Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News March 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

DAF-ARMM gives P3 M livelihood project to Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao farmers

(ORVRivera-PIA12)

COTABATO CITY, Mar 31 (PIA) – Farmers from Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao will benefit from a P3M farming livelihood project from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM).

The project consists of a vegetable farming livelihood project and a solar dryer funded under the Bottom up Budgeting (BuB) program.

Under the BuB, farmers’ associations presented project proposals through the assistance of the municipal agriculture office.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura said some 200 families from the farming community of Brgy. Panatan and neighboring barangays will benefit from the said project.

The official also thanked the regional government for the new assistance in their locality.

“The municipal government of Sultan Kudarat expresses its gratitude to DAF-ARMM for this project. The project is an opportunity for farmers in their barangays to be more productive, Mastura said,” he said.

Mastura added that the projects will help marginalized farmers uplift their economic status by enhancing their production capability.

DSWD sends more aids for armed conflict evacuees

(PNA), RMA/DSWD-PR/LSJ/EDS

MANILA, March 30 (PNA) -- To securely address the needs of displaced families brought about by the ongoing armed conflict in Mindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vows to continue sending additional food and non-food relief supplies in the affected areas.

The DSWD, in a statement, said that as of Monday (March 30), the DSWD provided Php 24.76 million worth of assistance in the 13 towns in Maguindanao; in Pikit and Matalam, North Cotabato; and in Bitaugan, Surigao del Sur where a clash between the military and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred on Feb. 27.

The DSWD has also included Brgy. Estado, Matalam, North Cotabato and Monkayo, Compostela Valley as among the areas it continues to assist after armed conflicts ensued there on March 20 and March 24, respectively.

The DSWD released the relief supplies either through the DSWD-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or through concerned local government units (LGUs), as well as through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

As of press time, a total of 27,178 families or 132,870 persons have been affected by the incident.

Of this number, 20,078 families or 100,390 persons are inside 78 evacuation centers. The evacuation centers in Pikit have already closed, but 1,629 families or 8,145 persons who opted to stay with their relatives continue to receive relief assistance.

The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams in the affected towns remain in close coordination with the LGUs for further assessment of the needs of the evacuees. While at the evacuation centers, evacuees are given psycho-social counseling and children-evacuees undergo play therapy sessions to lessen their trauma.

ARMM asked to use DOST funds

By Reina Tolentino

Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) funds amounting to P23.150 million intended for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were not fully used, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

This was because the regional offices that received the funds have no administrative and political jurisdiction in the areas of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao, state auditors said.

“In CY [calendar year] 2013, the DBM released funds amounting to P23.150 million. The release of the amounts to the regional offices was intended to address the lack of economic activities in the ARMM provinces which are classified as among the poorest in the country and fast-tracking economic interventions thru DAP would help spur economic activities in the ARMM Provinces,” the COA stated in a 2013 audit report on the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

DBM is the Department of Budget and Management.

Based on the audit report, only P3.87 million was spent out of the P13.35 million released to Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), thus leaving a balance of P9.475 million.

In Region X (Northern Mindanao), only P1.44 million was used from the P3.6 million released. Auditors said the balance, P2.16 million, was already returned to the National Treasury.

And in Region XII (Soccsksargen), P5.32 was spent out of the P6.2 million released.

State auditors attributed the low percentage of implementation of the projects to several reasons.

“DOST RO [regional office] IX, X and XII are not familiar with the sites where the projects were to be implemented,” they said.

DOST is the Department of Science and Technology.

There was also non-submission of the required project proposal and no ample time to evaluate the project proposal, much less to implement them.

Auditors also pointed out “the duplication of functions by both DOST X and DOST-ARMM” and “absence of direct responsibility in who will enforce the terms and conditions of the MOA [memorandum of agreement].”

The projects were not integrated into the regular program of the three regional offices, they said.

COA recommended that the Regional Monitoring Team needs to “communicate to the DOST Central Office the difficulties it encountered in implementing projects in areas outside its political jurisdictions and make known to DOST Central Office the possible consequences of this scheme, which is deterrent to good governance, so that this could be averted in the future, thus, preventing more wastage of government funds.”

The team was also told to ensure that the project proposal and its implementation are effectively evaluated, and to “give the widest dissemination and dispersal of projects and opportunities.”

COA also urged the Program/Project Leader to coordinate with DOST-ARMM so that the latter’s manpower and personnel can be tapped and mobilized in monitoring the implementation of projects.

DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises as well as private and government institutions to implement technological innovations to enhance their competitiveness and support economic development in the countryside.

Lumads perform high noon rituals for peace in at least 35 IP communities

By Ferdinandh B. Cabrera (MindaNews)

COTABATO CITY (March 28) – Members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) simultaneously offered prayers Saturday noon in an effort to help bring about peace. Tedurays offer a ritual for peace in Cotabato City’s highest peak, “Tawan-tawan,” Pedro Colina Hill at 12 noon Saturday, March 28. In other villages in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces where the Indigenous Peoples live, a similar ritual was performed simultaneously, for peace in Mindanao and the entire country, to continue the peace process between the GPH government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front; and to pass an inclusive and just Bangsamoro Basic Law. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

Tedurays offer a ritual for peace in Cotabato City’s highest peak, “Tawan-tawan,” Pedro Colina Hill at 12 noon Saturday, March 28. In other villages in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces where the Indigenous Peoples live, a similar ritual was performed simultaneously, for peace in Mindanao and the entire country, to continue the peace process between the GPH government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front; and to pass an inclusive and just Bangsamoro Basic Law. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

Rebecca Mokudef, Bliyan Libun (Woman Spiritual Leader) of the Tedurays, said the ritual for peace was simultaneously performed in at least 35 IP communities in Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

“We want peace in Mindanao, we want to preserve our culture and tradition, we ask the Almighty to help us attain peace for we always suffer when armed conflicts erupt in our communities,” Mokudef said after the ritual at Cotabato City’s highest peak called “Tawan-Tawan.”

She said the IPs support the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law which will govern what would be the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonmous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Under the ARMM, the Indigenous Peoples Rights ACT (IPRA) has not been implemented since its creation in 1997. The IPs want this law implemented under the Bangsamoro.

During the ritual in Tawan-tawan, the IPs or Lumads, most of them Teduray and Lambangian, called on the Almighty to keep the IPs and all peoples of Mindanao safe.

She said the armed conflict has divided tribal communities due to displacement, which in turn destroys traditional communities, customs and traditions.

“It is difficult to be evicted from our homeland, our ancestral domain. Slowly this is being destroyed by armed conflict, so we pray for a stop so we can live peacefully,” she explained.

Mokudef said the IP communities support the passage of an inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“We want to maintain our culture and tradition even with the establishment of Bangsamoro government. We desire for peace that will allow us to govern ourselves and freely practice our traditional laws,” Mokudef said.

Lanao media practitioners tapped on line safety info drive

By Apipa Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 27 (PIA) --- The country’s power grid operator has enlisted the help of Lanao media to disseminate information on transmission line safety.

Safety violations are detrimental to transmission operations and public safety, said Beth Ladaga, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Mindanao Regional Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer, during the Media Orientation on ROW Violations in Lanao and Facility Tour in Iligan Area Control Center, yesterday, March 26.

