The different tribes and cultures in North Cotabato have been a positive force for the advancement and development of the province, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go said during the celebration of its 104th founding anniversary at The Basket, Provincial Capitol Ground in Kidapawan City Sunday.

Go also relayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to further develop the province, noting that like the rest of Mindanao, it is rich in natural and human resources with high potential for growth.

“Rest assured the Duterte administration will always be by your side. N. Cotabato’s development as well as the rest of Mindanao is one of the priorities of our President,” said Go, who also led the ribbon-cutting opening the event’s Agro-Fair and Market Market and Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Residents showcased their products in the agro-fair and skill in entrepreneurship in the Ministry of MSME

With President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program, Go has been continuously assuring people that the Duterte administration is giving priority to various infrastructure projects being undertaken in the region.

In his message, Go congratulated North Cotabato Province for thriving for more than a century.

He also emphasized Duterte’s commitment to supporting MSME saying the President concretized this when he signed an Executive Order in April laying out government’s development plan for MSME until 2022.

Go said like the President, he believes in the ability of Philippine-made products to compete in the global arena. He also said he is confident that Cotabato residents can more easily sell their products upon completion of the Mindanao Railway Transit system, which is slated to begin construction.

After celebrating in N. Cotabato, Go rushed to Davao City to attend the Synapse 2k18 as guest of honor. Held at SMX Davao, Synapse 2k18 is an acquaintance party welcoming new Indian students to Davao City.

There are around 5,000 Indian students in the city, most of them taking up medical courses. The students have brought a richness to the culture of Davao City, which has become second home to them.

From that event, Go went to The Marco Polo Davao to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Institute of Architects.

In his speech, he lauded the members for their hard work in building the country and recognized the influential role professional organizations play in shaping government policies.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and yours truly recognize the vital role that professional organizations play in making our country dynamic, progressive, and globally competitive,” Go said.

“The government’s policies and programs are implemented more efficiently when they have the support of experts in different fields,” he added.