COTABATO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – The 22nd foundation anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) kicks off Monday with a simple opening program with ARMM acting Governor Ansaruddin Adiong explaining the rationale behind the celebration.

“Our people have very good reason to celebrate despite the political uncertainty and confusion that haunt us all in the past few days,” Adiong said.

Adiong congratulated and thanked all ARMM workers, especially the lowly employees who served the office even beyond office hours.

The week-long celebration is in recognition for the efforts of ordinary ARMM employees who offered services beyond the regular working hours.

A special singing contest among drivers, security men, and utility personnel has been lined-up as one of the highlights in the week-long celebration.

Adiong and other ARMM officials’ performance rating was high based on the Social Weather Station research conducted this year.

Adiong’s administration has a 63 percent satisfactory rating in a survey conducted by Social Weather Station (SWS) under the auspices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Asia Foundation, and the UNICEF.