Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News September 2016

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
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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:
  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.

ARMM local execs undergo disaster management executive course

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 29 (PNA) -- Local executives and municipal officials underwent a one-day disaster risk reduction and management executive course aimed at learning the basics of disaster prevention and response, an official of the Office of Civil Defense said Thursday.

Gilmar Lao, OCD-ARMM information officer, said 36 local officials joined the course held Wednesday at the Officers Club of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Leo T. Alicias, Assistant Regional Director of OCD-ARMM, said it is known to many that the country is vulnerable to both natural disasters and human induced activities.

He said the general objective of the course is to enhance the participants’ knowledge on DRRM.

“We are situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and with our geographic location, the country frequently experience natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Alongside these natural disasters, human induced activities such as the recurring armed conflict in our area also pose a threat. When these disasters occur, it is important that the LGUs are equipped with various knowledge and skill when it comes to disaster risk reduction and management,” Alicias said.

The specific objectives of the activity were as follows: Understand the current Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) System, its institutional and operating mechanisms, and priority projects and activities, including sound understanding of the RA10121 and specifics on the four DRRM thematic areas; Contextualize their job with current development trends and strategies in DRRM; Understand what the NDRRMC is for and explain the communication/ information flow in the NDRRMC Operation Center; and have a deeper understanding on the various processes of proper budgeting, utilization, liquidation, and accountability of the Local DRRM Fund.

Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal, OCD-ARMM operations officer, discussed the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (PDRRMS) putting emphasis on the four thematic areas of the DRRM.

Lininding M. Lao, Director II for Technical Services of the DILG-ARMM has provided inputs on the Functionality of the Local Government Units.

Rasdy M. Guiling, State Auditor IV of the Commission on Audit- ARMM discussed the guidelines on the Use of LDRRMF which includes usage policies, coverage, purposes, sources and allocations, utilization, accounting and reporting guidelines.

Puasa Z. Enok, DRRM focal person of DSWD-ARMM, has shared tips on Disaster Response, the Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Evacuation Centers (ECs), manpower as well as facilities needed in evacuation centers and its management, and the provision of basic services in ECs, camp management as well as information management.

Jimmy G. Hedesin, DRRM focal person for DOST-ARMM discussed about the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation focusing on the role of DOST in the RDRRMC-ARMM.

Palawan T. Mamaon, DRRM focal person of RPDO-ARMM has lectured about the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Coordination Mechanism and discussed protocol of rehabilitation and recovery, coordination mechanism on categories of the Barangay, Municipal, Provincial, Regional and National levels in order to identify responsibility of each levels.

The training was in accordance with RA 10221 or "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010."

RA 10121, Alicias said, aims to uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts.

He said the other reason was to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socio economic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, most especially in the local communities.

Alicias added that the activity was also relevant in strengthening the capacity of the local government units (LGUs), together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and "to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities."

ARMM to strengthen Local School Boards to help improve state of education

(PNA), BNB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 29 (PNA) -- To further improve the state of education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM) is strengthening Local School Boards (LSBs), an education official said Thursday.

Alfhadar Pajiji, DepEd-ARMM assistant secretary for special projects, said they recognize the essential role of LSBs in advancing the welfare of public schools in the region.

“While the regional government is working at addressing issues in the education sector, the functions of the LSB cannot be underestimated and the need to make these boards functional is a challenge to the department,” Pajiji said in a statement.

Under Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, local government officials are mandated to work on education sector concerns. Under the law, school boards should be composed of local chief executives, school superintendents and district supervisors, councilors, board members, treasurers, Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen, presidents of parent-teacher associations, and non-academic personnel of schools.

The LSB determines the annual supplementary budget needs for the operation and maintenance of public schools within the province, city or municipality, and serves as an advisory committee to the local legislative body on educational matters such as the necessity for, and the use of local appropriations for educational purposes.

Pajiji said, "Having a strong, efficient and working local school board is the key to meeting effective delivery of education services, such as identification of priority schools to be rehabilitated, and facilities to be constructed."

He cited as model the case of Naga City, which saw a dramatic improvement in its basic education after its then mayor, the late former secretary Department of the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo, activated the city school board.

Robredo was among the local chief executives who advocated for the activation of the LSBs to improve education in the country. He noted that “local education governance reforms can be done” and that “empowered and functional local school boards have both the mandate and legal personality to serve as focal point for these reforms.”

Pajiji said regional DepEd is “encouraging local government units throughout the ARMM to help make local school boards more functional."

With the activated school boards, Pajiji said the pressing problems we have on education such as the repair of dilapidated classrooms can be addressed more efficiently if we have active school boards.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said among the current challenges the region faces is the poor state of education and the regional government is taking various steps to reform and improve this sector.

From 2013 to 2015, the ARMM government has allotted PHP2.3 billion for basic education facilities in the region. Through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM), it has built a total of 332 school buildings across the region in 2013 and 2014.

About 819 additional classrooms are on going and expected to be completed by next year.

DepEd-ARMM reported that the region has 2,155 elementary schools and 304 secondary schools that are grouped into nine schools divisions, namely Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM officials remain optimistic proposed budget to get House approval

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 28 (PNA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday expressed confidence the House of Representatives' committee on appropriations will approve its proposed 2017 regional budget.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman wasted no time as he addressed the observations and recommendations of the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the ARMM budget pegged at P40.573 billion, the biggest budget proposal in the history of the region.

Hataman, accompanied by ARMM Cabinet secretaries, presented the proposed budget during pre-plenary hearing led by Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, vice chairperson for the committee on appropriations.

“We acknowledge the COA report and we have a response for every comment on our budget,” said Hataman in a statement released here.

He also noted that the regional government has already complied with the audit observation of the COA.

Hataman noted in his presentation the region’s policy recommendations regarding the disparity between the regional agencies and their national counterparts when it comes to keeping track of the realities on ground.

Specifically, he cited the disparity between the national Department of Education (DepEd)’s Learner Information System (LIS) and the regional DepEd’s actual headcount (AHC) as an example.

Hataman said the disparity translates to a mismatch between the needs of the region and national DepEd’s allocation for teachers and school buildings.

“If the budget allocation for teachers and buildings in the ARMM depends on the national LIS and the ARMM has no recommendatory power, this leads to a problem for which the ARMM is held liable and yet has no jurisdiction over,” Hataman stressed.

“We need a policy to correct this disparity, and it is within the power of the policy makers here present,” he told lawmakers.

On infrastructure, Hataman stressed his administration policy of transparency through innovation

He boasted the existing road network and infrastructure system of the ARMM as a source of pride for the regional government.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) we inherited from past administrations had no clear data on road networks,” Hataman said.

“This is why we decided to hire consultants and, with the help of DPWH-ARMM, studied our existing road networks and made sure to update our database every time we begin and finish a new project,” he added.

Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM secretary, told lawmakers of the innovations, the e-ARMM database of DPWH-ARMM, that consolidates all existing information and is updated regularly using geotags, drone technology, and real time updates from the ground.

“We use the technology available to us not only so we can keep track of our progress, but so that the public can access the information and work with the government in making sure that our infrastructure is sound. That’s how transparent the ARMM is now,” Loong said.

On questions why ARMM remained impoverished despite the annual increase in budget in recent years, Hataman said: “The context is very different in the ARMM and the prevalence of conflict bears heavily on our development agenda,” said Hataman.

According to him, the regional government has consistently allocated the recent increases in the regional budget to capital outlay, including programs such as the "Apat na Dapat" program which are designed specifically to uplift the poorest of the poor in the ARMM.

“We have three main strategies in addressing poverty in the ARMM which includes strengthening our rural economy, developing our infrastructure, and supporting the peace process while helping to address the roots of conflict in the region,” Hataman explained.

The regional governor stressed the role of local government units in addressing poverty.

“The local government units are key actors because they are the ones in the front lines,” he said, adding that the local government units under ARMM have a combined internal revenue allocation of at least P15 billion annually.

