Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News November 2016

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Maluso Bajaus celebrate Ongka-Ongka

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 29 (PIA) – For the 12th year, the Bajaus of Maluso celebrates Ongka-Ongka, a festival of life and culture of one of the many colorful tribal peoples in southern Philippines.

Ongka is a Bajau term that means play, celebration, or festival, which started in 2004 to highlight the life and culture of the vulnerable tribal people in the south.

The annual observance is an initiative of the Claret Samal Foundation Inc. ran by the Claretian Missionary Fathers of the Philippines, a Catholic Religious Clergy that helps in the emancipation and protection of the identity of the Bajaus as a people amidst the harsh and challenging realities in the social, political, economic, spiritual, and cultural realms of the present world.

This year’s celebration, usually held on the third week of November based on a Townsite Barangay ordinance is centered on the theme, “Bajau Kauman: Lingka’h ma pag ayad ma lahat tudjo kasanyangan maka kasambuhan (Komunidad ng Bajau: Hakbang sa pagkalinga sa kalikasan tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran)”

The Philippine Information Agency in Basilan was resource person for climate change adaptation at the 16th Bajau Development Forum held on the second day of the festival on Nov 26. Though difficult, PIA has encouraged the Bajaus to start building permanent and stronger homes up shore, higher to protect them from sea/storm surges with the impending sea level rise due to the changing climate.

However, the Bajaus are pleading for support from authorities to help them adapt to the “new normal” of the environment.

“Natatakot po kami, pero sino at saan po kami hihingi ng tulong (We are afraid, but to whom and where can we ask for help),” a Bajau leader said.

Many of the Bajaus earn less and are dependent on the harvest of the seas. With climate change, their livelihood may be compromised and pin them deeper into poverty.

The Claret Samal Foundation hopes that the local government of Maluso could give more attention to the plight of the Bajaus as they contribute to the local economy.

The Foundation has been lobbying for the municipal council to adopt and institutionalize the celebration of Ongka-Ongka. But for several months now, the municipal council is yet to respond to the request. Currently, the Ongka-Ongka celebration held every third month of November of every year takes effect only by virtue of a barangay ordinance.

The Bajaus of Maluso continue to struggle for recognition even from the local government. With climate change, the plight of the Bajaus are becoming more and more challenging that they themselves must start to respond and maybe depend on themselves and each other for protection and help when disaster happens.

The three-day celebration was marked with traditional games, dances, and music competitions. A mangrove planting was also held on the third day to answer the call of strengthening coastal communities in view of climate change. (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)}

ARMM investment office applies "finishing touches" on 2016-2017 Investment Priorities Plan

(PNA), CVL/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 29 (PNA) -- An investment official in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Tuesday said he is confident the 2016-2017 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) will be ready by December.

The ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) is in the process of drafting the latest IPP, more known here as the 2017-2019 ARMM List.

ARMM IPP enumerates the economic activities the ARMM government should incentivize to meet regional development goals.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-ARMM chairman and managing head, said before finalizing the ARMM list, a series of IPP consultations was conducted across the region.

“IPP consultations were organized as early as middle of last year when we started the review in Lamitan, Basilan province,” Mastura said.

Multi-sectoral groups that were already consulted other than Basilan were those from Cotabato City, Parang and Upi Maguindanao, and Tawi-Tawi and next will be those from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

“We target to submit this month the final ARMM List to be consolidated with the National IPP that will be given by BOI-Manila before the year ends to Malacañang, for the promulgation of President Duterte,” Mastura said.

“This is part of our efforts to reach out to more people, the LGUs, business sector, investors and other stakeholders. We encourage them to participate and help us identify investment priority areas to be incorporated in the ARMM List,” he said, adding that the ARMM IPP will be the basis for granting incentives to qualified companies that will invest in the region.

“The inputs and recommendations of the participants are vital in coming up with a relevant ARMM List that will lure more investors to come and do business in the region,” he added.

Mastura said RBOI had its latest IPP Consultation in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines.

“Tawi-Tawi’s rich history and culture, if developed, could become a top tourist destination in the country. Hence, the development of the tourism industry is a must in the IPP list,” he said.

Some 80 percent of Tawi-Tawi's inhabitants are into seaweed farming thus, establishing seaweed processing plants would be a good investment priority project that would allow seaweed farmers to access easily markets that could give them good returns, Mastura said.

Shipbuilding was also recommended in the IPP list due to the presence of skilled craftsmen who customize wooden ships.

To align with the efforts of the ARMM government to revitalize its linkage with the BIMP-EAGA, it is essential to retain cross-border trade in the IPP list.

The promotion of energy projects is also encouraged since Tawi-Tawi experiences daily shortage of power supply.

Other economic activities identified for inclusion in the ARMM IPP List during the consultation were related to trans-shipment, virgin coconut oil plantation/processing, aqua-marine industries and the halal industry.}

ARMM gears toward regional development, to hold LGU summit

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Local officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will get guidance from President Duterte when the region conducts its 3rd Local Government Unit (LGU) Summit geared towards regional development on November 30 in Davao City.

The summit will last until December 1, according to Sharifa Pearlsia A. Dans, assistant regional secretary of the ARMM’s Interior and Local Government department (DILG-ARMM).

In many public speaking the President had, he repeatedly expressed desire to focus on the development of ARMM, composed of poor provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“President Duterte, during his visit here at the region’s seat, reiterated that he will personally handle the ARMM,” Dans said Monday.

A total of 116 municipal mayors with their planning officers, two city mayors, five provincial governors, and members of the 9th regional legislative assembly are expected to participate in the two-day summit.

To be held in coordination with the DILG national office, this year’s summit carries the theme “Pagkamulat, Pagbabago, Pag-Unlad”.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City is expected to be present during the summit's opening program. “The two-day event is actually a development summit, the activities which are dialogues and workshops are geared towards development,” Dans said.

The summit will be a venue to facilitate dialogue on current issues at the local level and secure the commitment of the LGUs in improving or scaling up their good governance standing and eventually to initiate plans for national and regional programs prioritization.

To set the tone of the summit on the first day, ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia will discuss the region’s development framework, followed by the state of local governance that will be delivered by DILG-ARMM Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizullah Abdullah.

There will also be a presentation of ARMM and Local Development Investment Program for the year 2017 as well as workshops on priority programs, activities, and projects.

Local chief executives will also have dialogues with officials of national government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno is expected to be present on the second day of the summit. The President, as the guest of honor, will deliver his keynote address.

“Since it is the first time that the president is handling the ARMM, we look forward to more local chief executives who would be aligned with the administration in terms of development,” Dans said.}

ARMM to push for increased economic and trade activities in PH-Malaysia borders

(PNA), ZST/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY (PNA) -- Economic and investment officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are pushing for a revitalized Sabah cross border trade with the region, officials said on Saturday.

