ARMM guv receives 2015 Outstanding Governorship Award

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 30 (PIA) ---  Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman, for the second time, received an Outstanding Governorship Award this year during ceremonies held on October 27 in Metro Manila. 

Superbrands Marketing International Inc. (SMI) confers this award to governors, mayors, dignitaries, local legislators, and congressmen in recognition of their achievements.

Other recipients of the award this year are Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda Marcos, Camarines Sur Governor Luis Villafuerte, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, and Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III.

“I am honored to be named as one of outstanding governors in the country,” said gov. Hataman who was a recipient of the same award in 2013.

A governor is the province’s highest-ranking elected official, with duties more varied than any elected member of the district, party-list, or national legislature.

Superbrands cited Gov. Hataman as a Moro servant leader in contemporary Mindanao. He is the first Moro to receive such award.

Karl Maclean, chairman of SMI, said the Hataman administration's introduction of reforms and good governance has allowed ARMM to maintain its relevance with respect to the aspirations of the Moro people.

“His (Hataman) policy of bringing the government closer to the people and vice-versa is an impressive move to make his constituents to realize that government exists,” Maclean added.

Gov. Hataman has worked hard to become a truly Moro leader. The ARMM saved millions of government funds when the governor launched a campaign against ghost projects and workers in 2012. This earned him the moniker ‘certified ghost buster’ from President Benigno Aquino III during his third State of the Nation Address in 2013.

The governor’s administration anchored its reform initiatives on three key pillars, namely good governance, peace and security, and socio-economic development. “This award is for the people of ARMM who continuously support the regional government,” gov. Hataman said.(BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM joins 2015 Cooperative Month celebration

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 30 (PIA) ---  The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) 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

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Dimnatang Radia, Cooperative Development Authority-ARMM (CDA-ARMM) administrator, said 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.

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

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

“Ang programang ito ay paraan upang mahikayat natin ang mga kooperatiba at iba pang mga katuwang natin sa gobyerno upang matulungan at lalo pang palakasin ang mga kooperatiba sa ating rehiyon. Ito ay ayon rin sa direktiba ng ating Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman (This 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 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 computerize for easy gathering and access of data on various cooperatives in the region.

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.

As of date, ARMM has almost 5,000 registered cooperatives. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Basic literacy rate in ARMM shows improvement

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 28 (PIA) ---  The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) registered a significant increase in its basic literacy rate to 86.1 percent in 2013 from 81.5 percent in 2008. This was based on the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Basic literacy is used for the “initial learning of reading and writing, which adults who have never been to school need to go through.” The region’s functional literacy rate also increased to 72.1 percent in 2013 from 71.6 percent in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization defines functional literacy as the person’s ability to “engage in activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning of his group and community and also for enabling him to continue to use reading, writing and calculation for his own and the community’s development.”

FLEMMS is a nationwide survey that presents comprehensive statistics on the latest status of literacy, education, and mass media exposure of Filipinos. It “brings together a wide range of information that serves as a guide for government policy makers, program planners, and decision makers in providing a much broader scope of action and more focused program intervention on the target beneficiaries of development plans.” 

Marjuni Maddi, Department of Education in ARMM assistant secretary for academics, said the increase was associated to efforts of the agency in solving literacy-related problems.

DepEd-ARMM is currently implementing ‘Abot-Alam,’ a national program that aims at relocating “the out-of-school youth (OSY) nationwide who are 15 to 30 years old and who have not completed basic/higher education or who are unemployed, and to mobilize and harmonize programs, which will address these OSYs’ needs and aspirations.”

Furthermore, the agency is also engaged in other interventions such as the Alterative Delivery Mode (ADM), a joint program with Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao-ARMM. ADM is being implemented by BRAC Philippines.

The program established learning centers in poor, conflict-affected, and disadvantaged communities in the region to give out-of-school children access to basic education. It provides catch-up opportunities for young children in remote and deprived communities of the region where regular public education is not easily accessible.

The project already built 1,220 learning centers across ARMM including seven floating learning centers in coastal areas in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. These learning centers cater to 38,084 students from kindergarten to Grades 1 to 3.

Maddi encouraged everyone to take part in promoting the importance of education. “Education is everybody’s business. We should not leave it to our teachers,” he said. The 2013 FLEMMS survey covered about 26,000 sample households in 1,600 barangays in the country. About 1,200 sample households were taken from ARMM. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM officials, pupils demonstrate proper handwashing

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 27 (PIA) --- Hundreds of officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as well as elementary school pupils demonstrated proper handwashing with soap as part of the region’s celebration of the 2015 Global Handwashing Day at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City on October 26.

The region’s Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM), together with the Department of Health (DOH-ARMM), led the celebration.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM secretary, said 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.