Ladaga said safety practices will prevent power interruptions and ensure safety of residents.

She emphasized that planting of trees and building of houses or any structure under or near transmission lines are prohibited to prevent accidents and power trippings.

The public are also discouraged to park vehicle near or under transmission lines, climb transmission structures, fly kites near transmission lines, put-up antennas and build grass fires near or under power lines.

Carrying long sticks or any object that might reach or come in contact with the power transmission lines is also considered as unsafe practices.

We should advocate observance of line safety at all times to prevent accidents, damage to life and properties, and power outages, Ladaga added.

The transmission line safety campaign of NGCP aims to raise public awareness on maintaining reliable, secure and safe transmission system in the country and in ensuring public safety in the communities.

Hataman allocates PHP8M to Basilan National High School

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/NOEL M. MIRASOL

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, March 26 (PNA) -– The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is allocating PHP8 million for the construction of a new auditorium at the Basilan National High School (BNHS) in this city.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman announced this Thursday during the 62nd Commencement Exercises of the BNHS where he was the guest speaker.

Hataman noted the BNHS auditorium is already dilapidated and need to be replaced with a new one to provide the students a conducive place for school-related activities.

Hataman said he will work out for the immediate release of the funds so that the construction of the new auditorium can start as soon as possible.

He advised the BNHS graduates to pursue college courses related to public or social service to help other people uplift their lives.

The 62nd batch of BNHS graduates consisted of 1,143 students.

Meanwhile, Hataman also pledged to allocate funds to develop this city’s athletic field aimed to provide a good training ground for this province’s athletes.

Competitiveness index survey to take place in ARMM LGUs

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 25 (PNA) -- The National Competitiveness Council will include selected Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in its annual Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) survey this year, a regional official announced Wednesday.

The CMCI ranks Philippine cities and municipalities based on 28 indicators that are grouped into three equally-weighed pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency and Infrastructure. The combined score on each pillar indicates their rank.

The index was developed by the NCC in 2012.

Abubacar Datumanong, DTI-ARMM assistant secretary, said it is the first time for the NCC to include ARMM LGUs in its survey.

He said the region’s two component cities – Marawi and Lamitan – and 43 municipalities will undergo the survey.

“Anytime this April surveys and series of orientations for selected LGUs will commence," he said.

ARMM has already organized a Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC), chaired by the region’s DTI office, to spearhead the CMCI survey.

An academic institution selected through bidding will undertake the actual survey.

“I am not so sure if our LGUs can make it to any rank but what is more important is we are included in the survey," Datumanong said.

“A business investor is trying to determine if a particular local government is prepared to host investment, it it is business and infrastructure ready," he said. "The CMCI ranking will be the investors guide where to put up investment,” he added.

Datumanong encouraged LGU officials to support the project, which will be completed before May 15.

“We need full cooperation, and we request them to provide accurate data for the survey,” he said.

Multi-million oil depot to boost economy, investment in Maguindanao

By Jubels Santos (PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)

COTABATO CITY, 24 March (PIA)—For the local business community, the coming in of a multi-mllion investment company Iron Blaze Corporation in Maguindanao is a welcome development.

Early 2014, Iron Blaze Corporation was one of the multi-million investors that committed and pledged to invest in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), specifically in Maguindanao.

Iron Blaze Corp, engaged in importation and distribution of oil products has made true its commitment with the ground breaking ceremony last March 13, this year of its multi-million oil depot at the Polloc Freeport, Parang, Maguindanao.

Assuring full support to investors, ARMM Regional Board of Investments Chair Ishak Mastura said Iron Blaza Corp is a pioneer locator first to respond to calls to invest in the region a year or so ago, manifesting investors’ high confidence in the area.

Mastura said, the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano incident has insignificant impact to the investment prospects in the region negating forecast of a slowdown following the unfortunate event putting the province of Maguindanao in the limelight.

Aside from fresh investments, there are projects of RBOI-registered firms that are already in the pipeline this year among these are the expansion of the capacity of a biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, banana plantation expansion program and the oil depot of Iron Blaze Corp., Mastura said.

For his part, Ramon dela Cuesta of Iron Blaze Corp. said the company makes good its commitment to infuse capital and do business and contribute to the region’s economic and investment growth.

Being formerly with Caltex, Philippines for quite some time, gave him the opportunity to visit Polloc Freeport in Parang town regularly and having familiarized the company saw the potential of the area as an investment site, dela Cuesta said.

From a small-scale, the company is investing in a multi-million oil depot facility and with the potential the area offers, the company will eventually expand its business investment, he said.

“In the next 2 or 3 weeks time, construction of the oil depot will commence,” he said.

Meanwhile, LAMSAN Holding Corp. CEO and PTC (port cargo handling services) president Christopher Lu expressed strong commitment and support to the region’s investment expansion program even with the coming of the Bangsamoro entity.

Having started the family business in the late 60s in the municipality of Sultan Kudarat, then very sparsely populated, they have developed strong bonding with the people and the community at large despite having experienced almost 50 years of alternating landscape of wars, spate of kidnappings and sporadic firefights, Lu said.

“These experiences the family endured allowed us to understand the Bangsamoro aspiration for self-determination – this bond also serves as a driving force to continue our investment within the Bangsamoro territory because we believe a strong local economy serves as a bed rock for the government and the people,” Lu stressed.

Expressing gratitude to Polloc Freeport OIC Administrator Barok Mangutara, Jr., and other officialsfor the opportunity given them to expand the LAMSAN Holding Corp. investment and business, Lu is hopeful that one day Polloc Freeport shall be known and called the “gateway to the Bangsamoro heart land”.

TWC adopts Celso’s MinPOW substitute bill, 2 others

By Jubels Santos

During the Executive Meeting of the Technical Working Committee (TWC) of the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, Committee on Energy and Committee on Mindanao Affairs, the draft substitute bill on measures seeking to create the Mindanao Power Corporation (MinPOW) was adopted on March 18, 2015 in the House of Representatives. Said substitute bill consolidates House Bills 2621, 4883, and 676 authored by Representatives Celso Lobregat, Rufus and Maximo Rodriguez, and Edgardo Masongsong, respectively.

Lobregat’s MinPOW bill seeks the non-privatization of the Agus-Pulangui hydropower complexes, located in Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon provinces, which are considered the crown jewels of Mindanao power industry. “To ensure long-term adequate power to support Mindanao’s economic development, this bill seeks the creation of the Mindanao Power Corporation (MinPOW), a stand-alone government-owned and controlled corporation, which shall be empowered to acquire the Agus-Pulangui hydropower complexes from NPC/PSALM and raise sufficient funds for operating, maintaining, and improving such assets efficiently,” he said adding that the bill also provides for the Mindanao Power Fund, which ensures lessening subsidy by the National Government in any power crisis situation.

The proposed bills on MinPOW were initially deliberated last March 4, 2015 by the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization chaired by Rep. Sacdalan and Committee on Energy chaired by Rep. Umali. The Joint Committee then decided to refer the bills to the TWC.

The TWC was chaired by Rep. Masongsong. The TWC adopted the substitute bill subject to the refinement of certain provisions. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will forward their proposed amendments to the concerned Committees. The three committees together with MinDA will work on the finalization of the bill. Once finalized, the substitute bill will be referred back to the Mother Committee.

