Lawmaker to fund IP eco-zone project

Lawmaker to fund IP eco-zone project
By Antonio M. Manaytay

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay -- Representative Dulce Ann K. Hofer pledged to release P1 million from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to fund the proposed Indigenous Peoples Economic Zone and Living Museum of the province.

The lady lawmaker, who is here for the 7th Araw ng Sibugay celebrations dubbed as Sibug-Sibug Festival, stressed that supporting the indigenous peoples (IP) in the province is one of her priorities.

Her other major priorities are the establishment of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute; the cityhood of the capital of the province to make it the catalyst for development in the area; the conversion of some provincial and barangay roads to national highway to ease transport woes in far-flung barangays; and the establishment of eco-park in the province.

Datu Wilfredo Sanggayan, the IP's representative to the Provincial Board, expressed elation when informed of Hofer's announcement.

"We have been expecting that but Ann Hofer's announcement is a big boost to the morale of all the indigenous peoples in the province," Sanggayan said.[more]