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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News August 2015

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
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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:
  1. 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.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Maguindanao Electric Coop loses P1.6M in robbery

By Ferdinandh B. Cabrera (MindaNews)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao (MindaNews) — An armed robber ran away with P1.6 million in cash from a van owned by the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Senior Insp. Lendsy Sinsuat, Datu Odin police station chief, said the incident happened at past 3:30 p.m. in Sitio Katalungan, Barangay Datu Pinguiaman in this town.

Basit Beneto, the van’s security escort, told police the unidentified gunman emerged at the back of the Toyota D4D van while on the way to Magelco’s office in Barangay Awang of this town.

Beneto was traveling along with Hanah Malang, Magelco cashier, and Jerome Romuar, the driver.

The gunman pointed his .45 pistol at the passengers and ordered Malang to tie the driver and let the escort drive the vehicle.

The gunman later covered the victims’ eyes with duct tapes, grabbed the money from the cashier’s bag worth 1.6 million pesos and fled.

Local police found duct tapes and a toy hand grenade inside the van.

No one could tell in what direction the gunman fled no witness had surfaced so far.

The employees who rode the van came from various sub-offices of Magelco in Maguindanao to get collection money. The last town they visited was Datu Piang.

“They said they were unaware of the fourth person who concealed himself at the back seat of the vehicle. How come he came inside puzzles us; that is subject of our deeper investigation” Sinsuat said.

The Magelco management has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

DepEd-ARMM, BRAC Philippines to conduct National Research Forum

(Bureau of Public Information)

The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) and BRAC Philippines will conduct a national research forum on Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) in September in Makati City.

The research forum will discuss the initial findings of three studies conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Banos Foundation, Inc., ACTRC-Melbourne University, and University of Southeastern Philippines on the ADM-BRAC learning centers in ARMM.

Moreover, the event will also showcase the key features of the ADM and BRAC learning centers and identify pathways for integrating the lessons and best practices of the ADM in the national education policies and programs.

DepEd-ARMM officials, Australian embassy representatives, members of the academe and various international nongovernmental organizations working for education in ARMM are expected to attend the event.

The ADM project is a component of the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao program. which is being supported by the Philippine and Australian governments. It is now on its fourth year of implementation.

The project established learning centers in poor, conflict-affected, and disadvantaged communities in ARMM to provide opportunities to out-of-school children to have access to basic education. It aims at supporting the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to address education issues in the region in the long-term.

Muslim group hits delay in BBL passage

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao: The 1-Bangsamoro Movement, a Muslim cause-oriented group, has bewailed the government slogan of “daang matuwid” (straight path) as “daang mapanlinlang” or confusing route.

Maulana Alan Balangi, the group’s founding president and lead convenor, said his group is lobbying for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in its original version that was formulated in accordance to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro or CAB.

Balangi said that if the government is sincere in dealing with the Bangsamoro in accordance with its slogan “daang matuwid,” the Muslim Filipinos in particular will not encounter any problem in transacting with the government.

Muslims pray five times a day, always read the Fatihah or the Opening Chapter of the Holy Qur’an that includes a verse on “siratal mustakim” meaning straight path or “daang matuwid.”

With this, it is incumbent for the pious Muslim to deal sincerely with their fellow human beings, including the conduct of transaction with the government.

Balangi also noted several issues against President Benigno Aquino 3rd, including the latter’s failure to discuss the welfare of the Bangsamoro people in his State of the Nation Address and that there is not enough participation of Muslims in the Aquino administration, among others.

With this, Balangi said many of the Bangsamoro people are now doubtful if the BBL can be passed into law in the soonest possible time.

“Baka abutin ito ng siyam-siyam bago magiging isang ganap na batas [This might take some time before it can be passed into a law],” said Balangi.

However, he said be that as it may, his group is hoping that the passage of the BBL will pave the way towards the attainment of national solidarity and the lasting peace and progress of the Bangsamoro people that includes not only the Muslims but also the Christians and the indigenous people of Mindanao.

Maguindanao school gets farm equipment from DAF-ARMM

(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao, Aug 28 (PNA) -- Public school students are expected to become agriculture-productive citizens with the turn-over Thursday of one unit hand tractor from Department of Agricultlure and Fisher in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Beneficiary of the agricultural assistance was Sapakan National High School (SNHS) in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

SNHS Principal Elma Maliga said the farm equipment will boost the partnership of DAF, local government unit and the Army's 40th Infantry Battalion.

"The equipment can be used by pupils under the Technical Skills and Development Authority agricultural courses which is part of the K to 12 program for high school students," Maliga said.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan lauded the agricultural assistance extended by DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Atty. Makmod D. Mending, Jr to his constituents.

He said the agricultural aid will boost the town's agri-fishery development and improve the agricultural skills of students. "These are tools for food sufficiency program of the regional and national government," Ampatuan said.

Teh farm equipment was sourced out from 2013 High Value Commercial Development Program Funds.

HVCDP Regional Program Coordinator Hadja Jalika Mangcop also approved the request of Mayor Ampatuan for the establishment of "Bagsakan" Trading Center with complete facilities in Sapakan to help farmers market their produce.

Present during the turn over ceremonies were Maguindanao OIC-Provincial Agricultural Officer Daud Lagasi, "Gulayan sa Paaralan" Focal Person Albaya Sagad, Association of Barangay Chairmen President Datu Yacob Ampatuan, Lt. Col. Joel Mamon, 40th IB battalion commander, Municipal Agricultural Officer Mohidin Paidumama, Local Cooperative President Larry K. Dindo, school teachers and students.

The tractor with other equipment attached to it costs Php250,000.00.

The DA-ARMM intervention was one of the incentives extended by DAF-ARMM to agencies and local government units which showed best performance in "Gulayan sa Paaralan" program implementation HVCDP of DAF-ARMM.

BBL’s cultural, historical context paramount in Senate debate - Guingona

(PNA), CTB/PR-OPAPP/EBP

MANILA, Aug 27 (PNA) -- Senator Teofisto “TG” D. Guingona III reminded Tuesday, August 25 his colleagues in the Senate that the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR) is more than just a legislative document, highlighting the bill’s cultural and historical importance to the Bangsamoro region’s quest for self-determination and genuine autonomy.

“I would like to remind everyone that this document is not just a legal document. It is a political document. And to a certain extent it is also a historical document that we are crafting here. We should not just consider the legal aspect but also the cultural context of this document,” said Guingona.

The Senate Committee on Local Government headed by Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. drafted the BLBAR. It is a revised version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which in turn was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and reviewed and finalized by the Office of the President.

Senator Marcos’ committee introduced significant changes to the BLBAR prompting questions from peace proponents on whether the prospective Bangsamoro will be better off than the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV questioned the deletion of the envisioned Bangsamoro regional government’s power over inland waters despite this power being explicitly given already in the ARMM law, as Senator Marcos has repeatedly insisted that the Bangsamoro region envisioned by his committee’s BLBAR will not have fewer powers than the ARMM, saying that “diminishing privileges already granted to ARMM will be a step back.”

Guingona made the statement within the context of control over resources, specifically pertaining to inland waters, saying that “it’s already been granted under the ARMM law but it has been taken away from the Bangsamoro by the committee report.”

Marcos explained that the changes with regard to the control of inland waters were guided by the Republic’s existing Local Government Code. However, Guingona countered that it would be better “to give powers over resources to Bangsamoro instead of just relying on different municipalities,” especially as these waters have immense cultural and historical importance, citing as example Lake Lanao.

“By way of background, I would just like to state that for example the inland of waters of the Bangsamoro have a very distinct historical and cultural dimension. It is not just legal, there is a historical and cultural dimension to it,” Guingona said.