The ARMM economic growth and linkage regional cabinet cluster through its head, Regional Board of Investments (RBOI-ARMM) Chairman Ishak Mastura, is sending a delegation to the upcoming Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Summit (BIMP-EAGA) next week in Puerto Princesa, Palawan to strengthen economic activities in the Philippine-Malaysia borders.

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

Mastura made the announcement at the sidelines of the ARMM's year-end Strategic Visioning and Planning Workshop here which ended Saturday.

ARMM's cross-border trade and economic activities with Sabah significantly lessened after the string of Abu Sayyaf-related kidnappings and piracy in the Sulu Sea that prompted the Malaysian state of Sabah to restrict the cross-border trade to big steel-hulled vessels and reduce the use of wooden-hulled "kumpit" in the trade.

"We already received our invitations to the BIMP-EAGA Summit next week from MINDA (Mindanao Development Authority) chairman Abul Khayr Alonto and we hope that our proposal for the establishment of special economic zones in the region possibly with Malaysian investors can ease cross-border trade restrictions and provide for more secure cross-border trade channels," Mastura said in a statement.

Mastura said President Duterte has made the establishment of special economic zones and the revival of the BIMP-EAGA trade and investment grouping as among the pillars of his Mindanao economic development strategy.

He explained that with the Philippines taking over as chairman of both the BIMP-EAGA and the ASEAN next year, the ARMM cross-border trade initiative is very timely.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, who hails from Basilan, said that the long-term solution to the security problems in the island provinces of the region is to provide increased economic opportunities and quality livelihood to the people, and his administration's cross-border trade initiative is a bold step in that direction.

The regional government have been closely working with the Philippine military in restoring law and order in the Philippine-Malaysian sea borders.}

ARMM women's group kicks off 18-day campaign to end violence against women

(PNA), CVL/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 26 (PNA) -- A Bangsamoro women's group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) began Saturday a series of activities aimed at promoting its advocacy to end violence against women (VAW).

The Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW-ARMM), is spearheading the VAW campaign, which is observed annually from Nov. 26 to Dec. 12 to raise awareness among all stakeholders on the issue.

The drive supports the government’s goal of protecting the rights of women and in addressing all forms of VAW, according to Sittie Jehanne Mutin, RCBW-ARMM chairperson.

On Saturday morning, RCBW kicked off its 18-day event with various activities that will help fight VAW and advocate the rights of women in society.

Among the topics in a forum to be discussed on Saturday is gender-based and sex violence. Topics to be covered during the 18-day period include human trafficking, and promoting awareness on Anti-Human Trafficking, Gender and Development Mainstreaming, and Gender Equality.

Mutin said an orientation on the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, or RA 9262, will be conducted to promote and advocate awareness on its provisions and objectives to end VAWC and gender-based violence.

On Monday, the forum, “Men Promoting Peaceful and Safe Communities Against Violence”, will be held to orient men in addressing gender and sex violence.

Data from the National Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2013 showed one in every five women experienced physical violence since age 15; six in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence; and only three of 10 women sought help to stop forms of violence committed against them.

A total of 30,872 cases of violations under RA 9262 were filed before the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2015; and 27,403 incidents of violations were recorded from January to September this year.

As of September, 37,000 out of the 42,000 barangays in the country have established barangay VAW desks through a campaign under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The theme for this year's campaign is “VAW-free community starts with me”, which Mutin said advocates peoples’ participation in ending violence against women.

“The theme suggests positive advocacy messaging by giving emphasis on everyone's commitment and contributions in ending VAW and our collaborative pursuit of our common vision of a VAW-free community,” Mutin told reporters.

The Philippines has participated in the worldwide campaign to eliminate VAW since 2002.}

Lanao Del Sur launches operation manual for women, peace center

(APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) --- In a bid to promote gender equality in the province, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur launched on November 21, the operation manual of the Provincial Women and Peace Center (PWPC).

The manual specifies the processes and work flows that are to be adopted by the PWPC in the delivery of gender-responsive programs and services.

Guidelines on the facility and human resource requirements as well as the institutional arrangements are also spelled out in the manual.

The launching was attended gender and development (GAD) focal persons from the different line agencies and municipalities and local media practitioners.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary for Peace-Building and Development, Diosita Andot, also graced the event.

Andot said the establishment of the PWPC is a demonstration of the government’s active support and leadership in the implementation of international commitments on women, peace and security under the UN Security Resolutions 1325 and 1820.

The Center was established with the support of the OPAPP and the ARMM Regional Government through the Regional Commission on the Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) in line with the government’s Localizing the National Action Plan (LNAP) on women, peace and security program that targets to bring national programs to grassroots level, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Monaima Adiong, provincial GAD Focal Person, said the Center seeks to provide women in the province access to programs and support services related to GAD and peace-building and address concerns of women especially those affected by conflict and other related issues.

Located inside the Provincial Capitol compound, the PWPC will house the different activities of women groups, provide capability building on GAD, and training to capacitate women to be economically-empowered.

The Center will also provide referral services for the violence against women (VAW) survivors, Adiong added.}

Mindanao Peace Week kicks off today with peace caravan in Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 24 (PIA) – The annual Mindanao Week of Peace celebration kicks off today (Thursday) with a Peace Caravan along the Basilan Circumferential Road and culminates with the launching program in Lamitan City.

Basilan Governor Jim S. Hataman Salliman said pursuant to Proclamation No. 127, series of 2001, the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter, is declared as Mindanao Week of Peace.

“The celebration is done for the constituents and also to raise the consciousness of the community members on the importance of the culture of peace,” the governor said.

The local observance of the peace week adopted the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo, Kapit-Bisig para sa Kapayapaan.”

Various sectors from government and non-government organizations are expected to participate in the peace caravan, which will start at the Basilan National High School Grandstand and end with a program at Datu Dizal Cultural Center in Lamitan City.

Other municipalities will also go on a caravan from their point of origin and everyone will converge in Lamitan City.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, Anak Mindanao Representative Sitti Djalia T. Hataman, and LtGen. Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz, commanding officer of Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) are expected to grace the occasion.

Meanwhile, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) Executive Director Miriam Suacito said that a peace concert will cap the peace week on November 30 at the Basilan State College featuring local bands together with special invited performers, probablys Asin and Noel Cabahug.

NFI has been the partner of the LGUs in Basilan in implementing programs and projects that promote peace and development.}

Residents of Maguindanao town turn swamp into productive tilapia farm

By Manuel Cayon

SULTAN MASTURA, Maguindanao—Residents of a former guerrilla mass base outside of this city have turned an unproductive grass-filled swamp into a profitable freshwater, fish pond, which currently supplies fingerlings to other communities in Mindanao.

