UNITED Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidate San Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada called on the Aquino administration to immediately implement much-needed reforms in the education and job sectors in Mindanao.
Ejercito Estrada noted that the education sector in Mindanao is perenially hounded by various problems including “ghost schools, ghost students, and ghost teachers.”
He said the Aquino administration needs to focus on Mindanao particularly in the island-provinces of Basilan and Sulu where poverty is endemic. The region has the highest poverty incidence at 39.6 percent according to the 2009 Philippine poverty statistics released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
“The immediate implementation of reforms in the education and job sectors in Mindanao will definitely help efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region. Also, a progressive and prosperous Mindanao will help the country because of the region’s huge economic potential,” said young lawmaker.
Ejercito Estrada said Mindanao could surpass Luzon and Visayas in terms of economic productivity if it would be able to harness its abundant natural resources.
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Press Release
April 9, 2013