One of the issues raised during the meeting was the issue on Lake Lanao. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) provides exclusive powers over inland waters. “With the grant of exclusive powers over inland waters (Lake Lanao) as proposed in the bill, and since utilization of these waters shall primary be for the benefit of the people in the Bangsamoro, in terms of electricity and power, the entire Mindanao will be in the mercy of the Bangsamoro,” Lobregat stressed. Historically, Mindanao has been enjoying lower power rates in comparison to Luzon and Visayas because more than 50% of its electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants, which provide a cheaper source of energy.

TWC Chair Masongsong asked MinDA to make a presentation on the options concerning MinPOW creation before the final adoption of the substitute bill by the Mother Committee. Lobregat further emphasized the concept of self-sufficiency wherein MinPOW should stand on its own.

It was proposed to set the Mother Committee meeting on May 5, 2015 to consider the final adoption of the substitute bill.

Present during the TWC meeting were TWC Chair Masongsong, Mindanao Affairs Chairman Arnulfo Go, Representatives Celso Lobregat, Juliette Uy, Leah Paquiz and Peter Unabia. Also present were MinDA representatives and committee secretaries of the three concerned committees.

Maguindanao co-ops receive DA’s organic chicken assistance

(PNA), SCS/PR/PJN

MANILA, March 22 (PNA) -- Twelve cooperatives in Maguindanao received upgraded native chickens from the Department of Agriculture-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DA-ARMM) on March 18 at the Salipada K. Pendatun Public Market, Salipada K. Pendatun (SKP), Maguindanao through fund allocation under the Agri-Pinoy Livestock Livelihood Assistance Program.

Maguindanao Provincial Agricultural Officer Dr. Salik Panalunsong said this project, along with other interventions the DA is providing, will help beneficiaries have another source of living especially with the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon.

“The recipients, in return, are expected to build up on and sustain the assistance provided to them so they could benefit more from it in the long run,” the provincial agricultural officer added.

According to DA-Maguindanao Livestock Chief Mohmin Sulaik, nine of the 12 cooperatives were from SKP, namely, the Kalimudan Farmers Marketing Cooperative; Kambayabaya Farmers Marketing Cooperative; Lawasabuloy Farmers and Fisherfolk Marketing Cooperative; Ligawasan Marsh Farmers and Fisherfolk Makinugon Association; Ligawasan Marsh Farmers Marketing Cooperative; Lumabao Makauyag Peoples Organization; Midkunding Kadtabanga Farmers Producer Cooperative; Pidtiguian Farmers Marketing Cooperative; and Tongol Farmers Association.

The other cooperatives are from the municipalities of Mangudadatu (Darusalam MNLF Multi-Purpose Cooperative), Sultan sa Barongis (Mawalao MNLF Association) and Northern Kabuntalan (Tumaguinting LGU).

Regional Agri-Pinoy Livestock Chicken Component Coordinator Dr. Raheima Amba said the distribution was the third among the two activities earlier conducted by the livestock division this year.

The DA-ARMM Livestock Division will distribute 176 more chickens to five identified cooperatives in Maguindanao under this project, which has a budget of PhP 1 million.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the agency has been promoting organic livestock raising as a component of its National Organic Agriculture Program, and as a supplementary source of income and food for farmers and fisherfolk, especially those in areas that are likely to be hit by calamities, such as drought this summer season.

SKP Mayor Shajib Khan Pendatun expressed his gratitude to the department and advised his constituents to equally distribute the chickens to their coop members, and to become responsible project beneficiaries.

PHP199-M fund to bolster fire safety in ARMM

(PNA), JBP/PR/RSM

MANILA, March 21 (PNA) -- As part of the national government’s commitment to ensure security and the rule of law in areas of the country that need essential government services, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP199 million to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the procurement of 33 fire trucks.

This release coincides with the designation of the month of March as Fire Prevention Month, and is part of the PHP22.47-billion supplemental budget passed last December 2014. Aside from being part of the ARMM Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP), the amount of PHP199 million also supplements the BFP’s PHP8-billion budget in the FY 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said: “These fire trucks are the final element needed to complement the recently-constructed fire stations in the ARMM municipalities. That’s why we need to guarantee budgetary support for agencies like the BFP whose main task is to ensure public order and safety. With the help of these agencies, we’ll be able to establish an environment of social stability in areas that need it so that inclusive development can thrive and grow.”

Each of the 33 recently-constructed ARMM fire stations will receive one water tank pumper truck, which has a capacity of 3,800 liters. These fire stations are located throughout the five ARMM provinces -- Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi -- and their construction was completed in 2013.

“It’s important to reiterate that we were able to fund priority projects like these fire trucks with the help of the 2014 supplementary budget, which was finalized late last year. What’s more, this release will help promote public order and safety even as it provides important services in areas made vulnerable by violence,” Abad said.

DA-ARMM introduces app to help increase rice production

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 20 (PNA) -- To help increase rice production among rice farmers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has introduced a new application.

The new application will help increase the yield of rice farmers in the region.

The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) app provides information that helps farmers administer water management, nutrient, pest and weeds control depending on the seed variety and site specific conditions.

The app is accessible through the internet using a smartphone, computer and other mobile devices.

On Wednesday, DAF-ARMM trained more than 200 local farm technicians, agri-technologists and extension officers on how to use the RCM app. They will be coaching rice farmers how to improve their yield with the help of the app.

"It will address problems on crop management practices through appropriate recommendations based on technical data provided by the RCM app," said ARMM Agriculture Secretary Makmod Mending Jr.

The RCM guarantees an increase of at least 1 ton per hectare in yield, according to Tong Abas, DAF-ARMM focal person on rice research and development.

The technology was piloted in the towns of Pagalungan, Sultan Mastura, Datu Paglas, Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao province, and Taraka in Lanao del Sur following its launch last month.

Around 20,000 farmers in the ARMM are expected to benefit from the program.

The RCM is part of the programs of ARMM to improve the lives of rice farmers by adopting new technologies for increased productivity and income.

P 4M organic production facility rises in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao

(IEroy/pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City with report from RAFID-ARMM)

COTABATO CITY, Mar. 19 (PIA) – As climate change destroys the environment and ecological niche of plants and animals, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) implemented the Promotion and Development of Organic Production in Barangay Ladia, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last March 11, 2015.

The Grassroot Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) formerly Bottoms up Budgeting (BuB) will fund the said project amounting to P4 million.

DAF-ARMM Chief of Staff Iskak Paguital as representative of DAF-ARMM Sec. Makmod Mending Jr. said the project aims to ensure the production and use of organic fertilizers from waste matters of farm animals and plant peeling and the like.

“The project will answer problems on high cost of commercially-produced fertilizers which actually could harm the environment and the natural alkalinity of the soil and lessen soil nutrients,” Paguital added.

It will also help reduce the effects of climate change by introducing organic production, he said.

The official also stressed that this project will generate jobs and increase income to our farmers wherein the garbage will be segregated and recycled, others which are biodegradable will be processed into organic fertilizers.

Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura expressed appreciation to the agency’s new project situated in his area of responsibility.

“Our deepest gratitude to the DAF-ARMM – this project will greatly benefit my constituents,” he said.