Former beneficiaries of tilapia-production ponds in Sultan Mastura town in Maguindanao, about 20 kilometers north of Cotabato City, are also being tapped to train other starter organizations in freshwater fish-pond production in the region.

Adan Phari, president of the Lake Tumingay United Aqua Farmers Association of Barangay Tapayan; and Tinga A. Panansaran, president of the Tereken Aquaculture Producer Cooperative in Barangay Tambo in Sultan Mastura, said their members not only earn from selling adult tilapia but also from fingerlings.

Panansaran, for instance, was recently paid P21,000 after supplying 21,000 fingerlings to one cultivator, and has a current order for another 10,000 fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Mindanao. Tilapia cultivators here sell each fingerling at P1.

Phari said his group sold 387 kg of adult tilapia at P141.20 per kg in April. Each of the 15 member-families took home an additional income of P1,000.

Before the project took off in 2013, local residents here used to an average of P2,500, but many have to make do with a much smaller amount from gathering coconuts and fishing tilapia at the swamp.

The tilapia-production initiative involving 20 member-families was piloted in Panansaran’s barangay Tambo. Prior to the rollout of the project, the two groups usually bought fingerlings from the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

“Supply is not available all the time, and especially when we need them. So we decided to cultivate our own fingerlings,” Phari said.

The association supplies the requirements of members in the town, as well as those in other fish-pond operators in the Bangsamoro area via four hatcheries.

Many barangays in Sultan Mastura are known bailiwicks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which entered into peace negotiation with the government in 1997.

While the MILF signed a peace settlement with the government, its combatants and families continue to live below the poverty line. Conflict-ridden provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are some of the poorest provinces in the country.

The ARMM is composed of the central Mindanao provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the sourthwestern island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Jamaludin Sampulna, a Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) volunteer for fisheries, said the BDA has a lot of capacity building and values reeducation trainings to conduct to change the attitude of residents.

“In the past, they do not value the projects and would not take care of them after receiving support. Equipment would be sold, and even the barangay officials would hold them in the barangay hall before selling them,” Sampulna said.

In 2012 the Japan International Cooperation Agency linked up with the BDA to seek out projects worth cultivating for residents in conflict-affected areas in central Mindanao. Sampulna said Sultan Mastura swamps were deemed suitable for aquaculture.

Change is coming in small Lanao town

By Ayunan G. Gunting

FOR so long, the town of Lumbatan in Lanao del Sur remained underdeveloped, was saddled with unpaved roads and unstable peace and order and had no access to basic social services and a government only for the powers that be.

But a neophyte in politics in the person of Mayor Allan Lao is changing all that.

“I want Lumbatan to have effective governance and be a model town in Lanao del Sur,” x the 46-year-old Lao said.

Before his elecgtion to the town’s highest position, Lao was a project evaluation officer at the Office of the Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where he assessed project proposals. Thus, he was trained to be result oriented.

Of the ARMM governors whom he has served, Lao speaks highly of the incumbent, Mujiv Hataman.

“He is a hands-on leader who works very hard,” Lao said. He added that Hataman finds solutions to problems right away.

Weary of the lack of vision of Lumbatan’s leaders, Lao decided to enter politics. Since peace and order is Lumbatan’s top problem, Lao initiated the settling of ridos or clan wars.

DENR - ARMM pushes for preservation of vast Liguasan Marsh area in Central Mindanao

(PNA), PGL/NYP

COTABATO CITY (PNA) -- Liguasan Marsh, the 286, 000 hectare swampland situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, would remain a conservation area for bountiful flora and fauna resources.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) Secretary Kahal Kedtag told newsmen here on Thursday that a Php 164-million budget was set aside for the protection and development of the marshland for this year alone.

“Part of the budget is intended for relocation survey of the marshland sandwiched by the three provinces including the river basins,” Kedtag, who just passed confirmation on Wednesday as DENR-ARMM secretary before members of the Regional Legislative Assembly, said.

Rivers zigzagging the fenland include Simuay and Ambal, to which some portions are rich in coal deposits.

In the past, the Malaysian firm Petronas Corp. initiated gas exploration visits to the marsh and found out that it is rich in natural gas deposits.

However, Kedtag said such explorations were halted to give way to the preservation of the marshland.

A bigger part of the wetland is included into the territorial domain of Maguindanao province.

In fact, he said that Maguindanao side of the marsh is preserving a 21,000-hectare bird sanctuary in the southern side.

With such development, Kedtag emphasized that it is about time that ARMM have a well-founded environment code that should also include a responsible mining act.

“Mining, if not monitored, destroys the topography and natural habitat of the land,” he said.

Kedtag said mining operations in the region has been halted following a review by the DENR on their activities.

He said the DENR central office required five big mining firms a “catch up” plan for their operation in the region.

“DENR Secretary Gina Lopez is very strict on this,” Kedtag said.

In another development, Kedtag said forest covers in the region increased by 6.8 percent according to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

Being a DENR sub-agency, the NAMRIA is responsible for providing the public mapmaking services and acting as the central mapping agency, depository, and distribution facility of natural resources data in the form of maps, charts, texts, and statistics.

Kedtag said that ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman ordered a total log ban in the region some six years ago to give time for the land to recuperate from massive illegal logging operations in the past.

Also, the DENR – ARMM is pushing for the submission of local government units (LGUs) by the end of this month of their respective Solid Waste Management (SWM) programs or face appropriate cases in court.

So far, out of the two component cities and 116 municipalities in the ARMM, only three LGUs are dutifully implementing their SWM programs.

Kedtag identified them as the towns of Wao in Lanao del Sur, North Upi in Maguindanao, and Lamitan in Basilan.

ARMM officially starts 27th founding anniversary activities with colorful parade

(PNA), BNB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- History and the struggle of the Bangsamoro people in the region take center stage as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) today marks its 27th founding anniversary with a month-long celebration.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has given credit to the people the successful 27 long years of regional autonomous government more than the efforts of the government in leading its constituents.

“Ang araw na ito ay hindi lamang pagdiriwang ng ating anibersaryo, kung hindi pag-alala rin sa ating kasaysayan sa loob ng 27 taon (Today, we celebrate not only our anniversary but we remember history that made what is ARMM today),” Hataman said.

Actually, the celebration kicked off last week with the commemoration of the coming of Sheik Makdum in Tawi-Tawi where he planted the seed of Islam in the Philippines.

Today, a cultural parade and dances with the participants in their ethnic attires starts the celebration.

‘Pakaradjaan sa ARMM’ has been the official branding title of the ARMM anniversary since 2013. Since then, the commemoration of the region’s founding has become a colorful and festive celebration of the culture and triumph of the Filipino Muslims.

