Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News July 2018

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
ARMM seal.png
Seal of ARMM

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  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.

Marawi student, Team PH shine in HK math contest

By Jonathan Hicap

Filipino elementary students including one from war-ravaged Marawi City triumphed in a mathematics contest in Hong Kong.

The eight-member delegation bagged one silver and two bronze medals in the individual contests, and two merit awards in the team contests of the 21st Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics World Contest (PMWC) held from July 16 to 20, according to the Mathematics Trainers Guild Philippines (MTG).

In the individual contest, Grade 4 student Jerome Austin Te of Jubilee Christian Academy won a silver medal while the bronze medalists are Grade 5 students Mohammad Nur Casib of My Precious Child Learning Center in Marawi City and Tracy Lauren Lei of Saint Jude Catholic School.

In the team contest, Philippines Team A, composed of Ervin Joshua Bautista of Southville International School, Maria Bernadette Landicho of Stonyhurst Southville International School-Batangas, Lei and Te, won a merit award.

The Philippines’ Team B composed of Neo Angelo Gatlabayan of British School Manila, Adrian Guanson Soriaga of Saint Jude Catholic School, Michael Gerard Tongson of Stonyhurst Southville International School-Malarayat and Casib also captured a merit award.

The students were accompanied by MTG team leaders Dr. Simon Chua and Renard Eric Chua and deputy team leaders Quennie Sarabia-Flores and Angeline Orosco. Casib, 12, became an MTG trainee after experiencing the horrors of the Marawi siege last year and was one of the hundreds of thousands who fled the capital city.

“The experience was terrifying. It was horror! He saw the burning of the chapel from the balcony of our home. No food, no water for 13-hour travel,” according to his dad, Norodin Casib, a doctor.

“We took shelter in Cagayan de Oro and there we found MTG. Gradually, this horrific experience vanished from his mind. God is good,” he added.

Other countries and territories that joined this year’s contest include Australia, Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and Vietnam.

Cotabato the city that never blinks

By Ayunan Gunting-Al Hadj

The City of Cotabato is one of the unique cities in the country. It’s different because it isn’t a part of any province. The fact that it doesn’t belong to South Cotabato still surprises many Filipinos. Geographically it’s in Maguindanao but it doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of that province. Cotabato is among the few cities in the country that happens to be an independent component city.

It also happens to be the seat of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. And it’s perhaps Central Mindanao’s most cosmopolitan city—it’s the hub of the center of the island of Mindanao. It’s the “go-to” destination when it comes to shopping and experiencing life in the big city

As a child growing up in Marawi City, I and my siblings always looked forward to visiting Cotabato during summer vacation. We had relatives who lived in this city and we’d have fun shopping and driving to the nearby beach for a swim.

For many of us, it is also the city that never sleeps; it never even blinks. It is the place to make it big. Naturally, after finishing college, I sought my first job in Cotabato. I then had the honor of being one of the original employees of the ARMM when I was hired to be a member of the legislative staff of Lanao del Sur Assemblywoman Princess Diamond Johaira Pangarungan. She had won a seat during the first election of ARMM’s Regional Legislative Assembly. Yet after a while, I decided to go to Manila to search for other opportunities.

But I never turned my back on Mindanao. Lately, having visited the city for its annual celebration of the ARMM Pakaradjaan Festival, I was elated to witness how Cotabato is as lively as ever. Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi has evidently done much in pushing forward its progress. She’s also made great strides in maintaining peace and order. A report prepared by the Philippine National Police indicated that during the first three months of 2018, Cotabato was the second safest city in the country, next to Ormoc. Puerto Princesa in Palawan came in third. Correspondingly, the city is the safest in Region 12 and Mindanao.

The mayor herself was elated by the report, though with all the effort she had put into reducing the city’s crime rate, the news to her was hardly a surprise. She has continuously implemented the RONDA: a peacekeeping effort done in collaboration with the PNP, the Task Force Kutawato, and the barangay force multipliers. These teams have tirelessly been patrolling the various sections of the city and have successfully aided the PNP in apprehending criminal elements.

In a statement, the mayor said the city has proven itself to be safe for its people despite the insurgencies that have plagued neighboring provinces. As a result, the city’s economy is on the upswing. It has attracted local and foreign investors. In fact, a group of Chinese businessmen has committed to build a new airport terminal and seaport for the city.

The mayor has also transformed the city into a thriving metropolis that beautifully blends the old heritage of Muslim Mindanao and the modern style of living. It remains to be the center of the region where various tribes of Muslim Mindanao converge. Never has this been so clearly manifested in the 2018 anniversary celebration of the ARMM. At the grounds of the Sharif Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato, a festival showcasing the colorful cultures of the six provinces under ARMM is in progress.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi also marked Cotabato City’s 59th Foundation Day with several festive events last month. She kicked off the celebrations on June 12 to coincide with the observance of Philippine Independence Day. It included a week-long program of cultural presentations produced by the Department of Education, which was held at the City Plaza. This was followed by the three-day Cotabato Toy Fair at the City Mall.

Simultaneously, the Sayaw Cotabato Dance Workshop and Competition, and a sports festival (Taekwondo, table tennis, jiu jitsu, super fights, a fun run, and lawn tennis) were held in various venues. Also, the mayor’s Culinary Competition was held at the People’s Palace. And of course, no city foundation day anniversary celebration in the Philippines would be complete without a beauty pageant. The 2018 Mutya ng Cotabato was held at the Sharif Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

The founding date itself (June 20) was observed with a military parade and the presentation of “Sayaw, Cotabato,” the annual indigenous dance festival that showcases the city’s diverse ethno-linguistic groups and modern dance influences. The Davao-based Daybreak Band also performed at the City Plaza.

Marawi school children gain storybooks from BDO arm

(Manila Standard)

BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, recently donated storybooks to schools in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur as part of the “Sa Pagbasa, May Pag-asa” (Hope Through Reading) consortium.

This continued the foundation’s successful relief operations in response to the humanitarian crisis in Marawi last year, as it pursues programs and partnerships for the benefit of people in the war-torn city.