“It will be inconceivable to tell a Maranao that you are a Maranao but you have no control over Lake Lanao. Maranao means ‘people of the lake.’ Their identity as a people is so entwined with Lake Lanao,” Guingona said, adding this would be akin to “telling a Filipino that he can't wear a barong tagalog. It's inconceivable.”

ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman recently appealed to legislators to study the BBL carefully and thoroughly. “We are concerned over raised apprehensions that the substitute version no longer stands for the aspirations of the Moro people for a genuine independence and self-rule,” he said in a statement release by Hataman’s office a few days ago.

“We appeal to [legislators] to reflect on the lives of the Moro people in Mindanao who will directly suffer from the gaps in the delivery of services once a weak and diluted law is passed,” the statement continued.

2 Moro commanders forge peace covenant

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Two Moro commanders on Tuesday ended through a peace covenant a deadly rido involving their clans who figured in deadly encounters in years past.

The rido protagonists, Commanders Maten and Rambo, both belong to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), swore over the Qur’an, inside a mosque at the town proper of Maguindanao’s Datu Saudi town, to start anew as siblings in Islamic faith.

The term rido is a generic term for clan war in most southern ethnic dialects.

The two commanders agreed to have their rido settled amicably by Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi town and an influential Muslim cleric, Imam Wahid Tundok.

It took the mayor a month to negotiate their reconciliation, according to employees of the Datu Saudi municipal government.

Tundok, a foreign-trained Islamic preacher, is chief of the MILF’s 108th Base Command, whose forces are scattered in Datu Saudi and nearby towns in the second district of Maguindanao. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

The families of Maten and Rambo had figured in more than a dozen deadly encounters that left fatalities on both sides and caused dislocation of villagers in affected areas.

Dimaukom told The STAR he is thankful to both commanders for agreeing to a diplomatic resolution of their rido.

He said Tundok also helped pacify Maten and Rambo, who are related to each other by blood and through intermarriages of relatives.

The two groups fought for control of strategic areas in Datu Saudi and nearby towns.

JICA continues aiding Muslim Mindanao

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) -- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to pour in assistance to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), making it the biggest peace and development contributor in the region, officials said Tuesday.

On Monday, a school building worth PHP2 million was turned at the Kibleg Elementary School in Upi, Maguindanao as part of the continuing support from JICA “to peace and development in Mindanao.”

According to Akihiko Tanaka, JICA president, the building is one of the 20 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) initiated by JICA, aimed at supporting “the ongoing peace-building process in Mindanao and help people realize the dividends of peace in their lives.”

The building houses rooms for Kindergarten and Grade One pupils of the school.

“These two-classroom buildings will be beneficial to us, especially to the natives of this place,” according to school principal Nestor de Vera.

Established in 1950s, the Kibleg Elementary School has been catering mostly to Teduray indigenous people. Teachers previously used temporary school buildings to cope with the increasing number of enrolees, especially in Nursery and Kindergarten.

"This building meets our long time problem of lack of classrooms," Marilou de Vera, 56, a teacher for 32 years.

The project aims at addressing the town’s classroom deficiency for the increasing number of pre-school enrolees in the area, and the use of temporary classrooms by the teachers.

“The schoolchildren will learn more and better because of the new classrooms, which are very conducive to learning,” Upi Mayor Ramon Piang said.

The early QIPs, which include multi-purpose halls, warehouses with solar dryer, and school buildings, have already benefited people in conflict-affected areas like Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Sarangani, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay.

JICA is an agency of the Japanese government responsible for implementing technical cooperation, grant aid, and yen loan programs of Japan’s overseas development assistance to developing countries like the Philippines.

Tanaka, JICA chief representative in the Philippines Noriaki Niwa, together with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, MILF municipal political committee chairman Sumail Mensong, Bangsamoro Development Authority executive director Mohammad Yacob, Mayor Piang, and school principal de Vera led the turn-over ceremony.

Iqbal recognized what he described as steadfast aid and assistance provided by Japan to Muslim communities and other less developed areas of Mindanao.

"Japan has been here long before our peace agreement with the government was forged. Regardless of the outcome of the draft basic law, Japan is helping us and continue to do so without preconditions," Iqbal said in Filipino.

"Japan has been the biggest contributor of our desire to attain peace in our communities, not only through monetary aid by capacity building as well," Iqbal said, adding that Japan also sent in experts in reconstruction and rebuilding of conflict affected communities in Mindanao.

He also recognized and appreciated the efforts of other donor countries in the peace and development efforts for Muslim communities.

MILF 'not giving up on BBL' despite calls to disengage

By Alexis Romero (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is not giving up on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) despite criticisms and the decision of lawmakers to amend its original proposal.

The MILF revealed that some groups are asking its members to disengage from the BBL, believing it is already a “lost cause.”

“To them, it's (BBL) chance to pass Congress is not only slim but dims everyday as the month of August is ending and September comes in so fast. In fact, one group including some legal minds (have) already urged the MILF to give up on pushing for the proposed law,” an editorial posted on the MILF website luwaran.com read.

“It is a lost case, they argued, and therefore the MILF should disengage. They cited the two substitute bills in the House and the Senate which are (a) far cry from the original BBL,” it added.

MILF said it was also criticized by a “prominent media practitioner” for “trusting the government too much.”

“Similarly, one leader of the other Moro liberation organization had told the MILF that the BBL is a hopeless case to pursue, citing their bad experience with the government. ‘What they did to us, they will do it to you,’ he warned,” MILF said, apparently referring to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Founded by Nur Misuari, the MNLF aimed to create an independent Islamic state in the south. The group inked the Tripoli deal with the government in 1976, which led to the formation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1996.

An MNLF faction led by Misuari, however, returned to armed struggle because it opposes the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF last year.

The peace deal between the government and MILF serves as the basis of BBL, which will form a new Bangsamoro entity with greater economic and political powers.

The measure, however, is being opposed by critics who are worried about the extent of the powers of the proposed Bangsamoro government. Opponents of the measure have also vowed to question BBL’s legality before the court once it is signed into law.

MILF remains optimistic that the BBL will be enacted under President Aquino’s term.

“But the necessary question is. If the MILF is to disengage right now, what are the implications and alternatives? Who will be on the bad side of history? Truth is that many a person criticizes an idea or decision, but he or she has nothing to offer. Often their decision is caused by emotions and not a well-thought-out idea,” the group said.

“The BBL is not yet dead on track. There is still chance for it to pass Congress. President Benigno Aquino III will deliver; we still believe in this. We also trust the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the proposed law, a good BBL,” it added.

MILF previously said that the BBL would not likely to be enacted if Congress does not approve it by October.

Rufus says BBL passed by Sept. 15

By Carolyn O. Arguillas (MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 23 August) – Only 15 session days are left to tackle the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) until the national budget deliberations go to the plenary on September 28 but despite problems of quorum in the last three weeks, the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL is confident “we still have time to finish the bill by September 15.”

“There will be quorum tomorrow (Monday) up to Wednesday. We will have interpellations,” Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, committee chair, told MindaNews in a text message Sunday morning.

The period of interpellation on House Bill 5811, the substitute bill filed by Rodriguez’ committee, started June 2 and was suspended on June 10 when Congress adjourned sine die. At that time, only eight of the 38 who had signed up, completed their interpellation.

Interpellations were supposed to have resumed on August 4 but no quorum was mustered on August 4 and 5.

There was also no quorum, on August 10 and 11. On August 12, only two representatives managed to interpellate: Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap and Coop-Natco party list Rep. Crescente Paez. Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon started his interpellation and will continue when sessions resume.

Aside from Biazon, Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City, has yet to complete his interpellation. But Lobregat told MindaNews last month that he would let the other representatives interpellate first.

No interpellation was done on the third week – August 17, 18 and 19 – again because of quorum problems.