Hataman said the activities prepared for this year’s anniversary are a celebration of the region’s people, their diversity in culture and the success of the autonomous government.

“Ating ipagdiriwang ang ating mga tagumpay dahil ito ay tagumpay ng ating mga kababayan (We celebrate our successes because these are the victory of our people),” Gov. Hataman said.

In light of the sudden burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday, Gov. Hataman, during his speech, took the time to ask for a minute of silence to show solidarity with the victims of Martial Law. History, he said, will not be forgotten.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, 6th Infantry Division commander, was the keynote speaker. Galvez challenged the regional government to continue its reforms.

The Hataman administration, he said, has significantly transformed the ARMM from war-torn lands to a world-class region.

He specifically noted that President Rodrigo Duterte, during his visit, was surprised with the regional government’s top-of-the-line facilities and had only good impressions of ARMM employees. President Duterte also mentioned how his visit was gracefully handled.

Through Maj. Gen. Galvez, the Philippine Armed Forces reinforced its commitment in support of the reforms in the region especially in terms of the security challenges in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Also Hataman led the distribution of 13 units of non-motorized bancas to fisherfolk from Maguindanao; 14 passports processed for free, and Moro film festival citations.

Sheron Dayoc, director of Moro independent films 'Halaw,' 'Crescent Rising,' and 'Women of Weeping River,' and the films’ actors were given citations during the opening program. The films were shown during last week's Moro film festival.

The governor also forwarded a message of unity and called for solidarity in the midst of societal challenges and issues that continue to divide the Filipino people.

ARMM launches ‘Functional Barangay Three Months Challenge’ in Basilan

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan (PNA) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has launched a competition to encourage the villages in this province to be functional as the smallest local government unit.

Abou Mohammad Asmawil, Interior and Local Government provincial director, spearheaded on Friday the launching of the competition, dubbed as the “Functional Barangay Three Months Challenge.”

Asmawil said the aim of the competition is to ensure that the barangays are functional, being the frontline of governance.

Asmawil said those involve in the competition are 55 of the 210 villages of this province that have received projects this year from ARMM-HELPS (Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Synergy).

Bimbo Epping, ARMM-HELPS coordinator, said the infrastructure projects they provided to the 55 barangays included barangay halls.

“There are many projects being implemented by the regional government, sayang if the barangay is not functional,” Asmawil explained why they launched the competition.

He said the winners of the competition will be receive PhP10 million worth of projects from the Office of the Regional Governor.

The winners will be known on February 18, 2017, exactly three months from the date the competition was launched.

Asmawil said they have tapped the different sectors, including the military and the police, to help them monitor the barangays whether or not they are functional.

He said they will identify another 30 barangays to comprise the participants of the competition for the year 2017.

The Liga ng mga Barangay presidents from this city and 11 municipalities, who graced the launching of the competition, have expressed full support to the Functional Barangay Three Months Challenge.

The launching of the competition is a joint undertaking of the DILG-ARMM, ARMM-HELPS, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM (DAF-ARMM), and ARMM-BRIDGE (Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Equity).

ARMM to offer free legal counselling on Saturday

(Desk Man, Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – The Office of the Attorney General in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OAG-ARMM) will offer free legal advice to the public on Saturday, November 19, inside the Office of the Regional Governor compound in this city.

The free legal counselling will be one of the highlights of the ARMM’s 27th founding anniversary. Atty. Al-Rashid Balt of the OAG-ARMM said the lawyers will provide free counsel and advice to local residents as well as those from neighboring areas. Residents seeking confidential legal advice can speak with lawyers under the supervision of the OAG-ARMM.

“The lawyers will be on hand to provide information and we will prioritize clients who cannot afford the service of a private counsel,” Atty. Balt said. He pointed out that OAG-ARMM will accommodate as many individuals who need legal advice.

This year’s free legal counselling carries the theme ‘Libreng Serbisyong Legal Handog para sa Bangsamoro’. It will start at 8:00 in the morning and will last until 5:00 in the afternoon.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the regional government has lined up several activities this month and in December.

Among these activities are: a food festival featuring cuisines of the different major Moro tribes in the ARMM; a film showing; cooking showdown; sports festival; search for the ARMM’s Rajah and Ranee; financial literacy forum; cultural presentation; regional governors’ ‘peacetivity’; People’s Day; week of peace; local government unit’s summit; and ‘Gabi ng Parangal’.

TESDA to lead Mindanao consultations on government’s Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata [(PNA), SCS/MCCA]

MANILA (PNA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said on Wednesday it will lead consultations in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other provinces in Regions 9, 10 and 12 about how the government’s Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) can help bring solutions to their problems.

TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong earlier said that the agency has been tasked by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to lead in promoting provincial consultations in Mindanao for the CRDA which will kick off in Maguindanao on Nov. 24.

He said TESDA is expected to complete the provincial consultations in Mindanao in two weeks for Phase 2 (infrastructure development) and Phase 3 (economic development) under the program.

According to TESDA, Phase 1 (basic needs) of the CRDA was launched last Oct. 29 at the ARMM Regional Government Compound.

Other schedules provided by TESDA are in Lanao del Sur, ARMM, Nov. 26; Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Region 10, Nov. 28; Basilan, ARMM, Dec. 3; Tawi-Tawi, ARMM, Dec. 4 and 5; Sulu, ARMM, Dec. 5 and 6; Region 9, Dec. 7; and Region 12, Dec. 9.

Mamondiong noted that during the summit, recommendations will be discussed. This will eventually bring solutions to the concerns of Mindanaoans, he said.

TESDA said provincial consultations also aim to come up with a program for every province based on CRDA.

The TESDA Chief, meanwhile, noted that the agency will also monitor the CRDA implementation in provincial and municipal levels.

CRDA will create more barangay programs for residents of ARMM and Regions 9, 10 and 12, said Mamondiong.

”Through the CRDA, the national government could easily pinpoint the projects of the government which need immediate funding under the General Appropriations Act from 2016 to 2022,” TESDA said.

Expected attendees are local government units’ heads/representatives; provincial/municipal/city planning officers; provincial/municipal engineers; civil society organizations/people’s organizations; ARMM region heads and counterparts; concerned national government agencies/inter-agency; industry groups; TVET association/academe; regional/provincial TESDA committees; TVET (technical-vocational education and training) partners and other stakeholders.

DSWD-ARMM runs exhibit on early childhood care, devt

(BPI/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) is running an exhibit on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) this week at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in Marawi in line with the region’s celebration of the 24th National Children’s Month.

The exhibit opened Monday and will run until Friday, November 18. It highlights the four stages or cornerstones of development of young children and is the second in a series of four activities included in the DSWD-ARMM’s ECCD Summit.

