Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News October 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

China offers to help develop Mindanao, reconstruct Marawi

By Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY – The Chinese government vowed to help in the development of Mindanao, including infrastructure, connectivity, efficient power, and even in the reconstruction of conflict-stricken Marawi City.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yimade the statement during a joint press conference with newly-appointed Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao Monday.

He expressed confidence that Mindanao will become an important link in the China-Philippines cooperation.

Wang bragged about China’s technology and capability in power generation and signified interest in providing the Philippines with technology, personnel, training, expertise, and financial resources to develop power facilities from various sources such as thermal, hydro, solar, wind, and even nuclear power.

Chinese companies, he said had been extending help to Latin America and Africa to resolve energy issues and sees no why it cannot give a helping hand to the Philippines,he called “our close neighbor and good friend.”

He noted the importance of energy, the driving force for the country’s development and industrialization, as China had encountered similar power challenges when it was just developing.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said China is ready for an anti-terrorism cooperation with the Philippines and vowed to take an active part in achieving lasting peace in the island, even in the post conflict reconstruction of the Marawi, the country’s lone Islamic City that was destroyed by five months of battling Islamic State-inspired militants.

“China is ready for counter terrorism cooperation with Philippines, take an active part in post conflict reconstruction in Marawi so that the local communities will again enjoy a peaceful and tranquil life,” he said.

Wang said China was among the first countries to provide aid when the battle of Marawierupted in May last year, providing the military with artillery and equipment to weed out terrorists. China also provided some 200 million renminbiyuan(P1.54 billion) for the post-conflict reconstruction.

Railway system

Wang vowed that China will help Mindanao, particularly Davao City, the hometown of President Duterte develop a railway system.

“We will take an active part in the construction of Mindanao railway and help improve the internal connectivity of the Mindanao region,” he added.

He said they will assist Davao with the construction of bridges, railways, and expressways.

“We look forward to further increasing interactions between Mindanao and China, so that the development potentials of this region will be further unleashed and act as new momentum for friendship between China and Philippines,” he said.

Wang arrived in the city on Sunday and graced the opening of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao.

Australian ambassador visits Marawi tent city

By Riz P. Sunio

MARAWI CITY – Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely visited the Sarimanok Tent City Friday, October 26, as part of the Australian government’s support for the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP) and announced that Australia will increase its support to P975 million (AUD 25 million) to the Marawi rehabilitation efforts.

Gorely graced the ceremonial livelihood assistance handover to beneficiaries of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) in Sarimanok Tent City on Friday.

Gorely handed over a refrigerator, coconut grater, sewing machine, four motorcycles, and two motorcycle sidecars to CFSI MRP’s beneficiaries.

After the handover, Gorely had a focus group discussion with some beneficiaries of the site and observed the psychosocial activities in the child-friendly space (CFS) in the area.

In her speech, Gorely said that she had wanted to visit Marawi before going back to Australia and had strongly requested to go to the city.

“We recognize the need to provide immediate solutions on longer terms to keep people safe and provide the opportunities to disengaged families to recover their economic independence,” Gorely said.

She also commended the resilience of the evacuees and the MRP’s efforts in providing psychosocial support and protection activities to the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A statement released by the Australian Embassy also announced that Australia is going to fund school feeding for 50,000 children and food assistance for families displaced from Marawi, education and child protection activities to support children affected by the conflict; and provide technical assistance to Task Force Bangon Marawi for recovery and reconstruction efforts.

CFSI is the grant manager of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s P97.5-million (AUD 2.5 million) support for MRP, with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a sub-grantee.

As of October 26, CFSI is supporting 134 families in the Sarimanok Tent City and has already distributed 100 livelihood support while 34 more are about to be given. About 439 individuals are also assisted to be issued with certificates of live birth.

Aside from the Sarimanok Tent City, MRP is also proving protection, livelihood, psychosocial support to evacuation, transitory and Kambalingan sites in Barangays Bito Buadi Itowa, Buadi Sacayo, Sagonsongan, Papandayan, and Guimba.

