October 9, Cotabato – Former Governor Manny Piñol has announced his bid to return as the leader of Cotabato, promising a comprehensive transformation of the province through corporate governance. Piñol, who served as Cotabato’s Governor from 1998 to 2007, declared his intent to run again, aiming to implement a governance model that will propel the province into becoming an agro-industrial powerhouse.
In his announcement, Piñol acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the lack of financial resources and competing against the “well-oiled political machinery” of the current administration. He specifically criticized the weaponization of government financial aid, which he called “Ayuda Terrorism.” According to Piñol, only those who align politically with the current leadership benefit from programs like MAICS, AICS, AKAP, and TUPAD. He vowed to ensure that all citizens, regardless of political loyalty, receive equal access to these programs.
Piñol laid out an ambitious 10-point plan to boost the province’s economy and address long-standing issues:
- Completion of the Cotabato Airport: Piñol is determined to finish the Central Mindanao Airport, which has remained incomplete for 21 years. He vowed to have it operational within three years if elected.
- Corn and Rice Farmers’ Relief: The establishment of a Corn Grains Silo System will allow farmers to store or sell their corn, protecting them from exploitation by traders. Piñol plans to extend this system to rice farmers and provide post-harvest facilities in all towns.
- Market Access for Fruit Farmers: Starting next year, Piñol envisions establishing outlets in major cities for Cotabato’s agricultural products, reducing fruit farmers’ losses.
- Rubber Industry Revival: He plans to boost the rubber industry by setting up processing facilities, allowing Cotabato to produce its own motorcycle tires, a project he initiated during his term as Agriculture Secretary.
- Water Supply for Barangays: The “Tubig sa Kada Barangay” program will ensure all barangays have access to clean water through solar-powered systems and water catchments.
- Hydropower Plant for Agro-Industrialization: Piñol supports the construction of a hydroelectric power plant along the Libungan River, which will provide sufficient power and household water for multiple towns as Cotabato advances its agro-industrial ambitions.
- Cattle Development Program: With support from the Department of Agriculture, Piñol plans to turn Cotabato into a Halal beef production center, providing farmers with cattle for breeding and fattening.
- Community Hogstel Projects: Modern facilities will be established for hog raising, supported by feed mills and processing units.
- Livelihood Programs for the Poor: Piñol plans to shift from financial aid to livelihood initiatives, such as goat, sheep, and chicken raising. His “Manok Pinoy” initiative will include processing facilities and secure markets for free-range chicken production.
- Focus on Clean, Practical Governance: Piñol emphasized that his administration would continue to uphold clean, honest, and effective governance, drawing on his previous innovations like the national SAAD Program.
Despite his previous accomplishments as Governor, Secretary of Agriculture, and Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority, Piñol stressed the urgency of acting now. “There is no more time for me to waste because I am in the sunset of my life, and the reforms in governance must be done now,” he said.
Piñol’s vision is to make Cotabato a national model of corporate governance, where all residents—regardless of political affiliation, religion, or tribe—are part of the province’s development. He concluded by calling on the people of Cotabato to support his efforts, vowing to bring clean, effective governance back to the province.
