Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News October 2015

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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.

RBOI-ARMM registers additional P600-M investment for 2015

(Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – The Regional Board of Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) registered P600 million worth of investments at the start of this year’s fourth quarter creating at least 250 jobs for the region.

These investments were from the Maguindanao Energy Farms Inc. (MEFI) based in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Matling Industrial and Commercial Corp. (MICC) operating in Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

MEFI invested P400 million for a 474-hectare napier grass plantation. The plantation with production capacity of 256,133 metric tons per annum will be used to supply the fuel needs of Lamsan Power Plant, which is also located in Simuay. Napier is a highly valued industrial crop, a good source of biomass energy, which will naturally regenerate after a reasonable length of time.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, RBOI-ARMM chairperson said the addition of MEFI on the list of existing renewable energy projects registered with this office signifies a growing number of investors in alternative sources of energy such as biomass.

“Such projects are included in the 2014-2016 ARMM Investments Priorities Plan that promotes and supports economic activities for sustainable and clean sources of energy and to secure power supply for the future. About 23% of total investments from 2012 to the present in ARMM are into renewable energy,” Mastura said.

MICC, on the other hand, invested P194 million for an expansion and modernization project by setting up a new cassava starch-milling plant. The new plant is expected to yield approximately 13,216 metric tons, or 260,000 bags annually. MICC is one of the pioneering and most enduring cassava starch companies in the country, which was established in September 1928.

As of the third quarter of 2015, RBOI-ARMM registered a total of P6 billion investments, the biggest in the history of ARMM. Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said “investments will continue to come in the region as long as there is sustained peace and stability.”

OCD-ARMM put up emergency plans for 'Undas'

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 30 (PNA) -- To ensure the safety of people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who will observe the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1 and 2, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and other concerned government agencies have started implementing security measures.

The ARMM is a composed of predominantly Muslim provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Myrna J. Angot, officer in charge of the OCD-ARMM, said the OCD and its partner agencies are prepared to respond in case of emergency during the two day religious activity.

The OCD has put up a preparedness plan during “Undas” observance where the public are encouraged to ask assistance from the “help desks of the agencies” that will be put up in all Catholic and public cemeteries.

Angot reminded the public to follow all prohibitions and security procedures set by the authorities to avoid untoward incidents and chaos.

Police assistance hubs will be put up along the national roads and other places of convergence like the cemeteries, churches and beaches. Mobile patrols were also activated to watch out against criminal elements who might take advantage while most household members are out visiting their departed loved ones.

Representatives of government and non-government organizations will also monitor bus terminals, seaports and airports to ensure safe travel among commuters.

ARMM celebrates Coop Month, pushes for active coop programs

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

COTABATO CITY, Oct 29 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) today pushed for active cooperative programs in the region as it underscored the importance of cooperatives in nation-building during the celebration of the 2015 Cooperative Month and the centennial anniversary of cooperatives in the Philippines.

According to Dimnatang Radia, Cooperative Development Authority-ARMM (CDA-ARMM) administrator, cooperatives serve as an instrument in achieving peace and development in the community.

“They (cooperatives) are our partners in implementing the region’s programs to the ground,” said Radia.

Simultaneously, CDA-ARMM launched its “Kapit-Bisig, Coop Natin, Kaya Natin” program. Radia said the program will help strengthen cooperatives in the region.

This year’s celebration started with a parade led by CDA-ARMM held at the regional government’s compound on Wednesday, October 28. It was participated in by employees and officials of the ARMM as well as different cooperatives from the first and second districts of Maguindanao.

“The 'Kapit-Bisig, Coop Natin, Kaya Natin' program is one way of convincing the cooperatives as well as our partner agencies in government to help and further strengthen cooperativism in the region. This is based on directives from Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman),” said Radia.

Cooperatives started to operate in the country in 1915 by virtue of Act 2508 providing for the “creation of rural agricultural cooperative associations.”

CDA-ARMM is mandated to register, regulate and conduct capacity building activities and trainings in promoting the viability, growth and sustainability of cooperatives in the region.

To pursue its mandate, Radia said the agency is currently upgrading its system of registration from manual to computerized for easy gathering and access of data on various cooperatives in the region. To date, ARMM has almost 5,000 registered cooperatives.

CDA-ARMM is conducting forums on implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9520, also known as the cooperative act of 2008, to update cooperatives on laws governing them. The agency is also providing technical assistance and seminars on bookkeeping and management of cooperatives.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “Kooperatiba: Ika-100 Taong Pagpupugay, Tulay sa Maunlad na Buhay.”

PNP-ARMM, Cotabato City PNP ready for 'Undas'

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- The Cotabato City police office has designed security plan (Oplan Undas) to ensure the observance of All Saint's Day on Sunday and All Souls' Day on Monday is peaceful and orderly.

This early, many Cotabatenios have started coming to the cemeteries to clean the graves of their loved ones.

Senior Supt. Rex Anongos, Cotabato City police director, said police personnel will be deployed starting October 30 to the perimeter and within cemeteries in the city when people start to clean and visit the graves.

Traffic enforcers backed by the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) personnel will be deployed to direct smooth flow of vehicles. Traffic re-routing will be imposed.

"We ask the public to cooperate with our law enforcers," he said. Police are on alert status.

Anongos said police personnel will be deployed at the Catholic cemetery, Chinese cemetery, Public cemetery and Malagapas cemetery.

He said the items that are prohibited inside the graveyards are firearms, bladed weapons, liquors and sound systems.

Police assistance desk will be put up in all cemeteries in the city.

Anongos said the Army Special Forces Battalion will help implement the security plan.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Senior Inspector Ronald de Leon, PNP-ARMM spokesperson, said the security plan for All Saints Day and All Souls' Day is already in place.

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

WHO cites ARMM for hygiene programs for public school children

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -– The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the hygiene programs of the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) for public school students in the region, an education official announced today.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM regional secretary, showed to reporters a communiqué from WHO that acknowledged the agency’s advocacy for hygiene among public school students during the launching of the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) on Monday here.

WHO also lauded ARMM for observing the GHD annually since its launching in 2011.

“It is wonderful to hear about the Global Handwashing Day being celebrated all over ARMM. Such advocacy for hygiene ensures that all children can be clean and healthy to attend school,” Magno quoted the WHO citations as saying.

“It is great to see the national and regional government working closely together to provide such strong support for this highly beneficial initiative,” the WHO citation said.

”It was a vote of confidence from WHO,” Magno added.

On Monday, Magno and Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr, regional health secretary for ARMM, led regional officials and employees in the GHD event where school children from public and private schools were taught proper handwashing techniques.

Magno said the event was meaningful as it was also attended by Ballader Ronnie Liang, now a GHD endorser and a representative Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The Germany-based GIZ has been extending DepEd-ARMM with technical assistance in implementing hygiene programs for public school children.

GIZ, a global advocacy dedicated to promoting awareness and public understanding on the importance of handwashing to prevent diseases, is installing 1,500 washing facilities in public schools and learning centers in the region.

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

ARMM officials, employees lead celebration of Global Handwashing Day

(PNA), FPV/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) celebrated Monday the 2015 Global Handwashing Day with regional officials and employees leading the demonstration on proper hand washing with soap.

Held at the ARMM compound, the activity was spearheaded by Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM) Regional Sec. John Magno.