At the Senate, the period of interpellation on SB 2894, the substitute bill, was supposed to have started on August 17 but senators asked for another week to study the bill. Interpellations will begin Monday, August 24.

On August 16, Rodriguez told the Manila-based radio station DZBB that he hopes his colleagues would be present on August 17 “until we finish this bill for the second and third reading in the middle of September” because according to the calendar of the Committee on Rules, the 2016 budget will be debated in the plenary by September 28.

“There will be no more debates (on) BBL, so therefore the real deadline (for the passage of the BBL) is on or before Sept. 28. Dapat tapos na sa (this should be finished in the) House,” Rodriguez said.

On recess by October

Rodriguez told MindaNews on August 16 hat there were “only 16 representatives left to interpellate,” as some of those who signed up had backed out. He said the 16 includes Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat and Biazon, who have yet to complete their interpellations.

No interpellation was done on August 16, 17 and 18, again due to quorum problems.

MindaNews counted only 11 session days from Mondays to Wednesdays between August 23 and September 15, a Tuesday.

The period of interpellation is followed by the period of amendments. The House then votes on the measure, transmits it to the Senate, Senate acts on the approved bill of the House and this is followed by a Conference Committee. The bill is then transmitted to the President who will either approve or veto the bill.

HB 5811 has not been certified urgent by President Aquino.

Congress goes on recess from October 10 to November 2.

Within the recess is the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 12 to 16, by those who are running for elective posts in the synchronized elections of May 9, 2016.

If no BBL is passed before Congress goes on recess, elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the regional body that would be abolished once the Bangsamoro Transition Authority takes over after the ratification of the BBL, will proceed as scheduled in 2016.

Both substitute bills — in the House and the Senate – are being criticized for paving the way for a Bangsamoro that will be “less than the ARMM that it seeks to replace.”

The Aquino administration bows out of office on June 30, 2016, supposedly the inauguration of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the ARMM, according to the government and MILF’s peace roadmap.

The draft BBl was submitted to Congress by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in ceremonial rites held in Malacanang on September 10, 2014. It became HB 4994 in the House and SB 2408 in the Senate. These were replaced by substitute bills HB 5811 and SB 2894.

Resolution

The BTC, a joint government-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GHP-MILF) body tasked by the October 15, 2012 GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro to draft the BBL, had rejected HB 5811 in a July 29 resolution urging Congress to pass the BBL “in its original form.”

The BTC “strongly expresses its support to the passage of the BBL in its original form (HB 4994), as the provisions of the same are consistent with the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the peace talks.”

The resolution also said it “stands firm” that HB 4994 “is the most appropriate version based on the FAB and CAB and considering that it is the one that underwent the legitimate process of consultation with the people and engagement with the Office of the President.”

The BTC also “implores the better judgment of the leadership of both Houses of Congress to pass the BBL in its original form and to henceforth act according to the terms of the peace agreements.”

Copies of the two-page resolution were submitted to the Senate President and House Speaker, along with a three-page list of 28 substantial issues that the BTC said “are contrary to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”

Rodriguez told radio station DZBB on August 16 that the Ad Hoc Committee “had 51 hearings on these particular measure until the time that we approved it (on May 20)… All of these have been fully discussed over and over again.”

Rodriguez added that it it has been the consensus of majority of the Committee that the provisions in the draft BBL that they deleted and where they introduced amendatory language … “are really very important and very, very necessary to make the bill be constitutionally compliant. In other words, kung maiwan itong mga probisyon or kung maibalik natin yong kanilang 28 points, we believe that may not be able to pass the Supreme Court’s constitutional scrutiny.”

“The House of Representatives wants to help craft a bill that will be successful not only in being passed in the House and Senate but also in the Supreme Court,” he explained.

Rodriguez said they may not be able to heed the BTC’s call be for two reasons:. “we impressed on them that if we lose those (representatives) who supported us then, we will have a more difficult chance in the plenary… I hope the MILF will see that what we have done is for the best interest of the Bangsamoro and also for Congress,” Rodriguez said.

ARMM governor calls for extra careful in handling the proposed BBL

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 22 (PNA) – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman has appealed to the legislators to be extra careful in the handling of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Hataman’s appeal came after it was reported that the senate version has replaced 80 percent while the House of Representatives made around 30 revisions of the original provisions of the proposed BBL.

“We are concerned over raised apprehensions that the substitute version no longer stands for the aspirations of the Moro people for a genuine independence and self-rule,” Hataman said in an emailed statement.

“We take note of how precarious the current situation and a diluted BBL will only worsen the lives of Moro people in Mindanao,” he added.

He said it is the call of the Mindanaoans to the lawmakers in Senate and House of Representatives to pass a BBL that will result in the creation of a political entity that is way better than the ARMM.

He said that anything lesser than the ARMM will not solve the problem of Mindanao and the Moro people.

He said the imperfections of Republic Act 9054, an act to strengthen and expand the organic act for the ARMM, restricted the regional government’s implementation of its development goals and reform agenda.

He said what the Moro people want is a law that truly addresses the historical injustices committed against the Moro people, “something that will give genuine autonomy to a people whose longing has always been to self-govern.”

“We appeal for them to reflect on the lives of the Moro people in Mindanao who will directly suffer from the gaps in the delivery of services once a weak and diluted law is passed,” Hataman added.

ARMM announces start of P329.8 million seaport, road projects for Basilan, Sulu

By Edwin O. Fernandez [(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF]

COTABATO CITY, Aug 21 (PNA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Thursday announced the start of P329 million worth of seaport expansion and road projects in Basilan and Sulu.

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the projects are expected to help restore normalcy in the two provinces hounded by terrorism and violence.

Believing that development helps erase conflict, Hataman and ARMM Public Works Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong signed the contracts for the projects which were awarded to winning bidder.

The projects include expansion and improvement of the seaports in Lamitan City in Basilan and in Jolo town in Sulu. It costs Php194 million and to be implemented by LG Lagascar, Incorporated.

Also signed were contracts for the concreting of a road network in Basilan province worth Php135.8 million. It will be undertaken by the Santiago, Inc.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Hataman and Loong both urged the public, non government organizations, including the media to keep an eye on the projects.

"The public should get involved, we are spending government money and public scrutiny is necessary to avoid corruption," Hataman told reporters. "Even suspicion should not be an issue if government projects are implemented above board."

He assured all projects in the ARMM are subjected to public bidding in accordance with Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) to guarantee efficiency and transparency in project implementation.

Funds for the projects were taken from the ARMM's 2015 infrastructure subsidy.

The ARMM public works office allocated Php145.5 million for the repair of Lamitan City seaport while Php48.5 million for the repair and rehabilitation of Jolo seaport and gateway.

In Basilan, road concreting has started for the Php38.8 million Tipo-Tipo-Sangkuyut road, the Php27.1 million Sangkuyut-Bohe Suyat road, the Php11.6 million Materling-Tong Bato road, and Php58.2 million Amaloy-Matata-Bucalao road, all in the town of Ungkaya Pukan.

Hataman assured the people of Basilan that road concreting will continue despite threats from extremist Abu Sayyaf Group which repeatedly attempted, but failed, to disrupt government projects in the island province.

Government forces will help secure private contractors in completing the development projects.


ARMM celebrates World Humanitarian Day with IPs, project launching

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 20 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday observed the World Humanitarian Day with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and the launching of the community-driven disaster response and preparedness program.

Present during the launching in Barangay Rempes, North Upi town in Maguindanao were Mayor Ramon Piang, village chairpersons and other political leaders.

A highlight of the event was the launching of the community-driven disaster response and preparedness program with a grant project of T’duray Days School Project (TDSP) together with ARMM’s Enhancing Governance Accountability and Engagement, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Ten barangays of North Upi, Maguindanao were recipients of the project.

