Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News November 2015

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News

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Seal of ARMM

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Lanao del Sur farmers receive farming equipment, machineries

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521446987229/lanao-del-sur-farmers-receive-farming-equipment-machineries
• Tuesday, November 10, 2015

(PIO Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) ---The Department of Agriculture – in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DA-ARMM), led by Assistant Secretary for Finance Alexander “Boyet” G. Alonto, Jr. and Provincial Director Pangalian “Alexie” Alonto Balindong, Jr., turned over farm machineries and equipment to almost 80 accredited farm cooperatives in the province.

The official turnover ceremonies were held on November 4, 2015 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.

Alonto represented ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman during the event.

“Governor Hataman is very supportive of the farmers in Lanao del Sur and he sees the huge agricultural potential of the province,” Alonto said.

After lobbying for the release of these equipment and machineries to the farmers in his province, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong, Jr. was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving them and lauded the agriculture department.

“Our farmers can now easily work on their lands to ensure they produce quality and abundant rice and corn for our constituents,” he said.

“We cannot thank Governor Hataman and of course, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, III enough for their support to our farmers.”

The machineries included hand tractors with trailers, threshers, floating tillers, pedal threshers, shellers, corn mills, hammer mills, a cassava chipper and granulator and 4-wheel drive tractors.

Balindong said the machineries and equipment shall replace carabaos which usually prepare agricultural lands in days.

“The 4-wheel drive tractor can now easily prepare the lands in just two hours,” he claimed. “The benefits include less labor, minimal time and additional income for the farmers as they can rent out these equipment and machineries to nearby barangays.”

Adiong further said that investing in the agricultural sector is one of his key strategies to help eradicate poverty in his province.

DENR-ARMM starts massive tree planting in Maguindanao’s watershed areas

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=8&rid=824747
• Monday, November 9, 2015

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 9 (PNA) –- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) has started seedling preparations for massive tree planting programs in Maguindanao, environment officials said.

Forester Kahal Kedtag, DENR-ARMM regional secretary, said his office has started seedling preparations on Sunday with the participation of farmers in Sitio Dimapatoy, Barangay Lomboy, Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Maguindanao.

Through the “cash for work program,” DENR-ARMM enlisted members of the Lupa Sinaka (farm lot) Farmers’ Associaiton (LSFA) of Barangay Lomboy, DOS, Maguindanao.

”They prepare planting materials and paid 50 centavos every seedling,” Kedtag said of the project which aims to produce 1 million seedlings in a month.

“This is a very noble project, our farmers earn while they help restore our lost environment,” Kedtag said of association members who have no permanent job or fixed income.

The seedlings include those for Gmelina, coffee, acacia and narra, he said.

”These will be planted in the Kabulnan watershed in South Upi and Dimapatoy in DOS watershed areas, both in Maguindanao.

The South Upi watershed provides water for the Kabulnan irrigation system that waters 15,000 hectares of farmlands in Maguindanao.

On the other hand, the Dimapatoy watershed provides water sources for Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) serving water for Cotabato City and the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat, both in Maguindanao.

“This is our way of helping restore our forest, this is to help cushion the impact of climate change,” Kedtag told reporters.

Aside from tree planting program for the watershed, DENR-ARMM had been spearheading massive tree planting activities in partnership with the military-led Balik Kalikasan Advocacy Group (BKAG).

Started in early 2014, the BKAG, under the leadership of the military’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, has already planted more than 1 million trees in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

ARMM investments hit P6B in 2015

• Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/armm-investments-hit-p6b-in-2015/227994/
• Sunday, November 8, 2015 9:08 pm

By VOLTAIRE SOLANO PALAÑA (REPORTER)

THE Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has attracted P6 billion worth of investments so far this year, proof of its transformation into a business-driven region.