Magno said the handwashing with soap is a low-cost but effective intervention to prevent hygiene-related illnesses among school children in the region.

“Handwashing with soap is a ‘do-it-yourself vaccine’ that prevents infections, and saves lives,” Dr. Magno said. In the Philippines, diseases related to lack of hygiene, such as diarrhea and respiratory infections, are still the leading causes of illnesses and death among children.

With the theme “Raise a hand for hygiene,” the handwashing day was aimed at promoting handwashing and raising awareness on how to prevent hygiene-related illnesses.

Since 2011, the ARMM government, specifically the DepEd-ARMM, together with nongovernmental organizations, has been implementing Essential Health Care Program in 400 schools across the region, which focuses on daily group handwashing with soap, daily group toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, and the bi-annual de-worming.

During the National Deworming Day, about 10 million students in the Philippines, including those in ARMM, underwent deworming in July 29 this year. The deworming, which is conducted every six months, will be administered again in 400 schools in January 2016.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, DOH-ARMM secretary, stressed that “de-worming tablets are safe, but may cause adverse effects including nausea, weakness or diarrhea” because the body would be getting rid of the worms.

Sinolinding said in the ARMM about four in every 10 children are infected with intestinal worms. Children with worms have poor performance, almost always weak and tired, and have impaired mental and physical developments as well as lack nutrients in their bodies.

“In the past decade, the parasite prevalence among children in ARMM has decreased from 75 percent to 38 percent. However, the momentum must continue to rid our children of worms,” Dr. Magno added.

After the handwashing activity, DepEd-ARMM, DOH-ARMM and the PhilHealth-ARMM signed a memorandum of understanding that rekindles the strategic mutual understanding among the agencies in the protection and promotion of children’s right to health.

Ronnie Liang, a Filipino balladeer, was chosen as the Handwashing Ambassador for ARMM.

ARMM is now ready for business

By Bernie Magkilat

To most, peace and order is what drags progress in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) largely because an economy cannot move forward if there is no peace. True. But one large component to progress is good governance. There could be peace but if leaders do not practice good governance, progress becomes more elusive. Wrong governance creates chaos. Peace and order is a product of the kind of governance.

Given this premise, the Eisenhower Fellowship has targeted ARMM leaders to be part of its leadership program through mentorship. The fellowship believes the need to address leadership issues for an economy like ARMM to function as it should be.

EISENHOWER

The Eisenhower Fellowship was established by a group of businessmen in honor of the 34th President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower’s devotion to world peace. The Fellowship is an international leadership exchange program. Filipinos have become part of this fellowship and have contributed to the improvement of the welfare of Filipinos through their roles in the government, military, and private organizations. Among the 2015 Fellows are Louella Oco Pesquera of the Office of the Ombudsman and Santol (La Union) Mayor Daisy Sayangda.

Other Filipinos fellows include film writer and director Omar Ali (2013 Fellow), Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez (2009), Army BGen. Carlito Galvez (2006), Ariel Hernandez (2011) and ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman (2014).

HATAMAN

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman became one of the few chosen Eisenhower Fellows in 2014.

Hataman was a transition governor for ARMM in 2011 because President Aquino was bent on synchronizing the ARMM elections with the national election. Hataman said the the idea was to “reform ARMM from being an election cheating capital and rid it of corrupt practices and replace it with good governance practices.”

In the previous ARMM elections, Hataman said votes casted were more than the actual registered voters. So, synchronizing the ARMM election with the national could minimize focus on the local elections. It also provides an opportunity for the people in ARMM to choose the right leader.

“If people can choose the right leader in a clean and credible election process then that would lead to good governance,” he said.

Hataman ran in 2013 and won. Together with the late Local and Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo, Hataman developed a framework based on three agendas: good governance, peace and security, and economic development. Hataman has realized the he needs to focus on governance to make ARMM a functional government.

“Governance is most important because the basic problem of ARMM is governance. ARMM was dysfunctional when we came in,” said Hataman.

With the assistance of Disbursement Acceleration Plan (DAP), Hataman was able to implement some reforms to make ARMM a real functional government.

It was at this juncture that Hataman was encouraged to apply for the Eisenhower Fellowship.

“My friends saw the need for me to have a guide to run ARMM,” said Hataman noting that he needs all the guidance to run ARMM according to his vision of accountability and transparency. Eisenhower is the right place to train officials become good leaders to run and manage the affairs of government.

Despite conflicts in schedule, Eisenhower was kind enough to accommodate Hataman. The 7-week leadership immersion program has created a new leader in Hataman.

Eisenhower, which is composed mostly of Republicans, reciprocated and mentored Hataman based on his three interests on socio-economic development, governance and peace and security.

During the fellowship, Hataman did some research, consumed his time on one on one sessions with leaders including ambassadors, experts in governance, anti-corruption and anti-terrorism.

His mentors were themselves involved in the US governance and operatives in other countries. He was able to talk with anti-terrorism experts assigned before in the Middle East.

“The fellowship gives them Fellows an opportunity to see a wider world view with reference to the issues that they are interested in,” said Prof. Ernie Garilao, chairman of The Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines (EFAP).

Garilao, who is also President of the Zuellig Family Foundation, explained that Eisenhower fellows are given an orientation and an assessment. Fellows have easy access to their mentors, who otherwise cannot be accessed easily.

“It opens doors for me,” said Hataman.

Hataman gushed at the guidance he received from the great resource persons, whom he would not have the chance to talk to had he not joined the Eisenhower Fellowship. He was overwhelmed by the lessons he learned from them that changed his leadership framework.

“It is a mentorship based on experience,” said Hataman, who was mentored by the great minds at Eisenhower at the age of 41 and while running the ARMM, a dysfunctional government body he wanted to reform.

Hataman, who used to be street parliamentarian with a leaning towards the left, has abandoned his previous mindset believing that dictatorship is not his kind of leadership.

He read the book “To Lead is To Live Dangerously.” Hataman has learned that to be a successful leader he has to devote 80 percent of his time to his constituents and secondly, he has to listen to his people. ARMM is huge with 116 municipalities and 2 cities. He conducts meetings down to the grassroots regularly. He holds meetings with teachers. ARMM got its ISO certification this year on governance for the first time.

Hataman spends all of his time with his constituents that for the first four months of his life as a governor, he did not go home to his family. He wanted to create an impact.

Now, Hataman is the most accessible governor ARMM has ever had answering his constituents through his Nokia analog model 105 phone.

All appointments go through a competitive examination enabling him to hire the competent and rid of the political patronage that shaped ARMM’s previous appointments. He ended up sparring legal suits but legal suits were expected.

According to Hataman, he was mentored against getting insecure by his smarter people. His mentors taught him “Do not be insecure by your smart people because one of the traits of a good leader is to develop greater and successful leaders because their success is your success as well.”

“What was very critical is the whole issue of listening and being hands on,” said Hataman.

His exacting brand of leadership has somehow rubbed off with the other leaders in ARMM to congressmen and local government leaders. The ARMM Cabinet was alert all the time as Hataman emphasizes transparency at all times.

He was thankful to the leadership gurus at the fellowship for providing the value added and framework shift.

“We transform ARMM to a functional government from a dysfunctional one,” said Hataman.