In time for the start of the new school year, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito and BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa turned over storybooks and school supplies to students in ceremonies held in Angoyao Central Elementary School, Lake Lanao National High School and Harat Medina Elementary School.

The storybooks were purchased with the support of BDO employees, who donated funds to the book campaign.

According to Deriquito, who serves as a co-convenor of the consortium, the distribution of storybooks is a good opportunity to teach schoolchildren important lessons in life, including financial literacy, which is one of the advocacies of BDO Foundation.

“We want the books to help enhance the imagination of children and enable them to build their dreams and pursue their aspirations. We hope that the children of Marawi will read these books, so they can broaden their knowledge,” he said.

End of ad break in 43 s “As the name of the campaign suggests, reading and learning spur hope. We decided to distribute the first batch of storybooks in Marawi, where we think these are needed more, and so that the young children will be inspired and feel hope in their hearts,” Deriquito added.

Joining BDO Foundation at the ceremonial turnover of storybooks were local government leaders, Department of Education officials and Sa Pagbasa, May Pag-asa co-convenor Bro. Armin Luistro, who heads the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and De La Salle Philippines.

PBSP and the De La Salle schools in Mindanao organized the event together with the consortium.

Sa Pagbasa, May Pag-asa is a nationwide storybook donation drive designed to promote a culture of reading among the Filipino youth.

Backed by BDO Foundation, the campaign aims to provide students from kindergarten to senior high school age-appropriate storybooks donated by volunteers, non-governmental organizations, and corporations.

DepEd-ARMM launches Responsive Innovation Fund

(PIA Cotabato City With reports from BPI-ARMM)

COTABATO CITY (PIA) – The education department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) launched a grant facility called Responsive Innovation Fund (RIF) to provide opportunities for all stakeholders in the education sector.

Launched on Monday, July 9 in Davao City, the RIF will fund creative ideas into tangible projects that will contribute to the delivery of quality education in the ARMM.

“We want everyone to contribute brilliant ideas, or innovations, that will result in improved learning outcomes of our schoolchildren or strengthen education governance in the region,” said DepEd-ARMM Secretary Rasul Mitmug Jr.

The grant facility, he said, is one of the key features of DepEd-ARMM’s Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao or simply Pathways, a program funded by the Australian Government.

Sec. Mitmug added that among the priorities of RIF are providing primary education to children and youth who have no access to schools, bringing out-of-school children and youth back to school, embedding ARMM’s rich cultural heritage in learning, and promoting peace-building through education.

“The RIF grants range from P500,000 to P4 million,” Sec. Mitmug said.

DepEd-ARMM welcomes proposals from parents, teachers, and local government units in the autonomous region as well as from civil society organizations, and local and international development organizations.

He said projects funded by RIF would run for six months to one year, or longer, depending on the length of studies. Applicants may visit www.pathways.ph/rif to know more of the facility and to download the application form.

Applications may be sent through rif@pathways.ph or to the Pathways Program Management Office located at DepEd-ARMM, ORG Compound, Cotabato City.

ARMM participates in human resource symposium

(Desk Man, Bureau of Public Information)

DAVAO CITY – The Office of the Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ORG-ARMM) held a 3-day exhibit on ISO practices and Gender and Development (GAD) policy implementation at SMX Convention Center here.

With the theme “Achieving Breakthrough Results Through Strategic HR”, the ARMM exhibit, which run from July 18 to 20, was part of the 2018 Public Sector Human Resource (HR) Symposium organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The event aimed at gathering ideas and experiences of the participants on how to create and implement good HR practices and to show how these work on their respective offices and organizations.

The ORG-ARMM’s team proudly showcased different good governance practices the office has been applying through the “Kai and Zen Adventures” brochures.

Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong, ORG Chief-of-Staff, said the ARMM has gone far in terms of improving good governance, especially at the Office of the Regional Governor. “This is to share, through this exhibit, what worked for us and what ARMM may leave as benchmark under the inspiring leadership of Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman,” she added.

ORG-ARMM prides itself of successfully implementing management and administrative reforms. Aside from meeting the national government’s Good Governance Conditions and attaining Performance-Based Bonus compliance for the first time in 25 years in 2014, it has also been ISO 9001-certified since 2016 through its Quality Management System and 5S Housekeeping Program.

Also, the regional government has been strengthening the GAD Focal Point System as well as improving compliance to laws such as the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The ORG-ARMM is also strengthening better occupational health and safety standards.

A total of 2,000 participants, including executives, leaders, human resource personnel and organization development practitioners from various government and private organizations in the Philippines, attended the symposium. Representatives from the Association of South East Asian Nations were also present during the event.

Tourists flock to Yakan tribe village display in Cotabato

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — More than 7,000 domestic and foreign tourists have visited the now eight-week Yakan model village here where there are two “national treasures” as bonus attractions.

The duo, Yakan cloth weaver Ambalang Ausalin, 75, and the 78-year-old kulintang musician Uwang Adhas, are among what visitors would like see, besides the cultural shows depicting the ethnicity of the native inhabitants of Basilan province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Designated settlers in the popular Yakan model village here prayed for peace in gatherings there the past three days to highlight the aspirations of Basilan residents for sustained tranquility in their island province.

There are Yakan, Tausug, Maguindanao, Maranao and Samah mock dwelling enclaves existing inside the 32-hectare capitol compound here of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao since last month.

The villages were established to highlight the customs and traditions of ARMM’s ethno-linguistic groups, operating until December this year as one of the highlights of the commemoration of the ARMM’s 29th founding anniversary.

It could possibly be the last if ARMM gets replaced with a Bangsamoro regional entity based on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the proposed BBL this month in keeping with his administration’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The cultural activities at the Yakan village early this week were sponsored by local officials from Lamitan City, the capital of Basilan.

Led by Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, the Lamitan contingent organized a thanksgiving banquet for visitors where an Imam prayed for peace and progress in Basilan, now an investment and tourism hub in the autonomous region.

