Groups laud 1st woman governor

COTABATO CITY (PNA) – The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) has lauded the appointment of Nariman “Ina” Abdullah Ambolodto as the new officer-in-charge (OIC) governor of Maguindanao, following the suspension of the province’s elected officials in the wake of the November 23 Ampatuan town massacre that killed 57 individuals, including 30 journalists.

Ambolodto, an incumbent provincial board member, was appointed by Secretary Ronaldo Puno whose Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is the overseeing government institution over Maguindanao.

She was the first woman chief executive of the province since its creation.

“Board Member Ambolodto’s appointment is a welcome development from the continuing spate of bad news from the province,” said Amina Rasul, PCID lead convenor, in a statement.

“Maguindanao needs a fresh face at this point, someone whose professionalism and youth can change for the better the image and performance of ARMM,” she said.
Ambolodto is incumbent board member representing the first district of Maguindanao.

She was the number one board member of the now defunct province of Sharif Kabungsuan and a former vice mayor of the municipality of Kabuntalan.

Former Senator Santanina Rasul said that aside from her electoral credentials, Ambolodto was a right choice to prove that women can also do what men can do in governance.

“Ambolodto’s appointment will aid in filling the current power vacuum in Maguindanao and help the province return to decent governance, rule of law and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the province,” said Rasul.

While praising Ambolodto’s appointment, the former lady senator, also chairperson of the “Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc,” said the newly appointed Maguindanao governor cannot do it alone.