“The total investment now stands at P6.104 billion, the highest investment level attained by ARMM in any given year,” said ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

According to the Regional Board of Investment-ARMM (RBOI), the P6 billion approved investments as of October 31 includes P600 million from Matling Industrial and Commercial Corp. which was approved only last October 26 and P400 million from Maguindanao Energy Farms Inc.

“Maguindanao Energy Farms, Inc. is investing P400 million in a napier grass biofuel plantation,” he added.

Besides a booming mining industry, Hataman said the setting up of petroleum businesses will spur growth in the region and these private investments will be complemented by infrastructure projects to bring closer links among the provinces in the region.

The ARMM expects another investment project to be registered before the year ends, “which proves that good governance leads to more investment opportunities that will bring more jobs for the people,” he said.

He said private investments are coming in as a result of the region’s development strategy and the improving peace situation. “Peace is at hand,” he said.

The growth in investments has come about despite the challenges faced by the region from conflicts, natural disaster and other extreme events.

The governor said officials have visited high-risk communities to educate them on disaster preparedness, and have been vigilant in controlling tropical diseases. They have also organized violence and injury-prevention programs.

Hataman said that his administration has addressed the concerns of all sectors from agrarian reform beneficiaries to education and scholarship opportunities, creating livelihoods, setting up cooperatives and providing better opportunities for women.

President Benigno Aquino 3rd himself lauded the present ARMM administration for supporting the “Daang Matuwid” by combating corruption and improving its services to the people.

This year, the ARMM made history when it passed the national government’s Good Governance Condition for integrity, transparency, and productivity, thanks to Hataman’s strategic development plans.

‘Breaking barriers’

To celebrate its 26th anniversary on November 19 in Cotabato City, the ARMM will conduct activities that promote peace and harmony. The series of activities has been dubbed “Breaking Barriers Journey Through Bangsamoro Culture and History Towards Peace and Development.”

From November 6 to 8, the ARMM will honor the Sheikh Makhdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, which is the cradle of Islam in the Philippines. The mosque was declared as a National Historical Landmark.

On November 11, the region will hold the Master Chieftain Competition, a culinary contest among tribal chieftains and chefs who will present their respective indigenous cuisines at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

On November 18, cultural street dancing will be held to showcase the region’s cultural diversity through ethnic dances along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue while the 10th People’s Day celebration will also offer free health services.

The Morolympics, highlighting Muslim sports, will be held at the ORG [Office of the Regional Governor] Compound in Cotabato City, while the “Handog Pasasalamat,” a thanksgiving concert, will be staged at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

Hataman has also calendared some activities aimed at raising people’s awareness on peace, as an individual and collective responsibility.

On November 19, the ARRM will celebrate its 26th anniversary as an independent region at the ORG Complex. Folk artists Coritha and Asin will be the guest artists.

Come November 29, there will be a Peace Parade and Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration. MWOP volunteers, peace advocates and various groups will support non-violent means to end conflict in Mindanao. Participants are batting for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as a legal option to peace in Mindanao.

On November 30, they will hold a “Bike for Peace,” enjoining cyclists to travel from Cotabato City to Datu Saudi-Ampatuan in Maguindanao.

From November 30 to December 4, the region will hold a weaving competition, highlighting the exotic weaving traditions of various tribes in the region.

These activities are aimed at showing the rest of the country that the ARMM’s efforts are geared toward positive change.

The ARMM administration recently hosted the Democratic Peace Institute during which an international group of experts looked into the deep-seated reasons for conflicts and offered peaceful exchanges to solve them.

Ultimately, these endeavors are focused on establishing true peace between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front through the passage of the BBL as a solution to conflict and underdevelopment in some parts of Muslim Mindanao.

The ARMM is the Philippines’ only chartered territory, which has a regional administration composed of executive and legislative branches.

ARMM to improve, preserve 126-year-old Spanish bridge to ease traffic in Lanao

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=824278
• Saturday, November 7, 2015

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 7 (PNA) -- To ease traffic flow of people and goods in Lanao del Sur's adjoining 11 municipalities, the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) is set to rehabilitate a historic bridge, public works officials on Saturday said.