With good governance and a functional government, ARMM is now ready for business.

GLIMPSE OF THE GROWING ARMM ECONOMY

The ARMM economy did not just stop from plunging into the abyss but the bottomless pit bottomed out. From a negative .01 gross regional domestic product in 2001 it climbed to 3.6 GRDP in 2013. The target for this year is 5 percent GRDP.

Investments rose from the dead. New investments inflow is now at P5.5 billion from P3.7 billion in 2014 with new investments in agriculture. Investments inflow is projected to hit R7 billion this year.

“All these became possible because of good governance which translates to higher investor confidence,” Hataman said.

Investments in the pipeline include the P1.3 billion 5,000 hectare oil palm plantation by Gintong-Agri Corp. in DOS, Maguindanao. A R400 million napier biomass fuel production by Maguindanao Energy Farms Inc. in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, and a cassava processing by Matling Industrial and Commercial Corp. in Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

Unemployment rate has gone down. Tourism is another potential for employment opportunities. A mall was established in Cotabato City.

Take a look at the ARMM budget that the government has allocated as good governance builds trust. In 2011, the budget was only P11.788 billion and P11.717 billion in 2012, the allocation has gone up to

P17.290 billion in 2013 to P19.615 billion in 2014 to P24.299 billion in 2015. For 2016, ARMM has a budget of P28.492 billion.

Even if there was peace, but there was no good governance, progress would still be impossible. Good governance breeds peace.

“It is more important to start with good governance,” stressed Hataman.

With the ongoing peace process and especially if the proposed Basic Bangsamoro Law is passed, Hataman expects the ARMM economy to finally take off.

“Before, people in ARMM just know about ARMM, but now they feel ARMM,” said Hataman.

PAL, CebPac flights to Cotabato remained suspended due to haze

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, October 24 (PNA) –- Domestic flights to and from Cotabato Airport remained cancelled for eight straight day today due to deteriorating skies of Mindanao island, the state weather bureau said Saturday.

Charlene Jamero, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist, told reporters that incoming flights to Cotabato airport were still cancelled today due to “very low visibility” or almost zero visibility as a result of the week-long haze that blanketed the region.

Cancelled flights were Cebu Pacific flights 5J 885 (Manila-Cotabato), and 5J 886 (Cotabato-Manila), and Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights PR 2959 (Manila-Cotabato), and PR 2960 (Cotabato-Manila). Also cancelled were CebPac’s 5J 887 (Manila-Cotabato and 5J 888 (Cotabato-Manila).

Commercial flights here have been cancelled since October 17, Saturday.

Jamero said PAGASA could not say when the skies over Cotabato airport become clearer.

She said the low visibility status of Cotabato airport makes it difficult, and dangerous, for airplanes to land and take off.

Kahal Kedtag, regional secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the haze can only be removed if heavy downpour with strong winds occur.

Kedtag believed it will take sometime for the forest fire in Indonesia to be neutralized because most of the forests that went on fire were planted with hardwood species.

PAL and Cebu Pacific ticketing offices here have refused to issue tickets until its main offices issue the go signal.

"It is still uncertain when the flight will resume," Elsie Quinto, a CebPac ticketing office clerk in Cotabato City, said.

DOH-ARMM tells public to stay indoors, avoid haze

By Edwin O. Fernandez

(PNA),RMA/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 23 (PNA) – Health officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Friday advised the public to stay indoors, unless necessary, to avoid suffering from respiratory diseases due to haze now covering most of Southern Mindanao region.

”Don't underestimate the ill effects of haze. It's worsening the already compromised quality of air that we breathe imposing health risks to everybody,” Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr, regional secretary for Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) said.

Sinolinding told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) the haze, which engulfed most parts of Mindanao and forced cancellation of airline travel to and from major cities to Manila, is a fine dusk, smoke, or light vapor, causing lack of transparency in the air.

Haze has been in Mindanao skies since Oct. 17 brought by winds from vast forest fires in Indonesia.

”The haze aggravates the quality of the air that we breathe and some people may experience the following signs and symptoms, namely eye irritation, itchy and runny nose, sneezing, dry throat and coughs,” Sinolinding said.

”We advised the people to take adequate amount of water, drink cough preparations if cough is manifested, OTC (over the counter) antihistamines for allergic reaction or upon the advice of a physician,” Sinolinding said in an advisory released Friday afternoon.

”Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors and joggers should wear protective masks or forego activities till the air clears,” he added.

Meanwhile, Charlene Jamero, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) weather specialist, said PAL and Cebu Pacific flights to Cotabato from Manila remained cancelled.

Air travel to and from the Cotabato airport had been suspended since Saturday last week.

”The haze is thicker now so we maintain our no-takeoff, no-landing policy,” she told reporters.

In Tawi-Tawi, honoring its sea gypsies at the Agal-Agal Festival

By Joseph Agcaoili (Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com)

In Tawi-Tawi, residents of Bongao town celebrated the Agal-Agal Festival, one of the highlights of the Kamahardikaan Festival held yearly in September. The latter is a week-long celebration to commemorate the founding anniversary of the province of Tawi-Tawi, which is located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Kamahardikaan, which literally means bestowing the highest degree of respect, honors the people of Tawi-Tawi whose ancestors were the Sama people or sea gypsies. Farming agar-agar, which means seaweed, is a main source of livelihood in the area besides fishing.

The eleven municipalities of Tawi-Tawi—namely, Bongao, Simunul, Sitangkai, Mapun, Turtle Island, Sibutu, South Ubian, Sapa-Sapa, Panglima Sugala, Tandubas. and Languyan—joined the Agar-Agar Festival by participating in a grand street parade highlighting their seaweed harvest, performing the pangalay dance, and showcasing Sama way of life.

A fluvial parade offered an impressive visual fiesta as brightly decorated boats featured performers in full costumes as they danced the pangalay or traditional fingernail dance.

Today, the province is stepping up with ongoing infrastructure projects such as bridges and roads that would connect more towns for faster transportation of agricultural and marine products, and would facilitate easier access for basic government services.

The runway of Sanga-Sanga airport in Tawi-Tawi is currently being extended. Flights from Tawi-Tawi to Cebu and vice-versa are also being planned to boost economic activity. To fix its power supply problem, the government has plans to provide electricity to 100 percent of the entire province before the term of President Aquino ends next year.

Efforts in promoting the area as a peaceful and beautiful place for tourism are being made both by the national and local governments. The Agar-Agar Festival, for instance, has been attracting tourists in recent years.

Besides this grand celebration, travelers will also delight in Tawi-Tawi’s vibrant culture that is visible with Malay influences in its people’s garb, for instance, and its cuisine. The area has beautiful mosques—Sheikh Makdum Mosque being the oldest in the country and founded in 1380—and unspoiled white-sand beaches to explore.

ARMM to create law enforcement task force

(BPI/APB/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 21 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will establish a task force to intensify law enforcement in the region, especially here in the province.

The decision was made following the killing of Marawi City’s Police Chief Superintendent Abner Wahab Santos on October 17.

Members of the ARMM’s Regional Peace and Order Council and Lanao del Sur’s Provincial Peace and Order Council convened in a joint emergency security meeting on October 19, at the Provincial Capitol to discuss possible actions that would be taken in response to the incident.

