TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – In building sustainable peace and accelerating equitable economic growth in Lanao del Norte, Growth with Equity in Mindanao 3 (GEM 3) continues and expands the work carried out under GEM 1 (1995-2002) and GEM 2 (2002-2007). GEM 3 began in January 2008 and is expected to operate until the end of 2012. A dialogue was held to intensify the plans and new policies of the program last July 15 in Mindanao Training Centers with the various beneficiaries present.

GEM is funded by the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented various Barangay Infrastructure Projects (BIPs) in the different conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
“ The involvement of all the municipalities in Lanao del Norte is greatly encouraged by the provincial administration for the realization of programs and projects in the province funded by the different Non-Government Organizations (NGOs),” Joselito E. Quibranza, provincial administrator in welcoming the guests and participants in the meeting.

In GEM 3, there are 44 active BIP Projects in Lanao del Norte as of May 31, 2010.  The 23 of it was completed, there are still 2 of it which is under construction and 19 in the bidding or design/studies stage.

Engr. Carlos Tan presented the list of the distribution of 23 completed BIPs in Lanao del Norte as follows: Tambo-Cadayunan Footbride Construction in Munai, Bubong Madaya Grains Solar Dryer Construction, in Pantar, Pagayawan Grains Solar Dryer Construction in Salvador, Bulacon Grains Solar Dryer Construction in Salvador, Poblacion Salvador Trading Center Construction in Salvador, Bangaan Slab Bridge Construction in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Poblacion Tangkal Trading Center Construction (7mx12m) in Tangkal,  Beruar Slab Bridge Construction in Tangkal,  Somiorang Slab Bridge Construction in Tangkal,  Bubong Grains Solar Dryer Construction in Tangkal,  Big Banisilon Grains Solar Dryer Construction, in Tangkal and Small Banisilon Grains Solar Dryer also in Tangkal

In GEM 2, 77 BIPs were completed in Lanao del Norte that include; 8 Trading/Community Centers,1    Foot Bridge, 4 Water Supply Systems, 20  Drainage Systems, 17  Box/pipe Culverts and Overflow Structures, 11  Rural Roads and 16  Warehouses and/or Solar Dryers which paved a way for the extension of GEM 3.

USAID-GEM is successfully implementing BIPs in Lanao del Norte and appreciatively recognized the efforts of the Provincial Government and the local government unit of the different municipalities in the province for the steadfast support and cooperation.  ARMS/PIO-LDN