Lawmaker seeks to divide Maguindanao into 2 provinces

A lawmaker has pushed for the division of Maguindanao into two provinces so that people may get easier access to public services.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu filed House Bill 3405 creating the “Maguindanao North,” apart from the province of Maguindanao.

Under the bill, Maguindanao North will consist of the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanong, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Sumagka and Upi.

The lone legislative district of the province of Maguindanao will consist of the municipalities of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Hofer, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, South Upi, Sultan sa Barongis and Talayan.

The bill added that the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Maguindanao North shall be within the present metes and bounds of all the municipalities comprising of the newly proposed province.

The incumbent representatives of the present Maguindanao province will continue to serve their tenure under their legislative districts until the expiration of their term of office.

The seat of Maguindanao North will also be in the municipality of Sultan Kudarat due to its accessibility to air and sea port, among other modes of transportation, Mangudadatu added.

“Despite being rich in natural resources, Maguindanao is still considered as one of the poorest provinces due to inequitable influx of projects and programs. In line with this, the creation of this province will bring the people closer in availing [public] services,” Mangudadatu said in his explanatory note.

“Local resource management and delivery of these basic public services will be more efficient as majority of government officials will work and focus on programs that will best serve the interests of their constituents,” the lawmaker added. GLEE JALEA

https://www.manilatimes.net/lawmaker-seeks-to-divide-maguindanao-into-2-provinces/602750/