SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

Datu Paglas is at present one of the more progressive town of Maguindanao. Its transition from war zone to a model municipality makes an interesting study in public administration. With the former mayor Datu Ibrahim “Toto” Paglas III at helm, a stable peace and order brought investments, particularly the La Frutera Banana Plantation which provided work to its constituents. Priority is given to the residents of Datu Paglas in the hiring of workers for the plantation, 30 percent of whom are women.

There were spin-offs to the establishment of this industry. First is the establishment of the hauling services for the products, which had to be brought to the port of Davao City. Then, banana chips making and banana processing for flour, paste and feeds were set up. With a sizable number of workforce, and increased income of its population, service industries were established such as Rural Bank, shoe making and repair shops, motor repair shops, beauty parlor, and small restaurants aside from the ubiquitos and sari-sari stores.

However, there are still evidence of poverty in the area. Some 58% of its total household are still living in sub-standard homes. In 2000, there were 1,104 families who evacuated from parts of the Ligawasan March to seek refuge in Datu Paglas. These families were displaced by the armed conflict between the military and the MNLF. Three evacuation centers were provided for them. Natural calamities also hit the place with the El Niño and measles, diarrhea, renal failure, bronchitis, skin disease, influenza, fever, asthma, and pneumonia. Only 48% of its population have access to sanitary toilets.