CFSI has so far identified 521 beneficiaries and has been able to distribute 299 livelihood support, while 222 are set to receive similar support.

MRP aims to promote protection, and the psychosocial and economic recovery of at least 4,000 households (20,000 persons) displaced by the Marawi Crisis. Part of CFSI’s economic recovery efforts are the livelihood support given to the most vulnerable and persons with special needs.

ICC-CABCOM okays 2 Marawi rehab, 5 infra projects

(NEDA PR)

MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Thursday two projects for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

These include the Rehabilitation and Development Plan (RDP) for a Greater Marawi – Stage 2, as well as the proposed programs and projects under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP), for possible official development assistance (ODA) financing.

The RDP for Greater Marawi provides a viable solution for the rebuilding of Marawi City by fully utilizing the capability of various infrastructure projects as catalysts of redevelopment. RDP for a Greater Marawi–Stage 2, under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), involves the following sub-projects:

• Construction of 2-lane Marawi Transcendental Road, Phase 3 (23.90km)

• Construction of 2-lane Malabang Viaduct (1.6km)

• Implementation of five (5) sub-projects under the BMCRRP, namely: Construction of a Main Outlet Drainage System, Rehabilitation/Improvement of Beyaba Damag Open Channel, Construction of Slope Protection Works along Marawi-Bito Road, Construction of Main Drainage Outlet Bangon-Luksadatu Lake Lanao Phase II, Construction of Permanent Rorogagus Bridge

The RDP – Stage 2, whixh is expected to be completed by 2022, has an estimated project cost of PhP6,515.6 million and will be funded through official development assistance.

The ICC-CabCom also approved the list of programs and projects under the BMCRRP for possible ODA financing, with a total cost of PHP3.451 billion.

These include programs and projects in land resource management, social services, physical infrastructure, livelihood and business development implemented by the National Government or support Local Government-implemented projects, and the construction of classrooms for permanent resettlement sites, in view of land-related issues arising from the Marawi siege.

Meanwhile, the ICC-CabCom also approved the fourth phase of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP), executed by the DPWH, that will put in place flood management infrastructure (i.e., dikes, revetments, floodgates) along the 8 km stretch of the Lower/Middle Marikina River, and construction of the Marikina Control Gate Structure.

The project will cost PHP33,097.58 million and funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Committee also approved an increase in cost for the third phase of the same project to PHP9,028.84 million from PHP7,545.16 million, due to necessary additional civil works, including dredging works, to implement the project.

The project covers the 5.4 km stretch of the Lower Marikina River, as well as the 9.9 km remaining sections between Delpan Bridge and Napindan Channel covered under the second phase of the PMRCIP.

On the other hand, the ICC-CabCom approved the Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao that will construct, rehabilitate, and improve the 178.43 km road network in ARMM and its neighboring regions.

The project, which the DPWH aims to finish by 2024, has an estimated project cost of PHP13,420.19 million and is proposed to be funded through a loan from JICA.

Lastly, the ICC-CabCom approved in principle the New Clark City High Performance Gymnasium and Sports Museum Project of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

The project will feature five floors of indoor and outdoor facilities for sports medicine and sports science that will complement the internationally certified sports facilities built at the Phase 1 of the National Government Administrative Center.

The project will cost approximately PHP1.6 billion and will be funded through a grant from the People’s Republic of China.

Model Yakan village in Cotabato City an inspiration for Basilan residents

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Residents of Basilan want the model Yakan village here duplicated in their island province as symbol of the province's desire to bounce back from conflicts and underdevelopment.

The model Yakan, Tausug, Maguindanao, Sama and Maranaw villages inside the 32-hectare regional capitol here of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were built as showcases of the diversity of the peoples in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Barangay captains from Lamitan City, capital of Basilan, hosted this week the activities in the Yakan village, which is open to the public daily.

The barangay officials told reporters Saturday they want a similar model village built in Basilan province, which is seeing renewed interest from investors.

Even Vice President Leni Robredo, who was here Thursday, was amazed at the model villages that she toured along with regional officials led by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

The designated chieftain of the Yakan model village is Laisa Masuhud-Alamia, a nurse and lawyer who is executive secretary of the ARMM government.