He admitted some LGUs are not using internal revenue allotment to provide basic social services to their constituents which include repair and maintenance of school buildings such as the ones in Sulu,” Hataman said.

The Local Government Code has provisions that require LGUs to utilize 20 percent development fund of IRA for anti-poverty measures.

He then appealed to ARMM LGUs to take action.

“We in the ARMM cannot do this alone; they cannot just rely on the regional government. The LGUs themselves need to utilize their IRA if we want to help the poorest of the poor," he said.

He appealed to the country's policymakers in finding solutions on these issues.

Kusug Tausug partylist Rep. Shernee Tan raised several questions during the hearing regarding the ARMM’s handling of previously allocated funds.

Tan cited supposed “irregularities,” including an unfinished road project which turned out to be funded by the national DPWH through Region 9 and a school building she tagged as “substandard” but was actually an old building due for repair and was not among those built by the DPWH-ARMM in recent years.

“How can you propose an ARMM budget when your past budget is still unaccounted for?” she asked to which Anak Mindanao Rep. Makmod Mending Jr asked Tan to account for her line of questioning.

“That is a very serious allegation,” Mending said. “We know that the ARMM has already submitted itself to an audit by the COA and has taken action following the audit recommendations, so how can you say that the previous ARMM budget is unaccounted for?”

“If you accuse us of irregularities, feel free to provide proof and plead your case to the proper authorities,” Hataman said.

He then challenged Tan. "I challenge you to a special audit accounting for all the projects and funding in the ARMM and its constituent provinces so we can see where the money really went, and I challenge the province of Sulu especially to undergo the same,” he said.

“Yes, let no one be exempt,” Tan replied.

Sulu has the biggest spike in poverty throughout the ARMM. As figures in other provinces improved, poverty incidence in Sulu more than doubled within the last three years.

Tan is the daughter of former Sulu vice governor Sakur Tan who lost his bid for the regional gubernatorial bid against Hataman last May.

Hataman is now on his second term as elected ARMM governor.

Maguindanao power coop reminds consumers to settle bills to avoid disconnection

By Noel Y. Punzalan [(PNA), FPV/NYP]

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 26 (PNA) -- Officials of the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) on Monday reminded member-consumers its disconnection team had been roaming around the province to disconnect power lines.

Magelco General Manager Ansari Maungko said the cooperative is strictly implementing automatic disconnection to consumers who failed to settle power bills on time.

"We need to do this to survive," Maungko told reporters as member consumers flocked the cooperative office to pay bills.

"We have experienced a series of power outages in the province not because of technical problem but due to limited supply from power generators," he said, adding the cooperatives' mounting payables to power generators forced the firm to cut power supply for Magelco.

He said Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) and National Power Corporation (Napocor) were forced to reduce supplies for Magelco due to its huge payables which led to sectional power outages in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities.

"We need to be innovative," Maungko said, adding that consumers were given ample time to settle their obligation.

"When all are exhausted, the Magelco disconnection team will come in," he said.

Maungko did not reveal Magelco's payables to power generators but said "we are regularly paying our obligations so enough power supply is restored."

ARMM gov’t takes over Sayyaf camp in Basilan

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL (WITH PNA)

THE former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) stronghold in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo in Basilan was turned over by the military to officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), restoring full civilian control over the area.

The turnover came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) overran the ASG camp in August as part of a government crackdown against the terrorist group.

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman called for unity in achieving lasting peace to hundreds of residents in the village.

“It’s about time for this place [Barangay Baguindan] to receive various projects from the government,” Hataman said, as he vowed to pour projects into conflict-affected ARMM areas.

Lt. Col. Ernest John Jadloc, 74th Infantry Battalion commander, said the camp was seized after a month of operations involving members of the 18th IB, 64th IB, Scout Rangers and Special Forces.

The operations paved the way for restoring local government authority and social services in areas where the terror group lorded over for years.

Baguindang was among the liberated areas from the ASG jihadists, including Bohe Piang of al-Barka town after months of fighting, according to military officials.

Bisahari Hantian, village chairman, said they were grateful that the residents will finally experience peace and their lives brought back to normal.

Also, village resident Saida Abubakar said 40 years of constant evacuation because of fighting was too much for them to bear, especially the children.

After the ceremony, a People’s Day was conducted to provide medical consultation and check-ups and hygiene kits were distributed.

The region’s humanitarian emergency action response team (ARMM-HEART) also distributed relief packs to 1,574 families in Barangay Baguindan and Barangay Silangkum and in al-Barka town, both ASG strongholds.

Meanwhile, 20 ASG members on Thursday surrendered and turned over eight high-powered firearms in Sumisip town also in Basilan.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman, said the group, led by ASG sub-leader Katatong Balaman alias Tatong, surrendered to Col. Thomas Donato Jr., the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander, and Mayor Gulam Hataman of Sumisip.

Tan said Balaman’s group also turned over two locally-made shotguns aside from the eight high-powered firearms.

Donato said the group is responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against government troops, particularly in the villages of Sukaten and Baiwas.

Lake Lanao watershed restoration project to begin soon

(PNA), CVL/PR/PJN

MANILA, Sept. 24 (PNA) -- The restoration of the watershed area in one of Mindanao's most important water bodies will begin soon, after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Lanao del Sur's provincial government signed recently agreement to implement the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP) covering Lake Lanao.

One of the major projects of the DENR's Forest Management Bureau (FMB), INREMP aims to manage the upper river basins and component watersheds to support poverty reduction, watershed management, biodiversity conservation and climate change policy objectives by developing the capacities of local government units (LGUs), institutions and upland communities as development partners.

The implementation agreement for the INREMP in Lake Lanao, a highly important water body in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), was signed by DENR Region 10 Director Ruth Tawantawan and Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Adiong in simple rites held at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

The signing was witnessed by top DENR officials led by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman. Also in attendance were Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, and DENR Undersecretary for International Affairs and Foreign Assisted Program Jonas Leones.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we will make a difference in Mindanao, and we’re gonna start in a big way here in Lanao del Sur,” said Lopez, stressing that the change in the quality of people’s lives covered by the project is the real measure of its success.

Lopez said she hopes to see within the next six months changes in the quality of life of people around the lake as a result of the project. Some 30 municipalities, consisting of 800 barangays, can be found within the area.

Lake Lanao is the second largest lake in the country with an approximate area of 32,000 hectares, next only to Laguna de Bay.

For her part, Tawantawan said that the INREMP project in Lanao del Sur “is the most challenging” of the four INREMP sites, owing to its “uniqueness” and “many firsts”.

“We are managing a reservation that is directly under ARMM, but done through a national government agency,” Tawantawan said, adding the project showcases “a first and big project” in terms of giving assistance to Lanao del Sur under the Duterte Administration.

“This is purely assisting a group of people that have not been given assistance for so many years,” she said.

Hataman, on the other hand, expressed optimism that the project will help bring lasting peace in Mindanao as the project addresses crucial developmental issues in terms of providing sustainable economic activities within and around the lake.

Hataman noted that livelihood activities in and around the lake area are “environment-based and dependent on rural infrastructure,” which the project seeks to strengthen, eventually benefiting the entire province.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 11 of the 20 poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao, with Lanao del Sur topping the list with a 74.3 percent poverty incidence for the first semester of 2015.

INREMP also has a project in Bukidnon (Region 10), which is also one the 11 poorest provinces in Mindanao, benefiting 22 municipalities and covering 535,908 hectares in the Upper Bukidnon River Basin.

Considered the deepest in the country and one of the major tropical lakes in Southeast Asia, Lake Lanao supplies 70 percent of Mindanao’s electricity with hydroelectric power, aside from providing irrigation water and various fishes of commercial potentials.

The other two are the Upper Chico River Basin (442,906 hectares) in the Cordillera Administrative Region and the Upper Wahig-Inabanga River Basin (60,859 hectares) is in Bohol.

