Outgoing Lanao Sur Vice Governor and Incoming Governor Adiong vows to uplift the country’s poorest province

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

June 14, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hand with Lanao del Sur outgoing vice governor and incoming governor Mamintal Adiong Sr. during the 121st anniversary celebrations of the proclamation of the Philippine independence in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on June 12, 2019. In photo also are DILG secretary Año, DND secretary Lorenzana and DA secretary Piñol. (Photo from FB account of Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur)

MARAWI CITY: Incoming provincial governor of Lanao del Sur Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. has vowed to uplift the economic condition of the province which ranks according to statistics as the poorest province in the Philippines once he assumes office on June 30.

Adiong who is the outgoing provincial vice governor expressed his promise when he welcomed, in behalf of his mother, outgoing Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong, President Rodrigo R. Duterte who led the celebrations of the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Independence in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.

He vowed to focus more on the economic development of Lanao del Sur through investments, and the provision of job opportunities and livelihood programs. “This is in support of President Duterte’s quest for a prosperous nation’” he added.

Adiong had been the provincial governor of Lanao del Sur for three terms or nine years before he ran in 2016 for vice governor under his mother who ran for governor. Together with his brother, Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto Adiong, they all won.

In the May 13 midterm elections, Adiong, his son Muljam and brother Hooky ran for governor, vice governor and representative for the province’ 1st district respectively, and won and proclaimed amidst strong protests from losing candidates.

The losing gubernatorial candidates in Lanao del Sur conducted demos and rallies in protests of alleged massive cheatings, vote buying and election frauds in Lanao del Sur. 

Just recently, they went in a land caravan to Manila from Lanao del Sur with their supporters to ask the COMELEC declare the elections in the province a failure.

Duterte will always be with the Moros

President Duterte said in his speech during the June 12 occasion in Malabang that his heart will always be with the Moros as he himself is a Maranao by blood. He promised to be fair and will always protect the welfare of the Bangsamoro.

“Exploit your natural resources as those are yours,” he told the crowd.

Adiong said he is very optimistic by the move of President Duterte to join the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur in celebrating the 121st Philippine Independence Day.

“He chose to celebrate the birth of our freedom with the Bangsamoro, here in Mindanao, the land of promise, and the final frontier of freedom. I believe that Mindanao is now the most important focus of human freedom in the country. Freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom from injustice. We shall continue the fight against terrorism and poverty until peace, security and prosperity take root in this part of the country,” said Adiong.

The 121st Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Presidential Visit was organized by the Office of the President, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. (MNY)