According to him, the improper disposal of garbage will now put to its proper places.

Mastura added, in garbage there’s livelihood and organic fertilizers will also be available for our farmers.

The project includes the two building units, water facility, fencing of the project area, a mini-dump truck, two mobile organic shredders, wheel barrow, gloves, boots, safety googles, masks and waste baskets.

Aside from Chief Paguital and Mayor Mastura present also on the turned-over are Sultan Kudarat Vice Mayor Bai Norhayna Mastura-Maik, GPBP Program Coordinator Mariam Abutazil, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) Chief Hadja Kadigua Abdullah, SK Municipal Agricultural Officer Guiapal Esmail and LGU Officials of SK.

ARMM launches one million signatures for peace campaign

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

COTABATO CITY, March 18 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) launched here the region-wide “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace” campaign aimed at collecting one million signatures for peace up to June this year.

On Wednesday, hundreds of residents from Maguindanao, a province-component of ARMM, flocked to the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the region situated in this city, to reiterate their call for peace to put an end to the decades-old Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

“I am for peace as I, together with my tribe suffer long enough to the horrors of war,” Roger Egas, a representative of the Teduray tribe in North Upi, Maguindanao, said.

A manifesto of the peace campaign read, “Once again, some quarters of the Philippine society are aggressively pursuing the path of war. It is in this regard that we, concerned individuals, organizations and institutions, spearheaded by the autonomous regional government, raise our voices.”

The call came following the tragic Mamasapano incident in Maguindanao that resulted in the deaths of 44 elite Special Action Force elements of the Philippine National Police; 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and nearly a dozen civilians.

Compounding the predicament is the ongoing military law enforcement operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and its armed wing Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that has so far displaced some 123,000 individuals housed at various evacuation centers in the province.

The BIFM, headed by Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, bolted out of the MILF some three years ago due to ideological differences.

The MILF, on the other hand, is in the thick of peace negotiations with the government for the establishment of the Bangsamoro entity, a conduit that would replace the old ARMM set up.

“It is beyond question the primordial importance of life, Muslims and Christians alike, do believe in the value of life. Thus, we are convinced that the launching of an all-out war is contrary to the beliefs and aspirations of the peoples in Southern Philippines,” the manifesto stressed.

Apart from Maguindanao, the signature campaign was also simultaneously initiated in Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi, the four other province-component of ARMM.

Board of investments seeks to attract more financial institutions to invest in ARMM

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 17 (PNA) -- Due to the increasing interest in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the prospective Bangsamoro political entity by bank and non-bank financial institutions to provide financial services to foreign and local investors in the region, the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) is studying the grant of fiscal incentives.

These incentives are intended to bank and non-bank financial institutions that seek places of business in the ARMM in order to finance investment projects in the region.

In 2013 and 2014, the ARMM has enjoyed record-breaking investments of PHP1.4-B and PHP3.8-B, respectively.

This year the RBOI has already exceeded its official target for investments in 2015 of PHP700 million with the entry of two investment projects totaling PHP863 million in the first quarter alone.

The ASEAN economic integration slated to be implemented this year is also spurring the ARMM regional government to find ways to be more competitive vis-à-vis other regions, particularly in the field of Islamic banking and finance.

“ARMM has a comparative advantage in attracting investments in banks and other non-bank financial institutions to have their base of operations or principal place of business in the ARMM since it is the only region where fiscal incentives can be given to them,” said Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI chairman.

He cited one section in the ARMM Organic Act that provides that among the autonomous regional government’s sources of revenues are income taxes levied on banks and other financial institutions.

The inherent power to tax income from these institutions allows the ARMM to give income tax holidays to banks and other non-bank financial institutions.

The ARMM remains severely underserviced by banks and other financial institutions according to a World Bank study.

In particular, Mastura said they are looking initially at giving income tax holidays to Islamic banking and finance institutions to make them competitive with conventional banking since currently one study by KPMG consulting firm shows that Islamic banking and finance institutions cannot compete with conventional banking due to tax constraints.

The existing National Investment Priorities Plan ARMM List which RBOI administers already provides the Halal industry, which includes Islamic banking and finance, as being entitled to fiscal incentives.

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

US envoy to turnover projects for Maritime police in Tawi-Tawi

By Allen Abastillas

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg will be the guest of honor during the turnover of a Special Boat Unit building facilities, five police gunboats and one supply vessel to the Philippine National Police’s Maritime Group 1th Maritime Special Operations Unit on Tuesday, March 17, at Sitio Sukkiat, Barangay Nalil Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Goldberg will lead the cutting of the ribbon during the inauguration ceremony. He will be assisted by PNP OIC Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina, Maritime Group OIC Chief Supt. Noel Vargas, Regional Maritime Unit 9 Chief Sr. Supt. Shepard R. Reyes , local official representative ,military officials and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao representatives .

Reyes disclosed that the Special Boat Unit building facilities and gunboats have been donated by the US government. Maritime Group Camp Crame created the Maritime Special Operations Unit for Maritime troopers . The mission of 1st MSOU is to enforce laws against crimes at sea, lawlessness and terrorism and human trafficking. Unit commands have been established in Tawi –Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Palawan and the battalion headquarters of MSOU is located at the beach front of Barangay Bolong, Zamboanga City.

The building under construction at Bolong is still ongoing.

CSC-ARMM reminds gov't servants in filing of SALN

(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 15 (PNA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC)in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Cotabato City Office) has reminded all government employees to submit statement of assets, liabilities and networth as soon as possible.

In a statement, the CSC-ARMM said government servants must fill all the space of SALN form with right and correct data.

It also reminded government workers about the new resolution on the “exact location” or address of the employee’s real properties.

Under CSC Resolution 1500088 or the revised guidelines in filing SALN, the CSC clarified that location of real properties should be stated the ‘exact location’ and not simply its location which is may be generalized.

It also said that the SALN declaration must contain property's description, kind, year and mode of acquisition, assessed value, fair market value, acquisition cost of land or building and the renovations made to it.

All employees are advised to fill in the SALN with honesty.

ARMM launches donation drive for Maguindanao IDPs

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 14 (PNA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Friday launched a donation drive to continue helping thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao cope with the depressing situation in evacuation sites as the military continues offensives

The military operation that started in 25 February has now escalated to 13 towns in the province, forcing 19,075 civilian families or 93,402 individuals to remain in evacuation centers.

It also disrupted classes in 42 schools, affecting the education of at least 16,000 elementary and secondary students.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they continue to respond to the needs of the displaced families while underscoring the call for peace.

The “Tabang Sibilyan, Isulong ang Kapayapaan” relief and peace advocacy campaign of the region aims to provide food and medical assistance to the evacuees and rally support for the continuation of the Mindanao peace process.

Weekly, the ARMM spends at least P12 million on food packs for the evacuees. The amount does not include the cost of other forms of assistance and the logistics.

Hataman has earlier said the campaign against lawless elements in Maguindanao could last until June or beyond.

Deputy Executive Secretary John Louie Balagot said the existing funds of the region will not be able to keep up with the rising number of evacuees.

The donation drive, he said, will help augment the resources of the regional government and raise awareness on the plight of civilians in the ongoing conflict in Maguindanao.

He added that it also aims to centralize donations intended for the IDPs.

