Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News December 2017

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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.

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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.

ARMM posts P3.2-B investments in 2017

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has accepted PhP3.2-billion worth of investments in 2017, some 53 percent higher as compared to last year’s PhP2.11-B, the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) reported.

The region’s top investor this year is the TierOne Communications International, Inc. (Tier1) that pitched in Php3-B worth of investments in telecommunications that included cellular services, broadband connectivity, wireless internet, and public WiFi.

Tier1 first targeted Marawi City as a pilot area for their project but when the Marawi siege occurred, the firm shifted their sight to the ARMM compound here as their new pilot area.

Trailing Tier1 is the Bangsamoro Terminal Services, Inc. (BTSI) that invested on a PhP129 million port related services project in Polloc Port, Parang, Maguindanao.

The BTSI undertaking is seen to provide logistics support to thriving businesses in municipalities of Maguindanao and neighboring Cotabato City.

Other big ARMM investments this year are the water treatment plant and bulk water supply project (PhP40 million) of Mactan Rock TGV Builders Corporation in Maguindanao; general cargo vessel with a capacity of 494 metric tons (MT) providing shipping services to traders in Tawi-Tawi (PhP 33.5 million) of J. Sayang Shipping Lines, Inc.; and aquamarine cold storage and fish processing facility (PhP32 million) of Abing Seafood Cold Storage, also in Tawi-Tawi.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI chair and managing head, said a total of 1,877 jobs are expected to be created from the projects registered in 2017.

He added that agriculture-based projects are still the most in demand among investors in the region based on the investment proposals they received for 2018.

“We also foresee projects related to infrastructures, energy, as well as, banking and finance linked to rebuilding war-ravaged Marawi City,” Mastura stressed.

He noted that the regional investment thrust is aligned to the ARMM Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) for 2017-2019 that was approved by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

ARMM works fast to assist 45k Vinta-affected families

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- Ongoing relief operations in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is targeting to serve soonest all 45, 380 families or 226,900 individuals affected by the recent onlsaught of tropical storm Vinta in the region.

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

Among the ARMM provinces, the storm severely hit Lanao del Sur, displacing 24,202 families affected by floods and landslides with 29 deaths; 16 persons missing; and 33 others injured.

On Dec. 27, the ARMM’s Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team served a total of 1,442 families in the municipalities of Balindong and Tugaya, the hardest hit towns in Lanao del Sur.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the distribution of the relief goods in Balindong consisting of rice, corned beef, sardines, and 3-in-1 instant coffee.

Also, a total of 893 affected families in Bacolod Kalawi and 605 affected families in Madalum received relief goods from the ARMM.

Moreover, the regional government extended cash assistance to families who lost members in the calamity.

On Dec. 21, the Lanao del Sur provincial government placed its entire area under a state of calamity after torrential rains inundated 19 of its 39 towns. In the province of Maguindanao, 21,178 families were affected in five towns. No deaths, however, were reported but two persons remain missing.

In Sulu and Basilan, 90 families and 443 families, respectively, were affected with no reported deaths.

Health officials in Tawi-tawi, meanwhile, reported they have treated 74 fishermen who were caught during the Dec. 22 – 24 onslaught of the storm on the borders of Tawi-tawi and southern Palawan in the Sulu Sea.

The Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi District Hospital admitted 41 of the fishermen for severe exhaustion and dehydration.

DSWD extends financial aid to bereaved families of ‘Vinta’ victims

(DSWD)

MANILA, Dec. 28 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended financial assistance to the families of the victims of severe tropical storm 'Vinta,' which caused heavy flooding and landslides in several provinces in Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur; and displaced thousands of families in other parts of the country.

DSWD-Field Office (FO) XII Regional Director Bai Zorahayda T. Taha on December 25 distributed cash aid to the bereaved families of the victims from several affected Lanao del Sur towns, including the municipalities of Bacolod Kalawi, Madalum, Wato Balindong, and Tugaya.

The FO also provided financial assistance to those who have been injured during the onslaught of the tropical storm and is continuously monitoring the status of other affected families who are still staying in the evacuation center in the region.

Other DSWD-FOs in Mindanao are continuously providing relief assistance to the affected families and individuals, especially those in worst-hit areas.

The department’s Field Office in Region X on December 25 sent 1,000 family food packs (FFPs), 1,000 hygiene kits, and 1,000 malongs to the municipality of Munai, Lanao del Norte, one of the hardest-hit towns in the province, as augmentation support to the ongoing response of the local government unit (LGU) to the affected families.

Disaster responders from both the FO and the LGU, volunteers, and residents worked hand-in-hand to carry the relief goods across the damaged bridge in Barangay Dalama in order to reach the affected residents.

The Field Office also continues to monitor the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from tent cities in the region who relocated to different schools during the onslaught of ‘Vinta’ for the continuous provision of assistance.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT) of the DSWD Central Office has set up emergency telecommunications through Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminals and satellite phones at Brgy. Pindulunan, also in the town of Munai. The barangay was severely hit by ‘Vinta’ and is a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA).

Adequate resources

As of December 27, the DSWD has provided a total of P12,778,250 worth of relief assistance to the affected families of ‘Vinta’ in Regions 4B (MIMAROPA), VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII (CARAGA) and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), even as the department readies to send out more.

Latest report showed that 143,188 families or 673,429 persons were affected by the tropical storm in 1,140 barangays in the above-mentioned regions.

Data also showed that the tropical storm left 1,630 houses totally damaged and 998 partially damaged. Most of these houses were from Region IX and Region X with 683 totally and 196 partially damaged houses; and 535 totally and 600 partially damaged houses, respectively.

ARMM also reported 348 totally damaged houses and 180 partially damaged houses in the region.