The program's main objective is to address sustainable watershed management concerns in upper river basins. It also aims to reduce and reverse the degradation of watersheds caused by forest denudation and unsustainable farming practices.

INREMP also seeks to provide incentives to local communities, the LGUs, and the DENR for improving the natural resource management by generating sustainable and economic benefits.

The project is funded with a loan from the Asian Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development and grants from the Global Environmental Facility and the Climate Change Fund of the Philippine government. The total fund for the project is USD154.12 million.

ARMM disaster workers to join 3rd national shake drill

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY (PNA) -- To gain more skills and knowledge as first responders during quakes, the officials and workers of the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) together with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC--ARMM) will join the nation in the conduct of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on 28 September 2016.

According to Leo T. Alicias, OCD-ARMM officer in charge, it is important for disaster workers to have advanced knowledge and warning of an earthquake "so it’s a must take on serious security measures ahead of time and be able to learn how to properly respond."

“We are going to conduct the ceremonial earthquake drill at Upi town in Maguindanao to be held at the municipal gymnasium around 9 a.m.,” Alicias said.

Alicias also encouraged the participation of representatives from various line agencies and individuals during the conduct of the drill.

“We invite everyone to execute and internalize the Duck, Cover, and Hold (DCH) for them to constantly recall how to react in the event of an earthquake,” said Alicias.

Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal, Operations Officer of OCD-ARMM, said first responders must know and understand the procedures "so we can save more lives."

“When you are situated indoor, when a large earthquake occurs, you should avoid moving objects, objects that may fall and even broken glass. If you are outside, find an open space and avoid buildings and trees. Keep a safe distance from man-made structures that are taller than you and do the duck and cover head at least with hands. For some who maybe driving, you should temporarily stop your automobiles in a safe place,” Aplal said.

Engr. Rainier Amilbahar, Seismologist of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Cotabato station, said life-protecting actions after an earthquake such as evacuation and first aid is as necessary.

“Well trained responders will guarantee that these crucial steps are taken as quickly and safe as possible,” Amilbahar, said.

Gilmar Lao, OCD-ARMM information officer, earthquakes are unique challenges to communities. "Unlike other natural or man-made hazards, it occurs with no warning," he said.

"But with proper training and advance proper planning, our communities can be prepared to react appropriately during and after an earthquake," Lao said.

Miss Universe candidates to wear Muslim fabrics during pageant night, says DOT-ARMM

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 23 (PNA) -- The famous “Inaul” fabrics of Muslims in Mindanao will take center stage when the country hosts next year’s Miss Universe Pageant, officials said Friday.

Each of the candidates, according to organizers, will show off the famous “Inaul” fabrics by wearing it during the pageant night.

The colorful “Inaul” textile is produced mainly by Moro women in southern Philippines.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT-12), Mindanao has rich tapestry of weaving traditions that spanned centuries. The Indigenous cultural communities throughout Mindanao had the hobby of weaving, making it some of their past time and source of livelihood.

For IPs and Muslims, weaving is more known as an expression of unique culture and identity.

Regional Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu Dilangalen of DOT in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOT-ARMM) said the inclusion of “Inaul” fabrics in the upcoming international event came after popular Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud visited the ARMM booth during the Philippine Travel Mart.

Salud, according to Dilangalen, announced that the “Inaul” fabrics will be used by the candidates during the pageant night in Manila on January 30, 2017.

At a news conference, Dilangalen said it would be an honor and pride for Muslims, especially Moro women, because the fabrics will be recognized worldwide.

New bridge opens in Lanao Del Sur

(PNA), LAP/CD/NICOLE MANAGBANAG

LANAO DEL SUR (PNA) -- The newly constructed bridge along the Marawi-Masiu national road opened this week, provincial governor Soraya Alonto Adiong said Tuesday.

Adiong said that the 37.2 linear meter bridge costs PHP32 million, taken from the provincial government’s general appropriation fund last year.

She said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) supervised the construction of the bridge along the section of the municipality of Poona Bayabao.

The bridge would provide safety to the public commuters and travelers who pass the national road to the neighboring municipalities in Lanao Del Sur, Adiong said.

She said that the traders and other people engaged in business can now easily transport their goods and services to Marawi City and nearby municipalities, which could help perk the local economies.

Vice Mayor Lampa Pandi of Poona Bayabao town said the new bridge replaced a dilapidated 50-year-old bridge that was merely made of steel.

Pandi said that accidents and deaths happened on the old bridge due to its worn-out state.

ARMM joins International Day of Peace celebration

(Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by Governor Mujiv Hataman joined Wednesday the celebration of the International Day of Peace.

Hataman said he wished for an everlasting peace not only in the region, but elsewhere in Mindanao where armed conflicts have affected tens of thousands of innocent people.

He said every September 21, “we commemorate two events that speak of the contradictions we face as a nation – the International Day of Peace, a day that speaks of humanity’s greatest hope at a time when the world is wounded by conflict and injustice.Here in Philippines and especially in the far south, in the island of Mindanao, we know what it means to hope for lasting peace as we struggle for social justice.”

“Today, we also remember how, four decades and four years ago, the late Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the guise of securing peace in our land, unleashing upon our people a kind of violence and injustice unmatched in recent history. Such stark contrast between peace and conflict is one that our people continue to live with, in a constant attempt to remember our past as we realize a better future.”

Faced with contradictions, Hataman – a peace activist – said “our people know first-hand the meaning of triumph and struggle, the meaning of terror and peace. Above all else these words carry more than meaning, because for us these words carry our nation’s history.”

“As we observe the International Day of Peace and as we remember the day Martial Law was once declared in our country, we recognize the value of the freedoms we now have and we honor the memory of those who struggled for these same freedoms,” he said.

He also called on the people to “pay our respects to those who fought before us and have won small triumphs that lead us to the day of victory, a day when our people can finally live lives free from fear and want.”

“Let us ponder on the lessons passed onto us by generations of fighters and revolutionaries who dared to dream of just and lasting peace for our people. Let us pray for our children as we continue to fight for the future they deserve, one where they would not need to run away in fear for their lives or mourn a death without a body to bury.”

“Today is a reminder of our troubled past, our continuing struggle in the present, and our promised future. Now, more than ever, let us not waver in our conviction and our commitment to just and lasting peace. This much we owe to our ancestors, to our children, and to ourselves,” Hataman said.

PDEA-ARMM focuses on education aspect of anti-drug campaign

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 20 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has shifted its focus on the education aspect of the government's campaign against illegal drugs, an official Tuesday said.

Agent Marvin Mendoza, PDEA-ARMM operations chief, said PDEA-ARMM has noticed a decline in illegal drug activities in its area of operation.Because of this, PDEA agents keep themselves busy in conducting Anti-Drug abuse seminar.

Mendoza said PDEA-ARMM is closely working with public and private schools in Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City in the conduct of seminars and information dissemination on the drug menace to the young and how they can avoid falling into the hands of drug peddlers and drug pushers.

Mendoza told DXMS-AM Radyo Bida that his office is also closely coordinating with concerned government agencies in pushing for a drug free schools and drug free communities.

Mendoza also urged public institutions in the region to coordinate with PDEA-ARMM for Anti-drug Abuse Seminars in their offices and institutions.

He said interested groups and institutions may contact PDEA-ARMM through hotline number 421-2379 and 09174941585 or email at www.pdea_armm@yahoo.com.

DPWH-ARMM assures close coordination in project implementation

By Edwin O. Fernandez (LTOBolongon/PBChangco/PIA12-Cotabato City)

COTABATO CITY, Sept 19 (PIA)- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) assures cooperation between their offices, local government units and other authorities to make sure that infrastructure projects are efficiently implemented.

Just recently DPW-ARMM gathered media partners for updates ont he status of implementation of various infrastructure projects in the region.

DPWH-ARMM regional officials together with the district engineers from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi converged here for the agency’s 23rd OUTBOUND Staff meeting to present status of project implementation, share positive experiences and discuss and resolve challenges, issues and concerns.