A donation booth has been installed in front of the Office of the Bangsamoro People inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City to accept donations in cash or in kind. The booth will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Balagot said the regional government is asking the public and different institutions to donate food and clothing for the IDPs.

Cash and other forms of donations are also welcome, he said.

Those who would like to extend help may get in touch with any of the government offices of the ARMM.


ARMM celebrates 2015 Bangsamoro Week of Peace

(ARMM-Bureau of Public Information)

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will conduct a peace caravan and photo exhibit that underscore the history and struggle of the Moro people to mark the celebration of the Bangsamoro Week of Peace this 12 to 18 March.

With the theme “Rekindling Bangsamoro Consciousness towards Sustainable Peace”, this year’s line-up of activities aims to raise consciousness of people not only within the ARMM, but also outside, of the history and the struggle for peace of the Bangsamoro.

Now on its fourth year, the Bangsamoro Week of Peace will feature three major activities – a photo exhibit in different secondary schools, colleges and universities in the region, a peace caravan in Quezon City and the commemoration of the 1968 Jabidah massacre in Corregidor Island to cap the celebration on 18 March.

The photo exhibit will run from 16 to 18 March in identified schools in the five component provinces and two cities of the region. The photos that will be featured in the exhibit depict the Bangsamoro struggle and their vibrant culture.

Hanie Bud, general manager of ARMM’s Regional Ports Management Authority, is overseeing the weeklong celebration.

He said a contingent from ARMM, NGOs, religious groups, peace advocates and Moro groups in different parts of the country will hold a peace caravan at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on 17 March to highlight Bangsamoro history and culture and underscore the call for peace.

The one-week event will culminate with the commemoration of the Jabidah massacre on 18 March in Corregidor Island. The activity will be spearheaded by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

The Jabidah massacre on 18 March 1968 is considered to be a major turning point in the struggle for self-determination of the Moro people.

The Bangsamoro Week of Peace is a commitment of the ARMM government to raise awareness on the Bangsamoro consciousness and identity, mandated under Executive Order No. 11 promulgated on March 2012.

Food bazaar showcases entrepreneurial skills of Lanao women

By Johaniah N. Yusoph (APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 12 (PIA) --- Local bakers and chefs showcased their talents in baking and cooking during 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit at the Provincial Capitol Tuesday, March 10.

The 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit in this province was organized by the Provincial Government in coordination with the Rotary Club to give local bakers and chef an avenue to market their products.

Rotary Club chairperson Raifa Rakiin-Adiong said the activity was intended to help entrepreneurial women promote their own products.

“Lanao del Sur constituents don’t actually need to go to other cities to buy cakes and pasta. We have many local bakers and chefs who are highly competitive. As you can see, they have delicious products,” she lauded.

The bazaar and exhibit was the first of its kind in the province. It was conducted in line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month with the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na!”

ARMM Vice-Governor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman lauded both the provincial government and exhibitors for forwarding women empowerment and for showcasing their uniqueness in baking and cooking, respectively.

“It’s great to see women as forefront entrepreneurs because indeed they are important in the concept of modern development,” he said. Lucman boasts that the products are delicious and all well-made.

AnakMindanao Representative, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, also graced the bazaar and encouraged all women to use their passion, talents and skills in money-making.

She emphasized that March is not the only month for women to celebrate their rights and talents. “It is only a reminder that throughout the year, we deserve the care, support, love, attention, honor, and the recognition of our rights” she shared.

The 14 exhibitors garnered hundreds of visitors and buyers. The exhibit happened simultaneously with the 1st Lanao del Sur Women Council Orientation.


ARMM joins women’s month celebration

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

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 11 (PIA) --- The Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) will mark the observance of the national women’s month this March in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with activities focused on giving assistance to women and children displaced by the present military operation in Maguindanao.

“We anchored our activities with the region’s call for peace because of what is happening now in our region, especially in Maguindanao,” said RCBW Chairperson Sittie Jehanne Mutin.

The military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has now escalated to 11 towns in the province, displacing more than 60,000 people, mostly women and children.

Mutin said women, children and the elderly undergo tremendous ordeal in times of conflict. She said conditions in evacuation centers can be very hard, with hundreds of families having to rely mostly on relief assistance for food.

“We are asking everyone especially those affected to cling to hope and help each other,” she added.

According to the RCBW, the women’s month celebration in the ARMM will feature activities such as peace dialogues, lectures on women rights, trainings on entrepreneurship, and other social activities including relief operations and psycho-social intervention to women and children staying in evacuation centers.

The celebration, which carries the theme “Babae, ang desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, ikaw na!” kicked-off on March 9 with a parade participated by ARMM employees in Cotabato City.

A dialogue on the Mindanao peace process was held in the afternoon with a representative from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) discussing updates on the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a lecture about the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Mutin said they want to accelerate the participation of Moro women in peace building, economic empowerment and in enhancing gender development intervention for good governance in the region.

She also appealed to elected officials and lawmakers to support the peace process to end the off and on conflicts in Mindanao.

Other activities scheduled by the agency include an orientation on Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, trainings on economic and entrepreneurship in the five provinces and two cities of ARMM, in partnership with the local government and CSOs, and relief operation together with the region’s Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).

The observance of National Women’s month every March is in line with Proclamation No. 227 promulgated in 1988. The RCBW is the principal women development agency of ARMM.


P117 B to be allocated for BBL implementation

By Paolo Romero With Jose Rodel Clapano, Aurea Calica, Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The government is eyeing a budget of P117 billion for the implementation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in its first year.

Documents from the House of Representatives show that half of the intended appropriations will come from the annual budget of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other existing allocations from the national government. The remaining P59.46 billion will come from new sources.

The proposed budget includes P30.77 billion, representing the ARMM budget; P21.8 billion from downloaded funds from national agencies, Internal Revenue Allotment; P20 billion for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority; P21.5 billion as the region’s share from internal revenues of the national government, and a Special Development Fund of P17 billion.

Documents show that the government intends to spend P2.6 billion for the disarmament of fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and private armed groups in preparation for the establishment of the new autonomous region.

The BBL aims to replace the ARMM with a new Bangsamoro autonomous region once it is enacted into law and approved in a plebiscite.

President Aquino initially wanted the BBL signed into law last year on the assumption that Malacañang could submit the draft around April or May. The BBL was submitted last September with a revised timetable of having it enacted by March.

The slaughter of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 prompted the suspension of deliberations on the BBL in both houses of Congress. Malacañang had called on lawmakers to pass it by June.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc committee deliberating on the BBL, said Congress must approve the budget before the executive branch could make any allocations.

Rodriguez said he supports the funding plan for the new autonomous region since the area has long been impoverished and left behind in terms of allocation of government resources. ‘Pass the BBL’

The President reiterated yesterday his instructions to his allies in Congress to pass the stalled BBL bill soonest since the government has to demonstrate its sincerity to the Muslim rebels by adopting the measure in toto.

“If they will get less from the previous agreement, how will they say that the agreement is good? That is the practicality of it,” he told officials and members of the Christian Leaders Coalition in a Prayer Gathering at Malacañang.

Aquino himself acknowledged that, just like what some have been saying, his administration may have been offering the MILF too much in terms of P75-billion funds among other concessions, but he pointed out this is how negotiation works.