Located in Barangay Piangolugan in Marogong town, Lanao del Sur, the 90-meter bridge was constructed in 1889 by the Spaniards, earning it the moniker "Spanish Bridge." It was built purposely to make the Maranao strongholds accessible to Spanish fighters who tried, but failed, to conquer the people of Lanao.

On top of its historical value, the 126-year-old bridge also holds great economic importance in the area, according to Engr. Abib A. Arumpac.

Arumpac, chief of Lanao del Sur’s 2nd district engineering office, said the bridge will serve 11 towns in the province that include the towns of Marogong, Malabang, Calanogas, Balabagan, Kapatagan, Picong, Butig, Lumbayanague, Sultan Dumalondong, Lumbaca-Unayan, Binidayan and Bayang.

He said the DPWH-ARMM has earmarked PHP100 million from its PHP10-billion infrastructure program fund for 2016 to support the bridge’s rehabilitation and the construction of a new reroute bridge in the area.

Arumpac said the Spanish Bridge can only handle a limited load capacity due to its structural limitations and a reroute bridge has to be built to cater to large vehicles. Once a re-route bridge is constructed and completed, the Spanish bridge can still be used by light vehicles, he added.

Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, secretary of DPWH-ARMM, said the project will provide people better road access and will boost the promotion of trade and tourism in the area.

He said once the project is completed “the people in Lanao, commuters from Parang, Maguindanao to Marawi City, Iligan City and vice-versa would have a safer and faster land travel." The economic activities and mobility of goods and services in the province will also be improved.

ARMM offers duty-free importation incentives for regional investors

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=824156
• Friday, November 6, 2015

(PNA), LAP/PGL/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is offering duty-free importation of identified materials and equipment following the signing of a Joint Memorandum of Agreement (JMOA) between the Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA)-ARMM and the Bureau of Customs in this city, Friday.

With the agreement, investors can now enjoy an unprecedented duty free importation of items identified in the agreement.

The JMO will allow REZA locators or those investors registered under the region’s board of investments (RBOI-ARMM) and other economic investors to enjoy duty-free importation of capital equipment, breeding stocks, generic materials, import construction materials, and office equipment.

"They will also be entitled to avail of other incentives from local taxation in close coordination with the local government units concerned," ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

Hataman, Commissioner Alberto Lina, REZA-ARMM Executive Director Eshan Mabang, other ARMM officials and some BoC district collectors attended the signing.

“The signing of the JMO is a historical breakthrough in the Moro people’s experience and economic independence,” Mabang said.

He said the JMO will create a big impact in both the economic and labor aspect of the ARMM for it “is envisioned to create employment opportunity leading to improved human resource development index.”

“It is also seen to generate micro and even macro-economic benefits, attract domestic and foreign investors, and will promote e-commerce,” he added.

Mabang said the REZA will establish the Joint-REZA Customs Office (JRCO) that will be used by both agencies to perform organizational functions, including joint conduct of inspection and clearance area.

The REZA-ARMM is “mandated to oversee the integration, coordination, planning and monitoring of special economic zones, industrial estate/parks, export processing zones and other economic zones in the region.”

Under the JMO, the REZA will accredit, issue and approve the documentary requirements of investors in the region and the BoC, on the other hand, shall be in-charge of the approval, activation and validation of client profile registration system in line with Customs Memorandum Order 39-2008.

Moreover, the BoC will set-up the electronic-to-mobile system (e2m) for effective and efficient exportation and importation transactions and help curb possible frauds in the agency.

The e2m system will “streamline imports and exports processing and improve trade facilitation among BOC, other government agencies and its stakeholders anywhere, anytime through Internet-based and wireless technologies.“

Meanwhile, Governor Hataman and Commissioner Lina lauded the REZA-ARMM for the milestone it has accomplished.