"In light of the devastation left by ‘Vinta’, we are 24/7 even during the holidays to ensure that there is a steady supply of relief goods to augment the resources of the LGUs. We empathize with the affected families and we assure them of our commitment to assist them in their needs," DSWD OIC-Secretary Emmanuel Leyco stated.

Thousands still displaced

Based on record, there are still 23,775 families or 111,641 persons staying in 231 evacuation centers (ECs) while some 5,938 displaced families are staying with their relatives and friends.

Leyco said the affected regional offices, nearby regions and the Central Office are continuously monitoring the disaster operations so that the needs of the victims can be immediately responded to.

"Rest assured that the DSWD has the adequate resources to help our fellow Filipinos in need. We, at DSWD, are committed to find the quickest way possible to respond to the needs of the affected families and try to help ease their suffering,” he said.

Volunteers still welcome

He added that volunteers are still welcome to help repack goods at the National Relief Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City and in other DSWD regional offices.

On December 26, there were 600 volunteers who came to help in the repacking activities at NROC. With their assistance, the department was able to produce 41,600 FFPs for distribution to the disaster victims.

DPWH clears vital roads in Lanao del Sur

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has cleared roads of fallen trees and mud fragments leading to six Lanao del Sur towns hit by tropical storm "Vinta."

“The highways going to Lanao del Sur are now passable,” Engr. Mustapha Don Loong, DPWH-ARMM secretary, told reporters here.

The severely-affected towns include Bubong Raman, Ditsaan Ramain, Buadipuso-Buntog, Wato Balindong and Tugaya.

Also cleared from mudslides were the roads leading to Poona Bayabao, Lumba Bayabao and Tamparan.

Floodwaters submerged the six towns since Friday due to torrential rains brought by "Vinta" as it crossed Northern Mindanao.

At least 20 people were reported to have perished from the storm, according to the ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team headquarters based in this city.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has ordered the ARMM-HEART to deploy rescue and relief units to the storm-stricken towns.

In Maguindanao, floods also inundated the adjacent towns of Pagalungan and Montawal coming from the swollen Kabacan River.

The Kabacan tributary forms part of the Cotabato River Basin that catches water from Bukidnon and Region 10 leading to the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh situated in the tri-boundaries of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

The Maguindanao provincial government is now responding to the needs of thousands of affected families.

Lamitan banks on sports to boost development

By Rene V. Carbayas

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan (PIA) -- The local government of Lamitan City under the leadership of Mayor Rose Furigay and Vice Mayor Oric Furigay recognized the importance of sports as they actively engage in programs, projects and activities to boost development in the city.

In line with this, Lamitan City recently hosted the ARMM Regional Games with delegates coming from Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

Welcoming the delegates, Mayor Rose Furigay said that Lamitan City is overwhelmed in hosting the first ever ARMM Regional Games which was participated by neighboring provinces and cities under the autonomous region.

She said that hosting this first historic event brought pride to Lamiteños and to all Basileños in general.

"We take this as an opportunity to share what Lamitan City is today—peaceful, developing, and engaging, to our brothers and sisters in ARMM," the mayor said.

Moreover, Philippine Sports Commissioner Celia Kiram, who also attended the opening of the said event emphasized the importance of sports in nation building.

“Mindanaoans are known as best in sports,” the PSC commissioner acknowledged. She recalled that the best swimmers before were those from Sulu and the best volleyball players were from Tawi-Tawi. She however said that today, only the privileged few make it to the national team if parents can afford to send their children for training.

Encouraging all participants to continue engaging themselves in sports, the Commissioner urged all parents to support their children to participate in sports development activities and programs.

She underscored the role of stakeholders, particularly the local government units (LGUs) to release their budget in sports which can help solve the problems on drugs, poor health and criminality.

The City Government of Lamitan through the efforts of Mayor Rose Furigay and VM Oric Furigay brought the Best Players of Rain or Shine PBA team, Jay Washington, Jireh Ibanes, and the two-time MVP Champion James Yap.

The presence of these sports stars boosts the city’s tourism and development. A lot of infrastructure projects has mushroomed, elevating the city’s capacity to host big events.

The 3,000-seater FIBA standard City Gymnasium, the First of its kind in the entire ARMM region was also inaugurated in Lamitan City.

Pastil: Maguindanaon food on Christmas

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – Choosing on famous Muslim food, pastil has continued its popularity even on Christmas among ordinary Muslims, even Christians in most parts of Muslim Mindanao region.

Pastil remains to be the most popular Maguindanaon delicacy, according to Babo Alay Manabay, a 60-year-old mother whose main source of income is vending pastil.

“It’s a poor man’s instant food and you can have it anywhere in areas where Muslims dominate,” Manabay said. “Even non-Muslims love it.”

For Manabay, her 35 years of experience in preparing “pastil” had been accompanied with passion and love. She said passion because “I seemed not getting tired of doing it almost every dawn.”

“I love preparing it because this is my identity, our identity,” she said, adding anyone loving “pastil” must have a Muslim blood in his or her veins.

Bai Aileen Samad, 35, who operates an eatery inside the Cotabato City mega market, said she sells at last 675 to 100 pieces of pastil a day on a regular basis and could reach 150 pieces on some occasions, like market day.

What is pastil?

If you have leftover fish, chicken or beef from yesterday’s meal, you can easily prepare pastil.

Pastil is made of boiled rice and in the middle topped with ‘kagikit’ – sautéed shredded meat of chicken, beef, or fish that is wrapped with a wilted banana leaf. It can be prepared with only shredded beef, chicken, fish or you can have it all.

The more ingredients, the tastier it is. But chicken and fish pastil are the famous here and in Maguindanao.

“I don’t use leftovers,” Babo Manabay quickly said when asked if her supplies of “pastil” are freshly prepared.

“While it is allowed or practice among Muslims, I preferred newly cooked chicken meat or beef because I am selling it.”