Robredo said ARMM residents should continue helping push the southern Mindanao peace process forward for normalcy to spread through the region’s five provinces—Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

ARMM’s Muslim, Christian and Lumad residents are main stakeholders to the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Robredo said good governance will complement efforts to address the nagging security problems in areas of the autonomous region.

Robredo cited as example the improvements in peace and order in Basilan that were brought by efficient governance there.

"Based on conversations with Basilan residents, the level of satisfaction is high. Hopes are high too that there are peaceful and good days for them ahead," Robredo told reporters at the ARMM capitol. Infrastructure development in Basilan

She said the infrastructure projects implemented in Basilan by the current ARMM administration in recent years had ushered in improvements in the area’s security and economy.

Lamitan City barangay officials who helped oversee this week the construction of the Yakan village said putting up model Yakan, Tausug and Sama villages in Basilan will help educate outsiders on how the three communities and their Christian neighbors are together working for peace to reign in the province.

While the Yakan people comprise the majority in Basilan, the island province is also home to Tausug, Sama and non-Muslim residents such as Zamboangueños and Visayan settlers from the nearby Zamboanga peninsula.

Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay said Saturday there are many scenic areas in their 45 barangays where model villages can be established.

Among the potential sites for the model villages is the immediate periphery of the provincial ARMM government center being constructed by the office of Hataman in Barangay Santa Clara in Lamitan City.

“We have a reformist and visionary ARMM governor who is likely to give attention to our wish. We, in Lamitan City, are ready to help him put up one,” Furigay said.

Gov. Hataman running for Congress

Furigay said the participation of the city's barangay officials in managing the activities this week of the Yakan model village was also to manifest support for Hataman's candidacy for congressional representative of the lone district of Basilan.

Hataman is running for a seat in congress in the May 2019 elections. He said the move is meant to pave the way for a smooth transition from the present regional government to a transitory MILF-led government for a new region that will replace the ARMM.

The enabling measure for ARMM's replacement with a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM—the Bangsamoro Organic Law—will be ratified in a plebiscite on January 21 next year.

The referendum, to be administered by the Commission on Elections, will seal the fate of the BOL, which is the product of years of peace negotiations.

“He (Hataman) will do a homecoming after serving as ARMM governor for six years and that is something we are so happy about,” Furigay said.

Hataman, who first ventured into politics as Anak Mindanao party-list representative almost two decades ago, hails from Sumisip town in Basilan.

Youth groups receive cash for peace-building programs in Mindanao

By John Unson (philstar.com)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo awarded here Thursday 10 youth groups P25,000 cash each in support of their peace-bulding programs addressing violent religious extremism.

The selection of the 10 organizations, from among 28, was premised on extensive assessments initiated during a prior Angat Buhay Summit facilitated jointly by the Office of the Vice President and the executive department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In a statement, the Bureau of Public Information-ARMM said it was the United States embassy that provided for the cash awards Robredo released to the 10 peace-advocacy groups.

The US Embassy is a key benefactor of the Angat Buhay program of Robredo’s office.

The office of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman augmented the monetary grants with additional P25,000 cash for each of the 10 youth groups.

The counterpart support from the ARMM government was to complement the expansion of their peace-building projects in the five provinces of the autonomous region --- Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Hataman administration is a staunch supporter of the efforts of the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to put a negotiated closure to the now five-decade secessionist conflict in the country’s south.

In a message, Robredo said it is important to capacitate and empower the region’s youth sector to become efficient in governance and in propagating harmony among southerners.

The youth summit preceding Thursday’s engagement here of Robredo was organized jointly by her office, theYoung Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, the United Voices for Peace Network Inc., the ARMM Development Academy and the regional government’s Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs.

Robredo lauded the ARMM leadership for is continuing effort to involve the region’s youth sector in governance and in fostering peace and development in the autonomous region.

The four-day youth summit here was aimed at generating ideas on comprehensive and inclusive community-based peace-building initiatives among participants.