The ECCD is defined under Republic Act 8980 as the full range of health, nutrition, early education, and social services programs that provide for the holistic needs of children 0-8 years old.

It rests on four cornerstones beginning from the first 1,000 days of a child, the preschool years from two to four years old, the primary school years from five to eight years old, and the involvement of the local government in childhood policies.

The four cornerstones of the ECCD harness consolidated efforts and combined interventions from different sectors to have greater impact on child development in terms of health, nutrition, early education, child protection, and their welfare’s prioritization in local government planning.

Kay Lintongan, DSWD-ARMM specialist on Child and Youth Welfare Program (CYWP), said that aside from showcasing the inherent features of children’s development stages, the exhibit aims to provide parents and stakeholders helpful information on the key roles they play in support to the developmental needs of children.

The other regional agencies taking part in the exhibit are the members of the Regional Subcommittee for the Welfare of Children (RSWC), which are comprised of the Department of Health (DOH) through its National Nutrition Council, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Interior Local Government (DILG).

In the ARMM, member agencies of the RSWC are implementing the following programs anchored on the ECCD: the DILG’s training on the mainstreaming of ECCD in the Local Government Units, the NNC’s ECCD Intervention Package for first 1,000 days in the nine municipalities of Sulu, involving Infant and Young Child Feeding and Nutrition in Emergency Trainings, the DepEd’s Kindergarten Curriculum Framework, and the DSWD’s Child and Youth Welfare Program, and operation of and 120-days supplemental feeding in its 2,092 Child Development Centers (formerly known as Day Care Centers) across the region.

The region’s ECCD program is also strongly supported by international non-government organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Australian Aid, and BRAC International, which implements programs that puts primary emphasis on early childhood development in the curriculum of their education programs such as the Alternative Delivery Model and the Tahderriya.

This week’s exhibit will be followed by an ECCD Forum and Workshop on Seamless ECCD which form part of the DSWD-ARMM’s ECCD Summit in line with the National Children’s Month celebration.

ARMM holds five-day food festival

(BPI/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur. Nov. 15 -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is holding a five-day food festival this week to showcase the different Moro delicacies as part of the region’s 27th founding anniversary celebration in Marawi city.

The food festival opened Monday with foods and delicacies unique to the province of Maguindanao taking center stage. The array of authentic Maguindanaon delicacies included the baling, tinapayan, palapa, pastil, fried katipa, tapudi, lininggil, inasekan a layagan, blua, kumukunsi, tinadtag, and panganansising.

Two of the most prominent Maguindanaon delicacies are the pastil and sininang kambing.

Pastil is cooked rice topped with sauteed chicken or fish meat flakes, known as ‘kagikit’, that is wrapped in banana leaves. A modern take on this unique Maguindanaon dish features toasted fish meat, chicken or beef as kagikit, and hot and spicy flavored kagikit.

The sininang kambing, on the other hand, is tenderized goat meat cut into chunks cooked with with palapa, coconut milk, spices, garlic, onion, ginger, chives, chili and soy sauce. The spices and coconut milk bring a unique and contrasting flavor to the meat.

According to ARMM Tourism Sec. Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen, these foods are usually served during thanksgivings that Maguindanaon refer to as “kanduli”.

“It reflects their culture and traditions,” she said.

The food festival was made even more cheerful with live kulintang music from a traditional Maguindanaon ensemble, and with the Sagayan, a traditional dance in Maguindanao.

Sec. Dilangalen said the delicacies unique to the different provinces of the ARMM form part of the culture of peoples therein and holding a festival to showcase these foods spice up the celebration of the founding anniversary of the region.

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

The delicacies in the four other provinces will be featured in the following schedule this week: Lanao del Sur on November 15; Basilan on November 16; Sulu on November 17; and Tawi-Tawi on November 18.

Sec. Dilangalen said the 27th Pakaradjaan sa ARMM will highlight the rich culture of the Moro people as well as the variety of local products from the region’s different provinces.

"It's a great opportunity for the tourists to discover the rich culture of the region," Sec. Dilangalen said.

Since 2014, the ARMM has held Food Festivals to showcase an astounding range of foods distinct to each province.

The food festival marks the celebration of the region’s diverse flavors reflecting its culture, and a celebration of cuisine and culinary talents of the Moro people.

ARMM strengthens Import-Export Industry

(DeskMan, Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – Members of different Government sectors and the Chamber of Commerce and Industries attended the Orientation-Briefing on Importation given by the Bureau of Customs today at the Bajau Hall, ORG Compound.

The forum, organized by the ARMM Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) and Polloc Free Port, was aimed at re-orienting ARMM trading clientele on the business of import and export.

This was a step taken by DTI to encourage even small business traders to legalize all their importing transactions to eliminate the rampant misconceptions of illegal smuggling especially for products coming in from nearby Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to Fernando de Dios, DTI Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, barter trading played a big part in the economic stimulus in the ARMM and this is why DTI is looking to revive the industry.

He said that the agency is working on reviving the real barter trading as it is, and not just the one-way system that it is today. “The barter that we are talking about today is no longer the barter that we knew early on when Sulu was still the barter trading center,” he adds. According to him, the proper orientation on import and export guidelines for ARMM traders certainly paves the way for the revival of the industry.

Eshan Karl Mabang, Administrator of the Polloc Free Port said that the port’s design meets international port standards and that it is ready for international importation and exportation anytime. Mabang supports the revival of the barter trading and the projected boost this will have in the export side of the industry.

“We support this kind of economic activity dahil una, pag maging successful ito, we can provide employment, increase our revenue collection at malaki ang magiging remittance natin,” he said.

To date, the Port is only mobilizing on its imports on cement, corn, and equipment for renewable energy, coming in from countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, and India.

REZA-ARMM also ensured that it is ready not only for importation, but also for exportation after it entered into a Joint Memorandum Order with the Bureau of Customs last October 2015, on the implementation of the mandatory Electronic Processing of Transshipments of REZA locators to REZA Zones and other procedures through the E2M system.

E2M (electronic-to-mobile) is an internet-based technology that allows Customs Officers and traders to handle most of their transactions online. It makes use of advanced technology including electronic signatures to provide government officials with new tools to enable them to make dramatic improvements in security, trade efficiency, and to fight against corruption.

One of those who will benefit from the innovation is the Bangsamoro Oil and Fuels Corporation, which is waiting for its importation permit as it looks forward to building a four million peso oil depot in Polloc under a joint-venture agreement with a Malaysian company.

Dr. Amor Pendaliday, President of the Corporation said the construction will take around three to five months and that the depot will have a petroleum capacity of about 14 million liters. According to him, petroleum prices, especially in the nearby areas of Maguindanao and Lanao, will definitely go on a major roll back once the depot starts operating.