The handwashing day bears the theme “Raise a hand for hygiene,” and 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.

Meanwhile, the DepEd-ARMM, DOH-ARMM and the PhilHealth-ARMM signed a memorandum of understanding  to rekindle the strategic mutual understanding among the agencies in the protection and promotion of children’s right to health. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Lanao communicators toured NGCP facilities

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, October 25 (PIA) --- Government communicators from the two Lanao provinces had the chance to tour the facilities of the Abaga-Baloi Substation and the Mindanao Regional Control Center (MRCC) of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The tour was conducted by NGCP last week to foster better understanding on power transmission operations.

At the Abaga-Baloi Substation, the government information officers were greeted with briefings on security protocol to ensure a smooth flow of the tour. They were also informed on the importance of the high voltage power lines emanating from the Baloi substation.

Although they weren’t allowed to enter the control area of the MRCC due to its sensitivity, the information officers had the chance to view how NGCP monitor the supply and demand of electricity in the entire Mindanao.

Eugene H. Bicar, head for Mindanao System Operations, also briefed them about the creation of the state-of-the-art MRCC and its importance in ensuring the stability and reliability of Mindanao power grid.

 “It’s amazing how they work here 24/7! I am thankful for this rare and worth-while exposure,” said Rufaida Polao, municipal information officer of Ganassi.

After the facility tour, a forum was held at an establishment in Cagayan de Oro City to equip them with knowledge about NGCP operations and on issues that affect the Mindanao power grid.

Topics discussed include the priority projects of NGCP in Mindanao, transmission line safety and anti-pilferage, Right-of-Way (ROW) issues, and concerns on the security of power facilities due to bombing incidents.

Municipal Information Officers from Lanao del Sur expressed support to NGCP’s campaign to deliver continuous and reliable power to consumers.

Hussain Diamla. municipal information of Taraka, said he will convey his learning to the town’s officials so that they can create a resolution prohibiting the planting of trees under or near the transmission lines. (APB/JNY/PIA-10)

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NGCP taps Lanao info officers on transmission line safety drive

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, October 25 (PIA) --- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has reached out to the information officers of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces to spread the message on taking good care of transmission lines. 

Beth Ladaga, regional corporate communications and public affairs officer of NGCP in Mindanao, said they are intensifying the information drive on transmission line safety to ensure public safety and continuous delivery of safe and reliable power to consumers.

Ladaga, during the Power Forum with the Municipal Information Officers (MIOs) and Information Officers of National Government Agencies (NGAs) of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur Provinces held October 21, 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City, enumerated the safety tips to avoid accidents and power outages.

These include the prohibition of building grass fires and  planting of trees under transmission lines; carrying long sticks or objects that might reach the transmission lines; installing of antennas, parking of vehicles and building of houses or any structure near or under transmission lines; and flying of kites near transmission lines.

Ladaga said these activities might cause unplanned power interruptions.

“It is necessary that the public is aware of these safety guidelines to prevent accidents and power interruptions,” she added. (APB/JNY/PIA-10)

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DSWD-ARMM conducts forum on Pantawid program

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 21 (PIA) --- To raise awareness on the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) conducted a forum on October 19, in Cotabato City.

More than a hundred 4Ps beneficiaries in Maguindanao and representatives from civil society organizations attended the forum.

Hja. Meriam Abdulkasan, regional deputy program manager of Pantawid program said the activity is 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 the lead government agency of the 4Ps is conducting the National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or “Listahan” to determine other poor families in the region.

In 2015, the national government released P3.6 billion in cash grants that serves 418,030 family beneficiaries in ARMM. The program operates in five provinces, two cities and 116 municipalities in the region.

Prince Sean Soledad, the program’s regional monitoring and evaluation officer, said this would serve as an investment for the future of the Bangsamoro and could help eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality, and improve maternal health care.

The Pantawid program provides beneficiaries cash grants of P500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses and P300 per child each month for educational expenses. Households with three qualified children would receive P1,400 monthly.

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 while those six to 14 years old must be enrolled in elementary, or high school with 85% attendance and must receive de-worming pills twice a year.

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.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako ng sobra kasi kung hindi dahil sa 4Ps hindi makaka pagtapos sa pag-aaral ang dalawa kong anak (We’re thankful to the government considering without the 4Ps, our two children would not be able to finish school),” Fatima Buat Nanding, a single parent and one of the 4Ps’ beneficiaries in Maguindanao said during the forum.

Nanding’s two children are currently working as teachers at Hja. Datu Saydona Pendatun Foundation College in Maguindanao. She reiterated that the government must sustain the implementation of the program to help other poor families. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM to create law enforcement task force

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. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM employees attend Course on Women, Peace and Security

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 14 (PIA) – Employees from several line agencies of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) participated in the Government Executive Course on Women, Peace and Security 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,” Sittie Jehanne Mutin, chairperson of RCBW-ARMM said.