With added onion, garlic, ginger and soy sauce, one can have a sumptuous meal, Bai Samad narrated. “It is a budget meal,” she added.

At an average, pastil sells at P7 or P10 a piece, depending on the ingredients and size. Some eateries sell it at P5.

“It is best if pastil is accompanied with a hardboiled egg and a coffee for breakfast,” Samad said, adding her clients included ordinary people, government officials, businessmen and Christian market goers.

In Tagalog region, pastil can be likened to “binalot sa dahon” food.

However, pastil is wrapped differently and as Babo Manabay said, it is “prepared with love.”

Any Muslim gathering like weddings, birthdays, thanksgiving, pastil is always there where people have different ways of taking it in.

Some put in on a plate along with other viands while others who are economical only add soy sauce and take it like eating a banana.

Preparation of pastil is as easy as 1-2-3. With rice already cooked, put the shredded chicken fish or beef then wrapped it with wilted banana leaves like preparing a “suman” (rice cake).

Once on vacation or official business in Cotabato City, a trip without taking pastil” is not complete. However, pastil can also be bought anywhere in the country where there are Muslim residents.

P40-M water filtration facility in ARMM gets nod

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Regional Board of Investments - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) has accepted the establishment of a PhP40-million water treatment plant in Barangay Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-ARMM chair and managing head, said that the bulk water supply and treatment investment project involves the construction, installation and operation of 5,000 cubic meters per day (CMD) water treatment facility tapping the water resource from Simuay River in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

“The project is very relevant since we are experiencing water shortage especially during dry season,” Mastura said.

He added that with such facility, constituents of Sultan Kudarat town and the nearby municipalities of Sultan Mastura and Parang, among others, could now rely on a more stable supply of affordable and clean water.

Mastura said treatment of water would undergo several processes and cleaning stages before distributed to households ready for drinking and consumption.

Mastura, who identified the Mactan Rock TGV Builders Corporation as the builder and operator of the project, said the firm would enjoy fiscal incentives such as income tax holidays for six years as well as other incentives being provided by the government upon the start of its commercial operation under a pioneer status.

He said Mactan Rock could also provide bulk water supply and treatment facility for the Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) in this city.

MCWD is a government-owned and controlled corporation water facility that serves Cotabato City and two municipalities in Maguindanao province – Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat.

This year alone, RBOI – ARMM has registered a total of PhP3.2-billion worth of investments, posting an increase of 53 percent as compared to 2016’s PhP2.11-B. The rise is attributed to the registration of telecommunications company TierOne Communications that invested the highest this year at PhP3-B.

Aside from Mactan Rock, other companies with approved projects in 2017 are the Bangsamoro Terminal Services (BTS) Inc. (Php129M), J. Sayang Shipping Lines Inc. (Php33.5M), and Abing Seafoods and Cold Storage (PhP32M).

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, in a statement, said that despite the five-month urban war that occured in Marawi City this year, he is optimistic that more investments will pour into the region in 2018.

“Investments in the region now are more diverse since projects registered this year are non-agri which include logistics, telecommunications, seafood storage, shipping, and bulk water supply and treatment plant which means that the region is ready for projects other than agriculture-based”.

The governor also lauded RBOI-ARMM for surpassing its PhP1-B investment target for 2017.


Maguindanao guv receives doctorate degree from British university

(PNA)

COTABATO CITY – Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu is a recipient of an honorary doctorate public administration degree from a British university for practical leadership practices and governance initiatives promoting socio-economic and political welfare of constituents.

Mangudadatu received his honorary degree from Commonwealth University and the London Graduate School at the end of the three-day Dubai Leaders’ Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last Dec. 14, a report from his office said Monday.

Aside from him, other recipients of the awards were former US President Barack Obama and entrepreneur-philanthropist Bill Gates, co-founder of the Microsoft information technology business.

It was the first time the Maguindanao governor attended the Dubai summit facilitated twice a year by the Commonwealth University and the London Graduate School.

Aside from honorary doctorate degree, the London Graduate School also granted Mangudadatu a Master Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership.

According to the provincial governor who lost his wife and relatives in what is now known as 2009 Maguindanao massacre, it was always his desire to improve governance in the province rocked by corruption, partisanships and violence.

He said the doctorate title was in recognition of his peace-building efforts and people’s empowerment program in Maguindanao.

“This is not a personal honor. This is an honor for the entire province and its people,” he said in a statement.

Mangudadatu said the Commonwealth University also recognized his resilience in coping with the effects of Maguindanao massacre on his family and the people he served.

Instead of addressing violence with violence, the governor embarked on empowering Maguindanaons through education and political reforms to help the government address decades-old domestic peace and order issues.

Navy Seabees join Marawi rehab

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- Troops from the Philippine Navy’s Naval Construction Brigade or “Seabees” have joined the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in war-torn Marawi City.

This, according to Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna on Saturday, saying at least 50 Seabees specializing in heavy equipment were deployed to Marawi as early as Sept. 9.

"They were equipped with seven assorted heavy equipment to participate in the rehab of Marawi and presently conducting clearing and cleaning operations and repair of essential buildings and infras (infrastructures)," Lincuna said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero earlier said military engineering units are at the forefront of the clearing operation in Marawi City.

"Right now, we have also our engineers here in the area (Marawi City and they are) composed Army, Air Force and Navy engineers (who) are also undertaking debris clearing in the most affected areas, Guerrero added.

Since clearing operations began last Oct. 23, Guerrero said engineering units have recovered 77 assorted firearms, believed to be owned by members of the Maute terrorist group.

Eleven cadavers were also found, which are presently undergoing DNA testing and swabbing for identification purposes.

Aside from debris clearing, the AFP is also tasked to maintain security in Marawi and clear the area of cadavers and unexploded ordnance left by ISIS-inspired groups.

Fighting in Marawi City started after government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, last May 23.