Santos was killed at 2:00 p.m. on October 17 while driving his vehicle at Crossing Sarimanok, Brgy. Luksa Datu in Marawi City. The victim suffered multiple gunshots on the head and was dead on the spot. The suspects are still unidentified.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has condemned the killing saying the police officer’s execution was a “heinous and cowardly act that demonstrates brutality and an utter lack of regard for the value of human life.”

Hataman and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. presided over the meeting and agreed to create the joint task force comprising of the regional and provincial governments, the military, the police, and civil society organizations.

Officials who attended the meeting agreed on drafting a resolution defining the structure and tasks of the members of the task force that would address peace and order problems in the region.

It was concluded that the killing of the police chief was due to his active involvement against drug syndicates operating in the city and in nearby towns.

Lanao del Sur is a component province of ARMM, with four other provinces namely Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. “Hindi ito ang panahon para magsisihan (This is not the time for us to blame one another). These are all our responsibility, these are all our accountability,” Hataman said.

Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman, ARMM vice-governor; Col. Roseller Murillo, 103rd brigade commander; and Police Chief Supt. Ronald Estilles, ARMM’s regional police director, also attended the meeting.

Hataman also urged the active participation of the general public to secure peace in their respective communities. “The success of the government’s mandate on peace and security depends on the participation of the community,” he said.

The councils will also create a ‘Special Investigating Task Group Abner’ that will further investigate the killing.

DSWD-ARMM hosts 4Ps forum, hopes to institutionalize poverty alleviation program

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA) –- To determine the possibility of institutionalizing the government’s poverty alleviation program once a new political entity is in place for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a forum Monday to increase awareness among the project’s stakeholders.

Prince Sean Soledad, the program’s regional monitoring and evaluation officer of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), said the forum had served as an investment for the future of the Bangsamoro on efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality, and improve maternal health care.

The forum held at Estosan Hotel here was attended by more than a hundred 4Ps beneficiaries in Maguindanao and representatives from civil society organizations.

Hadja Meriam Abdulkasan, ARMM regional 4Ps deputy program manager, said the activity was an initial step to determine the possibility of the 4Ps’ institutionalization through collaborative efforts with the stakeholders.

The program is the national government’s flagship poverty alleviation initiative, which provides grants to the poorest households in order to improve health, nutrition and education of children aged 0-18.

The DSWD-ARMM as lead government agency for the 4Ps implementation, is conducting the National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or “Listahan” to determine factual program beneficiaries in the region.

In 2015, the national government released Php3.6 billion in cash grants that benefited 418,030 family beneficiaries in ARMM.

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

Under the program, the beneficiaries receive a cash grant of Php500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses and Php 300 per child each month for educational expenses.

Households with three qualified children would receive Php1,400 monthly.

In order to get state subsidies, five-year-old children beneficiaries must attend day-care or pre-school classes and must get regular preventive health checkups and vaccines.

Also, children of beneficiaries from six to 14 years old must be enrolled in elementary, or high school with 85 percent attendance and must receive de-worming pills twice a year.

More so, pregnant women beneficiaries must avail themselves of pre-and post-natal care, while parents are required to attend family development sessions, which include topics on responsible parenting, health, and nutrition.

Military donates tractor, bamboo seedlings in Sulu

By Bong Garcia

THE military's Joint Task Group Sulu has turned over a hand tractor and hundreds of bamboo seedlings as part of its livelihood and poverty alleviation interventions in Sulu province.

JTGS commander Alan Arrojado said on Monday that the beneficiary of the equipment and 300 bamboo seedlings is the municipality of Luuk located in the second district of Sulu.

Arrojado said the hand tractor and the bamboo seedlings were turned over to the Municipal Government of Luuk through Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Pao Dambong.

Arrojado said the hand tractor and bamboo seedlings were handed over to Luuk Mayor Allayon Arbison in a simple ceremony held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday in Luuk town.

He said the project also forms part of his command's peace-building confidence measures in Sulu.

US, UK, EU, 18 other ambassadors seek continuation of Bangsamoro peace process

(Philippines News Agency)

MANILA -- At least 24 countries, led by the United States and European countries, are asking for the continuation of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Ambassadors and top diplomats representing Western and Asian countries last week issued a signed statement of support for the peace process, a new call also for the establishment of safeguards to prevent a resumption of armed conflict in Mindanao.

“We, the undersigned, share a common aim with the people of the Philippines to work towards a just and lasting peace in Mindanao that brings prosperity, security, and social benefits to all Filipinos and maintains the unity of the Republic of the Philippines,” the ambassadors said.

“We express our solid support and commitment to the continuity of the peace process.”

Among the signatories are: Ambassadors Bill Tweddell of Australia, Marion Derckx of the Netherlands, Ambassador Philip Goldberg of the United States of America, Ambassador Erik Forner of Norway, Ambassador Luis Calvo of Spain,

Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Raoul Imbach of Switzerland, Ambassador Asif Ahmad of the British Embassy, Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa of Japan, Ambassador Rolando A. Guevara Alvarado of Panama, Ambassador Jon Top Christensen of Denmark,

Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa, Jr. of the Czech Republic, Ambassador Massimo Roscigno of Italy, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Ngerikl Baules of Palau, Charges d’ Affaires a.i. Stella De Araneta of Colombia, Ambassador-Designate Franz Jessen of the European Union,

Ambassador Thomas Ossowski of Germany, Charge d’ Affaires Mihai Sion of Romania, Ambassador Marthinus Slabber of South Africa, Ambassador Jae-Shin Kim of Korea, Ambassador Neil Reeder of Canada, and Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Legodec of France.

Ambassador Johny Lumintang of Indonesia, Ambassador David Strachan of New Zealand, and DHM Charlotta Schlyter of Sweden also expressed their intention to sign the statement.

‘Implement CAB’

The ambassadors and diplomats stressed the need to ensure that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 27 March 2014 is implemented. They said this is needed to sustain the peace and stability in the Philippines’ main southern island of Mindanao.

The group explained that there was a pressing need to give life to the 2014 negotiated peace accord between the government and the MILF that served as basis for the drafting of a Bangsamoro Basic Law now pending in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and “to the long term political, economic, and social pillars that will bring the peace dividend to the country as a whole.”

“We ask for continued commitment from all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to enable the Bangsamoro people to form an effective and inclusive, devolved administration as called for in the [2014 CAB]. To do this will require flexibility on all sides to work within current Constitution of the Republic and recognition of the aspirations of the people of the Bangsamoro,” the ambassadors said.

When passed, the BBL will abolish the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and set up a parliamentary regional government that will provide the Bangsamoro with more fiscal and political autonomy.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law as drafted by the negotiating parties was stalled in Congress after the January 2015 fatal Mamasapano tragedy that killed special police forces and MILF fighters, as well as civilians.

Continuity and common interest

According to the diplomats, their stake in achieving peace and development in the Philippines is “not just as committed friends and development partners” but also “as investors and members of the community through our citizens.”

“The long and difficult history of this troubled region can and should move to a more positive future agenda. Much work has been done to bring the parties, activists, politicians, business, and civil society to the brink of a settlement. For the country as a whole, it is essential that setbacks are overcome and people of vision and faith come together to ensure that the momentum for peace continues.”