The whole concept is that of a “catch up” – where local government units in Mindanao will eventually be at par with Manila or with any other locality in Luzon or the Visayas that are highly urbanized and not those which have backward economy, the President said. MILF fighters register

MILF fighters made history when they registered for the 2016 elections, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting chairperson Henrietta de Villa said.

De Villa has joined Commission on Elections Commissioner Al Parreño and Comelec Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Ray Sumalipao in overseeing the special registration last Saturday.

“Registration is the most important part of the electoral process. It is the entry point to the right of suffrage and the responsibility to participate in creating a government,” De Villa said.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) registered at the Bangsamoro Islamic Leadership and Management Institute Training Center in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat.

“I am happy. The last time that I voted was during the time of the late President Cory Aquino,” said BIAF spokesman Von Al-Haq.

Sumalipao said the special registration is an expression of the sincerity of both parties to pursue peace and development in Mindanao.

Members of the Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities, International Monitoring Team, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and local poll watchdogs witnessed the special registration.

Far from the madding crowd

(MST Lifestyle)

Only half an hour away from Zamboanga City (which, in turn, is only an hour and a half from Manila), the island of Basilan is one of Mindanao’s hidden treasures where you’ll soon forget what time or day it is.

Among its many beaches, White Beach puts the “escape” in “escapade.” For harried citydwellers who want or need to commune with nature and go offline for a while, this sea sanctuary has white powdery sand, lush patches of coconut trees and, with just a short climb up its hills, a breathtaking view of the entire island.

White beach is not isolated but it provides the kind of solitude that the soul seeks our or even hungers for from time to time. There is none of the crazy crowds or loud, flashy clubs, bars and stores that jampack other spots.

Virgin beaches

Whitebeach has 25 native, open-air cottages, a recreation area and a shower room. For those who can’t survive without the hum of an airconditioner, worry not, cottages with this amenity are currently being constructed.

But there is really no time nor opportunity to stay indoors (except maybe to sleep) when there is so much to do outside aside from swimming and sunbathing, playing volleyball or jogging on the shore, or even just simply frolicking or sitting on the beach: jet-skiing, water-skiing, knee and wakeboarding as well as banana boat riding and kayaking are all yours for the taking.

And as the evening begins to steal away the day, you’ll have a chance to admire the lapping waves of the ocean at high tide, swallowing the sun and revealing the stars.

Laidback

For extra adventures, neighboring cities like Lamitan and Isabela are merely boat rides away, affording guests and visitors a chance to experience their laidback vibe, rich cultures and histories, friendly smiles, and, of course, their sumptuous southern cuisine.

“Whether we get domestic or international visitors, we are quite proud of our hospitality and ability to host travelers. Kayang-kaya ng local businessmen,” said Mujiv Hataman, governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Hataman has been providing the aegis to transform the coastal areas of Basilan and its surrounding towns into a tourism hub. He’s rallied support from investors in order to provide opportunities for local businesses and opening up jobs for the locals.

If you’re still not convinced, take the word of royalty: “Basilan is a sight to behold. Its White Beach is the hottest brand-new discovery for travelers these days,” Princess Sitti Djaliah T. Hataman proudly said.

Total E&P beefs up exploration in Sulu

By RITCHIE A. HORARIO

French firm Total E&P Philippines B.V. is beefing up its exploration activities to find possible gas sources in the country.

Total E&P Philippines has partnered with Mitra Energy Ltd. of Malaysia for the drilling operations in Service Contract 56 (SC56) in the South Sulu Sea.

Fabien Colmet Daage, general manager of Total E&P Philippines, said they were given an extension by the government to pursue the exploration until August 31, 2020.

“We have obtained from the Department of Energy an extension until August 31, 2020, more time to access the potential of the site,” said Daage.

The joint venture has spent around $50 million (P2.2 billion) for the study and has already completed a 3D seismic survey covering 540 square kilometers in the area.

The second 3D seismic survey followed an initial survey conducted in 2007 which covered 1,756 square kilometers in SC 56.

Although the project faces challenges, Daage said this will not prevent them from pursuing the exploration activities.

“You all know that the probability of not finding is higher than the probability of finding but we are not discouraged,” he said.

He explained that since SC56 was discovered in 2005, many changes have come to pass.

“Exploration is quite a challenge. Where on the planet to look for new gas?” said Daage.

He cited the drilling of four wells by Exxonmobil but it turned out to be not commercially viable.

In 2012, Daage said the company decided to enter into SC56, taking a 75 percent stake while Mitra holds 25 percent interest.

“In October of 2014, we have taken operatorship and now we are studying the development of the first well,” he added.

Following the results of the initial survey, the SC 56 consortium is optimistic of a bigger oil and gas find in the area in water depths ranging from 200 meters to 3,000 meters.

Mitra earlier said that based on previous drillings, SC 56 is estimated to contain a contingent resource of between 42 million barrels and 56 million barrels of oil.

Additional prospective resources in undrilled prospects and leads are estimated at 628 million barrels of oil to 1.127 billion barrels of oil.

Daage, however, said that exploration is a very risky business and that the result is “prospective and not to be relied upon.”

ARMM should continue moving on–and moving up

(Manila Times)

THE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is “a failed experiment,” de facto president BS Aquino said when he was starting his propaganda, financial, political, and diplomatic campaign to fast track the creation of a Bangsamoro substate desired by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to subsume the ARMM.

It was an unfair characterization. In the 25 years and four months of the ARMM’s existence (its silver anniversary was in November last year), it has fared better than some provinces and regions of the Philippines within their first 25 years. Yes, MNLF Chairman Emeritus Nur Misuari and his successors as ARMM regional governor found it difficult to run the autonomous region and failed to turn it and its provinces into shining models of good governance and development. But managing their autonomous region was made doubly by the Philippine central government, which never did its proper duty of supplying it with the correct amount of its inadequate budget on time.

Then ARMM Misuari suffered the most from national government neglect. Always, the political bigwigs of the central government, most specially the succession of Philippine presidents, had their own favorite warlords among the political leaders of the Muslim-majority provinces. One of these, the Ampatuan clan, became even more powerful than the ARMM regional governors and managed to give their Maguindanao province–and the ARMM–an internationally notorious image for the Ampatuan Massacre.

It is unfair to call the ARMM a failed experiment, for it is a sustainable autonomous region. It will probably be fairer to call the entire Philippines under BS Aquino a “failed state”–for despite the public-relations created image of our country abroad as a shining example of how to combat corruption and as a, economic success (thanks to the previous administration, the OFWs and the Bangko Sentral) –the truth is that BS Aquino’s governance stinks and is a gross failure. Poverty and unemployment are worse now than ever before.

The BS Aquino administration is more corrupt than the previous one of Arroyo.

It is more incompetent and ill-advised than any other. The painful and tragic Mamasapano Massacre as the grimmest example of how incompetent, lazy and unfit to govern and incapable of leading BS Aquino, DILG Secretary Roxas, Defense Secretary Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief Catapang, Peace Adviser Deles are.