The ARMM also covers Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, both in mainland Mindanao, and the islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Of mixed Yakan and Zamboangueño ancestry, Furigay, now in his second term as vice mayor, said what is fascinating with the Yakan village here is the presence of Ausalin and Adhas to entertain guests.

Ausalin and Adhas were both named “Philippine treasures” by the National Commission for Culture and Arts in recognition of their vaunted talents in weaving the iconic Yakan tennun fabric using a wooden handloom and in kulintang performances, respectively.

Both of them are from Lamitan City, home to mixed Muslim and Christian residents thriving together in its 45 barangays.

“We are a proud people. We have centuries-old traditions meant to keep peace in our province, now rising as a new investment area in ARMM, a result of keeping our cultures and community norms,” Furigay said Wednesday.

He said he is thankful to the chief executive of ARMM, Gov. Mujiv Hataman, for having focused on high-ticket infrastructure thrusts that gave Basilan’s economy a big boost.

“The present ARMM administration is also preserving the unique cultural and ethnic identities of all people in the autonomous region. That is good,” Furigay said.

Furigay said the model Yakan village will help educate local and foreign tourists on how Basilan residents go about with their daily activities in their dwelling places.

The appointed leader of the Yakan village, located at one side of the ARMM capitol compound, is human rights lawyer Laisa Masuhud-Alamia, regional executive secretary of Hataman.

More than 7,000 guests have signed on the registry of visitors in the Yakan village since it was launched last month, along with four other mock enclaves depicting the ethnic Tausug, Samah, Maranao and Maguindanaon communities.

100 hardwood tree seedlings planted in Maguindanao

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) and the local government of Parang, Maguindanao joined hands Tuesday in planting 100 Mahogany and Antipolo tree seedlings on the municipality's 500-hectare Macasandag watershed.

The watershed area, covering most of Barangay Macasandag, is the main source of water for both domestic and agricultural uses of the municipality, traversed by the Kumagingking, Ambal, Kamaran, Libuan, Simuay, and Nituan rivers - all leading towards Illana Bay in the northern side.

“The tree seedlings were provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - ARMM,” OCD-ARMM Director Raylindo Aniñon told newsmen here Wednesday.

He said the activity was in conjunction with July’s celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month under the theme, “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan”.

The tree planting site was identified by Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay, who underscored that the planting of new hardwood tree species would prevent soil erosion at the Macasandag watershed.

Other activity participants were DENR-ARMM, the Parang Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Department of Health-ARMM, the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, and the Youth Development Alliance of Parang.

ATI launches 3 farmers poultry schools on halal chicken prod'n in LDS

(DA Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Regional Training Center-12 in partnership with Department of Agriculture (DA) launched three Farmers Poultry School (FPS) on Halal Free Range Chicken Production in selected sites in the province on June 30-July 8.

The FPS is a 20-week discovery-based scientific approach to agricultural extension adapting the Farmers Field School methodology.

It aims to give farmers capacity to intelligently choose production options that can improve their livelihood through hands-on testing of alternative technologies and in assessing their relevance and compatibility to their resource endowments.

The three sites are Disenteng Serbisyo Para Sa Magsasaka Agriculture Cooperative in Pualas town, Tugaya Farmers Learning Site in Barangay Lumbac, Tugaya town, and Barlins Farm (a Go Negosyo Farm) in Barangay Linamon, Ditsaan-Ramain.

A total of 30 farmer-beneficiaries in each site is set to undergo the four-month FPS.

ARMM extends aid to 57K IDPs in Maguindanao

By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The humanitarian team of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has distributed relief goods and food packs to some 11,500 families or about 57,500 individuals displaced by armed conflict and floods in Maguindanao.

Myrna Jo Henry, speaking for ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART), said the relief goods were turned over Thursday and Friday to at least nine local government units (LGUs) affected by both calamities.

“The local government relief workers have started distributing the supplementary assistance,” Henry said, adding that the LGUs are the first responders and that ARMM-HEART only supports them.

The affected families fled to safer grounds when government forces recently launched air and ground assaults against Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, and Datu Paglas, all in Maguindanao’s second district.

Fighting erupted on July 1 and military operations are continuing in the interiors of Maguindanao, particularly at the 220-hectare Liguasan marshland being used as hiding place by the terror group with its tall grasses and intricate waterways.

Civilians also fled to safer grounds when the water level of the Liguasan marsh rose to waist-deep high in several communities.

Latest ARMM-HEART monitoring reports indicated that eight villages in Datu Salibo, 12 in Sultan sa Barongis, 11 in Rajah Buayan, four in Paglat, seven in Buluan, and six in Mamasapano were under water for almost two weeks now due to inclement weather affecting the province.

Henry said soldiers from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division were also sent to assist families displaced by floods.

ARMM teachers are peace advocates: Official

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY--The more than 5,000 public school teachers hired and deployed in the past five years in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been active in propagating a culture of peace in schools, an education official said.

“ARMM teachers have been undergoing training in peace advocacy, most especially those assigned in remote and far-flung villages, including island communities in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi,” lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) - ARMM, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Friday.

Mitmug said the latest batch of these mentors were 765 licensed teachers hired by ARMM last week for deployment to Maguindanao.

He said the new teachers will fill up the vacancies left by unlicensed and unqualified teachers, including “ghost teachers” that proliferated during previous ARMM leaders’ time.

Some of the recruited teachers, he added, had volunteered to serve in the recent barangay and youth elections.

“Aside from peace advocacy, the new teachers were also trained to propagate religious and cultural solidarity with the people they serve,” Mitmug said.

Once touted as the most corrupt government agency, he said DepEd-ARMM has undergone a massive “cleansing” process that has turned it into the most competent and improved regional agency with huge savings.

Lanao del Sur’s village exhibit highlights ‘Lanao Rising’

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

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--At the heart of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) compound in Cotabato City is a microcosm of its five provinces. The exhibit, highlighting cultural villages representing Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, is part of the 29th anniversary of the regional government.

Dubbed Pakaradjaan 2018, the event aims to strengthen the ARMM’s advocacy to spread awareness on the rich historical legacy of the region, including diverse cultures that have been thriving even before the establishment of the Philippine Republic.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman views the cultural villages’ exhibit as vital since some policymakers do not have a deep understanding of the Moro history. To a certain extent, that leads to a lack of appreciation on where the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is coming from.