Nolie Acosta, TDSP program manager, said the initiative aims at inculcating in the minds of each family the need to be prepared in times of disaster.

He added it also aims at making North Upi a “resilient, transparent and adaptive community.”

“Through this program, we will slowly change and motivate the minds of each family on disaster-preparedness,” Acosta said.

“Each family should know the hazards in its community and how to respond during calamities,” he added.

Mayor Piang said the family-based disaster program is a big help to the municipality particularly to recipient barangays.

Piang, a Teduray native, said each family should be “aware and ready for everything and make disaster (preparedness) a family business.”

The celebration also featured other activities such as tree planting, display of Information and Education Campaign materials and free consultation for pregnant women.

Signing of local leaders on a commitment wall to show support on the advocacy of the ARMM for disaster risk reduction and management at the community level and groundbreaking ceremony of a halfway shelter for pregnant women were also held during the event.

The World Humanitarian Day is an internationally celebrated event every 19th of August. It aims at raising awareness on humanitarian assistance worldwide.

In ARMM, World Humanitarian Day was formally celebrated in 2013. Last year, the theme of the celebration was acknowledging humanitarian heroes.

This year, the United Nations focused its campaign on exposing to the public the “human face” of issues surrounding displacements, insecurity, issues of durable solutions, as well as inspirational stories of resilience and hope.

Bangsamoro should be more self-sufficient, says ARMM guv

(PNA), CTB/OPAPP-PR/EDS

COTABATO CITY, Aug 19 (PNA) -- The envisioned Bangsamoro parliamentary government should be more autonomous and better equipped for self-sufficiency than the current setup of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), according to the region’s incumbent governor Mujiv S. Hataman.

“The ARMM has been riddled with problems in the past. But we’ve been doing what we can to provide our people with a government they deserve – a government that is responsive to their needs and allows them to develop their full potentials,” said Hataman.

“Even President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledged our efforts and the changes we’ve implemented in the ARMM, given the powers devolved to us,” he added.

During his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), Hataman was one of those singled out by President Aquino III for having “done their part to help us progress along the Straight and Righteous Path.”

“The Bangsamoro can do a lot more good if the structural defects within the ARMM will be corrected in the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),” Hataman continued. “That’s why I am strongly calling on our legislators, especially those in the Senate, to continue building on the gains of the ARMM and to provide the Bangsamoro with as much powers as the 1987 Philippine Constitution allows.”

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong Marcos, Jr., as chair of the committee on local government, recently submitted Committee Report No. 200 that contains a revised version of the BBL. Known as the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), the Senate version, however, contains significant differences compared to the original draft of the bill and to the House version.

Special Development Fund, power to contract loans scrapped

Among the numerous stipulations removed by Senator Marcos is the Bangsamoro provision for a Special Development Fund (SDF).

According to the original version of the BBL drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), a total of P17 billion pesos will be released by the national government to the Bangsamoro “for rehabilitation and development purposes”.

Of this amount, P7 billion will be released following the ratification of the law while the remaining P10 billion will be paid out over five years at the rate of P2 billion per year. Part of the SDF was supposed to finance a women’s peace fund “in support of gender as a cross-cutting concern.”‎ The SDF demonstrates the Philippine government's commitment to fund the rehabilitation and development of the Bangsamoro and can be used as counterpart funds for grants coming from donor institutions or countries. This leveraging can result to 3 or 4 times more than the amount in the SDF thus maximizing the benefit to the country.

Another provision deleted by Marcos was the Bangsamoro’s power to contract loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness.

According to Senen C. Bacani, member of the GPH negotiating panel, local governments already have the authority to contract domestic loans on their own, including foreign or non-peso denominated loans with the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

He commented that it should be clarified by the lawmakers as contracting loans is an essential part of fiscal management.

“Contracting indebtedness is being done all over the world by all kinds of entities and enterprises. Loaning does not automatically mean you are losing money. For instance, the Philippines as a country is both a creditor and a debtor. It is just a means to manage fiscal responsibilities,” Bacani explained.

The former agriculture secretary added that “the purpose of the SDF is for the immediate takeoff of the Bangsamoro, and the loans may come handy in generating economic activity especially during the autonomous government’s initial years.”

In his sponsorship speech on the BLBAR filed as Senate Bill No. 2894, Senator Marcos failed to provide an explanation on why the aforementioned fiscal provisions have been deleted.

Bangsamoro’s power on economic zones undermined

Republic Act No. 9054, the implementing law of the ARMM, which allows for the establishment of a Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) tasked to “encourage, promote, and support the establishment of economic zones, industrial centers, ports in strategic areas, and growth centers to attract local and foreign investments and business enterprises.”

The ARMM implementing law also clearly stipulates that once the REZA is created, “the Philippine Export Zone Authority shall no longer authorize any other economic zone within the autonomous region” and that “any corporation, firm, or entity established within the autonomous region… be placed under the jurisdiction of the REZA.”

However, Bacani noted that the Senate substitute bill now stipulated that the Bangsamoro government must apply with the PEZA before it is able to establish economic zones, industrial estates, and free ports.

Economic zones have been previously cited as one of the driving forces behind the recent economic rebound of the ARMM. According to latest data, the regional government expects a 4.2% gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth by the end of 2015, a 1.2% increase in performance compared to last year.

Economic provisions there for a reason

“A lot of considerations went into the signed documents and even the original draft of the BBL. The economic provisions, for instance, were put there after careful deliberation and planning,” said Bacani.

“We are of the belief that those provisions are all necessary for the Bangsamoro to begin enjoying the same quality of life being enjoyed by other Filipinos across the country,” he continued.

During the March 2014 signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace accord between the GPH and the MILF that served as basis for the drafting of the basic law, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced that the Bangsamoro must be given “a significant boost up, so that they can catch up.”

The 2014 report published by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on human development index (HDI), a metrics used for measuring life expectancy, years of schooling, and income among others, showed that the ARMM was still “lagging behind in many indicators and would need greater attention to catch up with the other regions.”

A similar study conducted in 2009 pegged the HDI of ARMM at .35 or “low human development” while the Philippines, on average, has an HDI score of .609 or “medium human development”. This is comparable to the HDIs of poor African countries such as Niger and Congo. Simple and functional literacy rates in the country are also lowest within the ARMM.

“If we are to truly address the root causes of conflict, we must close the gap between the region and the rest of Filipino society,” continued Aquino.

“While I appreciate the lawmakers retaining some of the salient features of the Bangsamoro such as the parliamentary form of government as well as the block grant, I hope they don’t lose sight of the importance of devolution,” Hataman further explained.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are on the deliberations phase on the Bangsamoro bill. Discussions in the House have been hampered by the lack of quorum while a number of Senators asked for one more week to review Marcos’ version.

DA grants ARMM research fund to improve agri productivity

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- Aware of the potential of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in terms of agriculture during the recent product exhibition at SM Mall in Mandaluyong City, the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office granted the region a Php1.5-million research fund.

This, after the ARMM’s Agriculture department (DAF-ARMM) booth was recognized as the best by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

It showcased distinct agricultural products that included water hyacinth organic fertilizer, marang jam, marang ice cream, adlay coffee ice cream, organic rice, adlay-based delicacies processed in Maguindanao, and local delicacies such as dudol, tinagtag, panganan sising and putri mandi.

DA’s Region IV-B, or Mimaropa, was awarded second place and received P1 million worth of research grant while DA Region IV-A, or Calabarzon, received P500,000 also in research grant.

With the theme “Teknolohiya ng Pansakahan at Pangisdaan: Tulay sa Mas Maunlad na Pilipinas Patungo sa Pandaigdigdigang Kakayanan”, the activity was held in line with the 11th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition and as part of the 28th anniversary celebration of the agricultural research bureau.