It was only declared over when authorities positively identified Hapilon and Omar Maute, one of the co-founders of the Maute Group, as among the about 1,000 terrorists killed in the five-month campaign to liberate Marawi.

DepEd conducts Brigada Eskwela in Marawi

(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 18 – The Department of Education (DepEd) brought together on December 13 volunteers and resources from its offices nationwide to repair, paint, and clean some of the schools that were damaged by the Marawi crisis.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones and DepEd-ARMM Secretary Dr. John Magno led the Brigada Eskwela in 16 schools: Bito Elementary School; Rorogagus Elementary School; Mipagaga Elementary School; Pendolonan Elementary School; Abdulazis Elementary School; Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School; Sugod Central Elementary School; Sultan Conding Elementary School; Sikap Elementary School; Banga Primary School; Cabingan Primary School; Datu Tambak Primary School; Basak Elementary School; Pandi Elementary School: Marawi City National High School; and Amai Pakpak Elementary School.

“Education must continue. Let’s all give quality education to the learners. The Department of Education will help rebuild damaged schools here in Marawi City. 'Di namin pababayaan ang Marawi City. Umpisa lamang ito. Hindi natin ititigil ang Brigada Eskwela hangga't hindi natin matapos maayos ang lahat ng paaralan sa Marawi,” Briones said.

Jomairah Noor, 5th grade student of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak, expressed gratitude for all the help extended to them. “Nagpapasalamat po kami, dahil nakikita namin na hindi kami pinapabayaan. Marami pong tumutulong sa amin. Sana po hindi na ulit magkagulo dito sa Marawi para tuluy-tuloy na pag-aaral namin at para maging masaya na kaming lahat dito,” she said.

Briones also underscored the need to provide psychosocial assistance not just for the students but also for displaced teachers.

Amai Pakpak Elementary School Grade 6 teacher Tanjirea Mascara was also thankful to DepEd and reiterated the challenge of teaching students who were affected by the siege. "Ang challenge para sa amin ngayon ay kami mismong mga teacher ay biktima din ng kaguluhan. Imbes na umiyak ako at magmukmok, kailangan ipakita sa mga estudyante namin na matatag kami. Kailangan turuan at tulungan yung mga bata na maging matatag sa kabila ng mga nangyari,” Mascara said.

Marawi City has a total of 69 schools, 22 of which were totally damaged by the war affecting more than 62,000 students who were enrolled in public and private schools as well as in state universities and colleges.

In November 2017, the DepEd-ARMM started to repair seven damaged schools in Marawi City and 54 others in various parts of Lanao del Sur.

Life of a “bakwit” grad from MSU-Marawi City

By Zen Trinidad (PNA)

BAY, Laguna – Life of a “bakwit” (evacuee) from the Mindanao State University (MSU) in its Marawi City campus at the height of the scourge of the five-month war was really “devastating” but there are still “treasured” recollections according to an MSU graduate.

In an interview with the PNA, 22-year-old Lyka Amethyst Casamayor, a born-again Christian from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, who studied at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi City Campus revealed “I missed Marawi, the people, the beautiful places, the culture and artifacts the people have preserved through the years.”

Lyka narrated her ordeal how spending four years and completing her thesis for the A.B. Communication and Media Studies major in Journalism course and slated to graduate third week of June this year was marred by fear during the Marawi seige that bean on May 23. This led her to become a ‘bakwit’ (evacuee).

She was among the nearly 2,000 graduates of MSU Marawi Campus whose graduation rite was moved to July 13, 2017 in two venues - one at the De La Salle University in Iligan City and another batch at the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT) at the height of the skirmish.

Now, she and co-graduates are referred to as the “Bakwit” Batch 2017.

A scholar of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (MRI) in San Pablo City, Lyka was called in to join the company only last Sept. 25 as corporate communication assistant in the Corporate Communications Department without a transcript of records (TOR) to show except a resumé.

Her latest assignment with CARD MRI was to coordinate with media practitioners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who participated in the 4-day “Lakbay Aral” (study tour) sponsored by the company from December 6-9, 2017 in San Pablo City.

It was at the culminating event of the study tour held at the Jardin de Julieta in Tranca Village (barangay) here that Lyka narrated her ordeal at the start of the Marawi City siege.

The Marawi City siege and her way out

“It was about 2:00 p.m. on May 23, I was reading my thesis papers inside my room at the dormitory, when I heard sounds of guns reverberating throughout the campus,” Lyka recalled.

“My roommates and I at first dismissed the incident as ordinary occurrence in the campus until there were successive gun fires in varied intensity and bomb explosions filled the air. We realized something unusual was going on,” she narrated.

Text messages spread like wildfire informing them that government forces were having intense firefight with the Maute terrorist group in the city and they were asked to get ready with important things and few clothes to carry as evacuation was evident, she said.

On May 24, Lyka, carrying her back pack bag containing her thesis materials and two pairs of clothes, went outside to the 7th Street together with roommates to buy foods with prices soaring to doubled or tripled than usual.

“We cannot cook our foods. We just softened rice and noodles with water before we ate them, “she recounted.

While in the dorm, they were told through text messages not to wear something black or they might be wrongly identified as members of terrorist group who wore black outfit; to keep low and stay away from the window; to close all doors; and not to entertain strangers.

Then, a power glitch plunged the area into darkness prompting Lyka and the “Lakas Angkan” Ministry members to pray silently in the dark and then she hid inside a blanket while texting for updates outside for as long as their batteries can sustain.

Luckily, she said, she was able to contact her mother Leticia, 42, and father Elmer, 45, assuring her of possible rescue and their way out from harm’s way. Deafening sounds of gun fires and bomb explosions were heard throughout the once peaceful campus, and lulled during heavy downpour.

“Ten men clad in military uniforms came looking for me, but hesitated to take me out because they could not assure the safety of the other 80 students who were with me at that time who also wanted to leave the dormitory, and they left,” she narrated her ordeal.