DPWH Secretary Don Mustapha Loong admitted delays in the schedule in implementation of road infrastructure projects in Basilan and Sulu due to the ongoing military operations in the some conflict-affected areas in said provinces.

Stressing minimal delay, Loong assured close coordination between the district engineers, LGUs and security forces insofar as infra project implementation citing eco-tourism development and access tourism sites with the help of the Task Force and district engineers.

“As to tourism, district engineers have already identified investments sites. DPWH ARMM and district engineers are identifying tourist spots through close coordination with the LGUs” he said.

Way back from the year 1991-2011, he emphasized that roads were not yet concrete, making road access a major problem to speedy transport of goods and produce to trading centers and markets in the communities. He added that the Hataman administration has given preferential attention to road construction and concreting since 2012.

“Under the administration of Governor Mujiv Hataman for the past 5 years we see improvements in the construction of roads. Before it will take you almost 2 hours to travel from Adjun to Lamitan and residents are more vulnerable to lawless elements. Today, it only takes 5 minutes to travel the same route,” Loong said.

Secretary Loong further said that there has been a huge impact of the projects to the residents in the areas of ARMM because today that long hours of travel already became minutes via land transportation utility vehicles.

Before, many villagers considered firearms and ammunition a priority and necessity. Presently, he noted, instead of firearms, many are now selling them to purchase motorcycles and children are now playing with wooden bikes instead of toy guns.

With the goal to provide and uplift the socio-economic condition of ARMM, DPWH-ARMM will not only focus on constructing roads and bridges through connectivity , the agency’s mandates likewise include finding source and construction of water systems to provide potable water in far-flung communities and villages and undertakes shore protection activities in ARMM.

The DPWH-ARMM 2016 budget is P10.103 billion for infrastructure projects that include the construction of 485 kilometers of roads, 26 bridges, shore protection and water systems among others, Loong said.

FAO expands El Niño response in Mindanao

(News Release)

KIDAPAWAN CITY – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has expanded its El Niño response operations in Mindanao to provide farm inputs to an additional 5,500 small-scale farming households and improve the resilience of communities in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Region XII-SOCCSKSARGEN.

“We have just completed the distribution of certified rice seeds, corn seeds, fertilizer and vegetable seeds in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao,” said FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández. “These inputs will allow them to re-start their livelihood activities and grow food for household consumption.”

The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that 101, 000 ha of crop areas in these four provinces were affected by El Niño, resulting in USD 17.9 million worth of production losses between February 2015 to July 2016.

The FAO project, which was mobilized at the request of the DA’s Regional Field Office XII and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM), complements Government efforts to address the impact of El Niño across 16 regions of the Philippines.

“We were affected by drought especially because the El Niño was so long and it happened at the same time as the rat infestation. Many of the farmers here experienced a 30 to 40 percent reduction in yield,” said Rahib Mamaluba, a farmer-technician from Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Building resilience

To build the disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation capacities of beneficiary communities, FAO is also conducting training activities on drought management, improved crop production and resilience to climate-stress. This is expected to equip more than 100 DA and local government agricultural technicians and local farmer trainers to replicate the workshops in their respective barangays.

“This is giving us confidence because even before a calamity strikes, we already have an idea how we should prepare,” explained Jalani Pagital, a farmer from Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

In an earlier project that ended June 2016, FAO worked closely with DA and DAF-ARMM to provide similar assistance to 5 000 farming and fishing households in Maguindanao and North Cotabato whose livelihoods were disrupted by a combination of natural and man-made disasters, including displacement due to armed conflict, drought and flooding.

Women were also trained in alternative livelihoods such as water hyacinth crafts production, as well as post-harvest and value-adding techniques that would help them supplement their household incomes to fast-track household-level disaster recovery.

“Because of the assistance we received and what we have learned from the training, hopefully someday there would no longer be poor farmers in our community,” Rahib added.

To date, FAO has assisted a total of 54, 300 farming households in Luzon and Mindanao whose livelihoods were affected by drought and strong typhoons associated with El Niño.

In addition to FAO internal funding of almost USD 1 million, the response was also made possible by the USD 1.6 million combined contributions of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium (through FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities) and reprogrammed savings from other FAO emergency response and resilience projects funded by the governments of Ireland, New Zealand and Norway.

More support on the way

Under an on-going USD 3 million-project funded by the Government of New Zealand, FAO is set to provide crop, livestock, poultry and fisheries production inputs to an additional 10 475 farming and fishing households in North Cotabato. Communities will also benefit from training in climate-smart practices, disaster preparedness, alternative livelihoods and product value-addition. The delivery of assistance will be phased until October 2017.

FAO finished the first tranche of the El Niño deliveries in June, almost at the same time that PAGASA declared the end of El Niño. But there were additional requests from the local governments so FAO released this second tranche with internal funds.

As for La Niña, FAO assisted DA months ago to do a national La Niña action plan for the agriculture sector. At that time, PAGASA warned of the possibility of a strong La Nina. However, this earlier projection changed in the last couple of months – seems it will be weak to moderate. In any case, FAO has reiterated to the government its readiness to assist should there be an official request. In the meantime, resilience-building assistance in the national level (planning/policy/budgeting), regional and community levels are integrated in FAO’s ongoing projects.

Maguindanao residents conduct beach cleanup drive

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - The once uncooperative residents of seaside enclaves in the province are now helping maintain the cleanliness of their barangay shores, challenged by the sight of outsiders doing it for them.

Local officials in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Odin and Datu Blah towns on Saturday told The STAR barangay folks are also helping now disseminate the need to clean their coastlines in support of the cleanup campaign by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

DENR-ARMM officials and employees had cleared from wastes a total of 3.6 kilometers of connected shorelines in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao last week to highlight their environmental protection thrusts in the area.

Kedew Saliling, 50, a fisherman, said they were challenged to work too for their community’s good by the presence of DENR-ARMM employees in their villages last week.

“How can we not get involved in the initiative? Their coming over to clean for us our shores was a big challenge for us, something we ought to reciprocate,” Mohdandi said in Filipino but in heavy Teduray accent.

Samad Batua, 44, a Maguindanaon, said he and his children now collect non-biodegradable wastes in a beach near their house every day. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“It’s a big shame if we let other people from far places do it for us. We are thankful to the DENR-ARMM for educating our people on the importance of protecting our shores from destruction,” Batua said in Maguindanaon.

ARMM’s natural resources secretary, Hadji Kahal Kedtag, said their intensified environment-protection thrusts in seaside areas in the province is part of the reform initiative of Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, chief executive of the autonomous region.

Mayor Datu Ombra Sinsuat of Datu Odin Sinsuat and members of the municipal council had earlier assured to help the DENR-ARMM carry out the program.

The coastline of Maguindanao spans from Barangay Linek in Datu Odin town up to the border of Datu Blah, also in the same province and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

OWWA - ARMM cautions overseas workers vs. direct hiring scheme

By Noel Y. Punzalan [(PNA), FPV/NYP]

COTABATO CITY, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- To ensure work documents are processed properly and in accordance with standards set by their employers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA - ARMM) has urged its overseas work applicants to avoid ‘direct hiring’ schemes and engage only with legitimate recruitment agencies.

Odin Abdula, OWWA-ARMM’s programs and services division chief, stressed such Friday as he reiterated that prospective overseas workers should transact only with licensed agencies duly accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

The advice came about following reports of rampant labor violations committed by employers, mostly in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, in the Middle East.

Abdula said workers hired through legitimate agencies are assured of support as parallel efforts between foreign agencies or employers overseas and that of the government are done to address concerns of deployed workers.

The direct hiring scheme, however, limits Philippine overseas labor officers to immediately respond to problems of workers due to the absence of a legitimate agency compounded further by stringent labor laws carried out by the host country.