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 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. (BPI/PIA-10)

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ARMM signs MoU with halal-certifying bodies in PH

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 13 (PIA) --- To strengthen the halal industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Department of  Science and Technology in the region (DOST-ARMM) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with halal-certifying bodies in the Philippines.

The MoU 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.

Both groups are halal-certifiers 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 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 region, being pre-dominantly Muslim, 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,” Gov. Hataman added.

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 also 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. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Outstanding S&T inventions in ARMM receive awards

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 13 (PIA) --- Outstanding science and technology inventions and research studies from different parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the 2015 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) were awarded on October 10.

Ten entries in the Sibol Award or the Outstanding Student Creative Research – High School and College levels, and in the Likha or the Outstanding Creative Research competed in the 2015 RICE.

The research study ‘Guyabano Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection’ of students Marida Dalgan, Sharon Caballero, and Majera Santiago was hailed as the regional champion in the Sibol Award - College level.

The three are all taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in General Science at the Mindanao State University (MSU) - Maguindanao.

“Marami po kasing MSU students like me na may UTI. And effective yung guyabano bilang treatment sa UTI na napatunayan ng phytochemical analysis na ginawa namin (Many MSU students suffer from urinary tract infection and we found out guyabano is an effective treatment),” Dalgan said.

She said her group will conduct thorough research as preparation for the upcoming National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) in July 2016.

Paula Nicole Bataga, 16, was awarded first runner-up in the high school level of the same category. A grade 10 student of ARMM Regional Science High School in Parang, Maguindanao, Bataga built a Solar-Powered Power Bank as her entry.

She said her power bank was made from recycled materials specifically broken solar panel from a lamp and a rechargeable battery from a damaged power bank. What she only bought, she noted, was an P18 crayons box that houses the power bank.

Her power bank could fully charge an android phone. “I made this so that these junk materials culd be re-used.”

The 2015 RICE was part of the regional celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) spearheaded by ARMM’s Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is a nationwide activity conducted in different regions to recognize the creativity of Filipino inventors.

The 2015 NSTW bears the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.”

Myra Mangkabung, DOST-ARMM secretary, said the celebration depicts the vision and dream of science and technology community to keep abreast with global economic integration through innovation. (BPI/PIA-10)

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DILG-ARMM holds strategic planning on climate change, disaster preparedness

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, October 9 (PIA) --- The Department of the Interior and Local Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) conducted a planning workshop on October 08, to encourage local government units (LGUs) to develop climate change and disaster-preparedness programs.

The regional strategic planning workshop targets to integrate Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in local development planning.

Representatives from different civil society organizations, regional line agencies, and the academe participated in the training.

Sharifa Pearlsia Ai-Dans, DILG-ARMM regional assistant secretary, said the one-day training was aimed at forging partnership between DILG-ARMM and the various stakeholders as well as organize a composite team that will help gather data on disaster risk and climate change situations in various LGUs in the region.

She added the agency wants 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.

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.

The result of the planning will be presented to 47 pre-identified disaster prone LGUs in the region.

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 are the direct beneficiaries of these measures.

Parts of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in ARMM are within the Mindanao River Basin and have been considered as disaster-prone areas. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM celebrates 2015 Science and Technology Week

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 9 (PIA) --- The Department of Science and Technology of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOST-ARMM) formally launched the region’s celebration of the 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), October 8.

The launching featured DOST-ARMM’s 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.

The 2015 NSTW bears the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.”

Myra Mangkabung, DOST-ARMM secretary, said the celebration depicts 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; Abdelrazi A. Amin, municipal councilor of Jolo, Sulu; and chairperson of Philippine Councilors League – ARMM; Cahar P. Ibay, assemblyman of the 1st District of Maguindanao; Jumelita B. Romero, PhD.; Janimah D. Pandi, representative of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur; Lawyer Leonardo R. Reyes, chancellor of MSU – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography; Mujiv S. Hataman, regional governor of ARMM; Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Anak Mindanao partylist representative; and Ahmed Ibn “Amin” Turabin Hataman.

Parallel to the celebration is the 2015 ARMM Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE), a nationwide activity conducted in different regions to recognize the creativity of Filipino inventors in the country. RICE serves as the qualifying round for the National Invention Contests and Exhibit in July 2016.

The 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 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. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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DOST-ARMM to strengthen halal promotion

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 7 (PIA) –- The Department of Science and Technology in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOST-ARMM) will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc.

The MoU will strengthen the collaboration between DOST-ARMM and the two halal-certifying bodies on halal promotion.