One of the highlights of the exhibit is that of Lanao del Sur, the home to Maranaos. Lanao’s village façade, decorated with colorful paintings of the Sarimanok – a mythical bird of the Maranao, is a sight one will surely not miss.

‘Lanao Rising’, the village’s slogan, traces its roots to a popular advocacy that conveys an important message: the province will rise from the catastrophe of the Marawi siege, said Lanao del Sur village Chieftain Rasol Mitmug, Jr., also the secretary of the ARMM’s Department of Education.

Upon entering, the village reveals a replica of the Torogan, a traditional Maranao house that speaks of one’s status back in the early days. It is decorated with intricately carved panolong, a house ornament that resembles a butterfly wing, as well as other interesting Maranao creations.

A model of Plaza Cabili is the centerpiece of the village. The plaza, a historically significant part of Marawi, was destroyed in last year’s siege. The reason why it was included in the village exhibit is “to commemorate its memories of being a landmark and a venue for grand events in the past such as rallies, campaigns, and concerts,” said Sec. Mitmug.

The view from the window in the village structure is a miniature of the largest lake in Mindanao: Lake Lanao, which is connected to the Agus River system that provides up to a third of the island’s total power requirement.

To complete the experience in the exhibit, a functioning padian, or market, is built inside the village where visitors can find traditional Maranao delicacies, or buy souvenirs such as landap and wooden artifacts and brassware designed with okir.

It should be noted that the Maranaos are known all over the country as excellent entrepreneurs.

The village holds cultural performances every night to showcase Lanao’s performing arts.

Mitmug said his team would bring home the Torogan replica to Lanao and turn it into a people’s museum in the future.

Deped, NGOs vow to give ARMM education a boost

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

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—The Department of Education (Deped) central office and its partner non-government organizations vowed to work together to further improve the quality of education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Education Assistant Secretary G.H Ambat said the department’s national office will work together with the people of ARMM to achieve its goal in terms of education.

"I am happy that we're here to discuss not any crisis in the region but the development of education in the ARMM,” Ambat said.

Ambat said the Deped central office will surely focus on the needs of the people of ARMM.

“I'm confident that the ARMM will definitely prosper and will catch up,” she said, adding how glad she was that the ARMM and its partner organizations and agencies were working and contributing a lot to the betterment of education in the region. She also assured that the department will continue its drive to bring out-of-school youth back to learning.

Crisanto Cayon, an emergency specialist of Unicef, said that for years they have seen how the ARMM has been coping in meeting the national standards for education.

"The ARMM really improved in the education sector. Its attempt in hiring qualified teachers, empowering teachers and supporting them in their quest to provide quality learning opportunities for learners are highly commendable," Cayon said.

To date, the ARMM has 25,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel catering the region’s 861,628 students in 2,670 elementary and secondary schools.

The Unicef, he said, is satisfied seeing that the ARMM created a healthy, safe and protective environment for the learners, as well as encouraged children to get into the school through its feeding program.

Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., Deped-ARMM secretary, said their partner NGOs have a big role in improving the quality of education and in strengthening the delivery of education services in the region.

"Bringing all the stakeholders makes the improvement in education sustainable," he said.

"We are happy that many organizations show the willingness to support and help the ARMM in terms of improving the education for the future of the Bangsamoro children," Mitmug added.

Grant facility to fund ‘innovations in education’ in ARMM launched

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

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Deped-ARMM) has launched a grant facility that will fund innovations in education.

Dubbed as Responsive Innovation Fund (RIF), the grant facility provides opportunities for all education stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of quality education in the ARMM.

“We want everyone to contribute brilliant ideas or innovations, that will result in improved learning outcomes of our schoolchildren or strengthen education governance in the region,” Lawyer Rasol Mitmug, Jr., regional secretary of ARMM’s Education department said.

The RIF, he said, is one of the key features of Deped-ARMM’s Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao (Pathways), a program funded by the Australian Government.

Mitmug said among the priorities of RIF are providing primary education to children and youth who have no access to schools, bringing out-of-school children and youth back to school, embedding ARMM’s rich cultural heritage in learning, and promoting peace-building through education.

The RIF grants range from Php500,000 to Php4 million.

Deped-ARMM welcomes proposals from parents, teachers, and local government units in ARMM as well as from civil society organizations, local, and international development organizations.

He said projects funded by RIF would run for six months to one year, or longer, especially for longitudinal studies. Applicants may visit www.pathways.ph/rifto know more of the facility and to download the application form.

Applications can be sent through rif@pathways.ph or to the Pathways Program Management Office located at Deped-ARMM, ORG Compound in Cotabato City.

ARMM-DepEd rolls out program to ensure children in Marawi to go back to school

(Politiko Mindanao)

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has launched a program that aims to heighten interventions in areas affected by the Marawi conflict last year.

Dubbed Back-to-School and Stay-in-School (BTS/SIS), the program, which was unveiled Monday, July 9, “is an inter-organization initiative for conflict-affected learners to ensure that they will go back to school, or access learning through the provision of basic education services, skills training and peace building,” said Rasol Mitmug Jr., ARMM’s Education Secretary.

“This program is part of the ARMM government’s response for the conflict-affected population in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur,” he said.

He noted that there were 125,004 school children adversely affected by the Marawi siege when Maute-ISIS terrorists occupied the city for about five months until October last year.

BTS/SIS is set to run from June this year to March 2019 in 18 towns in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, including Marawi City.

DepEd-ARMM will partner with government agencies and 18 nongovernmental organizations to implement the program.

ARMM-DepEd sees steady uptrend in students’ performance in national test

(Politiko Mindanao)

The performance of the students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on the National Achievement Test (NAT) has been improving during the last five years, an official said.

ARMM’s Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Rasol Mitmug said that despite having a mean score lower than the national average, there is a steady uptrend in ARMM students’ performance in the NAT.

