuable perspective on Mindanao at a critical time in the transition to new autonomy arrangements in the southern Philippines. Americans in the audience benefitted especially from her insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao," U.S.-Philippines Society President Ambassador (ret.) John Maisto also said in a statement.
The Forum was organized and hosted by the US-Philippines Society with the support of the Embassy. END
US Philippines Society President Ambassador John Maisto engages Representative Sangcopan and the audience during the question and answer session. (Washington PE photo)
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Professor Yasmira Moner also delivered brief remarks at the forum. (Washington PE photo)
Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, who was also in Washington, likewise participated in the forum discussion. (Washington PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippineembassy-usa.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA or https://twitter.com/philippinesusa