The Angat Buhay program of Robredo’s office is focused on providing local sectors, including the nation’s youth, ample opportunities to engage in collaborative community development initiatives needed to address issues besetting Filipino communities.

While in Cotabato City, Robredo toured the ARMM government’s model ethnic villages depicting the cultural pluralism among the southern Maguindanaon, Maranaw, Iranun, Teduray, Yakan, Tausug and Samah communities.

The mock villages were established by Hataman’s o

ARMM youths rallied to help achieve peace

By Raymund Antonio

Vice President Leni Robredo hopes the youth from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would embark on projects that will help bring lasting peace Mindanao.

Robredo led the awarding ceremony Thursday for the top 10 project proposals at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

Her office gathered members of 28 youth organizations from ARMM provinces for the Angat Buhay Youth Summit held in the city from October 21 to 25 to pitch projects that will promote peace and counter violent extremism in their communities.

Robredo acknowledged the efforts of youth participants, who mostly live in conflict-affected areas, for crafting innovative project proposals.

“You can use your youth to find lasting peace here in Mindanao,” she said.

“That is the mindset that we want to cultivate here—to turn limitations into opportunities—and that is what you did over the past four days,” Robredo said.

A youth arts organization called Okir University Arts Club from Lanao del Sur was named the grand winner at the Angat Buhay Youth Summit in ARMM.

The youth group won this year’s summit for its proposal to hold an art therapy workshop, known as Teaching Artistry Learning Advocacy or TALA, for school children who survived the Marawi City siege.

The group will participate in the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange (APYE) in Seoul, South Korea, in August next year.

The Okir Arts Club and the other nine winners will receive seed funds of P50,000 each—P25,000 from the United States Embassy’s small grants program and the other half from the office of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, who was also present during the awarding.

For this summit, the Office of the Vice President partnered with the Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs, the US Embassy, and the ARMM Development Academy and United Voices for Peace Network.

Youth participants had workshops to equip them with proper knowledge on violent extremism, religion, community sensitivities, as well as the on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

They were also trained to better design, market and implement projects in preparation for the pitching competition held a day before the awarding ceremony.

DTI continues livelihood aid to Marawi folks

By Kris Crismundo (PNA)

MANILA -- Over a year after the guns fell silent in Marawi City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to provide livelihood assistance for families and individuals whose lives were turned upside down by the months-long fighting.

In a statement Wednesday, the Small Business (SB) Corp. said disbursement of the PHP100-million budget for livelihood assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and beneficiaries of wounded and killed government troops continue.

SB Corp., DTI’s financing arm, earmarked PHP50 million each for IDPs and government troops wounded and killed in action.

Data from the SB Corp. showed that as of Oct.21, it rolled out some PHP6.16 million to 422 Maranao entrepreneurs as loans under the Pondo sa Pag-asenso at Pagbabago or the P3 Program.

Maranao entrepreneurs were able to secure loans amounting to between PHP10,000 and PHP20,000 each to rebuild their businesses.

For beneficiaries of crippled and fallen troops, SB Corp. released a total of PHP16.53 million in P3 loans. Each beneficiary was able to get loans of between PHP40,000 and PHP100,000.

Under the P3 for Marawi victims, the DTI provided a special loan term with no yield among the borrowers.

“Access to zero-interest microfinancing is very important to entrepreneurs who are starting as well as those expanding their businesses. With the business seminars offered by DTI and the loan packages by SB Corp. for the affected families and residents, we’re speeding up the recovery of the city,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“We are giving our commitment to the IDPs that the administration of President Duterte will continue to seek ways in providing business and livelihood opportunities to help them and Marawi recover,” he added.

30 MW power plant project to rise in Lanao del Sur

By Meanne Rosales

One diesel-fueled power plant and one renewable energy facility generating a total of 10 to 30 MW of electricity is set to be built in Lanao del Sur.

The P 2 billion-worth venture was approved after Frontier Power Technologies and Allied Service and Nepodragon Power Enterprises signed an agreement with the Sultanate of Marawi at the Mindanao State University on Wednesday.