In 2015, ARMM’s literacy rate bounced to 88.7% from 80.3% in 2010. As of school year 2017-2018, ARMM has 861,628 students and 2,670 schools in both elementary and secondary levels.

Mitmug said his department has been working closely with the national government and nongovernmental institutions in providing high quality education in the region.

He cited that among the issues affecting learners’ performance include the quality of teachers, the contact time between teachers and students, and managing the effects of either natural or man-made calamities.

As part of the regional government’s response to the issues, DepEd-ARMM has remained strict in hiring new teachers, Mitmug said.

Healing Marawi children thru art

By Rey-Luis Banagudos (PNA)

MARAWI CITY -- In every war, the children are the most affected of all the so-called ‘collateral damages,’ for it changes their view about the world, the society, their future, and even themselves.

The art of healing, for one, is an effective process that has been done in war-torn areas as a post-traumatic therapy, according to internationally-acclaimed Muslim artist Ramir Tawasil, known for his “heArt of Healing” project.

Three-hundred fifteen children aged five and up participated in the 11-day art workshop conducted by Tawasil in Marawi from April 30 to May 10.

The project was supported by the House of Representatives through the Congressional office of Anak Mindanao party list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, the Salimujang Foundation and Anak Mindanao.

Sangcopan has a Maranaw father and Tausug mother. Tawasil, meanwhile, is a Tausug who lives in Zamboanga City.

Twenty-one facilitators, who are public school teachers, assisted Tawasil in the sessions, where they also served as the trainers for the kids.

“As a Muslim, the Marawi war has a great impact on me. Especially because I was a young boy and I was in Jolo when it was burned down during (the) fighting between the MNLF and military in 1974. I was in Zamboanga during the 2013 siege. I am a victim of these wars myself,” Tawasil said.

He said these experiences have influenced him to become a “peace artist,” citing peace themes dominating most of his artworks.

One of his major works, in fact, depicts the burning of Jolo.

“I am a communicator of our social issues through my paintings,” he said. Tawasil makes use of the unique Tausug “ukkil” motifs and style in his art.

The activities in his workshop with the Marawi kids included painting, doodle art, origami paper folding, and even story-telling.

With the children’s output, as many as 500 pieces will be framed and displayed for sale at PHP3,000 each at the House of Representatives, where the entire proceeds will be used to create a provident fund for them.

This will be staged back to back to a show of paintings and artworks of Mindanao artists, part of the revenues will also go to the provident fund.

Their paintings are amazing in terms of creativity and technique, said Tawasil. By tradition, Maranaws are really craftsmen, known for making renowned brasswares, mother of pearl inlaid woodworks, knives and trays, among others.

Tawasil, in fact, is already designing other art and culture-based projects for Marawi.

These include a monument in honor of fallen soldiers, the longest wall mural made of war debris, a loom weaving and a library hall for women that will serve as income-generating project for them.

He said the threat of terrorism returning in Marawi remains strong, a concern he had gathered during his interactions with locals.

Tawasil, however, believes even artwork can shield children from extremism.

500 Maguindanao farmers receive farm equipment from DA

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

BULUAN, Maguindanao -- An agriculture official in Region 12 vowed to equip farmers with the necessary equipment as government support for them to improve productivity and sustain rice sufficiency in the coming years.

Engr. Milagros Casis, DA-12 regional director, made the assurance during the turnover program on Saturday of PHP46-million worth of farm equipment and facilities to some 500 farmers in Maguindanao under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.

“We are behind you in your desire to increase income and productivity,” Casis said.

The equipment package includes 229 units of farm machines that were initially turned over to farmers’ cooperatives in 16 of Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities.

Among those distributed were irrigation pump machinery and power tillers.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said farmers in the province are lucky to have such kind of government program extended for free.

"Those types of machinery were given free to us, so it's our duty and counterpart to utilize it well," he told the farmer-beneficiaries here.

SAAD is one of the programs of DA that intends to alleviate poverty in the poorest provinces of the country by helping farmers and fishermen through agricultural and fisheries provisions.

International travel bloggers visit ARMM villages’ expo, impressed by Bangsamoro cultures

(Desk Man, Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – “BecomingFilipino” travel blogger and YouTube sensation Kyle Jennermann, popularly known in the Philippines as “Kulas,” visited the exposition here launched by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

ARMM Executive Secretary, lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia welcomed Jennermann and fellow bloggers and BBC travel host, Michael Corey, of “Fearless and Far” on YouTube, and Mark ‘Kumar’ Yañez during their July 6 visit. She toured the bloggers to the mock cultural villages at the exposition held at the ARMM compound.

Jennermann said he and his fellow travel bloggers were so impressed by the mock cultural villages and the rich cultures it present. He said he is always fascinated with the beauty of Mindanao and long wanted to visit the provinces under the autonomous region – Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindnaao and Lanao del Sur – for a special reason.

He said the exposition which showcases the cultural villages is a great avenue for others, especially foreigners, to understand the unique cultures in the ARMM. The experience he gained in visiting the cultural villages is a smooth transition from “Becoming Moro.”

The popular blogger said his visit here showcased the way of life of the Bangsamoro people. “I think you (people of ARMM) have to continue the attitude that you have and do not be afraid to show your culture to everyone,” he said.

Jennermann said he has been to Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao, and is still looking forward to visiting Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

For the 32-year-old Canadian blogger, it will always be a pleasure to travel in various regions and get closer to the Filipino people. He said the reason why he came up with the monicker “BecomingFilipino” is because he wants to learn and experience how it is to be a Filipino.

Jennermann said he always admires the attitude of Filipinos for being strong, resilient, and happy despite challenges, either man-made or from natural calamities.

Corey said: “There are other interesting countries out there but the Philippines is special because Filipinos are so nice, friendly, and very outgoing.”

Learning the Moro culture through presentations in one setup is a great opportunity to communicate to non-Moro people, and even Moro people as well, what ARMM has done in a short span of time.

Jennermann has been living in the Philippines for over four years now and he featured stories online about the beauty of Mindanao through his own YouTube channel “BecomingFilipino.” He said he plans to do more feature stories on the provinces of the ARMM in the coming months.