The CAB is a product of almost 18 years of negotiations. It builds on the gains of the government’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The contemporary Moro uprising crystallized due to the atrocities committed by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to the Moro people.

“In sustaining the peace effort, it is vital that there is no return to violence and that long-established institutional safeguard measures remain in place to monitor and resolve disputes.”

“In a world of conflict and instability which has marred the lives of so many, we want to support the Philippines to emerge as a nation that is at peace within itself,” the statement said.

The government of the Philippines Negotiating Panel for talks with the MILF acknowledged the renewed support of the international community for the Bangsamoro peace process and its members’ call to pass a meaningful BBL without delay.

“Domestic support is vital in sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process. International support for the passage of the basic law is also valuable because they provide a global perspective that broadens our parochial and partisan appreciation of our quest," said government chief peace negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

“As outsiders looking in, the international community can offer a more objective point of view. We are heartened that they continue to see that we are fighting the good fight and thank them for the trust and goodwill they have shown from the beginning,” she added.

PDEA-ARMM vows to clamp down hard on narco-politics

(Philippine News Agency)

Cotabato City – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) said it was intensifying its campaign against illegal drug operations in Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur to eliminate narco-politics ahead of the 2016 polls.

PDEA-ARMM made this announcement even as police and anti-narcotics agents arrested two men yesterday during illegal drug buy-bust operations from whom they were able to seize 70 sachets of shabu.

Supt. Reynante delos Santos, Midsayap police chief, identified the suspected illegal drug peddlers as Datu Kali alias Kyle and Esmael Maon alias Mael, both residents of Barangay Poblacion 3.

Aside from the shabu, police and PDEA agents also seized illegal drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

In nearby Libungan, North Cotabato, three men believed to be engaged in illegal drug trade were arrested by lawmen in the village of Batiocan, also yesterday.

Arrested in the 1 a.m. joint police and PDEA raid were Rogie Patiño, Danilo Buenilo and Leonardo Catulong, all residents of Barangay Batiocan. Authorities seized 14 sachets of suspected shabu.

Jeoffrey Tacio, regional director of PDEA-ARMM, told DXMS Radyo Bida that, in the adjoining provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, including Cotabato City, close to 50 villages have been identified as drug affected communities.

In Lanao del Sur’s 1,159 barangays, 23 villages have been listed as areas where there are confirmed presence of illegal drugs, he said.

He added that out of Maguindanao’s 508 villages, 17 barangays have high incidents of illegal drug use, pushing and peddling.

ARMM signs accord with halal-certifying bodies in Philippines

(Bureau of Public Information)

COTABATO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao inked a Memorandum of Understanding with halal-certifying bodies in the Philippines in an effort to further strengthen the halal industry in the country.

The accord was signed between the DOST-ARMM and Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. and both groups are accredited by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Myra Mangkabung, DOST-ARMM Secretary, said the agreement was aimed at strengthening the collaboration with halal-certifying bodies and at exploring opportunities on halal products and services in the region.

The document was signed during the recent 1st ARMM Halal Congress and 2015 National Science and Technology Week that carried the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.” The theme depicts the vision and dream of the S&T community to keep abreast with global economic integration through innovation.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the Muslim region bids to become the halal hub of the Philippines as the halal industry is making a noise in the international market as one potent force to reckon with in this field.

“The region continues to pursue its reform agenda, to transform it to become globally competitive, from its systems to infrastructures, science and technology also continues to play its vital role in trying to become the spring-board of the region towards Asian Integration through its Halal Industry Development Program,” Hataman said.

The Halal Food Industry Development Plan is a major initiative for Mindanao under its Medium Term Philippine Development Plan, which specifically provides that the ARMM shall be the country’s halal-production base. This program is anchored on three pillars namely policy and advocacy, infrastructure and support system, and governance.

Several initiatives of the regional government pertaining to the promotion of the halal industry are already being implemented such as the adoption of the Regional and Provincial Halal Food Industry Plan, and the passage into law of the Muslim Mindanao Act No. 254 also known as “ARMM Halal Labeling Act of 2009”.

To cater to the region’s need for testing and analysis, particularly in the food industry, the department established the Halal Standards and Testing Laboratory. The testing lab is manned by highly-competent Muslim chemists, who went through rigid trainings on halal laboratory procedures. The lab aspires to be the center of credible halal certification in the country.

PAMANA projects’ beneficiaries identified thru convergence mechanisms

(PNA), FPV/OPAPP-PR/EDS

MANILA (PNA) -- The Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)-National Program Management Office has explained Wednesday that a national convergence structure identifies the communities that will be given projects under this program, following multi-sector and inter-agency consultations on the ground.

“The PAMANA program uses a convergence approach in identifying beneficiaries,” said Asec. Howard B. Cafugauan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in response to reports following the budget hearing in the Senate appropriations committee last Monday.

OPAPP performs oversight functions in the implementation of the program, as provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act from 2012 up to the present.

The GAA 2015 provides that “The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) shall monitor the implementation of the PAMANA Project by the ARMM, CHED, DA, DOE, DENR, DILG, DSWD, DPWH, NCIP, NEA, NIA, PhilHealth and shall submit a consolidated quarterly monitoring report of projects and the PAMANA Fund utilization, to the Office of the President, the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.”

OPAPP's oversight functions covers facilitation of program planning from ground up and monitoring of project implementation while actual implementation is undertaken by national government agencies and have tapped local governments as implementing partners.

OPAPP Undersecretary and Executive Director Luisito G. Montalbo said the agency welcomes the interest and concern of Senator Enrile at the second budget hearing of OPAPP in the Senate. He said it was an indication of the legislators' engagement in the peace process.

“We welcome and appreciate the interest of the honorable senator in the PAMANA program. This is what we have always hoped and encouraged, that they be involved in the peace process and its success. We want them to understand how the system works,” Montalbo said.

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2011 to 2016, PAMANA is identified as a priority program of the national government in peace building and socio-economic development. It serves as the government’s convergence program and framework for peace and development interventions in conflict-vulnerable areas and serves as the “complementary track” to peace negotiations.

The program builds both physical and social infrastructures for conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas at the regional, provincial and barangay levels.

With regards the proposed PAMANA budget for 2016, Cafugauan said the resources needed for the implementation of PAMANA projects took into consideration the schedule of the upcoming 2016 national elections but ensuring it could fulfill the requirement of the beneficiary-communities.

“For the FY 2016 PAMANA Budget, consideration was given to the election period when a ban on the implementation of projects will be applied. As such, it was proposed for PAMANA to focus on livelihood, social protection and basic services. The priority road projects were where endorsed to the DPWH for implementation” he said.

“For the ARMM, the increase is due to the allocation for the Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program amounting to P2.934 Billion proposed by the Office of the Regional Governor which focuses on the implementation of access and community infrastructure, water and sanitation, livelihood and social services for families displaced by conflict in Maguindanao,” Cafugauan added.

‘Peaceful’ filing of COCs in ARMM, southern and central Mindanao noted

By Orlando Dinoy (SFM)

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Philippines – Commission on Elections Commissioner Sherif Abas said on Wednesday, the filing of certificates of candidacy has been generally peaceful the past three days in Southern Mindanao, Central Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Abas told reporters during a visit at the Comelec city office here that hopefully, the situation would remain until after the elections.