“We usually remind recruitment agencies based in Manila and foreign agencies or employers overseas of their liability under Republic Act 8042 as amended by Republic Act 10022, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995,” said Abdula.

This law protects and promotes the welfare of migrant workers including their families and provides immediate assistance to overseas Filipinos in distress.

Abdula noted that some 90 percent of cases involving overseas household service workers from the region ranges from maltreatment, sexual and physical abuses, as well as underpaid and unpaid salaries.

The remaining 10 percent represents skilled or low-skilled company workers' complaints of illegal termination.

In July this year, the OWWA-ARMM responded to a total of 77 welfare cases involving five male company workers and 72 female household service overseas workers.

As of last month, the number of welfare cases rose to 152 involving 37 male and 115 female workers due to the crisis in Saudi Arabia wherein some companies suffered financial setbacks and thus have to resort to retrenchment.

On cases of repatriation, Abdula stressed that four repatriated workers have sought help from OWWA-ARMM. These workers are still in Saudi Arabia working for the release of their unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits.

Workers planning to work overseas are advised to undergo a pre-orientation seminar offered online even while their papers are still being processed.

“Do not go abroad if not through a legitimate agency. There are agencies whose license to operate are cancelled but still accepting documents for prospective OFWs,” Abdula cautioned.

76th Marawi City Charter Day showcases Maranao culture

By Sittie Ayeesha M. Dicali (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 15 (PIA) --- Twenty thousand residents in their colourful Maranao regalia came out to flock the streets of Marawi City, September 14 morning, to join the parade in celebration of the city’s 76th charter day anniversary.

All the 96 barangays in Marawi, public and privates schools, fraternities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, joined the colorful parade.

The parade assembled in Barangay Marinaut at 7:00 a.m. and culminated in City Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a Dulang Festival that exhibited the exotic flavors and extravagant colors of Maranao cuisine.

Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra thanked everyone in attendance especially Marawi City and Provincial officials and dignitaries, including Provincial Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. who showed unity with Marawi City during the parade in behalf of Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong and the whole provincial government.

Sultan of Bacolod Atty. Nashrollah B. Conding, City Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Marawi City Division Superintendent Pharida Sansarona, and Former National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Bae Omera Dianalan Lucman also graced the event.

“Your presence here today indicates only one thing -- that you are with me in my quest to reform and bring back the old glory and beauty of Marawi City,” said mayor Gandamra.

He also underscored the importance of remembering the glorious history of Marawi City for it gives a sense of pride and a vision of what everyone wants for his family and the community as a whole.

Marawi was formerly called Dansalan. It became a charter city on August 19, 1940 but inaugurated only on September 30, 1950 due to the Second World War. Its granting of a charter was sponsored by Senator Tomas Cabili. On June 16, 1956, Senator Domocao Alonto passed an amendment to the charter renaming the city from Dansalan to Marawi in memory of the Confederation of Marawi.

Finally, on April 15, 1980, Marawi City was renamed Islamic City of Marawi under a City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition of the fact that 92 percent of the population of the city were Maranaos who are Muslims.

Marawi City is celebrating its charter day anniversary a month late due to transition concerns.

“We cannot afford to not celebrate because this occasion is foreshadowing our dreams of making this city a better place for us and future generations to come,” said mayor Gandamra.

With the theme “Enriching Maranao Culture: A Clean and Peaceful Marawi City,” the week-long celebration will also feature Quran reading contest, presentation of different Maranao cultural entertainment, office beautification competition, inter-barangay cleanliness and beautification contest, concert and fireworks display.

The celebration will culminate on September 17.

ARMM vows to improve education in conflict-affected communities in Maguindanao

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 14 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to improve education in 31 conflict-affected schools in Maguindanao that has taken its toll on children's education.

Through its flagship initiative Humanitarian and Development Action Program (ARMM-HDAP), the regional government renewed is determination to fully implement the special emergency education recovery program (SEERP) in 31 conflict-affected schools in Maguindanao.

According to Hadja Bai Taya Aplal, Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM) director II and focal person of the SEERP, based on the monitoring, assessment, and validation of the regional government’s education cluster, 12,215 students were affected by the conflict brought about by the Mamasapano incident in January 2015 and other conflict in the province after that.

“There are more than 12,000 affected students after the Mamasapano incident, so with the new program of the ARMM, we conducted several activities to help and encourage students to go to school,” Aplal said.

She said a January 2016 study and assessment of more than 10,400 pupils in Maguindanao's 31 conflict-affected schools, about 5,380 children were identified as malnourished and slow learners.

The HDAP assessment in January 2016 involving 10,457 students for school year 2015-2016, a total of 5,389 were identified as malnourished and slow learners in 31 schools in Maguindanao division 1.

Following this discovery, DepEd-ARMM immediately conducted a series of training and capability building workshop for school principals, teachers, school nurses, councilors and school planning officers to equip them with the necessary capacity to help improve education in war-torn communities.

To fast track development of pupils affected by conflict due to evacuation and displacement, the ARMM through the SEERP and DepEd had conducted psychosocial support services to schools.

Recognizing the importance of education at the formative stage of Moro children, the ARMM has allocated PHP13.2 million for support services education recovery program and special education recovery program.

Since ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman assumed office, a huge part of his energy was devoted to the development of the region's education sector.

He designed "horizontal" and "vertical" approaches. Horizontal refers to projects like school buildings, houses health centers in war torn communities and vertical refers to road networks, bridges and other infrastructure that will help poor communities recover and move forward.

HDAP has two major components, lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary said. These include humanitarian component and development component.

Beneficiaries of these projects are the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Salibo, Talitay, Talayan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Guindulungan, Datu Piang, Rajah Buayan, Datu Unsay Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki and Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Gov’t sets out solution to cocolisap infestation in Basilan

By Leslie D. Venzon [(PNA), RMA/LDV]

MANILA, Sept. 13 (PNA) -- The government will undertake quick and long-term solutions to cocolisap infestation, that is now destroying the Php 2.2-billion coconut industry of Basilan island province.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said a three-pronged solution to the infestation of insects had been agreed during the consultation-dialogue with farmer-leaders and local officials at the Basilan State College.

Piñol noted that livelihood projects would immediately be provided to the farmers whose farms were destroyed by cocolisap.

He said this would include rice, corn and vegetable seeds, livestock dispersal and grant of tractors to the different farmers' groups.

“In addition to the farming support, I also pledged to provide poor fisherfolk families with 1,000 units of fiberglass fishing boats complete with engines, nets and hook and lines,” he said.

Piñol also committed the establishment of ice-making facilities in fishing towns in the province and the creation of a cold storage facility.

He said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. was also instructed to cover with insurance the farmers of the province so that they would be able to recover from the devastation of the cocolisap.

Loans through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council would also be granted while scholarships for children of poor farmers and fishermen were offered in the Basilan State College, he added.

Piñol said the medium-term solution involved the treatment of coconut trees already attacked by cocolisap, and the protection of coconut trees which have not been affected.

He added the country would also establish strict quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the infestation.

Further, the agriculture chief said the long-term solution includes replanting of new varieties of coconut trees in areas which have been totally devastated.

He added secondary crops under the coconuts like abaca, coffee and cacao would also be introduced.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Piñol to help address the cocolisap infestation which destroys about three million coconut trees in Basilan.

Gov. Hataman: 'Islam will always be for the greater good'

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 12 (PNA) -- Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday urged all Muslims to be true messengers of Islam.

"As Muslims who live true to the values of Islam, we make many sacrifices based on faith -- faith in ourselves, faith in others, and faith in Allah," Hataman said in his Eud'l Adha (feast of sacrifice) message.

Malacanang earlier declared Eud'l Adha as national holiday to celebrate the Islamic feast of sacrifice.

"Today we remember Ibrahim's sacrifice, one that is guided by his faith in Allah. It is an example we aspire to live up to as we celebrate Eid'l Adha. Today, we take pause to remember what Islam means to us as Muslims living in a time where many choose turn a blind eye to our sacrifices and in a world where many look upon our faith with prejudice," Hataman said in his message as Muslims gather in many open fields across the region to celebrate Eud'l Adha.

