READ: Here is full transcript of Minister Dickson P. Hermoso’s message during the the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the MOTC-BARMM, MinDA and USAID RESPOND last June 21, 2022
Today is a special day for us at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC-BARRM). Today we celebrate a very significant milestone in our journey towards a Bangsamoro where fast, efficient, reliable and safe transportation is available for every citizen, a Bangsamoro that is engaged with the rest of the country and the world as an active partner in commerce, tourism and sustainable development.
Today, I am so happy to see that our decision to reach out to MinDA is now beginning to bear fruits. I sincerely thank Secretary Mabel Acosta and Usec Janet Lopoz again and again for their very quick generous response to our call for assistance. I thank Dr. Henry Basilio, the Chief of Party of RESPOND USAID and his very able partners Dr. Tho Lidasan for their quick and decisive response to MinDA’s request for them to provide support to MOTC. Even before signing the MoA, they have already made significant strides in helping us. They have even visited some of the farthest communities in the Bangsamoro.
I likewise sincerely thank Director Jeffery Goebel of USAID OEDG for his support to this initiative.
On behalf of MOTC BARMM, I affirm my commitment to deliver what is expected from us.
In fact, I have already directed all the agencies within the Ministry (i.e., Civil Aeronautics Board of the Bangsamoro [CABB], Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA), Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office [BLTO], Bangasamoro Land Tranportation Franchising and Regulatory Board [BLTFRB], Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority [BMARINA], Bangsamoro Ports Management Authority [BPMA], and Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission [BTC]) to provide/share information, plans and programs to UPPAF RESPOND consultants relevant to the development of the Roadmap; and coordinate with other relevant ministries within BARRM concerning cross-cutting issues that will require clarification.
I believe that today’s signing ceremony will certainly be a game-changer for MOTC and BARMM. Once again, please accept my most sincere gratitude.
Dickson P. Hermoso
Minister
MOTC-BARMM