Both are halal-certifiers accredited by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

The MoU signing will be held during the first ARMM Halal Congress on October 9 at Alnor Convention Hall in Cotabato City in line with the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week,

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

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.

Many commodities, both food and non-food items, sold in the domestic market are now halal-certified. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM to hold 1st Halal congress

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 7 (PIA) –- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will hold its first Halal congress on October 9, at Alnor Convention Hall in Cotabato City in line with the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week.

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

Mon-Em Abangad, information officer of the Department of Science and Technology in the region (DOST-ARMM), said the development of the region’s halal industry is among the top economic agendas of the present ARMM administration.

The halal congress, he said, will serve as a venue in exchanging ideas about advancements in the halal industry and a gateway to future partnerships with different sectors and organizations in the promotion of halal industry in ARMM and in the Philippines as a whole.

Abangad further said 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.

At least 200 participants from ARMM and nearby areas are expected in the event. These would come from local government units, private sector, religious groups, business councils, and international nongovernmental organizations.

Abangad said 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.

The National Science and Technology Week will run from October 8 to 10 with the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness”. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Newborn screening could save your baby’s life – IPHO

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 6 (PIA) --- Mental retardation and death among babies can be prevented through newborn screening, according to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Sittie Aliah Descallar, IPHO information officer and newborn screening coordinator, said newborn screening is intended for early detection of metabolic disorders that may lead to mental retardation or even death if left untreated.

She said in Ozor ka, Ranao! radio program of the Philippine Information Agency that newborn screening is a simple procedure which allows health professionals to identify metabolic disorders and treat them immediately.

The test, which is ideally done on the 48 to 72 hours after birth, screens six disorders. These are congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), galactosemia (GAL), phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Descallar explained that the screening process is fast and easy. Only a few drops of blood are taken from baby’s heel and placed on a special absorbent filter card for testing.

She also said that newborn screening is free of charge for parents who are PhilHealth members. For non-PhilHealth members, the fee is only P600 to cover the P550 cost of the kit and P50 collection fee.

The fee is not expensive compared to the cost of treatment if the baby is not screened immediately, Descallar noted..

She said treatment, at a later time, can cost more than P6,000 per day.

In Lanao del Sur, newborn screening is available in PhilHealth-accredited birthing homes; City Health Office; Amai Pakpak Medical Center; district hospitals in Wao, Unayan, Malabang, Balindong, and Tamparan; as well as in 15 rural health units (RHUs) in the province. These are the RHUs in Masui, Calanogas, Balindong, Wao, Gannasi, Butig, Malabang, Picong, Ditsaan-Ramain, Bubong, Buadipuso Buntong; Taraka, Tamparan, Lumba Bayabao, and Kapai. (APB//PIA-10)

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Radyo ng Bayan Marawi serving public for more than 50 years

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 6 (PIA) --- State-owned Radyo ng Bayan (RnB) Marawi recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary focusing on the theme "DXSO @ 52: Renewing  Commitment Towards Peace and Development in Mindanao.”

An appreciation program marked the celebration attended by its employees, partner individuals and institutions, and other media practitioners who congratulated their feat.

The celebration was aimed to recognize and honor the different government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and individuals who served as partners of RnB Marawi.in providing up-to-date information on efforts that affect the lives of constituents.

RnB Marawi is one of the pioneer radio stations of the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), said former station manager Dr. Minalang M. Barapantao.

The station was established on September 24, 1963 at Mindanao State University -Main Campus, this city.

Bae Soraida S. Sarigala, the current OIC station manager, expressed her appreciation to its partners for helping RnB Marawi in achieving its mission.

She also committed the continuous delivery of intensified and updated information to empower the people of Lanao.

RnB Marawi is broadcasting at 99.7 mhz with call sign DXSO and operates seven days week with local programs as well as hook-up programs with DZRB Radyo ng Bayan-Manila. (JNY/APB/PIA-10)

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Statistics Month celeb underscores importance of statistics in universal health care

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 5 (PIA) – The Regional Statistics Committee of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had underscored the importance of statistics in achieving universal health care in line with this year’s observance of the National Statistics Month.

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 said.

The 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 of the region's Office of the Solicitor General said statistics plays a pivotal and crucial role in quality policy formulation, planning, and judicial making in both the government and private sectors.

“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 observance of the 26th National Statistics Month kicked-off in ARMM on Thursday, October 1, with a parade at the Office of the Regional Governor compound in Cotabato City. It was participated by the employees of the different regional line agencies, bureaus, and offices A cheer-dance competition among the agencies and ‘sayap’ decorating contest highlighted the event.

The month-long celebration in the ARMM 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 in Cotabato City. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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