The PNP-SAF company had partly succeeded in their mission to get the Malaysian terrorist Marwan but they and the other PNP-SAF company were besieged by the Malaysian-trained and Aquino-beloved MILF armies. And Aquino, Roxas, Gazmin and Catapang, who were together, did not move to reinforce the PNP-SAF commandos who were being massacred! And why? Because rescuing the doomed PNP-SAF Heroes and fighting the MILF/BIFF armies might derail BS Aquino’s precious “peace process” with the MILF!

Sec. Deles and her chief associate, Chief Negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer were (are) talking peace mainly with the MILF, sidelining the MNLF (with which the Philippine Government has an existing Comprehensive Peace Agreement which caused the formation of the ARMM), the sultans of Mindanao, specially the Sultans of Sulu and North Borneo, the aboriginal and Lumad tribes and communities and the Christians of Mindanao.

ARMM is not a failed experiment, it can be improved. Some of the ideas in the proposed creation of the Bangsamoro substate or autonomous region can be added to the ARMM. Or two autonomous regions can be created–as proposed by former senator Aquilino Pimentel (authored the extant local government code) and by the president of the Philippine Islamic Society (Parhimunan Sin Islam) and former Tawi-Tawi governor Almarin Centi Tillah. Created constitutionally of course, one for the landlocked Maguindanao and Maranao provinces and another for the island provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu (maybe it should include Sabah).

News of ARMM investments increase Meanwhile, we are heartened by news that the ARMM as a regional government and its provinces are doing better now economically and developmentally.

A total of P863 Million worth of projects were approved by the ARMM Regional Board of Investments during its Joint Board and Management Committee meeting on February 20, 2015 in Davao City. The projects approved for RBOI registration were Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation and Chan C Mining Incorporated. Both companies are based in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. They are expected to create 553 jobs for local residents.

There is apparently no halt in the influx of investments to ARMM as a result of the Mamasapano Massacre.

Ishak V. Mastura, Chairman/Managing Head of the ARMM Regional BOI, said in a news item published by the ARMM website, “that despite the Mamasapano incident, investors’ confidence is still high. In fact, there are fresh investments coming into Maguindanao with a project cost of P 1.3 billion on palm oil and a P 2 billion project on banana. A multi logistic hub – an assembly auction of heavy equipment company also signified their intention to do business in ARMM, Mastura also said.

He added that “aside from fresh investments, a string of projects in the ARMM are in the pipeline this year coming from some of RBOI-registered firms. Some of these are the expansion of the capacity of a biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, expansion of banana plantations, and the construction of an oil depot at the Port of Pollocin Parang, Maguindanao by Iron Blaze Corporation.”

ARRM Governor Hataman, despite being a BS Aquino appointee, has also been more correct in his dealings with the MILF than OPAPP Secretary Deles and Peace Panel chief Coronel-Ferrer. He reportedly said last February that “the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must prove that it is capable of policing its own ranks.”

ARMM investments remain buoyant despite security issues

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

COTABATO CITY, March 6 (PNA) -- Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao remain buoyant despite recent security concerns in certain areas of Maguindanao province, regional officials said Friday.

Two companies based in the island town of Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi – the Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation and Chan C Mining Incorporated – registered a total of Php863 million worth of new projects with ARMM’s Regional Board of Investment in the first quarter of this year.

Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation is into the importation and distribution of petroleum products while Chan C Mining is engaged in mining and quarrying of nickel ore exported to China.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said investors’ confidence in the region is still high.

“Pagdating sa investments, so far, wala pa namang umaatras. Tuloy ang investments sa Maguindanao. Nagkausap kami ng mga investors at nang kanilang foreign partners at nasabi nilang itutuloy nila ang kanilang mga investments (As far as investments are concerned, nothing has unchanged. I have talked to our prospective investors and their business partners and they assured us they will push through withe investments)," Hataman said.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI chair, said a string of projects are in the pipeline this year for Maguindanao, which includes a Php1.3 billion palm oil plantation and a Php2 billion banana plantation.

Mastura said there are also pipelined projects in other parts of the region that include an expansion of capacity biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, expansion of banana plantation, and construction of an oil depot.

According to Jun Macalawan, RBOI supervising investment specialist, the incident in Mamasapano and the ongoing joint law enforcement operation of the police and military in parts of Maguindanao have not discouraged foreign and local investors from expanding their businesses in the region.

He said their trust in the good governance initiatives of the present ARMM administration and in the ongoing peace process are the main reasons for their confidence in the region’s economy.

In 2014, ARMM generated more than Php3-billion worth of investments, at least 400 percent of its target of Php700 million for that year.

The military has launched an all out offensive against the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the alleged foreign terrorists in Maguindanao while another forces were running after the extremists Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

ARMM holds 1st Planners' Congress to prepare region for Bangsamoto gov't

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 5 (PNA) -- Planners from the different regional line agencies and the 118 municipalities of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have gathered for a two-day congress in this city to draw up mechanisms that will strengthen the collaborations between government agencies in the region, the ARMM public information office said Thursday.

Dubbed as the first ARMM Planners' Congress, the activity started Wednesday and will conclude today, March 5.

The planners are expected to help formalize the institutionalization of a regional and local planning and budgeting mechanism that will ensure wider participation of stakeholders in the identification of regional programs.

The regional government said this will advance good governance and efficient public service.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman emphasized the role of planners in the region’s development and urged them to draft plans that focus on the need of their constituents.

“Ang isang epektibong pamamahala ay nakabatay sa epektibong pagpaplano, at ang epektibong pagpaplano ay nakabatay sa partisipasyon ng lahat (An effective management is based on effective planning where everyone participates),” he said.

“Bahagi ng ating simumpaan na magsilbi sa ating mga kababayan kaya ang plano natin ay dapat para sa ating mamamayan at hindi para sa iilan (Our mandate is to serve our people and our planning should be focused on all our people and not for the few),” he added.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said the contribution of the participants in the congress will greatly affect the future of the upcoming Bangsamoro Government.

“The participation of the planners mean they are going to be part of the whole plan and future of the ARMM that will later become the Bangsamoro Government,” she said.

The result of the congress will help revalidate and update the priority programs listed in ARMM’s Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP).

It is also expected to capture recent development priorities and nationally funded projects being handled by regional line agencies and their provincial counterparts.

The consolidated output will be presented to Local Chief Executives in the forthcoming 3rd Local Government Unit (LGU) Summit on the third week of this month where major issues needing regional action and further validation will also be discussed.

The activity was spearheaded by the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) in partnership with the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG), Department of Internal and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH).

A new political entity, called Bangsamoro government, will replace the current autonomous region. It is a product of 17-year peace negotiations between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aimed at ending decades-old Moro problem.

Maguindanao, Lamitan City declared champions in ARMM Palaro 2015

(PNA), LGI/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 4 (PNA) – Athletes from the schools division of Maguindanao II and Lamitan City emerged as overall champions in the elementary and secondary level, respectively, of the 2015 Palarong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletics Association (ARMMAA) held in Parang town, Maguindanao, education offcials said.

Maguindanao II, which garnered a total of 30 gold medals, 16 silvers and 16 bronzes, was followed by the divisions of Tawi-Tawi, Lamitan City, Maguindanao I, Sulu, Lanao del Sur II, Basilan and Lanao del Sur I.

In the secondary level, Lamitan City bagged the over-all championship slot, garnering a total of 28 gold medals, 38 silvers and 33 bronzes.