Dawn of May 25, they decided to move out stealthily from the dormitory by several groups towards the administration building which was used as the evacuation staging ground as they joined 300 more students waiting for a ride towards MSU-IIT in Iligan City as their designated temporary refuge.

On May 26, Lyka arrived at the MSU-IIT campus along with other students with a sigh of relief and waited for money coming from her parents for her ride back home in Agusan del Sur.

“While waiting for the fare money, I continued reviewing my thesis papers in the evacuation center . I also noticed other students reviewing their thesis materials as well,” she related with a smile.

At 3 p.m. on May 28, Lyka was finally home in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur after a 15-hour bus ride from Iligan City.

It was a tearful reunion with her mother who is a member and center chief of CARD MRI and her father, a security guard, as well as her siblings. She is the second among six siblings.

Thesis works through online instructions

As the battle to liberate Marawi City continued, Lyka had to finish her 5-chapter thesis through online communications with her instructors.

“There were series of online instructions for the corrections and revisions of my thesis materials which were at the concluding chapter then,” she explained.

According to Lyka, her thesis was about errors on Rappler articles based on the 13-point evaluation questions approved by her instructors which required her to be constantly connected to the Internet.

Finally, she made it as candidate for graduation although the submission of the final book bound copy of her thesis is still pending until today.

Life after “Bakwit” graduation

“Our graduation was somewhat confusing since there were two venues for the 2,000 “Bakwit” Batch 2017. It was already in the afternoon of July 13 at the De La Salle Iligan Campus that I finally joined the rite,” she said.

After the ceremony, she and her disheartened parents proceeded back home on board a rented van, as she described how her parents had heavy hearts as we travelled back home for not being able to come up on stage to put a lei on me.

She said, she was reluctant to apply for work because she had no transcript of records (TOR) to show as her credentials but she felt relieved when a call from CARD MRI told her to report for work at its main office in San Pablo City on September 25, 2017, bringing only a resumé to present.

After the two-week training at CARD MRI Baguio, Lyka is currently working as a corporate communication assistant at the CARD MRI Corporate Communications Department at its main office.

Lyka has been thankful to CARD MRI for supporting her college education and the chance to practice her profession in the corporate communications department of the company.

She looked back to her life in Marawi City as “a memorable and enjoyable one” before the siege and was enthused after learning she will be going back to Marawi City in 2018 for her upcoming assignments at CARD MRI branches in Mindanao.

She knew that the trauma of her ordeal still haunts her but she is fighting it out with prayers, happy thoughts and with the help of the CARD MRI family who supported her all along without reservations.

“I loved to watch fireworks display even when I was younger. But now, hearing an explosion makes me shiver. The trauma of my ordeal is still within me,” she paused.

Thinking about the place which was my second home for four years, makes me wonder if I could still see the places where I used to go with friends and the artifacts, I missed them,” Lyka, member of MSU Marawi “Bakwit” Batch 2017 concluded.

Basilan wins regional award for road maintenance

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Basilan District Engineering Office bagged on Wednesday an award for the efficient maintenance of roads crisscrossing former Abu Sayyaf enclaves now dotted with agricultural settlements.

The Basilan DEO was cited best in road maintenance from among eight district engineering offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, during the 27th anniversary of the devolution of the Department of Public Works and Highways to the ARMM regional government.

The functions of the DPWH were devolved to ARMM based on the region’s first charter, the Republic Act 6734 that was enacted into law in 1990 and became R.A. 9054 via a congressional amendment in 2000.

Basilan district engineer Soler Undug, said Thursday they also received from ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and regional Public Works Secretary Don Loong, the “best in administrative management award” during the event on Wednesday at the DPWH-ARMM office in Cotabato City.

“The two awards were enough recognition of our effort to help spread peace in Basilan through massive infrastructure interventions by ARMM which we are helping implement,” Undug said.

Among ARMM’s ongoing big-ticket projects being managed by the Basilan DEO is the P1 billion worth “transcentral road” that would cut through hinterlands in the center of the island province where remnants of the Abu Sayyaf are holding out.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. of the Western Mindanao Command said Thursday the colossal road project will surely drive away the Abu Sayyaf from its last bastion, the upland areas in Sampinit Complex in the middle of Basilan.

“We support this project. Our units in Basilan are securing the workers building the road,” Galvez said.

The ARMM is also constructing a P150 million worth regional government center in Barangay Santa Clara in Lamitan City, capital of Basilan, to accommodate provincial offices of the region’s line agencies.

The Abu Sayyaf has been targeting Basilan DEO employees involved in projects designed to weaken its influence on local communities such as public schools, farm-to-market roads, bridges and agricultural facilities.

The group thrice tried to kill Undug using improvised explosive devices.

Undug’s administrative staff, Emily Trumata, was named outstanding administrative officer for 2017 during Wednesday’s festivity at the DPWH-ARMM regional office inside the 32-hectare regional capitol compound in Cotabato City.

Trumata emerged as the best performing administrative officer from among seven others in the ARMM’s district engineering offices in an evaluation initiated several weeks before.

Undug said he was confident Trumata would get the award owing to her efficient performance as administrative officer of the Basilan DEO.

ARMM pitches for more active role of MSMEs

By Manuel Cayon

DAVAO CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) pitched for the larger role of small businesses in the region, urging them to take more community assistance by providing employment and livelihood.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman urged the leaders and members of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC) to help their respective communities and assured them the ARMM has taken up a fresh focus on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

“The regional government is now ready to help the small businesses, but we are requesting you to engage in business not only for yourself, but to help your community, the society, our region and the entire country,” he said.

He added one of the major economic strategies in the ARMM’s Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 is concentrating on the promotion and development of MSMEs.

The DTI-ARMM held on Tuesday its first ARMM MSME summit.

