Tubod, Lanao del Norte – In a visit here in this province on November 23, 2010, Australian officials expressed optimism on the economic growth potential of this region.


“I’m of the belief that northern Mindanao will become the growth center of Mindanao in the future”, predicted Sam Chittick, Governance Adviser to the Australian Aid Agency (AusAID).


The purpose of the provincial visit made by Australian diplomat Jason Mundy and AusAID representative Sam Chittick was to personally evaluate the socio-economic conditions in the province and to consult with the provincial and municipal leaders of their priority projects and programs.


“We come here because Lanao del Norte is an important part of the Philippines and we have associations with Governor Khalid Dimaporo”, Mundy explained.


The Australian officials were impressed with the local peace initiatives of the provincial leaders to unite the Muslim and Christian residents in both the coastal and interior municipalities. “Lanao del Norte is a bridging community between Muslims and Christians”, Chittick added.


The Australian government has several partnership programs in Visayas and in some cities of Mindanao. Their biggest project assistance are in the areas of education and infrastructure.


Providing first-hand information to the foreign representatives on the latest peace and order situation in the region and the impact of poverty-intervention programs implemented by national government was former-representative Abdullah Dimaporo who also welcomed the Australians in the province.


“Support from foreign governments and agencies are very important to the development of Lanao del Norte”, Dimaporo stressed.


The facts gathered by the Australian representatives will help determine the kind of assistance their government can extend to Lanao del Norte to spur economic growth in northern Mindanao. VNL/PIO-LDN