This year's anniversary celebration focused on the global competence of Philippine products and technologies generated from research and development (R&D).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, former DA secretary William Dar, and BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazer graced the opening and viewing of the product exhibition.

To highlight breakthroughs and provide new perspectives on technology commercialization, the forum-exhibit showcased agricultural R&D of more than 90 exhibitors from the DA’s bureaus and attached agencies and regional field offices, as well as R&D partners such as state universities and colleges, international organizations, and the private sector.

Tong Abas, manager of the DAF-ARMM Integrated Agricultural Research Center, said his office will pursue development of the Marang-flavored ice cream and Marang jam.

“Marang is abundant in ARMM and if the product will be highly favored by the public, then this will help boost the economy in the region,” Abas added.

DAF-ARMM Secretary Makmod Mending Jr. affirmed that the regional government will support the newly introduced ice cream flavors. The DA central office, however, advised ARMM exhibitors to submit business plans for their products.

The event also opened opportunities for agri-preneurs and entrepreneurs to capitalize on various R&D technologies that were already developed and generated and for the farmers and fisher folk to showcase their own products as well as for the private sector to adopt these technologies on a commercial scale.

The launching of the 2015 BAR Primer, an audio-visual presentation that narrates the bureau’s vision, mission and mandate as the country’s national coordinating agency for agriculture and fisheries R&D, was also highlighted during the 3-day exhibit.

In line with the event, BAR also staged “It’s Soy Time”, a soybean cooking contest with 27 partner-exhibitors from state universities and colleges as participants.

The activity highlights the culinary competencies of the participants while further promoting the utilization and consumption of soybean through food creation.

DOH-ARMM intensifies blood donation drive in barangays

(PNA), FFC/NYP

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- Motivated to promote public health specifically on isolated areas, Department of Health–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) has brought its blood donation drive to the grassroots level.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur.

Dr. Pancho Cruz, ARMM’s coordinator for the National Voluntary Blood Service Program, emphasized the need to maintain ample blood supply to patients in need in many of the region’s hospitals, prompting them to bring the campaign to the barangay level.

In Maguindanao alone, at least 20 municipal planning and development coordinators were fielded to orient villagers on the National Voluntary Blood Service Program with assistance from the region’s health department.

Records showed that the municipalities of Parang and North Upi are the only ones maintaining a monthly bloodletting activity in their respective areas.

The activity helps collect adequate blood units allowing patients from the two towns easy access to blood supply whenever needed at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center situated in this city.

“The ideal number of blood units per town must be equivalent to 10 percent of its total population,” Cruz said.

Three out of 10 patients do not get the blood they need because of insufficient supply from blood banks, Cruz noted.

He added that a recent study showed that only one out of 500 Filipinos voluntarily donates blood and that seven out of every 10 units of blood transfused come from paid donors.

Blood from a paid donor, the study added, is three times more likely to have any four diseases such as malaria, syphilis, hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome transmitted to patients.

The National Blood Services Act of 1994, otherwise known as Republic Act 7719, mandates voluntary blood donation by the citizenry to promote public health in the country.

Senate plenary debates on BBL begin Monday

By Jelly F. Musico [(PNA), CTB/JFM]

MANILA, Aug. 16 (PNA) – The Senate is set to begin on Monday its plenary debates on substitute bill for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a proposed law that will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Although it took his Senate committee on local government 14 public hearings to get the side of all the stakeholders, panel chairman Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is expecting a smooth sailing discussion on the floor.

”I think smooth sailing because we already knew the subject matter that we’re going to discuss and there is no need for big preparation because we have detailed scrutiny of the substitute bill,” Marcos said in an interview with dzBB.

Marcos expressed optimism that he will be able to explain to his colleagues the substitute bill entitled Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Automous Region.

”We prepared the materials, including the research material that we used in writing the substitute bill so that we will be able to explain to the senators why we change the BBL,” Marcos said.

Compared to the claim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that he changed 100 percent the BBL, Marcos said he amended only 80 percent of the Malacanang-backed bill particularly the unconstitutional provisions.

”It’s impossible that more than 100 percent have been changed. Perhaps, they (MILF) just wanted to return the original draft. It will not happen,” Marcos said.

”Anyway, it’s out of my hand now. I just submitted the substitute bill. I did what I have to do to make legal the substitute bill,” he added.

Last week, Marcos filed the committee report of the bill which, if passed into law, will create a new Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao.

The BBL draft was a product of two agreements – Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the MILF.

New invented ice cream seen to drive ARMM's economy

By John Unson

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The agriculture department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) now boasts of a marang ice cream which economists said can boost prices of a seasonal fruit so cheap due to excessive harvest surplus.

The marang fruit (artocarpus odoratissimus) is so abundant in all of the ARMM’s scattered Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

Makmod Mending Jr., regional secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the autonomous region, on Friday launched the ARMM’s first ever marang ice cream, invented by Nilda Longno.

Food technicians and researchers in Mending’s office helped Longno study how to produce a marang ice cream that is halal and nutritious.

The term halal refers to food Muslims can eat, which is free from contaminants that are called haram, which is Arabic for forbidden, such as pork and alcohol.

Officials and journalists present in the launching program, held at the ARMM’s Integrated Agricultural Research Center in nearby Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, were served with marang ice cream, made up of the fruit’s whitish flesh, mixed with milk and sugar. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

The marang fruit is similar with jackfruit, which is called langka in most Filipino vernaculars.

Mending said the ARMM government will give Longno due recognition for her invention.

Mending said a large-scale production of marang ice cream will surely increase the demand for the fruit.

“If there is a high demand for this fruit farmers that have marang trees in their farms will earn extra income,” Mending said.

Mending said they intend to put up a good marang ice cream industry in the autonomous region with the help of the regional government’s trade and industry department.

RBOI-ARMM receives citation from BSP

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 14 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) investment board on Thursday received an unprecedented feat - an award from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in recognition of the important role of business investment in the Mindanao peace process.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) chair received the citation from Juan Zuniga, BSP monetary board member and Atty. Thelma C. Pantig, (left) Director of BSP Davao, in ceremonies held in Gen. Santos City.

BSP’s Award for Outstanding Partner for Regional Economic Development was given to RBOI-ARMM due to its contribution to the success of the peace process by actively promoting and facilitating private sector investments in the region.

RBOI is the first agency from ARMM to receive such award. BSP has been giving recognition to its outstanding partners these past 12 years. The award is given annually as BSP’s way of expressing gratitude for the strong support it receives from its partner institutions.

It has been giving recognition to institutions that have continuously supported their statistical initiatives, information requirements, and advocacy programs.

Business investments in the ARMM have been growing tremendously since 2013 as a result of the stability, especially peace and order, engendered by the peace process in Mindanao with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2013 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Private investors were also lured by the reforms on good governance introduced by the administration of ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman.

RBOI, along with other institutions that have continuously supported the BSP’s statistical initiatives, information requirements, and advocacy programs, were also recognize during the 2015 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for Stakeholders at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOI, will be receiving the award on behalf of the agency. RBOI was nominated by BSP-Cotabato Branch and won over other nominees due to the value, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information and reports that the agency has provided to BSP.

Such data are necessary for the BSP’s Report on Regional Economic Development in the Philippines.

The agency also has a good track record of cooperation with BSP and economic data gathering, which is another criterion for the said award category.

Mastura said that the agency has been open to the public in highlighting its accomplishments through its official website while intensifying its information dissemination through the help of its media networks.

“This is part of our active participation to the open governance of the Hataman administration. We make sure that relevant information is being shared to stakeholders and partners that need ARMM investment-related data like the BSP.”

“This is also our way of providing useful knowledge that will further contribute to the advancement of an informed government and society as a whole,” Mastura added.