During the summit, the organizer granted P100,000 seed fund to each of the five winners of its first Social Enterprise Ideation Camp. The five winners were Langkit Weaving, Halal Organic Agricrops Production, and Anaya Solutions, all from the province of Lanao del Sur; Center for Integrated Organic Farming System from Maguindanao; and There is Hope in Daing from Basilan province.

The ideation camp was held in partnership with the Strengthening Civil Society Participation in Social Enterprise Education Development.

The five winners were granted mentoring MSMEs.

The DTI-ARMM also awarded the 10 most-promising MSMEs in the ARMM with plaques of recognition.

ARMM organized the event to enliven anew its MSME sector and to assure them of the regional government’s intention to empower local entrepreneurs by “providing them with information on the latest trends in the local and global markets.”

The summit’s participants come from MSMEs, local government units, academe, business-support organizations, partner government agencies, chambers of commerce and industry and MSMED councils.

The DTI-ARMM said it would assist the MSMEs “overcome issues and challenges they face in the region through the summit.” The summit carried the theme “Moving Forward through Peso-PRIDE, or People Empowerment through Social Enterprise-Poverty Reduction by Industry Development and Entrepreneurship.”

The participants came from the ARMM’s five provinces—Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi—and other neighboring areas.

The organizer wanted also to project its avowed assistance to the participants by bringing in Regional Vice Gov. Haroun Alrashid Lucman, Office of the Regional Governor ARMM Chief of Staff Rasol Mitmug Jr., DTI-ARMM Secretary Anwar Malang and Director Jerry Clavesillas of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

ARMM peace council bats for Islamic school

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL (TMT)

COTABATO CITY: The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) passed a resolution mandating local government units in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to provide regular allocation for traditional madaris (Islamic school).

Amir Mawallil, ARMM spokesman, said the resolution complements the Bureau of Madaris’ recent draft of the Unified Standard Curriculum for the Traditional Weekend Madrasah. Together, these provide a strong foundation for a values-based education in the region grounded on true Islamic beliefs and teachings.

It is one of four resolutions passed during the meeting, all targeting terrorism and illegal drugs in the region. One resolution requests the Supreme Court to designate special courts that will handle drug cases in the five ARMM provinces, while the other two resolutions were on the creation of an anti-terrorism task force and a Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Mawallil said the memorandum on the nationwide anti-drug abuse campaign the Department of Interior and Local Government issued only mandates that anti-drug abuse councils be established at the various local government levels. Considering the autonomous nature of the ARMM, establishing a council at the regional level is being eyed, he added.

The meeting was presided over by Gov. Mujiv Hataman with members of the RPOC, including Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.; Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division, and Col. Gene Ponio of the 1st Infantry Division.

Representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines gave updates on the threats posed by groups espousing violent extremism in the region while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-ARMM discussed the ongoing drug-clearing operations across the autonomous provinces.

Armm holds MSME summit

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC) on Tuesday, December 12, held its first Armm MSME Summit.

Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman said the event was intended to help advance the promotion and development of MSMES by empowering the local entrepreneurs and providing them with information on the latest trends in the local and global markets.

Hataman said the DTI-Armm also aimed to assist MSMEs in overcoming issues and challenges they face in the region through the summit.

He said one of the major economic strategies in Armm’s Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 is the promotion and development of MSMEs.

The summit gathered hundreds of delegates from ARMM’s five provinces -- Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi –- and other neighboring areas.

The summit was anchored on the theme: “Moving Forward through PESO-PRIDE, or People Empowerment through Social Enterprise – Poverty Reduction by Industry Development and Entrepreneurship.”

DSWD-12 opens satellite office in Marawi

(PNA)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 has opened a satellite office in Marawi City to enhance service delivery for residents affected by the five-month conflict in the area.

Gemma Rivera, DSWD-12 assistant regional director, said Monday the move is aimed to ensure the “efficient and effective” delivery of various basic services and properly address the needs of the displaced residents.

She said the satellite operations center, which is manned by a core of DSWD-12 personnel, is based in Tampilong, Marawi City.

“It is now operational and has started processing the needs and concerns of the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons),” she said.

Although a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Marawi City is under the operational jurisdiction of DSWD-12 based in Koronadal City.

The regional office handles the implementation of various flagship programs of the agency and spearheaded the relief operations during and after the siege of Marawi by members of Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.

Rivera said they were tasked by their central office to open the satellite operations center to complement with the ongoing rehabilitation efforts there.

“The satellite office currently handles the grievances of the affected residents,” she said.

An advisory released DSWD-12 on Monday said the operations center is currently assisting IDPs under the first batch with pending claims for financial assistance and family food packs dubbed “Kambalingan Package.”

The agency said the verification process is ongoing for those under the “grievance” list or second batch of the IDPs.

DSWD-12 has already completed the release of assistance packages worth for some 5,783 families from nine barangays of Marawi City that are under the first batch.

The agency said a total of 77,170 families or 353,636 individuals were displaced in Marawi City due to the conflict from May 23 to Oct. 22.

Some 38,949 families evacuated to Region 10 or Northern Mindanao, 33,221 to parts of ARMM and 2,386 to Region 12.

Some of the IDPs evacuated to Region XI, CARAGA, and Region VII.

Some 4,668 families or 20,639 individuals are staying in evacuation centers while 75,502 families are living with their relatives.

Medical mission held at Maguindanao provincial jail

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — More than 300 detainees at the Maguindanao provincial jail were given medical treatment in preparation for their transfer to a new facility next year.

Lynette Estandarte, budget officer of the Maguindanao provincial government, said on Thursday that a medical mission by the People’s Medical Team on Tuesday served 342 inmates.

Aside from medicine for common ailments, the governor’s office also provided the detainees hygiene kits and food supplies.