“We have not monitored any violent incident so far,” he said.

Abas said the Comelec en banc would meet soon to determine the possible areas of concern in connection with the May 2016 elections across the country. He said the assessment would be based on previous experiences, including the 2010 and 2013 elections.

Abas said a comprehensive security plan has been readied to prevent violence until the Election Day.

ARMM officials, employees attend course on women, peace, security

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 13 (PNA) -- Key women officials and employees in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are now equipped with the expertise on how to handle women, peace and security issues, officials said Tuesday.

This, after women employees, to include some male officials from several line agencies of ARMM, participated in the Government Executive Course on Women, Peace and Security held on September 28-October 3 at the Ateneo de Manila University.

ARMM’s agencies that promote women’s rights such as the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Regional Planning and Development Office and the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division participated in the six-day course.

“It’s a course for government agencies that have mandates of protecting and promoting the welfare of women and girls, especially in times of conflict,” according to Sittie Jehanne Mutin, chairperson of RCBW-ARMM.

The Philippines is one of the countries in Asia that first implemented the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The Localization of the National Action Plan was first implemented in 2012, with ARMM as pilot area for implementation.

The implementation of local action plans is based on the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820 that recognize the effects armed conflicts bring on women and girls, as well as participation of women in the peace process.

The UNSCR 1325 reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction. It also stresses the importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in maintenance and promotion of peace and security.

The UNSCR 1820, meanwhile, was unanimously adopted on June 19, 2008. It condemns the use of sexual violence as a tool of war, and declares that “rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute war crime, crimes against humanity, or a constitutive act with respect to genocide”.

In the ARMM, the RCBW and the Regional Steering Committee on Gender and Development spearhead the implementation of these measures.

“The world is looking at ARMM on how it implements the National Action Plan,” Mutin said.

“These will ensure that women will not be violated sexually and exploited, and the advancement of their welfare even in post conflict times will be assured,” she added.

The course was sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Ateneo de Manila University, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

ARMM caps off Teachers' Day with medical mission

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Health workers on Monday served dozens of patients, including infants in a medical outreach that capped off the observance of Teachers’ Day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The event, dubbed People’s Day, was a regular activity of the office of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman. Monday’s conduct of the mission, however, jibed with ARMM’s commemoration of the World Teachers’ Day.

“We also have our regional version of the global teachers’ day, the ARMM teachers’ day, held along with the People’s Day free health services to all, regardless of religions and tribal identities,” said John Magno, regional education secretary.

Teachers from different ARMM schools helped facilitate the mission at the parade ground of the 32-hectare regional government compound in Cotabato City.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said he is thankful to the regional education department for supporting Monday’s People’s Day, where doctors treated dozens of sick adults and children from Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

Magno and other officials of the Department of Education in the autonomous region officiated on Sunday night the first ever “Gawad Parangal” for retired teachers who had served in far-flung areas in ARMM.

The grant of awards to model retirees, a joint project of Magno and Hataman, was the first ever since the ARMM’s creation in 1990.

At least 45 retired teachers, five from each of ARMM’s nine public schools divisions, were honored with special citations during the Gawad Parangal event at a hotel in Cotabato City.

“We ought to thank these model teachers for having served and dedicated many years of their lives working in far-flung areas despite many challenges like security issues,” Magno said.

Maguindanao steps up security for filing of candidacy certificates

By Edwin Fernandez (Inquirer Mindanao, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

COTABATO CITY—To prevent the 2009 Maguindanao massacre from happening again, police authorities in that province have stepped up security measures for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) this week and for the coming elections.

The Maguindanao police director, Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, led a command conference last week to map out security plans to ensure an orderly, peaceful, honest and credible elections in Maguindanao.

“This is to prevent violence from happening on political candidates on their way to the Comelec (Commission on Elections) office to file their candidacies,” Muksan told reporters.

“We will start during the filing of certificates of candidacy,” Muksan added.

The filing of certificates of candidacy will start today and end on Oct. 16.

Muksan said his office has coordinated with the Cotabato City Police Office, headed by Senior Supt. Rex Anongos, on security arrangement since the provincial office of the Comelec is located in the city.

“We will put up a police assistance desk in all municipalities and in Cotabato City because some candidates will be filing in the city,” he said.

Candidates for municipal mayor, vice mayor and members of the town council are to file their COCs in the municipal election officer’s office located at the town center.

Candidates for provincial governor, vice governor and members of the provincial board, plus aspirants for congressional seats will file in the Comelec provincial office in Cotabato City.

Muksan said five towns in Maguindanao were considered “areas of immediate concern.” These are the towns of Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Unsay, Raja Buayan, Sultan Mastura and Matanog.

Muksan refused to reveal why these towns were such for the Philippine National Police, saying evaluation and assessment on possible intense political rivalries continue.

Maguindanao election officer lawyer Udtog Tago said his office would be open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. to accept COCs.

At least 58 persons, including 32 media persons, were killed in the Nov. 23, 2009, Maguindanao massacre where the victims, accompanied by media persons, were to file the candidacy of then Buluan town Vice Mayor now Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu was to challenge the governorship of Maguindanao long ruled by the Ampatuan clan.


EU-funded program aims to reduce maternal deaths in ARMM

By Antonio L. Colina IV (MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/10 October) – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is a recipient of a five-year program on reproductive health that aims to bring down the number of maternal deaths, an official said.

Dr. Tato Usman, administrating officer of Department of Health-ARMM, said “Improving Availability of Reproductive Health Services” (ARCHES) is funded by the European Union and implemented from October 2014 to December 2019.

Speaking in a forum on reproductive health in Davao Tuesday, Usman said ARCHES has a budget of 4.59-million euro and focuses on providing reproductive health services to women and young people.

“Improving the availability and access to basic SRH (sexual and reproductive health) services anywhere in ARMM will benefit the most vulnerable people with the least access to reproductive health in the country,” a project briefer said.

Based on the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, the region ranked last in terms of sexual and reproductive health services.

The study cited that among married women aged 15 to 49 years old, only 15.3 percent of them are using any modern contraceptive methods, way below the national average of 37.6 percent.

The region scored the lowest in terms of antenatal care at 52.8 percent and 20.4 percent of births delivered by health professionals as against the national averages of 95.4 percent and 72.8 percent, respectively.

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

The first phase of the program covers 14 municipalities and the second phase 15 municipalities in the ARMM.

The project is a joint undertaking of Oxfam-UK and Likhaan Center for Women’s Health and will be implemented with Al Mujadilah Development Foundation Inc. for Lanao del Sur area, Pinay Kilos for Sulu and Basilan provinces, Tarbilang Foundation, for Tawi-Tawi, and United Youth of the Provinces-Women for Maguindanao.

Dr. Junice Demetrio-Melgar, executive director of Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, said sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental human right.

“Regardless of one’s economic status, age, or place of residence, every woman has the right to informed choice in family planning and access to SRH services,” she said.

“If a woman from rich subdivisions in Metro Manila can avail of such information and services, anytime she needs it, why can’t a woman from anywhere in ARMM enjoy the same right?” she added.