He said Muslims have offered many sacrifices in the past. He added there are Muslims who were persecuted because of the works of others which are not the teachings of Allah.

"As Muslims, this prejudice is a burden that is familiar to us. We are often persecuted because of our faith, because there are those who sow fear and terror as they claim they are Muslims who follow the path of Islam," he said.

Hataman said there are people who proclaimed they Muslims but are actually not. They offered sacrifices for self interest.

"Their so-called sacrifices are nothing but self-serving acts of violence; their so-called faith is nothing but a lie. Theirs is the work of the devil and they are a disgrace to the Ummah," he said.

He asked Muslims in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to stand together and unite against what he called as "traitors."

"We need to stand together and unite against these traitors to Islam and the many other evils that try to tear us apart," he said.

Even Prophet Muhammad has experienced sacrifices as he preached Islam. "As the Prophet Muhammad once walked the earth and preached Islam, he himself faced great doubt and persecution. He endured great sacrifices so that he can carry with him the true message of our faith," Hataman said.

The regional governor, a devout Islam faithful, said Muslims are now faced with bigger and greater challenge.

"The challenge now, more than ever, is to be true Muslims and be messengers of Islam ourselves -- to genuinely speak, act, and live by our faith. In the midst of noise, let us speak with a clear voice. In the midst of strife, let us act with compassion. In times of darkness, let us live with light and warmth for others," he stressed.

"Our actions as Muslims must always take root in a shared humanity guided by faith, and Islam encourages us to always share with those who have less, serve those who are in need, and stand together with the oppressed. In the hands of the true faithful, Islam will always be for the greater good," he said.

"Today, as we celebrate the Eid and remember the sacrifices we have made along the way, we are reminded of the many reasons why our faith must never be taken in vain. Not in our name," Hataman said.

OCD-ARMM trains soldiers on GIS

(PNA), LDV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 11 (PNA) -- At least 15 personnel of the 6th Infantry Division, 6th Civil Military Operations “Kasangga” Battalion, have graduated from the three-day workshop and training course on Geographic Information System (GIS) after earning skills in map reading and analyze important data for combat and disaster response operations.

Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal, Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM), facilitated the training from Sept. 8 to 10 at the 6th CMO-battalion headquarters here.

As part of the training course, Aplal said the participating Army personnel have also engaged in a Metro Cotabato wide “field exercise” where they have applied all the learning acquired during the indoor lectures and workshops.

The GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking and displaying data related to positions on earth's surface.

“One good example, by simply using the GIS, the same map could include sites that produce pollution, such as gas stations, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands,” Aplal said.

“Such a map would help people determine which wetlands are most at risk,” he said.

The graduates are expected to share what they have learned during the training to their comrades in different battalions and operational units under the 6th ID area of operation.

Anti-drug orientation program launched in Marawi

By John Unson (philstar.com)

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Authorities launched an orientation program meant to educate young Maranaws on the country’s drug problems, an initiative preceded by nine weeks of diplomatic maneuvers meant to convince “users” to reform for good.

Marawi City, capital of Lanao del Sur, and many of the 39 towns in the province hogged the news in recent years for having had very high prevalence of drug-related cases, including rape of women by drug addicts, murders and outbreak of rido (clan wars) among families squabbling for territories where to peddle methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).

The provincial government of Lanao del Sur, which covers Marawi City and 39 Maranaw-dominated towns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) jointly embarked on a youth anti-narcotics forum in Marawi City this week as a symbolic kickoff for a province-wide inter-agency education campaign against illegal drugs.

Jeannie Alonto Tamano, information officer of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, on Saturday told The STAR that Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong is grateful to the PNP and PDEA for helping them in their initial forum, participated by representatives of youth sectors and leaders from the Maranaw cross-section.

Tamano said their governor is keen on intensifying the education campaign in weeks to come in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics thrusts.

Records obtained by The STAR from the police director of Lanao del Sur, Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello, indicated that policemen, religious leaders and local executives had visited hundreds of drug peddlers and dependents in their houses in the past nine weeks to convince them to reform.

PNP sources said the Lanao del Sur provincial government had even enlisted the help of Muslim clerics to complement the efforts to convince drug users to turn away from their vices.

Tamano said the office of the provincial governor is ready to bankroll the conduct of more anti-narcotics forum for young Maranaws in Marawi City and in nearby towns.

At least five of the 13 Moro politicians Duterte had earlier tagged as “drug lords” are from Lanao del Sur.

The president, as a punitive action, cancelled the licenses of their firearms and stripped them of their police and Army escorts, now back to their respective units in the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Reaping the benefits of coffee farming

(The Manila Times)

PRINCESS Kumalah Sug-Elardo has been the poster lady of coffee in ARMM since she organized her cooperative, the People’s Alliance For Progress Multi Purpose Cooperative (PAP-MPC) in 2009 with just P170,000 in capital. Seven years later, the coop now counts about P15 million in assets, a growth of almost 1,000 percent.

Since 2012, when the ladies of ECHOsi Foundation visited her town and Chit Juan of the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. and of International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) Philippine chapter spoke to the local farmers on proper coffee harvesting, Princess found herself rewarded with better coffee harvests over the years.

Other organizations have recognized her efforts. One of them, the Villar SIPAG Foundation, gave her an award with a cash prize of P250,000 for being the Best Entrepreneur in 2013. In the same year she was also awarded Best Social Entrepreneur by the Go Negosyo Movement. In 2014, the PAP-MPC was named Model Agricultural Beneficiary by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

But these are not just plaques to hang on a wall. The numbers in the co-op’s balance sheet says a lot more. The members now count P120,000 a year per family as income. It is truly a remarkable feat and this is all attributable to their focus on better quality coffee!

What did she have to do? Teach them to pick red ripe cherries, not green or unripe. Next, she collaborated with government agencies that had funds for cooperatives like hers. Third, she got in touch with NGOs like ECHOsi Foundation and Villar Foundation for training and fund support.

The rest, as they say, is history, or her story. Princess remains humble to accept any grant, whether it is a monetary or a study grant. “I continue to learn every single day,” she says. “My members are happy that they can now send their children to school and that they have more food on their table,” she continues.

Further, her community is at peace because no one is desperate to go for easy money by joining rebels. “They traded their firearms for coffee,” she proudly declares. It really is a story of coffee and peace. Now that is a good sequel to her first story.

ARMM aids close to 4,000 families displaced by Sulu violence

By Dennis Arcon (InterAksyon.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- Close to 4,000 families from five towns in Sulu who have been displaced by the ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf have been given relief by the Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The ARMM HEART said a total of 3,985 families are staying in evacuation centers or with relatives.

Aside from relief packs, the evacuees were also given medical attention, ARMM HEART said.

The military has deployed thousands of troops to Sulu for the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf on orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte has placed the country under a “state of national emergency on account of lawless violence” following last Friday’s bomb blast in Davao City that killed 14 persons and wounded dozens of others.

Aside from the bombing, the declaration cited the ongoing offensive against the Abu Sayyaf and the beheading by the extremists of hostages.

Special court to handle ARMM high-profile cases pushed

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - The security council of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recommended the setting up of a special court and the enlistment of non-resident prosecutors to handle high-profile cases involving large criminal gangs and terrorists.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman told The STAR Saturday the inter-agency regional peace and order council (RPOC) is keen on drafting a resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to help push the plan forward.

Hataman, as ARMM’s regional chief executive, chairs the RPOC, whose members include all five provincial governors in the autonomous region and the mayors of its two component cities, Lamitan and Marawi.

Hataman first talked about the importance of having a special court in the region and the employment of special prosecutors from outside of Mindanao during the RPOC’s meeting in Cotabato City last Thursday.

“With a special court and special prosecutors, high-profile cases involving `dreaded personalities’ can be litigated faster,” Hataman said.