Estandarte said the medical mission is meant to ensure detainees are in good health when relocated to a new jail in Buluan town from the current site in Cotabato City.

"Once transferred, they would get from us more extensive humanitarian services because that new facility is very near the office of the governor in Buluan," Estandarte said.

The provincial government is building a bigger detention and reformatory center in the capital town of Maguindanao province. Estandarte said the new facility will have a "good holding area" for women.

The facility, which is expected to replace the 70-year-old provincial jail in 2018, will also provide rehabilitation services for detained drug dependents.

ARMM agencies cited for smoking ban compliance

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- For religiously banning smoking among its employees, two regional agencies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) bagged the 2017 Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health, officials said Sunday.

ARMM Education Secretary John Magno said he received Friday the “Red Orchid citation plaque” from Health Secretary Francisco Duque III during ceremonies at DOH-Manila.

It was a citation from DOH central office to government agencies that actively and religiously support health programs aimed at making every Filipino healthy.

The DOH conducted nationwide surveys on the implementation of DOH’s anti-smoking campaign in all government offices and DepEd-ARMM earned a rating of 91 to 100 percent in its compliance with the advocacy.

Magno, a non-smoker, told reporters credit should go to all employees of DepEd-ARMM across the region.

“We would not have achieved this feat if not for the support of our rank-and-file personnel,” Magno said.

Magno said Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is a non-smoker so it was not difficult to implement the ban, not only inside ARMM compound here but also in all schools and educational institutions in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the provinces composing ARMM.

Regional Secretary Myra Mangkabung of the Department of Science and Technology also received a 2017 Red Orchid Award for strictly observing the non-smoking policy in work areas.

'Biyaya' caravan warmly welcomed in Cotabato

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – A crowd of some 200 Cotabateños welcomed on Thursday afternoon the four-vehicle convoy of the “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” caravan that came all the way from Marawi City.

The group made a stopover inside the compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) here at around 2:30 p.m. and was greeted by streamer-bearing Christian, Muslim and Lumad (indigenous people) supporters.

“It is always a happy day for us despite the long trips we had from Luzon, Visayas then Mindanao,” Catholic priest Fr. Jose Elmer Cajilig, Biyaya’s national secretariat and leader of the caravan, said.

Cajilig said the caravan only had a small number of vehicles since it would be difficult for them to travel at a fast pace and arrive on time for the Dec. 9 convergence in Davao City, which is expected to be attended by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The caravan jumped off from Ifugao province last Dec. 1 and arrived in Davao City on Dec. 8, a day before Biyaya’s launching event at Freedom Park.

“In every stopover we engaged supporters in a short talk and off we go again,” Cajilig said of their trips. In Marawi, he said they stayed for over an hour at the Mindanao State University before proceeding to this city.

Abdulrashid Ladayo Sr., Biyaya’s ARMM coordinator and Office of the Participatory Governance (OPG) Mindanao cluster head, said the “Biyaya ng Pagbabago" is a short tag for “Biyaya ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino,” a poverty alleviation program of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.

The OPG, operating under the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, is tapped to promote, among others, active citizenship by directly engaging various sectors and stakeholders in governance through programs and projects that facilitate citizen empowerment.

“The Biyaya program supports the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan ‎2017-2022 under the Duterte administration to ease the poverty level in the country from 21 percent to 14 percent,” Ladayo said.

He said the Biyaya strategy aims to provide economic upliftment to 30 poorest families per barangay across the country for a total of six million beneficiaries within the next six months.

"You see, the poor needs to access the various social and economic services offered by the government delivered to the grassroots level of society, and we would be thoroughly introducing it to them now,” Ladayo stressed.

Ladayo said the Dec. 9 launch in Davao City is seen to congregate 100,000 Biyaya supporters nationwide.

ARMM launches 6-year development blueprint

By Leslie Gatpolintan (PNA)

MANILA -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Thursday launched its development blueprint that aims to attract more investments and accelerate infrastructure development crucial in boosting economic growth in the region over the next six years.

ARMM’s Regional Development Plan (RDP) ‎2017-2022 targets to increase the region’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) from 0.3 percent in 2016 to 5.25 percent in 2022; and reduce poverty incidence from 48.2 percent in 2015 to 33.2 percent in 2022.

Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Executive Director of the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Regional Planning and Development Office-ARMM, said local government units (LGUs) have committed PHP4-billion projects for the region that are aligned with the RDP and support socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte administration.

In an interview at the sidelines of partners’ forum on ARMM-RDP, Ampatuan said aggregate investments into the region also reached PHP17 billion from 2012 to 2017.

“Investments continue to pour in despite the problem in peace and security. (This can be attributed to) the effort of national government, the continuing peace process. And other investors consider this as their social contribution in the area,” she said.

ARMM Executive Director Atty. Laisa Masuhud-Alamia said more companies are investing in ARMM despite security concerns.

“We continue to invite investors so that we can improve the lives of the people in the area,” she said.

Alamia said the RDP is expanding economic opportunities in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries, saying agricultural products are “niche” of the region.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro said “if we will be able to attract more investors in the region then definitely, we will be able to generate economic activities –business-related activities and even projects that will produce public goods and services. That will improve the GRDP of the region.”

The development blueprint also targets to accelerate human capital development; access of ARMM communities to basic services; ensure an open, transparent, accountable and inclusive governance; and attain just and lasting peace, among others.

Navarro urged local government players to participate in RDP’s implementation.

“When they received the funding, then they must implement projects… NEDA is willing to help them in the localization (of the plan). It is something that we did for the other regions –the localization of the RDPs in Cordillera Administration Region, Ilocos Region up to the Caraga Region,” she added.

DENR-ARMM tops highest remitting agencies in region for 2017

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY–The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) has emerged as the region’s top remitting agency, submitting over Php100-million Regional Wealth Tax for this year.