Dr. Pendaliday is certain that once the Liguasan Marsh is explored and developed, exportation of crude oil is also very possible in the near future.

ARMM celebrates its 27th year

By Ayunan G. Gunting

NOVEMBER is special month for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as it celebrates its anniversary.

Now on its 27th year, “Pagkaradjaan sa ARMM” marks its establishment as a Moro region with an independent administration under the national government.

Pagkaradjaan means “celebration” in Moro tribes’ dialects.

The Moro region consists of the five Muslim-populated provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Its elective chief executive is Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman. His wife Party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin of Anak-Mindanao is proud of her husband’s achievements.

The monthlong festivities will be held at the ORG Compound and Shariff Kabungsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in Cotabato City, ARMM’s seat of government. These events highlight the Moro’s search for peace, as well as culture.

It is customary to kick off the celebration with rites at the 634-year-old Shiek Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. Makhdum was a preacher from Malaysia who intorduced Islam in the Philippines in the 14th century. As the oldest, religious historical landmark in the Philippines, it is now a museum which is being preserved as a heritage building.

Pagkaradjaan also includes summits with government agencies and private sector and a workshop on literacy. Film festivals featuring the work of young independent filmmakers that tell the stories of the Moros will be held in various venues.

The different Moro tribes, like Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Teduray and Yakan, will offer their culinaryspecialties.

In December the Muslim music, dance and costumes will be showcased in nightly cultural programs by the different tribes and a men’s basketball and volleyball tournament.

DOH awards 600 wheelchairs in Lanao del Sur

By Ali Macabalang

The Department of Health has awarded 600 wheelchairs in Lanao del Sur for use by persons with disabilities and elderly residents, officials announced.

For PWDs mobility – A Maranao special child beams as being mounted on a wheelchair awarded him and 199 other persons with disabilities by the Department of Health through Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Alonto Adiong (left) during an initial distribution of 200 wheelchairs in Marawi City recently. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto-Adiong—who worked out the DOH donation—and his mother, Governor Soraya Adiong, would distribute 400 wheelchairs on Tuesday, November 8, to indigents at Amai Pakpak provincial hospital in Marawi City and district hospitals as well as village birthing clinics in the province’s 39 towns, provincial information officer Jennie A. Tamano said.

The mother and son led the initial distribution of 200 wheelchairs for senior citizens and two special children in a symbolic ceremony at the refurbished gym of the provincial capitol complex on November 3.

“It was a virtual moment of euphoria, with recipients and even some officiating officials shed tears of joy,” a female police officer helping secure the gathering said of the ceremony.

ARMM welcomes power, agri-business investors

By Antonio L. Colina IV

Davao City — A top official of the Bangsamoro Develop Agency (BDA) said that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) welcomes investors as he acknowledged that the private sector is the “real engine of change”.

BDA chairman Saffrullah M. Dipatuan said in an interview he hopes to see more investors from power and agribusiness coming to the five-province ARMM after the crafting of a final peace pact between government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The real engine of growth is the private sector. The government can only provide the basic fundamentals for growth and development,” he said.

To further the agribusiness growth, he revealed plans to develop the Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao into an international seaport to accommodate international shipping lines that will trigger development in the Bangsamoro area.

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza urged businessmen to consider investing in less developed areas and provide opportunities for the people there.

“This should send a strong message to many businessmen, if you invest in affected areas you also get the benefits when the peace comes,” he said.

Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) chair Abul Khayr Dancal Alonto bannered the Mindanao Development Corridors program that is geared towards making tbe island a competitive player in the Brunei, Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia Philippines – East Asean Growth Area, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the larger world economy.

Alonto, who chairs one of the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), said that because every single peso invested in Mindanao is an investment in peace and progress, he is optimistic that “this is an exciting time for Mindanao” where the country’s president is from.

Mindanao gets P41B for tourism infrastructure projects

(PNA), LAP/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP

DAVAO CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has earmarked PHP41 billion for 35 inter-regional tourism infrastructure projects in Mindanao for 2017-2019.

This was announced by DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who represented DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, during the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Datu Abdul Kahyr Alonto, and DPWH ARMM Regional Secretary Mustapha Loong.

The MOC will institutionalize MinDA and DPWH joint planning and programming for the prioritization and programming of inter-regional roads, bridges, and flood control projects.

Cabral said that of the PHP41 billion, P15.72 billion will fund 18 projects under the 2017 representing 38 percent of the total budget.

To ensure on-schedule project implementation and proper monitoring, an Infrastructure and Monitoring an Advisory Group (IMAG) for big-ticket projects in Mindanao has been created.

On Tuesday, a Memorandum of Agreement was also signed between the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and MinDA.

The Agreement between TIEZA represented by its chief operating officer, Atty. Guiller Asido and MinDA with Secretary Alonto aims to institutionalize the parties' joint planning and programming mechanism for the identification, proposal development, and funding of ecotourism projects in Mindanao.

As agreed, TIEZA shall set the annual budget ceiling for the priority biodiversity and eco-tourism projects in Mindanao using the Mindanao Development Corridor (MDC) framework.

MinDA shall shepherd and serve as the overall oversight agency for the MDC initiative as well as facilitate the development and promotion of the Biodiversity and Ecotourism Cluster (BETC) as an ecotourism destination.

The signing of the memorandum of cooperation by MinDA with its partners DPWH and TIEZA is a solid gesture of institutional collaboration and teamwork for a vibrant ecotourism industry and efficient connectivity and logistics in Mindanao, Alonto said.

Alonto added that the MDC joint planning and programming is one of the mechanisms embraced under the island's development corridor which has been proven as a potent venue where projects are prioritized and funded.

DTI, Lanao del Sur provl govt to establish Go Negosyo Center

(APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) --- In a bid to assist entrepreneurs start and manage their business, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur is eyeing the establishment of a Go Negosyo Center in the province.

Danny Arumpac, senior trade and industry development specialist and Go Negosyo focal person, said the establishment of Negosyo Center will bring government services closer to small businesses and promote entrepreneurship in the province.

Under the Republic Act 10644, also known as the Go Negosyo Act, a Negosyo Center shall be established in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote the ease of doing business and help create jobs and livelihood.

Jasnia Adiong-Pandapatan, provincial livelihood training center manager, said the Negosyo Center of the province will be established at the Lanao Peoples' Park for greater accessibility.

Among the services to be offered by the Negosyo Center include business registration through the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) System and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE); business advisory services such as product development, market promotion, financing facilitation, investment promotion, and SME counseling; and business information and advocacy.

The Negosyo Center will have reception, meeting and working areas, as well as training room.