Sultan Subair Mustapha represented the Sultanate’s decision to provide security and the three-hectare property in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.

Nepodragon General Manager Engr. Ryan Nepomuceno said their power generation project will be through Retail Competition Open Access (RCO), allowing “contestable customers”– those whose peak demand fall within a set threshold – to choose their electricity supplier.

Construction of the said power plants will start next year.

“Our role is simply to provide additional power. It will still be LASURECO (Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative) that will collect the payments,” Nepomuceno told Manila Bulletin at the MOA signing.

As representative of the Meranaw people, Sultan Mustapha said the Royal Sultanate is committed to supporting the project by engaging local officials to fast-track its implementation.

He also added that providing Marawi and its neighboring areas better access to electricity is the project’s primary goal.

“(I am) looking for a greener pasture for the people of Marawi, like helping provide additional electricity,” the Sultan said.

SSS Basilan offers free on-site mobile UMID data capture

By Nilda T. Delos Reyes (ALT/RVC/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The Social Security System (SSS) Basilan Branch has offered three days free on-site mobile UMID data capture in Lamitan City on October 16–18, held at Mindanao Autonomous College Foundation Inc.

The activity was conducted to help Lamiteños and other SSS members in the neighboring municipalities who wish to apply for Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID) Card.

SSS Branch Information Officer Marnellie Pastorfide said that members with at least one posted SSS contribution can apply for the UMID card. Members who applied will receive their UMID cards through registered mail. The member’s initial ID card is free of charge.

She emphasized that SSS on-site mobile capture services is part of their programs to bring SSS closer to their members. This was actually their first on-site mobile data capture conducted in Basilan.

The SSS said the three days activity resulted to the processing of 172 members’ application for UMID. SSS is also looking forward to another schedule since there are still 220 members’ applications from Lamitan which need processing and identification capturing.

SSS also announced earlier during the PIA regular radio program “NIM” Noticias Informaccion con Musica at DXNO Radyo Komunidad that their Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) with penalty condonation was extended for another six months or until April 1, 2019. The LRP is one of their agency’s ways to extend assistance to their members who were not able to pay their loan obligations with the SSS on time.

Moreover, more good news for SSS members was also announced to include the SSS Pension Loan Program for qualified SSS retiree pensioners and the revised payment deadlines for contributions for 2018. #SulitsaSSS

Hundreds benefit from Army-led medical mission in Maguindanao

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 427 villagers benefitted from a two-day medical-dental mission conducted by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) and partners inside this camp in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, over the weekend.

Major Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6ID, said the successful Oct. 19-20 health outreach program was realized together with the Maguindanao provincial medical team, and the Cotabato Regional Medical Center personnel as partners, among others.

“The 6ID only planned for a one-day medical activity but was somehow extended the next day due to the request of the people coming from Barangay Awang and other nearby villages,” Encinas said.

He said 353 and 74 patients benefitted from medical checkup and tooth extraction, respectively.

Military personnel, candidate soldiers, and members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical also voluntarily donated blood that reached a total of 256 bags (115, 200 cc) collected.

Encinas said the activity forms part of the 6ID’s commemoration this month of its 31st founding anniversary.

Cotabato among PH’s most business-friendly cities for 2018

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – This city has been recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as among the Top 10 Most Business-Friendly Cities in the Philippines for 2018, and for being the only first-class city to receive a special citation this year.

“The city was given a special citation for assuring business sector growth and confidence by supplementing national government efforts to reduce prohibited drug abuse, criminality and efficient streamlining of business processes,” Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said Friday.

Sayadi said the partnership between the local government and the business sector has also resulted in a 38-percent increase in the number of new business enterprises in the locality.

The mayor received the PPCI awards during the 44th Philippine Business Conference at the Manila Hotel on October 18.

“These awards are for all of us Cotabateños. We all deserve it because we worked together for the common good,” Sayadi said.

She said the awards reflect the city’s commitment to implement good governance reforms to promote trade and investments, employment, transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering business services to fuel inclusive growth.