Hataman urged the BoC and other investors to help boost ARMM’s economy. The JMO, he said, is a manifestation of good governance in the region.

For his part, Lina said the cooperation between the BoC and the ARMM government will contribute to progress and prosperity in the region.

DPWH-ARMM vows to finish PHP10B infra projects by 2016

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=823389
• Thursday, November 5, 2015

(PNA), JMC/NYP

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has guaranteed the timely completion of infrastructure projects across the region with prudent fiscal management and policy of transparency and accountability.

The agency has improved its budget from PHP1 billion in 2012 to PHP10 billion this year.

Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM secretary, said his office has enforced, for the first time in the region’s 25-year history, an open and competitive bidding and procurement process in line with RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The office is eyeing to pave a total of 1,031.285 kilometers of roads in the region by next year.

As of last month, DPWH–ARMM has concreted 348.471 kilometers of roads, while another 562.272 kilometers are still up for completion.

As the agency marked its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, ARMM Vice Gov. Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman lauded the agency for a great improvement in the delivery of basic government services in the region through well-timed accomplishment of infrastructure projects.

UN, ARMM agency train humanitarian workers on gender response

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=823099
• Wednesday, November 4, 2015

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 4 (PNA) -- To equip humanitarian workers of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with knowledge and skills in responding to humanitarian situation, the Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW-ARMM) conducted a four day training workshop for gender focal persons from different ARMM agencies and humanitarian workers in Davao City, officials said Wednesday.

According to Sittie Jehanne Mutin, RCBW-ARMM chairperson, the workshop, which ended today, was conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA).

It was aimed at ‘genderizing’ humanitarian action during emergencies, such as disaster or crisis, to ensure that women’s needs are properly addressed.

Gender sensitive approach in disaster risk management is vital in safeguarding the distinct needs of men, women, as well as boys and girls during humanitarian response activities, Mutin stressed.

Rowena Dacsig, gender and focal point person of UN-OCHA, one of the workshop's objective was to engage and equip government counterparts on gender equality programming during emergencies for focus targeting, specifically to build confidence and competence in the teams that support humanitarian action.

It also aims at imparting knowledge on the concepts of gender mainstreaming.

As one of the agencies of the United Nations, OCHA is responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure coherent response during emergencies. It has been complementing the Philippine government’s response to disaster and engaging humanitarian coordination since 2007.

Dacsig said education and advocacy with local government officials and community leaders are also important in order to fully involve not only men but also women and marginalized groups in disaster management activities and decision-making.

ARMM, through its Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), has been implementing disaster preparedness, mitigation and adaptation measures to reduce risks and widespread destruction in times of calamities.

RDRRMC-ARMM is composed of different line agencies operating in the region. The ARMM Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) serves as its rapid response mechanism and nerve center.

Several areas in ARMM are disaster-prone, both natural and man-made, thus preparedness is crucial to help mitigate the impact of disasters.

Dacsig said participants should have increased their understanding on the dynamics of gender equality and sensitivity using gender responsive programming and that these would be applied in their respective areas of work.

The region, which is geographically broken, has been vulnerable to calamities, both man-made and natural and disaster response is among the priorities of Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

PNP-ARMM to host sports for peace with stakeholders

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=822642
• Tuesday, November 3, 2015

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- Police officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will gather its officers and men to engage in sports activities with stakeholders of peace this month, a police official on Tuesday said.

Chief Supt. Ronald R. Estilles, police regional director, said the PNP-ARMM officers and personnel will play golf, badminton, volleyball and law tennis with the personnel from the Armed Forces, local government units and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a friendly competition.

"Our aim is to help maintain peace and order in the region by playing non-contact sports with all peace stakeholders," Estilles said in a statement.

The “Sports for Peace” will run from November 12-16, 2015 at Camp Brigadier General Salipada K Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao.