In his Facebook page “BecomingFilipino,” Jennerman wrote: “Mike (Fearless & Far) and I saw a crowd of people forming at the “Mock Sulu Village” in Cotabato City the other night. Drawn by the incredibly catchy “barker style announcing”, we went to take a look! And then it happened…

Our arms began to raise, our bodies began to move, and next thing you know we were right in the middle of a traditional Tausug Pangalay dance celebration. This was surreal, but in so many beautiful ways! “Pangalay” actually refers to “raising and moving your arms”. I learned at the the Tawi-Tawi village that it originally comes from Badjao who used it as a form of dance to relate to the movement of waves along the ocean. Finding ourselves right in the middle of this dance experience, I was overwhelmed with emotion when locals from Sulu placed head-dress on us, and offered us shirts…

They were so proud to share this part of their culture, and have us participate with them. In fact, without their motivation and positive vibes, I am certain we would have been to scared to get involved! Can you spot the 20 peso bills in Mike’s hand!? Yes, random people would come up and place money in the hands of dancers when they enjoyed their moves…

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Have you ever been involved in a Pangalay before!? It was so beautiful, and something I will forever cherish experiencing here at the mock villages of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City! One day at a time, One dance with beautiful people from Sulu at a time…”

Jennermann and his friends expressed admiration to the mock villages noting they experienced different cultural presentations inside each village. They also enjoyed and tasted various delicacies of each Moro village. “I could truly say, it’s ARMMazing in ARMM,” he said.

DOST-ARMM eyes halal dev’t program for better opportunity in global market

By Rene V. Carbayas

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology encouraged all partners and stakeholders during the 1st ARMM Halal Summit held recently in Lamitan City, to strengthen halal development program in the region and boost competitiveness of locally produced products in the global market.

Anchored on the theme, “Halal Ecosystem in ARMM for Global Market: Creating Opportunities; Synchronizing Synergy,” the 1st ARMM Halal Summit 2018 was convened to help increase awareness and create inspiration to offer brilliant ideas on how halal programs would create opportunities to reach the global market in the future.

The two-day summit was highlighted with topical discussion of Halal-related programs, policies and activities by different resource speakers emphasizing the importance and awareness to Halal with due respect to religious beliefs of Muslims as stated in the Qur’ an.

Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman together with DOST ARMM Secretary Myra B. Mangkabung, Mayor Rose U. Furigay and guests in the summit led the launching of the Halal Food Innovation Center (FIC) in Lamitan City as a collaborative undertaking of the Department of Science and Technology, Mindanao Autonomous College Foundation Inc. (MACFI), Chamber of Commerce for ARMM and LGU Lamitan City.

DOST said the FIC was established to assist food producers, processors, marketers, and entrepreneurs as they develop, improve and promote their products.

Through the FIC, MSMEs will have access to locally-developed technologies and expertise in the region which is embedded in the academe to propel product prototyping and maximize use of local commodities into globally marketable products.

Meanwhile, different halal products of the MSME participants from Basilan and other municipalities were showcased during the two-day summit. Local delicious foods known as “panyalam” and lukot–lukot, tablea, Yakan cloth and accessories, and dried fish, among others were displayed in different booths at the venue.

During the forum, DOST ARMM Secretary Myra B. Mangkabung said halal requirement is now very important in food industry, agriculture, tourism and business to both domestic and international market.

Mangkabung stressed the importance of halal requirements especially now that the Philippines is a part of the BIMP-EAGA and there’s a need to take advantage on the large halal food consumer purchases in the world market.

To further increase awareness and promote the importance of halal, participants also suggested the inclusion of halal advocacy or education in the curriculum especially in Food Technology course. (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan with reports from Nilda Delos Reyes)

DILG bares plan for Marawi water system

(DILG 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Engineering consultants presented the Program of Works (POW) and Detailed Engineering Designs (DED) for the proposed P76-million water system project for Marawi City to the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10.

DILG’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (Salintubig) program funds the project.

The reviewing committee, composed of engineers, discussed a detailed breakdown of each component of the proposed water system project from items to be procured, construction timeline, and pre-identified issues on implementation.

The review commitee also accepted comments and discussed suggestions for improvement to enhance the POW and DED prior to finalization.

The PDMU is set to ensure the project would be implemented with minimal deviations and zero anomalies by thorough review of the plans, the DILG assured.

The consultants are yet to incorporate the inputs to the final program of works and design for another presentation, accoridng to DILG sources.

The Salintubig program previously facilitated the turnover of P76 million for the promising project that will provide potable water for 2,156 households in the war-torn city.

This is part of P10-billion rehabilitation program under the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of which among the priorities is the establishment of water supply systems.

Officials of Marawi welcomed the DILG’s efforts in promoting good governance by participating in the city’s restoration programs and activities.

This project will be implemented between July 2018 until December 2019.

Two national living treasures featured in ARMM villages’ expo

Sheila Mae Dela Cruz (ARMM Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – The Basilan village, one of the five communities represented in the ongoing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Villages Expo at Shariff Kabunsuan Complex here, is featuring two living national artists as main attraction.

Aptly depicted as ‘Weavers of Peace’, the Basilan village highlights weaver Ambalang Ausalin and musician Uwang Ahadas - who have both been recognized as National Living Treasures, or ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan” by the national government.

Showcasing the artistry and unique cultural talents of its artists, the Basilan village features the works of Yakans, who are known as the finest weavers in southern Philippines, even as they are also recognized for their rich musical tradition.

One of them is 75-year-old Apuh Ambalang, as she is called by her community of weavers, who is from Lamitan City.

She was recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Yakan ‘tennun’ or tapestry-weaving tradition. She is also known for her ‘suwah bekkat’ (cross-stitch-like embellishment) and ‘suwah pendan’ (embroidery-like embellishment).

In her younger days, Ambalang was mentored by her mother, then the the province’s best weaver. She practiced with strips of coconut leaves and started to weave all the designs of the Yakan cloth, including the "sinalu’an" and "seputangan", two of the most intricate styles in the Yakan weaving virtuosity.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary and concurrent ARMM social welfare and development secretary, noted that the “tennun” is an extraordinary demonstration of Yakan culture.