It was followed by the divisions of Maguindanao I, Maguindanao II, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur I and Lanao del Sur II.

The closing ceremony was held Monday at the Parang Central Elementary School.

ARMM Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan congratulated all the athletes and the coaches who participated in the five-day sporting event.

He said they are happy that the annual sporting event proceeded without a hitch despite the tragic incident in Mamasapano and the on-going military action against lawless elements in Maguindanao’s second district.

He also urged the athletes who will make up the region’s contingent in this year’s Palarong Pambansa on May in Tagum City, Davao del Norte to practice regularly and prepare for the games.

The region was able to secure 9 wins in different sporting events in the national games last year.

“I am confident we can surpass our performance last year in this year’s Palaro in Tagum City,” Kulayan said.

A contingent of close to 500 athletes will represent ARMM in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa.

Kulayan said they will not only aspire to bring honor and glory to the region, they will also bear the message of peace – the enduring peace yearned by its people.

Grade 7 student Aira Lhyne Suraman, 13, the arnis gold medalist, said she will practice hard to prepare for the national sports meet.

“I will try my best in the coming national games to show ARMM is not only about wars and conflicts, that we also have athletes and good athletes, I am convince we have better chances of winning now,” she said.

Lanao Sur dad underscores importance of barangays in fire prevention efforts

(JNY & APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 3 (PIA) --- The important role that barangays play in fire safety and prevention was underscored by Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. during the kick-off ceremony of the Fire Prevention Month observance.

Adiong said he plans to gather the leaders of the 1,156 barangays in the entire province for a seminar and lecture on fire prevention and how to organize fire volunteers within their barangays.

He said this is part of his support to the intensified fire prevention drive of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to make the province fire-free.

The Governor also lauded barangay Raya Madaya in the city for being an active partner in fire safety and rescue efforts. Raya Madaya is the only barangay in Marawi City equipped with a fire truck and with volunteers.

Fire Supt. Adam A. Guiamad, regional director of the BFP in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the role of barangays in fire safety and prevention was recognized under Republic Act 9514. He said barangay leaders are required to organize volunteers within their respective areas.

ARMM humanitarian unit aids Maguindanao IDPs

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, March 2 (PNA) -– The humanitarian arm of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday launched an “all-out” relief operations to some 28,600 individuals displaced by the military manhunt against lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, disaster officials said.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said a total of 5,727 families or 28,635 individuals were displaced from seven municipalities of Maguindanao based on validated number of evacuees.

“More and more people have been fleeing so we expect the number to of IPDs (internally displaced persons) will rise,” Alamia said.

Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan of Radja Buayan town said no fighting as of today but people continue to leave homes. “No military action in Rajah Buayan and people are coming because they feel safe in my town,” he said, adding that civilians from nearby Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona towns moved to his town.

Alamia said the evacuees are housed in various evacuation centers like barangay halls, covered courts, schools and roadsides.

She said the displaced families came from the towns of Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi, Datu Piang, Datu Shariff Saydona, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak and Rajah Buayan.

Alamia, ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART) chairperson, the region’s emergency response unit personnel are busy distributing relief goods while the region’s health providers conduct medical mission to affected families.

“We know when there is evacuation, diseases accompany out people so we are addressing it,” she said.

Classes were also suspended beginning today in elementary and high schools in seven municipalities because classrooms were used as evacuation centers or students did not report to school as evacuation continues.

Mayor Benzar Ampatuan of Mamasapano said at least eight villages in his town were also deserted, including Tukanalipao and Pedsandawan, site of bloody police action last January 25.

As of Sunday, the ARMM-HEART served 2,400 families out of 5,727 validated and confirmed IDPs in seven Maguindanao towns.

Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Maguindanao health chief, said several children have experienced diarrhea, skin rashes and coughs.

Sulaik said his office has ample supply of vitamins and medicine but if the current situation continues they might run out of medicine supplies.

“We expect more diseases among children and elderly because evacuation sites are vulnerable to various diseases which are transmitted by water or by air,” Sulaik said, adding his office deployed three teams of medical workers to attend to the needs of IDPs.

Latip-Yusoph: Bracing our Imaan toward Peace

By Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph (SunStar - Only a Meranaw)

IN THESE days of havoc in the country, Muslims from different parts of the country need to brace their intentions in believing in Allah’s mercy and to His power to control everything that happened is for a purpose.

Muslims and non-Muslims alike have been disturbed by the chaos happening around the globe especially in our country where our peaceful intentions have been polluted because of what we see in different media platforms.

However, because Muslims in this part of the country believed that there is always a reason to hold on and strengthen our connection to God, our leaders, volunteers and donors put their efforts together to stage an international Islamic conference tour in the country featuring the respected Muslim scholars of this generation.

The Islamic conference showcased the Philippine Tour of Mufti Ismail Menk of Zimbabwe and Brother Wael Ibrahim, world’s renowned scholars and preachers of this generation.

The tour started at Cotabato City last February 25, 2015 until March 1, 2015 in Manila. All these events were intended to strengthen and brace the intentions of the Muslims in believing in the Almighty.

In Marawi City and Cagayan de Oro, there were two sessions where specific themes were tackled. In Marawi, Mufti Menk and Bro. Wael covered lectures on "Turning our youth into partners of today, leaders of tomorrow," and "The Muslim, working and earning rightfully" on February 26 and 27, respectively.

While in Cagayan de Oro, February 28, 2015, these two scholars discussed topics on "What makes up a blessed Muslim family?" and "Islam: Touching Lives, Redeeming Souls" at the Luxe Hotel and Limketkai Atrium, correspondingly.

Science in Islam

What was very interesting in these events in the cities of Marawi and Cagayan de Oro was the inclusion of a discussion about Science in Islam and the Greatness of Allah through the Universe. These lectures were delivered by Prof. Yusoph C. Latip, a retired Physics professor and Natural Scientist in Mindanao State University who founded the first integrated school (Islam and western education) in the country.

His lectures enlightened the audience, both Muslims and non-Muslims, about how one believer should think about the greatness of his God as the Lord of the Universe. This way, one can appreciate the greatness of the religion along with the Almighty’s power to create the infinite universe we have.

Successfully, during the Cagayan de Oro lectures of Mufti Menk and Bro. Wael, there were reverts to Islam who confessed there that they wanted to wilfully submit to the will of Allah that they shall become Muslims from that day. They all bear witness that there is no other God other than Allah, and that Jesus, the son of Mary is a prophet and that Mohammad (may Peace be upon them all) is Allah’s Messenger.

Everyone in the crowd was crying because of how the reverts showed their intentions to embrace Islam as their religion.

Indeed, the events enlightened both Muslims and non-Muslims of what is really Islam as a religion. It is a religion of Peace and the complete submission and obedience to the Almighty, the most compassionate and merciful God.

Interestingly, with the thousands of people who attended, many were able to listen to how Islam became a religion of peace that teaches what is good and forbid what is evil.

With the interactive question-and-answer portions of the events, many were further discussed like women empowerment, marital relationships in Islam, social media influence, and even issues on terrorism as an act hated by most if not all pious Muslims in the whole world.

Certainly, to most of the convenors, the events were successful because of the contribution of everyone for the sake of the Almighty. Alhamdullillah!

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