President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her keynote speech during the 2006 Philippines Development Forum (PDF) at Taal Vista Lodge in Tagaytay City Thursday (March 30). The Chief Executive called on the investors in the forum to begin pouring their investments now in Mindanao "so that the final mile to lasting peace" in the region is made more smoothly. Also in photo are (from left) National Economic and Development Authority Secretary-General Romulo Neri, World Bank Representative Joachin Von Amberg and Finance Secretary Margarito Teves. (OPS-NIB)

PGMA to investors: Provide your aid for Mindanao

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appealed to investors who plan to put up businesses in Mindanao to begin pouring their investments now so that the "final mile to lasting peace in Mindanao is made more smoothly."

Keynoting the 2006 Philippines Development Forum (PDF) at the Taal Vista Lodge here, the President likened her vision of peace in Mindanao to a journey already at its last mile "when the destination is in sight but the winds of resistance are blowing most fiercely."

"Therefore, to help us through this last mile more smoothly, I want to make a personal appeal to all of you who plan to provide aid to Mindanao as peace dawns: Please consider providing your aid now even as we await the final signing of a final peace accord as several nations have already done under the Mindanao Trust Fund of the World Bank," she said.

The President pointed out that this "proactive gesture of generosity and confidence will put more air in our sails at a pivotal moment in our journey as we strive to reach the safe harbor of peace in Mindanao."

She stressed that with the help of the proponents of PDF, peace in Mindanao before the year ends is achievable.

The PDF is the primary mechanism of the Government for facilitating substantive policy dialogue among stakeholders on the country's development agenda.

It also serves as a process for developing consensus and generating commitments among different stakeholders toward critical actionable items of the Government's reform agenda.

The PDF evolved from the Consultative Group Meetings, held every 18 months or so among the Government and members of the international development partners community, which together comprise the Philippine Consultative Group (CG).

The CG is co-chaired by the Philippine Government, represented by the Secretary of the Department of Finance, and the World Bank. (PRESS RELEASE)