He said their zeal to pursue the plan was bolstered by the “rescue” more than a week ago by members of the Maute terror group of eight companions from the provincial jail in Lanao del Sur.

The jail, located in Marawi City, is less than a kilometer away from the headquarters of the Army’s 103rd Brigade.

The Maute group, led by relatives Abdullah and Omar Maute, both ethnic Maranaws, boasts of its allegiance to the Independent State of Iraq and Syria.

The Maute extremists carry black ISIS flags when they move from one hinterland to another in remote towns in the first district of Lanao del Sur.

The eight detainees they sprung from jail, three of them women, were to be prosecuted for possession of improvised explosive devices policemen found in their vehicle intercepted in early August at a checkpoint along a highway in a secluded town in Lanao del Sur.

There are dozens of criminal cases involving leaders of the Abu Sayyaf that are pending in courts in Basilan and Sulu, both component provinces of ARMM.

“Criminal cases involving terrorists and members of these groups should be litigated expeditiously. The detention of suspects in facilities vulnerable to attacks should not be prolonged,” Hataman said.

The powers of the judiciary are not among those that can be devolved to the ARMM, which has an executive department, presently under Hataman, and a 24-member law-making body, operating independently from each other but are bound by a common regional charter, the Republic Act 9054.

The Department of Justice is also not among the dozens of line agencies and support offices Malacañang devolved to ARMM based on RA 9054.

ILO helps Cotabato in Halal industry

(PNA), JMC/NYP

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 6 (PNA) -- The International Labor Organization (ILO), a global non-government organization specializing in providing technical assistance to communities, is helping this city push its prioritized Halal industry.

The ILO provides trainings in the production of Halal products that come from local resources.

Halal is Arabic for permissible as in food and non-food items that adhere to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran.

On Monday, the ILO, headed by Enterprise Development Specialist Hideki Kagohashi, met and solicited information from local stakeholders as to how they could help further develop the priority industry in this part of the country.

“This (ILO) organization provides training assistance to existing industries in a bid to strengthen their marketing skills and connect to institutions that can help in their improvement,” City Administrator Danda Juanday, who attended the meeting here, said.

Juanday, in same consultation, has sought the help of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry for the integration of Halal in the priority projects of the government.

Apart from this city, the group is also helping the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) conduct Halal livelihood trainings to its constituents.

Though not part of ARMM, this city is contiguous to Maguindanao, a province-component of the Muslim-dominated territory where ILO is currently implementing its Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) in several communities.

Cool weather, rich culture and exquisite cuisine await you in Marawi

By Ayunan G. Gunting (Contributor, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A visit should erase this city’s crime-ridden image

Trees lining the highway from Iligan to Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, keep the temperature cool on a humid day. Meanwhile, verdant canopies of trees and elegant mosques with crescent moons that pierce the sky help soften the city’s crime-ridden reputation.

Its name was derived from rawi, or recline, a reference to the underwater weeds that stretched downstream on the Agus River.

In the 14th century, Shariff Muhammed Kabungsuwan, an Arab-Malay from Johore, Malaysia, introduced Islam to communities in the Lake Lanao region, which included Marawi. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the Spaniards invaded Marawi, but didn’t succeed in fully occupying it.

The city was finally captured by the Spaniards at the turn of the 20th century; later, it was controlled by the Americans. But even as people from different backgrounds started migrating to the city, 92 percent of its population remains Muslim.

“Marawi City is blessed with good weather, a rich culture, exquisite Maranao cuisine. The Maranao hospitality is palpable. The city sits on high ground, so it is cool all year round. Its pleasant climate makes it the summer capital of the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” said newly elected Mayor Majul Gandamra.

Guests are welcomed by the colorful, okir-patterned KM 0.000 Marker on Datu Akader, the original reference point of all roads in Mindanao.

The best place to feel Maranao culture is at the marketplace, Padian in Banggolo district. Fresh produce, fried and skewered fish, stalls of hijabs, vibrant colored malongs and ethnic fabrics, brassware, toys, cell phone covers, fancy umbrellas and just about everything can be had at a bargain price. Note how Maranao vendors wear their traditional clothing with pride.

In the residential areas, the authentic torogan, houses of the well-to-do Maranaos in the city, lend a sense of character. They are imbued with bright and sinuous okir patterns, panolong or carved beams of the naga or serpent pattern. Malongs serve as curtains draped from the rafters.

Perched on grounds 2,800 feet above sea level, the flagship campus of the Mindanao State University, the largest in the MSU system, is a must-see destination. The entrance of the campus is framed by two towers with domed caps. Inspired by the torogan, the school buildings have adopted the high gable roof, the flaring eaves, the stilts and linear patterns for embellishment.

Lush with winding pathways, shaded areas, sprawling fields and tropical foliage, the campus grounds overlook the placid Lake Lanao, one of the oldest bodies of water in the world. On certain mornings, the lake is shrouded in mist, lending a mystical yet romantic air.

The Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts stands out for its white façade amid the patterned buildings. It contains the country’s largest collection of Muslim artifacts from various ethnic groups in the South and other historical material.

A highlight of the campus tour is the doll collection created by Dr. Sainuddin Malawani Moti. His company, D-Doll Enterprise, produces Barbie and Ken-like dolls that represent characters from “Darangen,” the Maranao epic on the adventures of its mythical heroes. The clothing and accessories of the dolls are painstakingly embroidered and encrusted with beadwork to lend authenticity.

Comfy accommodations

For comfortable accommodations, Marawi Resort Hotel, (sometimes referred to as the Ayala Resort) has been ranked No. 1 by TripAdvisor. Located in the MSU campus, the building reflects torogan architecture with its cross-ventilation, stilts and use of natural materials.

Marawi food is similar to Malay cuisine—rich with coconut milk, fresh turmeric and spices. Laced with yellow ginger, olive oil and laurel leaves, the Maranao rice is best enjoyed with palapa, a meat dish with caramelized shallots, ginger and red chili, and beef rendang with coconut milk and spices.

End your day tour of the city on a spiritual note. The Mindanao Islamic Center Mosque stands out for its stately turret and courtyard where people pray fervently.

It’s a contrast to the violent image of the city. It’s an image Gandamra is working to change, starting with good governance and well-maintained surroundings.

Hataman imposes ARMM total log ban

By A. Perez Rimando

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman has issued an executive order calling for a total log ban in all the forests in the region’s five provinces.

Some 60 percent of the remaining forests in the region have been denuded due to rampant illegal cutting of trees by unscrupulous individuals, ARMM’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Hadji Kahal Kedtag said.

Kedtag said based on the latest monitoring by DENR personnel in Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi, “barely 40 percent of the region’s forested areas remain untouched, including watershed and forest reserves.

He identified Basilan as having the biggest denuded forest area among the five provinces, prompting the DENR provincial officer to issue a memorandum creating a Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to monitor and prevent the further illegal cutting of naturally growing trees in the island.

Kedtag stressed that his office has implemented the government’s National Greening Program, which, among other things, enjoins all local and ARMM-based national government officials and employees to undertake mass tree-planting activities in bare forest areas.

Seedlings of mahogany and gemelina, fast-growing tree species, are now being propagated in various nurseries of all ARMM provinces, Kedtag said, adding that Maguindanao, through the initiative of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, has established at least 10 nurseries while the other provincial executives have put up five nurseries each.

Kedtag said there is no letup in the region’s information and dissemination campaign asking persons who have vast plantations of trees to register their areas with the DENR “to avoid future problems from the cutting of planted trees in their respective areas.”

BIRTH PAINS / Making RH happen in Lanao del Sur

By Rhea Catada (Oxfam)

SAGUIARAN, Lanao del Sur – It was barely even noon, but for Farmidah Ali it felt like it has already been a long day. The mother of nine spent the whole morning attending to the needs of her big family, including an 11-month-old baby. Taking a break from household chores, she joins other mothers in a weather-worn house in the rural village of Pamacotan. She wanted to share a new episode in her life: at 37, she is already becoming a grandmother.