“Its categories, colors, designs, motifs, and significance will constantly remind Apuh Ambalang in her outstanding work, what it means to be Yakan – people of the earth,” she said, adding that such craft affirms the Yakan identity as a people, weaving the threads of culture, interlacing past, and future.

The Basilan village is also proud of the unique talent of Ahadas, a 73-year-old musician who uses native instruments such as the “gabbang”, “agung”, and “kwintangan kayu” for his music.

Ahadas still continues to educate the locals about the Yakan musical traditions despite being almost blind. He was proclaimed as a living treasure for his dexterity in playing Yakan musical instruments such as the kwintangan, gabbang, agung, and kwintangan kayu, among others, and for his deep knowledge of the aesthetic possibilities and social contexts of these instruments.

The “tennun” musical tradition and way of living are important in Yakan’s history and identity, representing the beautiful province of Basilan and its people.

The ARMM Villages Expo features different ethnic groups in the region to let other people understand, learn and appreciate the Bangsamoro culture and traditions.

From cultural performances, where participants wear colorful costumes, to architectural styles, images of scenic places, native delicacies, and exhibition of artifacts and livelihood, people in these villages demonstrate their authentic lifestyle.

“The other people might not know about the history of the Bangsamoro but by mingling with the activities in the villages, they are given the opportunity to possibly learn our culture,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

The ARMM villages’ exposition will run up to Dec. 28 this year.

765 new teachers up for deployment in Maguindanao

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY--The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has hired 765 new teachers for Maguindanao province.

The fresh batch of teachers were hired after successfully passing the Assessment and Competence Examination for teachers in ARMM (ACETA), interview and demonstration teaching conducted by the region’s Department of Education in May this year.

On Monday, a total of 330 newly appointed teachers, specifically those assigned in Maguindanao schools division 2, took their oath before ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and DepEd-ARMM Secretary Rasol Mitmug Jr. at Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the region situated in this city.

Another 435 teachers for Maguindanao Schools Division 1 are set to take their oath Tuesday (July 3) in same venue.

Mitmug, in his welcome speech Monday, encouraged the newly appointed teachers to allot more time and quality education for the Bangsamoro children.

“You were hired because you are qualified. The best thing is that you are assigned in areas near your homes,” he told the fresh batch of teachers who were excited for their new job assignments.

Hataman, for his part, reminded the new teachers that the development of the region depends much on their hands in guiding the children to the right path of life.

“That is why you are here because you are all good. I wish that once you are deployed, you surpass the commitment of teaching you gave for our youth,” he said in vernacular.

Hairudin Salik, who received his first official assignment as teacher at the Datu Mantato National High School in Datu Odin Sinsuat town vowed to be a good educator by example for his students.

“Finally, this is the shot I have been waiting for so long. It has always been my dream to teach at the Mantato School that is in our neighborhood,” he said in an interview.

The DepEd Maguindanao Division 1 includes some 20 schools from the towns of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Upi.

On the other hand, DepEd Maguindanao Division 2, has 29 schools from the towns of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Mangudadatu, Mamasapano, Mamasapano, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, General S.K. Pendatun, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Sultan Sa Barongis, South Upi, Rajah Buayan, Talayan, and Talitay.

Aside from Maguindanao, the regional government has scheduled similar events to take place soon in other ARMM area components, namely the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.

The ARMM is composed of nine school divisions namely, Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

DENR-ARMM holds songwriting contest to end Environment Month

(Politiko Mindanao)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) culminated the Philippine Environment Month Sunday, July 1, with the songwriting competition.

Dubbed as the “Tinig ng Kalikasan,” local composers from ARMM and Cotabato City participated in the contest.

They wrote and performed songs that advocate environmental protection especially the fight against plastic pollution, DENR-ARMM said.

“We thought that we could use a form of art and the Bangsamoro’s talents and skills to remind everyone about their responsibility to protect the environment,” DENR-ARMM Secretary Hadji Kahal Q. Kedtag.

“Protecting the environment is an everyday obligation,” Kedtag added.

The culmination of the Philippine Environment was conducted at the Maguindanao Village, Office of the Regional Government Compound, Cotabato City.

Discovering Sulu village: ‘Pearl of the Sulu Sea’

(Desk Man, With a report from the Mindanao Examiner)

COTABATO CITY – Filipinos, especially those in Mindanao, praised the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for launching “provincial exposition” depicting the rich and colorful history of the Bangsamoro people and their culture.

The regional government launched and opened to the public the ARMM Provincial Villages Expo representing the region’s five provinces – Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur – in June 18 as part of the year-long celebration of Pakaradjaan 2018: The 29th ARMM anniversary. And it has attracted thousands of visitors.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said the mounting of the ARMM villages is not just for fun, but more significantly, to let other people understand the diverse and rich culture ARMM has. “Lalo kaming na-eengganyo na ituloy ito dahil noong proseso ng Bangsamoro Basic Law, marami talaga sa mga policy makers natin ang hindi nakakaunawa sa ating mga kwento at kasaysayan,” he said.

One of the provinces with an interesting presentation in the expo is the Sulu village – tagged as ‘Pearl of the Sulu Sea’, the province has showcased its larger-than-life culture and history.

Inside the Sulu village, a wooden life-size replica of the Astanah Darul Jambangan, or the Palace of the Sulu Sultan, can be found. Such structure was originally built in Maimbung town, and is believed to be the largest royal palace in the Philippines before it was destroyed by a typhoon in 1932. The term Astanah Darul Jambangan literally means ‘royal house’ (astanah) and ‘abode of garden’ (darul jambangan).

Sulu village chieftain Don Mustapha Loong, who is also the ARMM Public Works Secretary, said the significance of building the replica structure of Astanah Darul Jambangan is to remind the people, especially the younger generations that the Sulu Sultanate existed even before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines.