As of July 2015, RBOI has recorded P1.8 billion worth of investments in ARMM. This is expected to increase to at least P5 billion before the year ends since major investments are in the pipeline.

One of these is a P3.7-billion plantation of Cavendish bananas intended for the export market. Other projects are an oil palm plantation costing P1.3 billion; a napier grass biomass fuel production project, which is estimated to cost P400 million; and the modernization and expansion of a cassava starch factory that needs P200 million.

Mastura said the Outstanding Partner Award for Regional Economic Development from the BSP is seen as an acknowledgment of the Hataman administration’s accomplishments in sustaining private sector investments in ARMM.

The region posted investments of P1.4 billion in 2013 and P3.8 billion in 2014. This year’s figure is expected to exceed that of last year.

Drilon defends Marcos’ substitute bill to BBL

By Hannah Torregoza

The changes Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. introduced in his substitute bill for the proposed Bangsamoro basic law (BBL) was only meant to ensure the measure would be consistent with the provisions of the Constitution.

Senate President Franklin Drilon made the statement as he defended Marcos from those who criticized him for coming up with a watered-down version of the BBL.

One of the facets of the measure they wanted to make sure is consistent with the Constitution is the removal of provisions that would establish a separate Philippine National Police (PNP) force, Commission on Audit, (COA) Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Office of the Ombudsman for the Bangsamoro government.

“Sa akin pong tingin, siyempre may mga binago kami. Halimbawa, iyong police siniguro natin na sasang-ayon sa structure ng ating Philippine National Police na kung saan ang National Police Commission (Napolcom) ang siyang may control sa ating national police force, ayon sa Saligang Batas, (In my view, of course, we need to introduce some changes. For example, we want to make sure that their police would follow the PNP structure where the Napolcom has control over the national police force),” Drilon said in a radio interview.

“Iyong COA, Comelec, atin pong inilagay sa tama at iyan po ang significant changes sa version ng Senado (we put them in the right place so those are the significant changes in the Senate version),” he further explained.

ARMM builds Lake Lanao fish port to improve fisher folks access to market

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 12 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has constructed a multi-million port in Lake Lanao to improve access of lake's fisher folks to local markets.

According to Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, ARMM public works secretary, said the construction of the PHP5 million Barimbigan Port in Ditsaan Ramain town in Lanao del Sur is expected to be completed by October.

On Tuesday, Loong, other DPWH officials and local officials of Ditsaan Ramain conducted an ocular inspection agreed to expedite the project.

He said port will provide Maranao fisher folks easy access to the market of fresh water fish from the Lake Lanao, the country's second largest lake.

Lake Lanao is situated south of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur and part of ARMM. It was northwest of the Butig Mountains where the water comes.

Lake Lanao is the second largest lake in the Philippines with an area of 131 square miles (340 square km).

Its outlet is the Agus River that flows north toward over Maria Cristina Falls hydroelectric power plants were located enroute to Iligan Bay.

According to Loong, this port project was funded out of a grant from the ARMM’s 2015 infrastructure subsidy.

“This project is intended to improve the lives of the people in Lanao de Sur province, according to the development agenda of the present ARMM administration," Loong said in a statement.

The construction of several infrastructure projects of the ARMM government has been on going, Loong said. He inspected the PHP10 million Pugaan Bridge in Ditsaan Ramain.

Pugaan bridge forms part of the circumferential road that will connect municipalities surrounding the lake.

Loong and other local officials also inspected the progress of rehabilitation work of PHP12 million Ramain Bridge.

This year alone, the ARMM regional government headed by Gov. Mujiv Hataman has earmarked about PHP1.4 billion for various infrastructure projects.

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

BIMP-EAGA cable project to improve Internet in ARMM

By Carmencita A. Carillo

DAVAO CITY -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be the first to benefit from the BIMP-EAGA Submarine and Terrestrial (BEST) Cable Project, a high bandwidth cable system that will provide cheaper telecommunication and Internet services.

BIMP-EAGA -- the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area -- is a sub-regional grouping of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that is aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote itself as a single market within the integrated ASEAN Economic Community, which takes full effect in December.

The BEST Cable Project, also called the BIMP-EAGA Rink, will be launched in Davao City on Aug. 19 during the three-day 3rd BIMP-EAGA Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Cluster Meeting.

The Rink is being undertaken by BESTCable Corp. Pte. Ltd, a consortium composed of Brunei International Gateway Sdn Bhd, Sabah Economic Development Corp. Communication Sdn Bhd, and Mindanao’s EA Trilink Corp., which holds a telecommunications franchise in the ARMM.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Mindanao link will be held in Parang, Maguindanao in the ARMM within the first quarter of 2016 and target completion date is set for 2018.

“This will make ARMM’s Internet rates cheaper by two-thirds than what we are paying now,” said lawyer Samuel R. Matunog, ICT Davao President.

ICT-Davao and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) signed last week a memorandum of agreement that paves the way for the P2.7-million funding for the ICT Cluster Meeting.

“ICT is one of the sectors for cooperation and collaboration among the BIMP-EAGA member economies and is a key enabler for socioeconomic development and integration in the region,” Mr. Matunog said.

NTC Region 9 Director Edgardo R. Celorico said the cable system will eventually be expanded to other parts of Mindanao.

The BIMP-EAGA Rink is a 5,092-kilometer cable system that will run through Sabah in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Mindanao in the Philippines, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and link to other ASEAN countries as well as Guam and the United States mainland.

The cables will start in Brunei and Sabah, then connected to Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, which is near the Philippines. The lines that will link Brunei and Malaysia are terrestrial while that in Parang, Maguindanao will use submarine cables.

“The project will establish a more reliable Internet connectivity in Mindanao, which is being positioned as a strategic location for BPO (business process outsourcing) companies,” Romeo M. Montenegro, director of investment promotions and public affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority, said earlier.

The BEST Cable Project is one of the three project major projects included in the BIMP-EAGA Implementation Blueprint for 2012-2016. The two others are the Intelligent Clearance Identification System (ICLID) and the ICT Outreach Program (IROP).

The ICLID will use Radio-Frequency Identification technology and provide cross-border solutions to ease the movement of goods and vehicles within the sub-region. The system has been installed at Sungai Tujoh and Kuala Lurah in Brunei Darussalam, and in Miri and Limbang in Sarawak.

The IROP is an outreach program that aims to improve ICT literacy within rural communities through the construction of computer telecenters with e-Learning models and mobile applications. Around 30 pilot sites for the telecenters, each to have 20 computers, have been identified in the ARMM.


ARMM census of population starts

(PNA), LAM/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 10 (PNA) -- More than 3,100 service contractors have been deployed by the Philippine Statistics Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA-ARMM) to conduct the 2015 Census of Population (PopCen) in the region.

Enumerations and census have started today and will end on September 6, according to Hji. Abdulkareem Suod Barodi, PSA-ARMM interim regional director.

Barodin explained the importance of census to policy makers and "to all of us."

“It provides government planners, policy and decision makers with updated population counts on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies and programs,” Barodi said.

The contracted personnel are composed of 2,402 enumerators, 604 team supervisors and 139 census area supervisors or a total of 3,145. The listing and enumeration for PopCen 2015 started Monday, August 10.

The census was in pursuat to Republic Act No. 10625, or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013. The PSA = known in the past as National Statistics Office – is the lead agency tasked to take an inventory of the population in the Philippines.

ARMM has 3.2 million registered inhabitants based on the last census done in 2010. The region is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

PopCen 2015 is a complete enumeration of households in the country and is designed to take an inventory of the population of the entire country.

It also collects information about basic characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status, religious affiliation, highest grade/year completed and usual occupation, among others.

It will also gather selected housing data such as type of building and construction materials used, especially roofs and walls, as well as barangay characteristics like presence of selected facilities and informal settlers.