“It’s an honor to receive these awards because it simply tells us that Cotabato City has become one of the business hubs in the country,” Sayadi said.

Among the factors that made the city business-friendly are its campaign against red tape, improved peace and order that developed business confidence, effective one-stop shop business permit and licensing scheme, courtesy and speed lane for pregnant women, senior citizens and differently-abled persons getting equal access in processing business permits.

ARMM boosts organic farming promotion

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has demonstrated its all-out support to organic farming through the 3rd Organic Agriculture Congress here, which was attended by more than 400 farmers, agricultural extension workers, students, and other stakeholders from October 17 to 19.

Alexander Alonto, secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM, said the event aims to further strengthen the advocacy and promotion of organic agriculture in the region.

He said it is a good venue for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to be informed about organic food production, modern farming methods, and business opportunities related to organic farming.

“We are really boosting the organic agriculture program in the region in order to attain over-all agricultural growth and development,” Alonto said, adding that the activity will also be a platform to address issues concerning organic farming.

Organic farming enriches the fertility of soil, increases farm productivity, reduces destruction of the environment, and protects the health of farmers and consumers, he noted.

Pheparassan Macapodi, 52, a female farmer from Lanao del Sur, said he and his co-farmers have stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their farms since 2015 through their continuing knowledge of organic farming methods.

“I am encouraging other farmers who still use chemicals to shift to organic farming and see for yourselves its benefits on your lands,” she said in the vernacular.

Macapodi, who was among some farmers who were presented awards for good agricultural practices, bagged the most outstanding farmer recognition in the individual category and received PHP50,000 from the regional government.

With the anticipated transition of the ARMM to the new Bangsamoro entity, Alonto said the regional government is confident that the farmers will continue to apply the best organic agriculture practices leading to the development and advancement of the region’s organic farming industry.

On Thursday, the DAF-ARMM also opened a trade fair showcasing fresh produce and processed organic products from the different area-components of the region.

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

3,000 Cotabato City students join Global Handwashing Day

By Gil Acosta Lao (LBG, GMA News)

COTABATO CITY — Some 3,000 students from the Notre Dame Village National High School joined the city government-initiated simultaneous observance of the Global Handwashing Day, held at the People's Palace grounds and the city plaza.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said thousands of youths and adults joined last Wednesday's citywide activity in line with the global cleanliness and healthy lifestyle advocacy.

"We started at around 7 a.m. This handwashing activity is in partnership with the Department of Education 12, UNICEF, and the Rotary Clubs of Cotabato East, Cotabato and Cotabato City South," said Guiani-Sayadi, stressing the importance of personal hygiene for a healthier community.

Global Handwashing Day 2018 was simultaneously observed on October 15, Monday with the theme, “Clean hands: A recipe for health.”

DepEd ARMM pays tribute to teachers

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

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) paid tribute to the region’s teachers during the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5.

This year’s observance has become more meaningful for hundreds of teachers in the region whose lives were in danger for several months last year.

When the war in Marawi erupted in 2017, schools inside the city had to shut down and living in and near conflict areas have become very risky.

For Mona Miscille Domato, 38, the saying “Teachers are the students’ second parents” hit her hard during the Marawi siege.

As a teacher of Sugod Central Elementary School in Marawi, Mona recounts the effects of the siege for her and her students.

“Schools were closed down during the siege, but I urged my fellow teachers to continue our classes. If the students will be left home, their minds may be corrupted by the war," she said.

True enough, almost every student talked about the number of bombs that dropped in the city daily.

A mother of nine children, Mona said she treats her students as her own. During the siege, she also felt the pain her students manifested. “Many of my students were hungry and helpless. I also felt the hunger and the pain of these children," she said.

Instead of being pulled down by negativity, she took the situation as an inspiration to serve as the students’ second mother.

Continuing their classes despite the siege to provide safe spaces for children, she turned their classrooms into a ‘fun zone,’ allowing her students to talk about the ongoing war casually.

“It allowed us to process all our thoughts. Having an all-Muslim class, we also reflected on the teachings of Islam – that inflicting harm to others is not Islamic,” she said.