Read more http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/10/10/eu-funded-program-aims-to-reduce-maternal-deaths-in-armm/

DILG-ARMM trains LGU reps, stakeholders on disaster preparedness

(PNA), RMA/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 9 (PNA) --The Department of Interior and Local Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) conducted Friday a planning workshop to encourage local government units develop climate change and disaster preparedness programs, officials said.

Sharifa Pearlsia Ai-Dans, DILG-ARMM regional assistant secretary, said the regional strategic planning workshop targets to integrate Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in local development planning.

Also in attendance, who were stakeholders, included representatives from different civil society organizations, regional line agencies, and the academe , Ai-Dans said.

She said the one-day training aimed at forging partnership between DILG-ARMM and the various stakeholders as well as organize a composite team that would help gather data on disaster risk and climate change situations in various LGUs in the region.

The DILG assistant secretary also said that the agency wanted LGUs to focus on embedding both CCA and DRR into local development plans, to address issues on climate change, and to help “reduce the risk” they might encounter.

The basis of training, she explained, was Republic Act 10121, or an act strengthening the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system, mandates LGUs to allocate funds for CCA and DRR programs.

This is also underscored in Republic Act 9279, or the climate change act of 2009, and the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code of 1991.

After the daylong planning, the results will be presented to 47 pre-identified disaster prone LGUs in the region.

Ai-Dans urged the LGUs to be supportive of the implementation and mainstreaming of the DRR and CCA into their local development plans since their constituents were the direct beneficiaries of the measures.

One of the disaster prone areas in the region can be found in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

Aside from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, other provinces composing the ARMM are Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM highlights biggest, latest breakthroughs in various fields as it celebrates S&T week

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 8 (PNA) -- The biggest and latest breakthroughs in various fields have been highlighted as the Department of Science and Technology of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOST-ARMM) formally launched here the region’s celebration of the 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on Thursday, officials said.

During the week-long celebration, the DOST-ARMM will feature its biggest and latest breakthroughs, programs, and interventions in the fields of agriculture, enterprise development, industry competitiveness, information technology, e-government, healthcare, education and disaster preparedness, among others.

With the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness,” Myra Mangkabung, DOST-ARMM secretary, said the celebration presents the vision and dream of science and technology community to keep abreast with global economic integration through innovation.

DOST-ARMM awarded 11 Science and Technology Ambassadors in the fields of research and development, education, infrastructure, policy and advocacy, and governorship for their outstanding contribution and support in the development of science and technology in the region.

The ambassadors are Sulog Bra, PhD, professor at the Mindanao State University– Maguindanao; Filemon G. Romero, PhD; Yusop T. Alano, provincial board member of Basilan; Hon. Abdelrazi A. Amin, municipal councilor of Jolo, Sulu; and chairperson of Philippine Councilors League – ARMM; Hon. Cahar P. Ibay, assemblyman of the 1st District of Maguindanao; Jumelita B. Romero, PhD.; Hon. Janimah D. Pandi, representative of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur; Atty. Leonardo R. Reyes, chancellor of MSU – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography; Hon. Mujiv S. Hataman, regional governor of ARMM; Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Anak Mindanao partylist representative; and Ahmed Ibn “Amin” Turabin Hataman.

Mangkabung said simultaneous with the celebration is the 2015 ARMM Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE), a nationwide activity conducted in different regions to recognize the creativity of Filipino inventors in the country.

She said RICE serves as the qualifying round for the National Invention Contests and Exhibit in July 2016. She added DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) oversees the invention contests.

Engr. Edgar I Garcia, director of DOST-TAPI, said the invention contests serve as the avenue “to acknowledge the indispensability of Filipino inventors in the Philippine society and in the landscape of national economic development.”

On Friday, October 9, the first ARMM Halal Congress will be held as part of NSTW. The congress will feature an exhibit of halal-certified products in the region as well as a forum highlighting updates on halal technology and industry.

There will be speakers from Malaysia who will tackle the global halal industry as well as halal research and development. Other expected speakers are Director Anthony Sales of DOST-XI and Director Brenda Manzano of DOST-IX.

Raymund Liboro, DOST central office assistant secretary for climate change and disaster risk reduction, graced Thursday’s event. Aristotle Carandang, DOST – Science and Technology Information Institute director, ARMM’s Chief of Staff Rasul Mitmug, and partylist representative Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman were also present.

The Lakad Agham (Scientific parade) on Saturday, October 10, will conclude the three-day celebration.

ARMM to host 1st Halal Congress

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will hold the first ever "Halal Congress" on Oct. 9 in line with the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week, officials said.

Mon-Em Abangad, the agency’s information officer, said the development of the region’s halal industry is among the top economic agendas of the present ARMM administration.

Halal means permissible and Islam requires Muslims to consume only halal foods and drinks.

It will feature an exhibit of halal-certified products in the region and a forum on updates on halal technology and industry.

The region’s Science and Technology department (DOST-ARMM) will spearhead the event to be held at the Alnor Convention Hall.

Abangad said promotion of the halal industry and future partnerships with different sectors and organizations will be discussed in the congress.

The activity will also create awareness on the concept of halal and its effect in the economy of the region and in the entire country, Abangad added.

At least 200 participants are expected to attend from ARMM and nearby areas.

Invited speakers will be from Malaysia who will tackle the global halal industry as well as halal research and development.

During the congress, a memorandum of understanding will be signed between DOST-ARMM and Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. Both groups are halal-certifiers accredited by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

The memorandum is expected to strengthen the collaboration between DOST-ARMM and the halal-certifying bodies on halal promotion.

Abangad said many commodities, both food and non-food items, sold in the domestic market are now halal-certified.

Halal products are entirely free of pork, alcohol and, in case of meat, specifically poultry and livestock, slaughtered in accordance with what is prescribed in Islam.

ARMM seeks P1-B budget for health

By Antonio L. Colina IV (MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/06 October) — The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Tuesday said it has proposed a P1-billion budget from the national government to address delays in delivering health services, in particular to mothers and infants.

Aside from health services, the amount will be used to build new hospitals, Dr. Tato Usman, administrating officer of DOH-ARMM said in an interview during a forum on reproductive health in a hotel here.

ARMM has the most number of people with the least access to reproductive health services, according to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey.

“ARMM ranks last in many of hey key reproductive health indicators, with a large gap from the national average or even the second to the last region. Compared to the national average rates, modern contraception in ARMM is less than half; antenatal care is just a bit above half; skilled birth attendance and use of health facilities for childbirth or caesarean section delivery are just around a fourth,” the report added.

The region has also the highest poverty incidence among families at 54 percent percent compared to the national average of 25 percent.

The region comprises the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and the cities.

Last month, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and officials of national government agencies signed a memorandum of agreement that allows budget to be downloaded directly to the region.

Usman said the MOA sets the budgetary guidelines that seek to improve the allocation of support fund for the autonomous region that has suffered from poor health services.

The MOA gives the ARMM governor the authority to sign the budget proposals of the local agencies, which will be submitted for review to the Development Budget Coordination Committee chaired by the Department of Budget and Management.

Usman said the funding their agency receives from its national counterpart is just to augment its own budget because as an autonomous region, ARMM is supposed to generate its own revenues.

The ARMM has proposed a P45-billion budget for next year, 60 percent of which will be allocated for its development projects.

The region’s internal revenue allotment was downloaded through the DBM regional offices in Region 9 (Western Mindanao), Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), and Region 12 (Soccsksargen), causing delays in the implementation of programs.