Barodin explained that the data and information gathered in the census will be the local government units’ official basis when preparing and filing ordinances.

To ensure the success of the census of population, Barodi urged the public to support and cooperate in the population survey by supplying complete and correct information.

Section 27 of RA 10625 cited that “respondents of primary data collection activities such as censuses and sample surveys are obliged to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries. The gathering, consolidation, and analysis of such data shall likewise be done in the most truthful and credible manner.”

Barodi explained that failure to provide truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries, the residents will be penalized with a fine of P100,000 and one year imprisonment.

The population count by province, city, municipality, and barangay will be submitted to the Office of the President for proclamation as official census counts in January 2016.

ARMM officials launch road concreting projects in Lanao Sur

(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 9 (PNA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have launched PhP 220-million worth of road projects that would connect municipalities to major commercial centers in Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. signed on Saturday a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the project -- a road concreting that will connect the towns of Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur.

Also present was Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, regional secretary for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM).

Lanao del Sur is a component province of ARMM along with the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Bukidnon, on the other hand, is part of Administration Region 10.

Both Hataman and Loong urged the residents to help monitor the project implementation, as practiced in the region, to allow transparency and accountability in project implementation.

The new road network will interconnect Marawi City to nearby towns in Bukidnon and the rest of Region 10.

Loong said more projects are already in the pipeline for implementation with funds to be taken from the PhP 1.4 billion infrastructure budget for 2015.

Present during the launching were officials from Lanao del Sur and the local government units that stand to benefit from the project.

Tausug, Maguindanaon foods showcased in ARMM food fest

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Cotabato City residents on Thursday witnessed a showdown of Moro chefs in a food festival that showcased centuries-old ethnic cuisines bearing tribal identities never been sidelined by modernity.

The food festival was held in the mock Tausug and Maguindanao villages inside the 32-hectare compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao southeast of Cotabato City.

The tribal enclaves, which include the Samah, Maranaw and Iranun simulated dwelling sites, is an initiative of the ARMM administration, intended to educate the public on the region’s culturally-pluralistic settings.

The designated Maguindanaon chieftain, ARMM Natural Resources Secretary Kahal Kedtag, and his retinue on Thursday served their guests native foods made of ground rice, such as kumukunsi and wagid and the renowned pastil.

The Maguindanaon pastil is boiled rice, topped with sautéed shreds of chicken meat, wrapped in fresh banana leaves.

Visiting dignitaries, among them ARMM’s chief executive, Gov. Mujiv Hataman, were also served with sinina, also a longtime Maguindanaon recipe, while at the Maguindanao village.

Hataman is an ethnic Yakan from Basilan province, which also has its mock village in the northeastern side of the ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

The sinina is an indispensable course in Maguindanaon inspired banquets. It is made up of small cuts of chevon cooked in heavy coconut cream laced with burnt coconut shavings, ginger and hot pepper.

The Tausug village, on the other hand, served guests with spanner crabs, most known as curacha, which thrives only in the ocean floors around ARMM’s island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Village chieftain Engineer Don Loong, who is ARMM’s public works secretary, said he is grateful to Tausug employees of different regional line agencies for helping him put up a good show of their native foods.

Traditional Tausug foods are mostly harvested from the sea. Besides rice, cassava is also an alternative staple for Tausugs, which is grated and cooked either as pyutu, which is puto in most dialects, or sianglag, which is similar to the generic Filipino sinangag.

Engineer Don Mustapha Loong, who is ARMM’s public works secretary, said he is thankful to Tausug employees of different regional agencies for helping put up on Thursday a good show of their native cuisines.

So unique is the Tausug village inside the ARMM compound that visitors could see there a replica of the astana (royal house) of the early sultans in the island province.

It was in the astana in Sulu that sultans received visitors and from where they ruled a sultanate that once covered the disputed Sabah, now an island state in Malaysia, the Zamboanga peninsula and Tawi-Tawi.

The Tausug village also has a makeshift mosque made of indigenous materials such as bamboos and palm leaves as roofing.

“Visitors that come at nighttime can also watch Tausug dancers perform the `pangalay,’ which is one of our very old dances,” Loong said.

Among the visitors to the Tausug village last Thursday were the chief of the ARMM’s Regional Crime Laboratory, Supt. Sajid Hassan, his administrative assistant, Inspector Abdulsaid Alamia, and their forensic chemist, Senior Inspector Larry Villasor.

The visiting police officers were accompanied to the Tausug village by lawyer Laisa Alamia, who is ARMM’s executive secretary.

Thursday’s food festival in the Maguindanao and Tausug villages was preceded with a similar event at the nearby Yakan and Maranaw enclaves, also inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

DOH-ARMM to immunize 200,000 students

(Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – More than 200,000 students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will receive free immunization from against measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.

These are infectious diseases that could cause serious illness and disability and could even cause death in worst cases. Around 55,000 Grade 1 and 157,000 Grade 7 students from different public schools in the region are targeted to receive free immunization.

The school-based immunization program is part of the ARMM-Department of Health’s national drive dubbed “Bakuna para sa Kabataan, Proteksyon sa Kinabukasan.” The program is pursued in coordination with the region’s Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The immunization program was officially launched in the region on Monday, August 3, in Maguindanao province. As of date, DOH-ARMM already immunized students in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan, including the city of Lamitan. The program will run until the end of the month.

DOH-ARMM officials said the vaccines used for the program are safe and effective, approved by the World Health Organization, and are used worldwide. An orientation involving the parents, guardians, as well as teachers, are conducted prior to the actual immunization

Students could experience discomfort due to the painful yet tolerable administration of the vaccine, the DOH-ARMM noted. In addition, the agency said the vaccine might have possible side effects such as fainting, swelling or redness on the injection area, fever, and rashes.

The school-based immunization program targets to immunize over 2.4 million Grade 1 and more than 1.6 million Grade 7 students all over the Philippines. However, only children with consent forms from their parents, or guardians would undergo immunization.

TESDA-ARMM offers free competency assessment, certification to 500 industry workers

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 5 (PNA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (TESDA-ARMM) is offering free competency assessment and certification to about 500 industry workers in the region, an official today said.

Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, TESDA-ARMM executive director, said the National Technical-Vocational Competency Assessment and Certification, implemented by TESDA, promotes technical-vocational education and trainings as well as strengthen the competency program for skilled workers to match the industry’s needs.

He explained that the program refers to synchronized conduct of competency assessment and certification at the regional and provincial levels in identified key sectors, or qualifications.

Primarily, it is aimed at expanding the clients’ access to assessment and certification program; enhancing competitiveness, employability and productivity of workers; and upgrading the qualification of existing workers, trainers and assessors.

Jaafar said the project is funded by TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program that seeks to improve the reach quality of technical skills.

He said the assessment and certification program is offered for free by the government.

In fact, he said, TESDA-ARMM office provides all the necessary materials during the examination and skills training. The primary purpose of this exercise is to assist skilled workers in further elevating their competency.

Recently, a total of 14 industry workers took the assessment at the Regional Manpower Development Center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

For ARMM, 500 slots have been allocated under the program; about 175, or 35 percent of this year’s target covers Grades 9 and 10 Technology and Livelihood Education teachers in support of the K to 12 program implementation.

Jaafar added the other 325 slots are for workers, industry practitioners, professionals and career shifters, trainers of private and public technical vocational institutions, public utility vehicle drivers and returning overseas Filipino workers.

“Having a certification in a chosen field can lead to jobs for those seeking employment, high position in their current work, and higher paying jobs locally and abroad,” Jaafar said.

To avail of the free assessment and certification, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao or call 064 429-0091 / 09176224409 and look for the administrator, Engr. Bangon S. Sumunsang.