By providing a space where students can be ‘afraid’ together, she also found a strong sense of family. “We made a strong support system among ourselves,” she further said.

Now that the war in Marawi is over, she is thankful that her students no longer have to be afraid of their security.

She said that the student population in Sugod Central Elementary School grew this school year because of the influx of children of evacuees from other villages.

“Mas madami na ang mga anak ko ngayon (I have more children now.) I’m more inspired to teach now because despite what happened last year, we remained strong as a community. That’s the key to teaching, when you treat your students as your own, you stand by them through their ups and downs. You become excited for their future,” she said.

A teacher for 16 years, Mona is proud to have produced professionals from her former students.

“My heart is full everyday knowing that the students I have today will give back to our community in the future,” she added.

MMC donates rural health center, facilities to Marawi

By Lady Jean L. Kabagani (LJKabagani/PIA ICCC)

MARAWI CITY (PIA ICCC) -- Makati Medical Center Foundation, in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Marawi City Government will construct a rural health center in Barangay Sagonsongan in this city.

According to 549 Engineering Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Jonjie Juguilon of the Joint Task Group Builders (JTG Builders), the rural health center will be equipped with a complete community package of facilities including mosque, school and provide health and medical services to the displaced communities of the Marawi siege.

"The rural health center is basically intended to provide services to the residents residing at the temporary shelters in Barangay Sagonsongan," Juguilon said.

The project of the Makati Medical Center Foundation will also provide for the complete medical equipment and training component for medical professionals who will be manning the said center.

The military officer also said that AFP is committed to help in the realization of the project, noting that the military engineering brigade will immediately work on the construction of the rural health center right after the concreting of the development site.

LGU-Marawi City will take charge of the preparations of ground work for the construction of the center.

The rural health facility is expected to be completed by next month,

“It will take around three weeks to construct the building,” Juguilon stated.

Juguilon expressed optimism on the essence of the health project that will give health services and medical treatment to the residents who are in need most affected by the armed-conflict in Marawi.

“We are not just doing this para lang sa isang mission pero talagang it's a personal conviction naming, parang personal battle namin na talagang we should be sincere in helping the people in Marawi”, he said.

He also assured the residents of the related services from the military troops.

"Hanggang may nangangailangan, tutulong tayo. Kaya, at your service across the land yung commitment naming at hindi matatapos sa rehabilitasyon ang serbisyo natin, mahaba pa ito, hangga’t hindi pa tayo nakakapag-create ng environment that is conducive to economic growth. That's the ultimate goal ng philippine army”, he added.

DTI-ARMM wraps up regional ‘Negosyo’ summit

(PNA)

COTABATO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) successfully wrapped up a three-day Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan Konsyumer (TNKK) summit here that gave emphasis to the smart and proper investment of money.

Lawyer Anwar Malang, DTI-ARMM regional secretary, said the summit, which coincided with October’s celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, also focused on consumer protection and business promotion.

The October 9-11 summit, held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM in this city, was participated in by some 500 regional business leaders, ARMM employees, and other stakeholders.

Malang underscored the significance of the event to ARMM employees, who will be affected by the transition to a new Bangsamoro region.

“I am sure this will help employees who might be displaced once the new regional government assumes office,” Malang said, referring to the incoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that will replace the current ARMM.

During the first day of the summit, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Consumer Act, Price Act, Suggested Retail Price, Senior Citizens Act, Franchise Business Opportunities and fair trade-related laws were adequately covered.

On the second day, Sustainable Business and Financial Empowerment sessions were held, including education on the new currency facilitated by members of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

Opportunities were discussed on the last day of the event, through the industry cluster, including those in the coconut, coffee, and abaca industries.

Jahara Ngindig, 33, an employee of the region’s Interior and Local Government department, said the lectures were helpful, especially so that she is among those who will be affected when the new government comes in.

“It taught us how to effectively use a capital for investment,” Ngindig said.

Other parallel activities were conducted simultaneously during the three-day summit. These include jobs fair, skills and training seminars, and business and educational fora.

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