Provincial Governor Soraya Adiong issued Executive Order No. 21 creating the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Council to serve as the coordinating and oversight body for the Go Negosyo Center.

ARMM holds 1st Human Resource Summit

By Bong Garcia

FORTY-EIGHT agencies joined the First Human Resource Summit on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Key Players on Tuesday, November 8, in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).

The summit was conducted by the regional government’s Human Resource and Management Division in partnership with the Office of the Chief-of-Staff as one of the requirements of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to improve employees’ productivity and efficiency.

A total of 165 individuals consisting of budget, planning and administrative officers, among others have joined the SPMS.

Lectures were delivered on the following basic elements of SPMS and its processes which include performance planning and commitment, performance monitoring and coaching, performance review and evaluation, performance rewarding and development planning and other pertinent SPMS guidelines such as ratings, alignment of functions and the SPMS calendar and cycle.

Leopoldo Roberto Valderosa, CSC-ARMM director and one of the two summit lecturers, said the success of an organization relies greatly on its human resources, thus, making them the most important asset in an organization.

“This is why the summit is vital to success of not only the individual but of the agencies as a whole,” Valderosa said.

“We are no longer just assessing the individual, but this time we also assess the organization because we believe that a certain individual could never be satisfactory or outstanding in his performance unless the organization itself is also (performing well),” Valderosa added.

Valderosa said the Armm employees and agencies have significantly improved their performance over the years with the help of enhancement tools from donor institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to name a few.

Valderosa said that the employees sent to trainings and scholarships abroad also prove beneficial in the improvement of ARMM’s human resources.

Armm Chief-of-Staff Rasul Mitmug, Jr. said the summit is a testament of the regional government’s efforts to continuously improve the performance of its workforce and meet international standard operating procedures among its line agencies.

Mitmug said this is one of the legacies that Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman seeks to imprint in his administration.

Armm agencies’ participation in the summit is expected to result in the refinement of their SPMS plans after Tuesday’s event.

A similar summit will be conducted for members of local government units of the region before the year ends.

ARMM commemorates arrival of Islam in Mindanao

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Nov 7 (PNA) -- Leaders of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Islam believers in five provinces on Monday commemorate the 636th anniversary of the arrival in Mindanao of Sheik Karimul Makdum who introduced Islam in the island.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman had earlier declared Nov. 7 a non-working holiday in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to give residents ample time to observe the yearly Sheik Karimul Makdum Day.

It will also signal the start of the week-long commemoration of the ARMM’s 27th founding anniversary.

More than 90 percent of residents ARMM provinces are Muslims with different ethnic identities.

A Middle Eastern cleric, Makdum arrived in Bohe Indangan in Simunul, now an island town in Tawi-Tawi, in 14th Century to preach and spread Islam.

In the island, Makdum built a Mosque, now the oldest Islamic worship site in the Philippines. From there, Islam was brought to other parts of the island and eventually across the country.

Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen, ARMM’s regional tourism secretary, will lead today the Sheik Karimul Makdum Day program in Simunul that includes reenactment of the missionary's arrival in the island.

Accompanying Dilangalen are Tawi-Tawi Gov. Rashidin Matba, Rep. Ruby Sahali, officials of the ARMM’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage and Simunul Mayor Nazif Ahmad Abdurahman.

Dilangalen said her office have lined up various cultural activities to highlight the 27th anniversary feast of the autonomous region.

Tawi-Tawi’s oldest mosque ready for grand annual visit

By Manuel Cayon

DAVAO CITY—The serene and scenic Tawi-Tawi, the country’s most southwestern island province and next to the contested island of Sabah, is set to receive the bulk of tourist visits this week, in time for the commemoration of the 14th-century arrival of the first Islamic missionary.

The Bureau of Public Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the central focus among tourists is the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, the oldest in the Philippines, in Tubig (Bohe) Indangan in Simunul town.

The main activity would be held on November 7 to commemorate the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in the country, who introduced Islam in 1380, and has been historically recognized as the beginning of Islam in the Philippines.

Tourists would be expected to flock to the mosque, already declared a national religious and historical landmark.

The ARMM’s regional legislative assembly created a management board “to manage, preserve and promote the Makhdum mosque, as one of Bangsamoro’s historical landmarks,” the ARMM information office said.

Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen, secretary of the ARMM’s Department of Tourism (DOT), said numerous religious and cultural activities would educate and entertain visitors in Simunul this month, when the ARMM also commemorates its anniversary.

The ARMM’s DOT said the festivities for the twin activity include parades, a food festival, sports and cultural performances depicting the lives and culture of some of the region’s ethnic tribes.

The festivities would culminate in a fluvial procession on December 19 as part of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival.

“This annual celebration is a significant event for the Moro people,” Dilangalen said. “So with this, we the people of ARMM will be able to take pride in our rich history.”

\Tawi-Tawi is the most visited among the scattered provinces of the ARMM. Last year, 55,085 foreign and domestic tourists visited Tawi-Tawi and spent P965 million.

The ARMM said the figures indicated a significant increase of 14.35 percent in tourist arrivals and 14.34 percent in gross receipts in the province compared with the previous year’s figure.

The tourist arrival was a quarter of the total visitors’ arrival in all the ARMM that year, which attracted 192,307 visitors. Tawi-Tawi’s tourism receipts were close to a third of the ARMM’s total tourism receipts.

The total ARMM tourism figures were also an upswing. In 2014, there were 168,178 tourist arrivals with gross receipts of P2.9 billion.

The DOT-ARMM annual report said the bulk of the increase came during the last quarter of the year, with the Agal-Agal Festival held to celebrate bountiful harvest of the seaweed carageenan, and the commemoration of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum’s birthday.

The ARMM is composed of the mainland provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in Central Mindanao and the southwestern island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM to commemorate 636th Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day

(Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – Different festivities are being held annually in Tawi-Tawi, a province of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), on the 7th of November to commemorate the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in the country. The day marks the beginning of Islam in the Philippines introduced by Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in 1380.

The Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, the oldest in the Philippines can be found in Tubig (Bohe) Indangan in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost island in the country.

The mosque has been declared by the government as a national religious and historical landmark.

Sheikh Makhdum is an Islamic preacher from Malaysia who arrived in Tawi-Tawi in 1380. From then on, Islam became the faith of the Moro people and has been dominant in the Bangsamoro life and culture, setting the Moros’ identity apart from the rest of the country.

Through the ARMM’s regional legislative assembly, a management board was created to manage, preserve and promote the Makhdum mosque, as one of Bangsamoro’s historical landmarks.

Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen, the new secretary of the ARMM’s Tourism department, numerous religious and cultural activities will be held in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi this month to commemorate Sheikh Makhdum’s arrival, and to kick off the celebration of ARMM’s anniversary this month.