ARMM installs gender-sensitive facilities at Jolo port

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 4 (PNA) -- The Regional Ports Management Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPMA-ARMM) has installed gender-sensitive facilities and amenities at the port of Jolo, Sulu.

Among the amenities like women’s desk, public assistance and information booth, public address system, and a computer and communication station were installed at the modern passenger terminal building of Jolo port.

The other facilities placed at the port terminal included breastfeeding area, interfaith prayer room, first-aid facility, and priority lanes.

“The project is a manifestation of the vision and mission of the government in providing competitive ports and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and efficient port services to its users and clienteles,” Irene Tillah, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM) assistant secretary for Sulu convergence, said in a statement Tuesday.

Furthermore, Tillah said the gender and development facilities and amenities in the port of Jolo “are the first, if not the only (such facilities installed) in a Mindanao port.”

She said the facilities were turned-over to the terminal building management last week at the Port of Jolo.

Prior to the ceremony, the DSWD-ARMM has conducted an in-house orientation on gender and development issues for its officials and staffs.

Tillah said the orientation aims at further enhancing their understanding of such concept.

Aside from Tillah, the other officials who witnessed the turnover of the facilities at Jolo port were Suharto Hayudini, persons with disabilities representative; SPO3 Abdullah Sasapan, Maritime Police representative; and, representatives from different shipping lines and stakeholders.

Scholars, parents laud ARMM education assistance program

(PNA),CTB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug 3 (PNA) -- Parents and students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday lauded the ARMM leadership for a special project that benefited poor but deserving students in the region.

“We are very thankful to the ARMM government since this scholarship program helped us a lot, especially to me because my parents can’t send me to school,” Sittie Haya Naga, a 22-year old scholar from Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said in the vernacular.

Naga, is a third year student at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College taking up Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

"I will study hard, earn degree and serve my people someday to repay the good deeds done for us poor children," Naga said in Filipino.

A 46-year-old farmer Abdilla Gintawan of Mamasapano, Maguindanao and father of Saguira Gintawan, recipient of ARMM scholarship program, said the educational assistance program really helped poor families in the province. He added education is better for poor Muslim children because "we have something to look up to in the years to come."

"I am happy and lucky my daughter was granted education assistance," Gintawan said in the vernacular. "I thought the government doesn't care for poor like us, I was wrong."

Through the region's "Empowering the Bangsamoro Region through Active Community Engagements in the ARMM (EMBRACE-ARMM)," the regional government has granted financial assistance to scholars in Maguindanao province.

More than a hundred beneficiaries received from the regional government stipend covering the first and second semesters for school year 2014-2015 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

Releases of financial assistance to other scholars in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will take place this week.

Partial scholars received Php10,000 while full-scholars get Ph20,000.

According to John Louie Balagot, ARMM’s deputy executive secretary and concurrent EMBRACE-ARMM program manager, the regional government has earmarked a total of Php24 million for the scholarship.

To date, ARMM has assisted 1,539 students across the region.

Checks were handed over by Balagot, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., ARMM’s chief of staff; Jo Guro, financial management officer of the Commission on Higher Education- ARMM; and Atty. Kirby Abdullah, assistant secretary for Maguindanao convergence.

The scholarship program dubbed ‘Academic Investment for Muslim Mindanao’ (AIMM) is known in the past as ‘Iskolar: Para sa Pagbabago, Para sa Bangsamoro’ (Scholar: agents for change, for Bangsamoro."

It aims at helping underprivileged students pursue college degrees. All valedictorian high school graduates from public and private schools in the region are automatic grante of AIMM scholarship.

“The scholarship grant was part of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman’s commitment to help poor but deserving students in the region especially those living in conflict-affected communities,” Balagot told reporters.

He said that it is up to the beneficiary to choose the course and school preference. AIMM program is closely monitoring the scholar’s performance.

"Graduates are expected to render at least two years of service, as qualified employee, to the ARMM after earning college degree,” Balagot said.

WFP to undertake $73.5-M food, nutrition projects in Mindanao

By Ali G. Macabalang

Cotabato City – The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) is set to undertake extensive food and nutrition security interventions in the amount of $73.5 million (or P3.3 billion) in the Philippines, principally in four Mindanao provinces including Maguindanao, according to WFP Country Director Praveen Agrawal.

Agrawal made the announcement after he and his technical staff visited Buluan, the new capital town of Maguindanao, to grace the culmination of the province’s celebration of the Nutrition Month last Thursday.

Under the US$73.5-million package, three projects have been approved for Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Sultan Kudarat provinces for implementation this year, he said.

“Food and nutrition security cannot be solved overnight so we need to invest, invest and invest in the future of our children,” Agrawal told reporters.

The WFP intervention “should not and cannot be considered social costs or expenditures (but) a total social investment,” he said, adding that “for every peso invested in nutrition, you will get 16 pesos back (in impacts).”

Agrawal held an executive meeting with Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and his technical staff to map out immediate and long-term measures to address nutrition deficiencies of children who are underweight and experience stunted growth, as well as obesity among adults in Maguindanao.

Maguindanao belongs to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which Agrawal said ranks second to Bicol region in terms of malnutrition average rate.

Agrawal said in his speech in Buluan that there was “a need to empower the mothers to ensure that their children and other household members consume military foods and drinks.”

Mangudadatu said they would tap the parents-teachers associations (PTAs) in Maguindanao’s schools in the campaign for nutrition enhancement, starting with the setting up of makeshift kitchens in campuses to cook nutrient-rich foods for school-children.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/wfp-to-undertake-73-5-m-food-nutrition-projects-in-mindanao/#XFKYyX4Xzyi1izsu.99

Mindanao braces for longer brownouts

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- Power consumers in North Cotabato and elsewhere in Mindanao are bracing for longer power interruptions until at least mid-August, an electric cooperative said Saturday.

Vincent Baguio, speaking for the Cotabato Electric Cooperative, said the preventive maintenance on government-owned hydro power plants in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur and the shutting down of the STEAG power plant in Misamis Oriental will last until August 16.

"With that, power rationing will continue in the franchise area of Cotelco," he said.

Cotelco serves the city of Kidapawan and the towns of Makilala, Tulunan, Mlang, Magpet, President Roxas, Antipas, Arakan, Matalam and Kabacan.

Agus power plants 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Lanao del Sur and the Pulangi 4 hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon have also slowed down production due to low water level.

Also undergoing preventive maintenance is the Mt. Apo Unit 1 geothermal power plant in Kidapawan City owned by the Energy Development Corporation.

Cotelco has been rationing power from three to four hours a day depending on the amount of energy provided by through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Baguio said Cotelco buys an average of at least 11 megawatts from the National Power Corporation’s hydroelectric plants; 8MW from Therma Marine Incorporated in Maco, Compostela Valley; and 5MW megawatt from the Mt. Apo geothermal plant to meet its power requirement of 24MW.

But in July, the hydropower plants could only provide 9MW.

Power rationing is also being undertaken by all power cooperatives in the island.

Baguio appealed to consumers to start conserving energy.

The Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee reported that the water levels of Lake Lanao and Agus and Pulangi dams have continued to drop the past three days, breaching low critical points based on data from the National Power Corporation-Mindanao Generation.

In another statement, the Mindanao Development Authority said as of July 30 the water level of Lake Lanao was at 699.24 meters above sea level, well below its normal high water level of 701.10 meters and short of its minimum operating level of at 699.15 meters.

The water level of Agus 4 stands at 358.31 meters, near its minimum operating level of 357 meters. The dam has a normal high water level of 359 meters.

MinDA also reported that Pulangi 4 hydropower plant’s water level was 280.40 meters, below its minimum operative level of 282 meters, and is currently producing only 20 MW of its 250-MW capacity.

“The low water levels of the dams, which provide around half of Mindanao’s power supply, have brought down the capacity of the hydropower plants of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes,” MinDA said.

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