“We want to show and inform the people that even before the Philippine government was created, Sulu has already its own government and that the people in Sulu were already organized,” he said. In other words, Astanah Darul Jambangan symbolizes, or represents, the government of Sulu.

To understand more about the history and the rulers of Sulu, an information area about the sultans is located inside the village. Flags of the old sultanate are also displayed inside the Royal House.

Musical instruments, such as Gabbang, are also shown. Gabbang is a bamboo xylophone used by the Tausug people and is associated as producing the musical partner to their traditional dances.

A nightly program is held where visitors can experience the different Tausug performing arts. There is also a food court inside the area for a taste of the varied Tausug delicacies.

To showcase the culture of Sulu and its people through building this enormous structure and the village per se is not just to let people experience and understand the province’s culture and history.

These are significant reminders that the regional government is addressing the historical injustices that happened to the Bangsamoro people, hoping that through these presentations, the Bangsamoro people will gain the right to self-determination soon.

Two national living treasures take spotlight in ARMM villages’ expo

And beyond the grand villages built here is the hope to educate other people outside the autonomous region on the rich culture and history of the Bangsamoro people. With various ethnolinguistic groups found in many regions, the Philippine archipelago has been characterized by cultural diversity. Given this, the ARMM has its creative way to show its peoples’ heritage from the past, maintained and preserved for future generations.

From cultural performances, where participants wear colorful costumes, to architectural styles, images of scenic places, native delicacies, and exhibition of artifacts and livelihood, people in these villages demonstrate their authentic lifestyle.

“The other people might not know about the history of the Bangsamoro but by mingling with the activities in the villages, they are given the opportunity to possibly learn our culture,” Governor Hataman said.

Director Amir Mawallil, ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information chief, said: “In a time when our people are subject to unfair judgment and in a country where it is a challenge to assert our identity, the cultural villages offer a refuge. It is a reminder of who we are, how there is so much for us to be proud of, and what we need to continue fighting for.”

One of the five villages, specifically the Basilan village, or the ‘Weavers of Peace’, highlighted two of ARMM’s pride — Ambalang Ausalin and Uwang Ahadas who have been recognized as National Living Treasures, or ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan’ by the Philippine government. The Basilan village showcased the artistry and unique cultural talents of its artists. Yakans are known as the finest weavers in southern Philippines even as they are recognized for their rich musical tradition.

Apuh Ambalang, as she is called by her community of weavers, is from Lamitan City. She was recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Yakan ‘tennun’ or tapestry-weaving tradition. She is also known for her ‘suwah bekkat’ (cross-stitch-like embellishment) and ‘suwah pendan’ (embroidery-like embellishment).

In her younger days, she was mentored by her mother who was the province’s best weaver. She practiced with strips of coconut leaves and started to weave all the designs of the Yakan cloth, including the ‘sinalu’an’ and the ‘seputangan’, two of the most intricate categories in Yakan weaving.

A Basilan village chieftain, lawyer Laisa Alamia, who is the ARMM Executive Secretary and concurrent Social Welfare and Development Secretary, said: “The Tennun Yakan is an extraordinary important manifestation of Yakan culture.”

“Its categories, colors, designs, motifs, and significance will constantly remind Apuh Ambalang in her outstanding work, what it means to be Yakan – people of the earth,” she said, noting that such craft affirms the Yakans’ identity as a people, weaving the threads of culture, interlacing past, and future.

The Basilan village is also proud of the unique talent of Ahadas, a 73-year-old musician who utilizes native instruments such as the gabbang, agung and kwintangan kayu. Until today, Ahadas still continues to educate the locals about the Yakan musical traditions despite being almost blind.

He was proclaimed as a National Living Treasure for his dexterity in playing Yakan musical instruments such as the kwintangan, gabbang, agung, and kwintangan kayu, among others, and for his deep knowledge of the aesthetic possibilities and social contexts of these instruments. The tennun, musical traditions, and the way of living are important in Yakan’s history and identity representing the beautiful province of Basilan and its people.

DPWH-ARMM turns over P58-M heavy equipment to districts

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – Public works officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) vowed to continue infrastructure projects in the region despite the possible transition into a new political entity with the expected passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led the turn over of PHP58-million worth of new heavy equipment to various engineering district offices on Wednesday, saying he hopes the machineries would expedite the implementation of projects and sustain infrastructure development in the region.

Hataman said three units of excavators were turned over by the regional government to Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi engineering offices, while the remaining four units of six-wheeler dump trucks and a unit of an amphibious excavator are set for delivery to the region's engineering district offices in Maguindanao, Basilan and Sulu.

Hataman said the new pieces of heavy equipment would augment the workforce as the region pours new infrastructure investments. Priorities, he said, were given to Marawi City to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of the city and nearby municipalities.

“The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) is now working to help in the timely completion of the development works in Marawi City (which suffered in) last year’s conflict,” Engr. Luzvimin Sani of Lanao del Sur’s first engineering district, said.

In the second engineering district of Lanao del Sur, Engr. Abib Arumpac expressed elation upon receiving the district office’s first-ever excavator.

“This can help in the de-clogging of drainage and waterways since we experience landslides in our areas,” Engr. Arumpac said.

With the number of infra projects in Tawi-Tawi, Engr. Tony Kamlani said the new equipment would help the province accomplish infrastructure projects on time.

For Maguindanao, Hataman said its two engineering district offices would also soon have its new equipment to work on flood control projects and augment the dredging works in Rio Grande de Mindanao. Masses of water hyacinths have been identified as the major cause of flooding in low-lying municipalities of the province.

“The governor’s reform programs over the past several years were not merely focused on good governance, but it included distribution of quality equipment as well,” DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong said.

Loong said with more infrastructure projects, people in the region will have better access to tourism sites, boosting the region’s economy as transport of goods and products would be cheaper.

Currently, Hataman said the regional government has completed 1,468 kilometers of roads, 84 bridges, 188 water supply systems, 28 flood control structures, 55 drainage systems, 75 seaports, and 49 shore protection projects, among others.

Retrieved from "http://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Autonomous_Region_Muslim_Mindanao_News_July_2018&oldid=1086562"