Dengue rising in Maguindanao, health workers intensify prevention drive

(PNA), FFC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- Dengue cases continue to rise in Maguindanao and health workers intensify information drive and emphasized on prevention, Dr. Tahir Sulaik, provincial health chief, Monday said.

Sulaik, also Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office chief, said his office has recorded 425 cases to date since January this year.

This is 24 percent higher as compared to the same period last year where IPHO recorded 342 cases.

He said dengue cases has been rising in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities due to climate change. "It rains in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Sometimes, it rains every afternoon," Sulaik said.

The health chief again appealed to the public to practice the habit of cleaning the surroundings, both inside and outside the homes, to destroy mosquito breeding sites.

Patients who have symptoms of dengue must be brought to the hospital, Sulaik said, discouraging residents on the practice of home medication.

"There is no vaccine against dengue," Sulaik said, stressing the need to have the patients with symptoms of dengue confined in the hospital.

Without identifying them, Sulaik said the eight fatalities were from Barira, Buluan, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Hofer, Datu Piang, Guidolongan, Parang, and Datu Saudi.

He said in the past dengue cases were only reported in low lying communities, especially those surrounding the Liguasan marshland. "Today, even upland town have high dengue cases," he said.

"There is really a need for communal effort to destroy breeding sites," Sulaik said of the campaign which is "hitting two birds with one stone."

"If we clean our stinky and dirty surroundings, the air and smell are nice, at the same time, dengue carrying mosquitoes living in stagnant water are destroyed," he stressed.

Based on DOH data, in Region 12, more known as SOCCSKSARGEN region, the number of dengue cases has reduced from 5,302 cases from August to September in 2014 to 5,109 cases in the same period this year.

Zamboanga peninsula has 4,743 in 2014, now down to 3,981 while in Northern Mindanao has 6,298 in 2014 and now has only 5,795 in the same period.

Davao region recorded 5,849 dengue cases in January to September 2014 but now it only recorded 2,619 while Caraga region had 6,946 in 2014 and now has 2,598 so far.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has recorded 988 in 2014 as against 714 this year.

More cops deployed in Maguindanao streets, crime prone areas

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao (PNA) -- A ranking police official in Maguindanao on Monday said he has ordered the deployment of more law enforcers to combat street crimes and illegal drugs.

Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the move was aimed to reduce criminality such as highway robbery, hold-up and illegal drugs.

“We have now non-uniformed personnel (NUP) to man the police stations and uniformed personnel in the field,” Muksan told reporters.

Since he assumed office in April, at least 70 police personnel have been relieved, charged and reassigned after he found them to be remiss in their duties.

More police officers have been deployed in crime prone areas in Maguindanao. "Crime is not rising but it is better that police visibility is present as crime deterrent," he said.

Muksan said he had conducted surprise visits to police stations and found many police officers were not in their stations while others stay in the office doing nothing and in incomplete uniform.

“This is no longer happening in Maguindanao, because I ordered their deployment to crime prone areas,” he said, adding that others were charged accordingly for violating PNP policies.

Muksan said many police do not report for work on a daily basis due to “rido” (family feud) which developed after they arrested persons involved in crimes.

“They told me that they wanted to avoid confrontation with relatives of crime offenders,” Muksan said. He did not buy this justification by law enforcers.

“That risk is part of the police officers’ job, that is to implement the law because nobody is above the law,” he added.

With Muksan’s strict implementation of policies, most of the 1,380 police officers are deployed in the field now, manning checkpoints, assisting traffic flow in front of public schools, conduct information drive how to avoid crime and respond to calamities and disasters.

The police director also recalled police officers assigned as bodyguards of political leaders in consultation with higher police authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We need to be in the streets, not in the offices, NUPs are assigned to do police station clerical works,” Muksan said.

ARMM starts National Statistics Month with massive info drive

(PNA), JBP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) -- The Regional Statistics Committee of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RSC-ARMM) on Saturday started activities as the country observes National Statistics Month by educating the public on the importance of statistics in achieving health care.

Engr. Mlang Madal, assistant executive director of the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO-ARMM), said the regional government promotes universal health care as part of its commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

“An accurate, timely and reliable data are necessary for an effective and efficient delivery of health services to ARMM constituents,” Madal added.

The Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO-ARMM) chairs the Regional Statistics Committee in ARMM with the regional office of the Philippine Statistics Authority as co-chair.

Lawyer Honey Mae Mori-Subiera, ARMM Solicitor General, said everyone needs statistics everyday, from home to office to work place to the community and elsewhere.

“Statistics plays a pivotal and crucial role in quality policy formulation, planning, and judicial making in both the government and private sectors,” Subiera said.

“Statistics will be our guide and our steering wheel in ensuring that projects and programs of the regional government with respect to health care are truly responsive to the needs of the people of the region and are executed and implemented in accordance with the reform agenda of the present administration,” she added.

The 26th observance of the National Statistics Month kicked-off in ARMM on Friday. To mark the beginning of the celebration, a parade participated by the employees of the different regional line agencies, bureaus, and offices was held at the Office of the Regional Governor compound in Cotabato City.

A cheer-dance competition among the agencies highlighted the event.

The month-long celebration will also feature a statistical display showcasing this year’s theme dubbed “Pagyamanin at gamitin ang estadistika, Kalusugan para sa lahat ay abot-kamay na.”

The display will run from October 19 to 23 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here.

The Philippine Statistics Authority, a convergence of the National Statistics Office, National Statistical Coordination Board, Bureau of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, was enacted on December 29, 2013 by virtue of Republic Act 10625, otherwise known as the Philippine Statistics Act of 2013.

DENR-ARMM to finish cadastral survey before 2016 election

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) will resume its cadastral survey on political boundaries of local government units in the region ahead of next year’s elections. DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag emphasized that the Office of the President and DENR Secretary Ramon Paje mandates the cadastral survey. In the ARMM, it is observed that cadastral survey, aside from defining political boundaries, play an important role in maintaining peace and order in the region. It can be noted that the most common cause of clan wars is the absence of clear boundaries of adjoining lands.

ARMM physician reminds public on food supplements

(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, Oct 1 (PNA) -- “Be careful in buying food supplements.”

These are the words of advice from Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr, regional secretary of the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM).

“Food supplements are like vitamins, it has no therapeutic benefits,” Sinolinding told DXMS-AM radio Bida.

Sinoliding reminded the public not to subscribe to food supplements whose manufacturers and distributors claim it can cure cancer, high blood, diabetes and other ailments.

However, he quickly added that there’s nothing wrong with taking food supplements because it gives no side effects. “Just make sure it has the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” he added.

Stressing food supplements are not medicine, Sinolidning said the public must be correctly informed about the benefits of food supplements and to correct the notion that these are medicine and cure-all solution as some herbal firms have been telling the public.

He said the public should be extra careful in buying herbal supplements that proliferate in the market, including the fake ones. “It is better and safe to buy medicine from known drugs stores,” he said.

Recently, herbal medicine manufacturers were required by the FDA to add the tagline “Ito ay hindi gamut at hindi nakakagaling ng anumang sakit (This is not a medicine and it cannot cure any illness)” to every herbal supplement radio and TV advertisements.

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