MANILA, Philippines – Four provinces in southern Philippines are now pushing for the creation of the “Peninsula of the South” alliance to boost infrastructure developments and economic ties in the area.
The proposed coalition includes the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Misamis Occidental.
The plan's main proponent Governor Antonio Cerilles (ZamboSur) said the undertaking aims at enhancing trade relations, strengthening security, and economic links among the neighbouring provinces.
Over the weekend, the plan’s technical working group met in Oroquieta City to finalize the Memorandum of Agreement that will serve as implementing guidelines of the proposal.
“The draft MOA is currently under review of the four governors,” said Cerilles’ spokesman Allan Molde in a telephone interview.
He however clarified that it is not to push for the creation of another Region in Mindanao, but to ensure economic and security cooperations among the four provinces in serving its constituents.
For her part, Governor Herminia Ramiro (MisOcc) said she will support the alliance, considering the proximity of her province to the three Zamboanga provinces. Misamis Occiental is under Northern Mindanao Region while the rest belong to Western Mindanao.
“I believe that plan is very ideal considering the proximity of Misamis Occidental to the three provinces,” she said. - By Jun Pasaylo