This news did not surprise the other mothers of Pamacotan who joined her that morning. Like her, they took a break from a long tiring morning of cooking, washing the dishes, preparing the kids for school, cleaning the house, and doing the laundry. Like her, they are confined at home to take care of so many kids. They would not even overlook the possibility of becoming grandmothers before hitting the age of 40.

“In a few months, my second eldest daughter will give birth. She’s 17,” Farmidah went on, in the local Maranao dialect. She added that she herself got married when she was just 16. “Giving birth is tough; raising kids, even tougher. I hope she doesn’t end up having so many kids like me. It’s very difficult.”

The experience of Farmidah and her 17-year-old daughter is nothing new in rural villages not just in Lanao del Sur, but across Muslim Mindanao where mothers take care of as many as 15 children, and teenage girls are forced to abandon school because of early marriage.

According to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, married women in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have the highest unmet need for family planning at 28%, double the NCR’s. This is a worrisome figure, considering that the ARMM has one of the highest poverty incidences among families at 54% compared to 25% in the country (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru8/NewsClip/2015/20150309_bw_poor.pdf). In this region, mothers have lesser resources to take care of their own health and that of their family.

“The income of my husband from farming is not enough for the family. I wanted to help him earn a living, but I have so many kids and they need me at home,” another mother, 40-year-old Sagirah Mante, shared. With nine kids and with not enough space in between births, Sagirah admitted that after her first child in 1999, her life has mostly been taking care of a newborn baby. Year after year.

“I feel like I’ve never really known the world outside my home, outside the routine of doing the laundry, preparing meals for my family, taking care of the kids,” she said.

A kilo of rice in exchange for childbirth services

In the largely conservative province of Lanao del Sur, women are often too ashamed to seek information about family planning or reproductive health services. Valuing their modesty, they would rather go for traditional means when it comes to matters concerning their bodies, including childbirth.

“I gave birth to all of my eight kids at home, with the help of the neighborhood panday (traditional midwife),” shared Salimah Salacayan Ampao, 31. Salimah is from the small rural village of Sugod in Marawi City. “I feel less exposed when giving birth at home, plus it’s cheaper. I only give the panday a kilo of rice and PhP500 (US$10) in exchange for her services.”

“So many women here would much rather go to the panday than a professional health worker. This is not just because of the cost, but mostly because they feel it is easier to entrust their privacy to traditional midwives,” said Nassimah Omar, a 28-year-old sexual reproductive health (SRH) nurse in Lanao del Sur. “As much as possible, we encourage women here to go to the health center to givebirth, especially those with high-risk pregnancies, such as women who already had many children, or women who are either too young or too old to give birth.”

Nassimah leads other SRH nurses from the local women’s organization Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation, Inc. (AMDF) to promote family planning and SRH services among women in the municipalities of Marawi, Saguiran, Balindong, and Bubong. AMDF is currently in partnership with international aid organization Oxfam for the Improving Availability of Reproductive Health Services in ARMM project or ARCHES.

“Compared to the rest of the country, the ARMM is lagging behind in terms of reproductive health,” said ARCHES project manager Lizel Mones. “This underinvestment and lack of promotion of SRH services in the region is largely because of the long-standing armed conflict in ARMM and the deep-seated cultural norms and misconceptions about reproductive health.”

ARCHES is a five-year development project of Oxfam, funded by the European Union (EU), that aims to protect the rights of women and girls, and address the gaps in the delivery of reproductive health services in the region. It is being implemented through a partnership with national and local civil society organizations in 29 municipalities across ARMM, including areas in Central Mindanao, and the islands of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi.

Working with the women of Lanao del Sur

Every day, Nassimah and her team are working to challenge traditional misconceptions on reproductive health. She said that it is an uphill battle, since there are people from the same neighbourhood who discourage the women from availing of reproductive health services.

“The very conservative ones would tell women not to listen to us. They would insist on their beliefs or misconceptions about the use of contraception, like how they will make women promiscuous, among others,” said Nassimah.

But despite the challenges, Nassimah and her team would persevere on educating the women of Lanao del Sur. They would help out health care workers, midwives, and nurses from rural health units (RHU) in providing services to the women. Sometimes, they would go from house to house to explain SRH and educate households on family planning. They conduct information and education campaigns to raise awareness on on sexual and reproductive health Those who have developed an understanding of the benefits of family planning taking care of their reproductive health would go to AMDF’s office to avail of free services and contraception, such as Implanon, a a form of birth control implant.

“It’s very important for my fellow Maranao women to have access to reproductive health services,” said Nassimah. “Here, where a lot of women give birth every year, pregnancy becomes a risk to their health. Moreover, family planning is very practical. Since they will no longer be confined at home to take care of a large family, they will have time to earn their own money and not be too dependent on their husbands. Women will be empowered.”

Since the ARCHES team started working in Lanao del Sur in April last year, more and more women are seeing how family planning and sufficient SRH services can improve the lives of families. This includes women like Farmidah, Sagirah, and Salimah, mothers with as many as nine children who availed of free contraception from SRH services delivered by the ARCHES project. For them, it’s never too late to look forward to a life where they can have more time for themselves, and even earn a living.

“For now, I will focus on my youngest, my one-year-old child, but when he’s older and he’s already going to school, I can also work in a farm just like my husband. I can finally earn my own money,” said Sagirah. “Now, I don’t have to be afraid of getting pregnant again. I feel more free because I will no longer be just confined at home.”

NFA beefs-up rice stocks in Southern Mindanao

(PNA), FPV/PR//RSM

MANILA, Sept. 2 (PNA) -- The National Food Authority has started shipping out part of the 500,000 bags of rice intended to boost the agency’s stocks in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), especially in areas affected by the ongoing government military operations against the bandit group, Abu Sayyaf.

NFA Officer-In-Charge Tomas R. Escarez said that the agency’s National Capital Region branch has started shipping out 300,000 bags directly to Maguindanao while the 200,000 bags will be shipped via Zamboanga City.

NFA local office in Zamboanga City will distribute the rice shipment to BASULTA area (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi).

Escarez said that the rice shipment is intended to beef up the government food security stocks in the area. He assured that the government has sufficient rice stocks to avert any rice supply and price surges brought about by the intensified military operations in Southern Mindanao.

He added that the rice shipment will also be distributed by relief agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units (LGUs) to families displaced by the recent armed conflict.

Of the 300,000 bags rice shipment to Maguindanao, 23,200 bags have been delivered to NFA warehouses in the area, while 30,000 bags out of the 200,000 bags shipment intended for BASULTA already arrived at its destinations.

Meanwhile, NFA-ARMM has released earlier this year a total of 34,731 bags to relief agencies for distribution to farmers and their families affected by the El Niño Phenomenon that badly hit most parts of the country particularly provinces in Mindanao.

Modern jail and rehabilitation facility to rise in Maguindanao

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY --- As promised during President Duterte's visit to Maguindanao, Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu on Thursday said construction of a PHP50 million drug rehabilitation center in the province will start next week.

This after the provincial government allocated PHP50 million for the construction of a provincial jail and rehabilitation facility.

"This is in support of Malacañang’s campaign against illegal drugs and rehabilitation of drug dependents," Mangudadatu told reporters.

He said the fund for the modern facility were taken from the PHP1 billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Mangudadatu said special reformatory programs include spiritual, social and livelihood interventions for prospective occupants before they are reintegrated back to the mainstream society.

He said while inside, the inmates and rehabilitation program beneficiary shall have livelihood training so they can become productive again once they step out of the facility.

Mangudadatu made the announcement during the meeting of Regional Peace and Order Council of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPOC-ARMM).

ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, and Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, PNP director for ARMM have expressed full support to the rehabilitation program for drug dependents.

The modern jail and rehabilitation center will be constructed in Buluan, the capital of Maguindanao.

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