Through the years, the ARMM’s Department of Tourism is the lead agency for anniversary activities such as parade, food festival, sports and cultural performances depicting the lives and culture of some of the region’s ethnic tribes.

This kick-off of the annual ARMM celebration will be on November 7and will end with a fluvial procession on December 19 as part of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival.

“This annual celebration really plays significant event in the Moro people,” Sec. Dilangalen said. “So with this, we the people of ARMM will be able to take pride in our rich history.”

Official data showed that 55,085 foreign and domestic tourists visited Tawi-Tawi in 2015 with P965 million in tourism gross receipts. The figures indicated a significant increase of 14.35% in tourist arrivals and 14.34% in gross receipts in the province compared with 2014’s figures.

“This is an opportunity for the tourists to get to know the local culture and experience the celebration,” she said. To help boost tourism activities this year, the ARMM Department of Public Works and Highways earmarked P175 million worth of projects in the province, ranging from roads, water supply, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Two and a half kilometers of road are being concreted this year in Simunul, following a recently completed road concreting of Bohe Indangan, the location of the mosque, and the Manuk Mangkaw Circumferential Road, that would be finished in August this year.

All of these, except a P10-million water system in Ungus-Ungus, are located in Simunul, around or leading to the mosque of Sheikh Makhdum. Of this budget, P80 million is allocated to the Improvement of Access Road and Tourism Development of the SheikhMakhdum Cultural Center.

As of October this year, the Sheikh MakhdumCultural Center is half finished. Engr. Danilo Ong, DPWH Planning Division Chief, said all current projects in Tawi-Tawi will be finished within the first quarter of 2017.

Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost province in the country. It includes small islands in the Sulu Sea and to the northwest, the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island, and Turtle Island.

ARMM to get a share of ODA from China

By Antonio L. Colina IV (ALC/MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will get a share of the $6-billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) from China by investing on big irrigation projects, according to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.

The finance secretary briefed reporters at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday that the major big irrigation projects are what they have lined up so far for financing, along with other infrastructure projects that will uplift the living conditions of the Filipino people as part of the Duterte administration’s thrust.

He said most of the projects will be centered on countryside development, more specifically new roads, railways, and ports to decongest major cities and to reduce logistics cost for the basic goods.

Dominguez said that they would like to turn their focus on the ARMM, which suffered a low Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of P26,000 as compared to P400,000 in Metro Manila.

“So, that’s why we have problems there. We have problems of poverty. We have problems of rebellion. We have problems – and because there is no infrastructure. So we want to put more irrigation there, more roads so that people can be more interconnected. So this gap has to be closed. And that is why the thrust of the President is really to raise people out of poverty. And I think that’s what he’s doing,” he said.

Dominguez added they are still contemplating on what other projects they could fund using the ODA but he pointed out that they will also set aside a budget for Manila to Bicol railway project

He said that the government will increase public spending over the next six years to improve the country’s growth performance to close the “infrastructure gap,” more specifically in the countryside in a bid to generate more jobs for the people.

“You know, the amount of infrastructure that we need in the Philippines is really tremendous. You just go outside of Metro Manila, you see the condition of the roads, the bridges, the ports, the airports there, power, telecommunications. These are all infrastructure. This is to connect the country together physically so that goods can flow physically so that cost will go down,” he said.

Aside from the transport sector, Dominguez added that the energy sector is also a key area that needs more investments.

ARMM eyes halal industry dev’t to lift poor

By Rene V. Carbayas (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is bent on developing the potential of halal industry in the region to boost economy and alleviate people from poverty.

Science and Technology Regional Secretary Myra B. Mangkabung said that Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has reconstituted the Halal Industry Development Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (HID-IATWG) in order to harmonize all efforts and related activities pursued by the halal body and stakeholders.

“The regional governor finds it imperative to institutionalize the ARMM HID-IATWG and the Halal Industry Development Executive Committee to sustain its activities and to attain its goals and objectives,” Mangkabung said.

The creation of the HID-IATWG saw the need to revitalize the industry and make it an effective strategy to alleviate people from poverty. The regional government tasked the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-ARMM to spearhead the TWG and enable the halal industry to take off.

Recently, DOST-ARMM gathered the TWG member-agencies for the three-day strategic planning workshop in Zamboanga City to review the Halal Industry Development Plan of the region and expedite the implementation of programs that would accelerate the industry.

The development of Halal Food Industry in the ARMM has been one of the earliest priorities and continuing concerns of the regional government. Since then, leaders believed that in order to muster the synergy of all the sectors into one common socio-economic force, a program that best suits the region must be drawn and built upon the socio-cultural and resource advantages.

The formulation of the Regional Halal Food Industry Development Plan (2009-2011) served as the master plan under the Ampatuan administration and was one of the very valuable outputs of the HID-IATWG and the Provincial Halal TWG that complement the region’s socio-economic development plan and other existing plans. However, not much development was seen in the industry.

With the recent development in the global Halal industry, that halal is beyond food and beverages but also of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics and services, the ARMM HID-IATWH saw the need to sit down and work together to come up with a more responsive and realistic halal plans for the ARMM.

Halal, according to Republic Act No. 10817, refers to lawful or permissible under Sharia’h (Islamic Law). But, aside from its religious connotations, ARMM is hoping that stakeholders would look at halal with economic potentials as well that may provide the key to lift the people from poverty.

Govt offers scholarships to 60,000 students in ARMM

(BPI/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 1 (PIA) --- More than 60,000 students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be given the chance to pursue college education, or vocational courses, with the aid of an expanded government scholarship program.

President Rodrigo Duterte spearheaded the launching of the new set of scholarship programs during his first official visit to the seat of the ARMM in the city on October 29.

The scholarships are intended for students from indigent families and form part of the array of anti-poverty programs under President Duterte’s Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda for the ARMM (CRDA).

The CRDA addresses the high poverty incidence in the region and is expected to boost the existing poverty reduction initiatives under the administration of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allotted 3,473 scholarship slots under its Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation in six state universities and colleges in the ARMM.

It targets poor and deserving students in the region to take up priority programs of the CHED and other identified course offerings aligned with the government’s key growth areas. The grantees will receive a total P60,000 every academic year.

CHED Commissioner Prospero De Vera III said the college scholarship program will help the ARMM develop its human capital and advance social protection, which reduces the prevalence of poverty and the vulnerability of certain sectors by ensuring an efficient labor capital.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will grant scholarship to 60,000 students in the ARMM who want to take up technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses. It is part of agency’s Training-for-Work Scholarship Program.

The TVET courses allow students to gain the needed knowledge and skills for existing and in-demand jobs here and abroad.

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