Due to the exemplary accomplishment, the Office of the Regional Treasury (ORT) handed over Tuesday a plaque of recognition to DENR-ARMM Secrertary Kahal Kedtag during an awarding ceremony that coincided with the ORT’s 26th anniversary celebration held at EM Manor Convention Center, this city.

Other high remitting agencies included the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways, Regional Ports Management Authority and the Department of Transportation and Communications.

"Congratulations to these agencies as they gave the highest remittances to the regional treasury,” Kanggo M. Umal, ARMM's regional treasurer, said.

Kedtag, for his part, said his office would continue to adhere to its mandate “to give what is due for our region.”

Over 500 traders expected at ARMM MSME summit

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY--More than 500 entrepreneurs are expected to attend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Summit for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) aimed at tapping the private sector to sustain the development of industries in the region.

The summit, slated on Dec. 12 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the ARMM compound here, is also eyed to promote the Halal industry with government and private industrial partners.

“Currently, the only dominant force fueling the ARMM economy is government money so there is a need to partner with the private sector to raise additonal revenues through the thriving of various industries,” lawyer Anwar Malang, the region’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary, told reporters here Tuesday.

DTI-ARMM records indicated that 70-80 percent of registered and unregistered businesses in the region belong to the MSME category.

“If we want to be truly autonomous and in anticipation of the Bangsamoro government or embark on federalism, we have to make use of our greatest assets, the people and other resources, through the development of our private sector,” Malang stressed.

Early on, he said the DTI-ARMM had conducted a series of consultations to categorize the challenges facing the private sector, particularly those belonging to the MSMEs.

Several of the gaps identified were issues that can be immediately addressed like extending services and referrals by both government and non-government institutions; and those which need enabling polices elevated to the National Economic Development Authority and other line agencies.

On matters concerning the Halal industry, Malang said his office is organizing the Halal Chevon (Goat Meat) Stakeholders Workshop with theme “ARMM: Halal Hub of the Philippines” on Dec. 18 at the EM Manor Hotel, this city.

Malang described goat meat as an important component in the lives of Muslims, particularly in the celebration of Muslim feasts (Kanduri) and religious offerings, making it very in demand both here and abroad.

“Therefore, goat meat should be Halal or that goats be raised and slaughtered according to Islam teachings as we could also introduce it as a lucrative business,” he said.

ARMM builds firm foundation for its future

By Ayunan Gunting-Al Hadj

COTABATO CITY―Despite the Mamasapano massacre and the terrorist-led siege of Marawi City, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao continues to build a strong foundation for its future.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said in his recent State of the Region Address at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here that ARMM HELPS, which was launched in 2013 before either controversial incident happened, remains the region’s flagship program for health, education, livelihood, peace, and governance and synergy.

ARMM HELPS aims to give barangays the ability to create their own peaceful and progressive communities. Since 2014, Hataman said the program has helped 403 villages do just that, each receiving P10 million to put up infrastructure such as houses, barangay halls, public markets, health centers, daycare centers, and children’s parks, and even seed funding for startup businesses.

Another community program, Hataman noted, is the Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment or ARMM BRIDGE. Started in 2015, it aims to uplift the poorest residents in each community in the region, the governor said.

BRIDGE has been implemented in 119 barangays for 5,800 families, who receive housing, food, electricity and water assistance “as part of our strategy to bring them out of poverty,” Hataman said.

In education, the region has seen its literacy rate improve to 88.7 percent in 2015 from just 80.3 percent in 2010, the governor added, citing official Philippine Statistics Authority figures.

ARMM’s “cohort survival rate” ― a measure of the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of education services in an area ― has also risen to 64.12 percent in 2016 for elementary students from 35.83 percent in 2014, and to 95.38 percent for high school students in 2016 from just 52.6 percent in 2014, the governor added.

The improvements are due to the “ghostbusting” the regional office has done with the Department of Education, Hataman said, but ARMM’s quality of education still needs improvement.

The governor noted that the region only had a 59-percent passing rate in the National Achievement Test, a far cry from the 75-percent standard set by the DepEd.

“This is just one of the things we have to pay attention to, especially our co-workers at DepEd,” Hataman said.

ARMM settles clan dispute in Lanao Sur

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – The Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RRUC-ARMM) on Monday settled a long-standing feud involving Moro clans in Lanao del Sur whose hostilities had stemmed from partisan politics.

Romeo Sema, RRUC-ARMM chair, said the conflict started when Bayabao Tomas was shot dead allegedly by Armi Enterino after the May 16 local elections. Since then, the Bayabao and Enterino clans have been at odds with each other as battles repeatedly erupted anytime clan members meet.

Clan members from both sides had sought the help of RRUC in their desire to end the “rido” (family feud).

Sema said the warring families actually belonged to one big family who had different political affiliations and convictions. He said their coming over to be under the supervision of RRUC was an indication they wanted to settle their bloody differences through peaceful means.

“They are all related by blood and by affinity so there’s no reason they will not mend ways, forget and forgive and move on,” Sema said in vernacular.

Elders of warring families swore before the Holy Qur’an and signed the peace agreement they both vowed to uphold and respect in the name of peace.

The involved families were from the coastal towns of Malabang and Balabagan.

1,855 aspiring teachers in ARMM undergo competency exam

(Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – Some 1,855 licensed teachers applying for teaching vacancies in public schools in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao took a two-day competency exam on November 26-27, 2017.

Given by the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM), the Assessment and Competency Examination for Teachers in ARMM (ACETA) is part of the application process efforts to boost the quality of education in the ARMM.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM Secretary, said the series of examinations will assess the proficiency of the applicants.

"We want to ensure that the teachers we will hire are qualified and competent," he further said.

Magno said applicants will also undergo a panel interview and teaching demonstration after the examinations.

DepEd-ARMM has already conducted series of competency examinations for applicants in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

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