Estilles said this program basically aims to promote sportsmanship camaraderie with the AFP, LGU/CSO of Sultan Kudarat and Parang Municipalities, MILF and other stakeholders of peace within the area of ARMM.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Estilles said the participation of the MILF will show that former protagonists have shifted the battle ground to sports ground where no blood shed takes place but only physical development of participants.

He explained that it being a sports for peace, non contact games will be played.

Basic literacy rate in ARMM shows improvement

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521445993432/basic-literacy-rate-in-armm-shows-improvement
• Monday, November 2, 2015

(BPI/APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) registered a significant increase in its basic literacy rate to 86.1 percent in 2013 from 81.5 percent in 2008. This was based on the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Basic literacy is used for the “initial learning of reading and writing, which adults who have never been to school need to go through.” The region’s functional literacy rate also increased to 72.1 percent in 2013 from 71.6 percent in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization defines functional literacy as the person’s ability to “engage in activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning of his group and community and also for enabling him to continue to use reading, writing and calculation for his own and the community’s development.”

FLEMMS is a nationwide survey that presents comprehensive statistics on the latest status of literacy, education, and mass media exposure of Filipinos. It “brings together a wide range of information that serves as a guide for government policy makers, program planners, and decision makers in providing a much broader scope of action and more focused program intervention on the target beneficiaries of development plans.”

Marjuni Maddi, Department of Education in ARMM assistant secretary for academics, said the increase was associated to efforts of the agency in solving literacy-related problems.

DepEd-ARMM is currently implementing ‘Abot-Alam,’ a national program that aims at relocating “the out-of-school youth (OSY) nationwide who are 15 to 30 years old and who have not completed basic/higher education or who are unemployed, and to mobilize and harmonize programs, which will address these OSYs’ needs and aspirations.”

Furthermore, the agency is also engaged in other interventions such as the Alterative Delivery Mode (ADM), a joint program with Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao-ARMM. ADM is being implemented by BRAC Philippines.

The program established learning centers in poor, conflict-affected, and disadvantaged communities in the region to give out-of-school children access to basic education. It provides catch-up opportunities for young children in remote and deprived communities of the region where regular public education is not easily accessible.

The project already built 1,220 learning centers across ARMM including seven floating learning centers in coastal areas in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. These learning centers cater to 38,084 students from kindergarten to Grades 1 to 3.

Maddi encouraged everyone to take part in promoting the importance of education. “Education is everybody’s business. We should not leave it to our teachers,” he said. The 2013 FLEMMS survey covered about 26,000 sample households in 1,600 barangays in the country. About 1,200 sample households were taken from ARMM.

Undas' celebrations generally peaceful - PNP

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&nid=1&rid=822114
• Sunday, November 1, 2015

(PNA), CTB/PFN/CLTC

MANILA, Nov. 1 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP), in its initial assessment of the All Saints' Day, announced that no untoward incident was recorded in the observation of the annual holiday.

This was disclosed by Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP-Public Information Office (PIO) Chief on Sunday.

"Things are generally peaceful. The only crime incident so far recorded in PRO ARMM recovery of IED," Mayor told Philippines News Agency in phone interview.

The improvised explosive devise was ound in a cemetery in Jolo, Sulu.

But despite this, Mayor added that the PNP will continue in its task of securing the cemeteries nationwide.

The PNP established a total of 5,407 Assistance Hubs nationwide manned by 39,758 PNP Personnel tasked to ensure the peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ and Soul’s Day 2015

In Metro Manila, Police Inspector Kimberly Molitas, chief of Public Information Office of NCRPO, said that as now no untoward incident report as roving police officers continues to be in common sight within the public and private cemeteries in the Metro Manila.

All five districts namely QCPD, SPD, NPD, MPD and EPD reported no untoward incident in their area of responsibility during the occassion” Molitas told the PNA.

Meanwhile, the estimated crowd in Manila North Cemetery is 1.8 million while 32,000 in South Cemetery.