Japan gov’t donates heavy equipment, reaffirms support for Marawi rehab

The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) received 27 heavy-duty vehicles from the Government of Japan during the ceremonial turn-over at the Biyaya ng Pagbabago Transitional Shelter Site in Brgy. Sagonsongan. 

Seven hydraulic excavators, three bulldozers, three wheel loaders, two motor graders, and 12 10-wheeler dump trucks are included in the first batch of Japan’s assistance to complement the efforts of the national government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-torn city. 

Japan Government Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Embassy of Japan Minister for Economic Affairs Makoto Iyori led the turnover of heavy-duty vehicles to the TFBM Vice Chairperson, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Chief Mark Villar; and TFBM Field Office Manager, and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr.

“Japan recognized the high priority given by the Philippine government to the rehabilitation of Marawi. I sincerely hope that these equipment will further speed-up efforts in rebuilding Marawi from the ground-up,” Ambassador Koji said in his message before officials and evacuees in Brgy. Sagonsongan. 

The heavy machineries will be used in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of Marawi and will be co-managed by the TFBM and the DPWH. 

Marawi residents are continuously going back to their communities after months of staying in evacuation centers and other places of refuge. However, residents from the most affected area (MAA) are unable to go back to their communities as their houses are left in rubble. 

TFBM is seeking to construct temporary shelters to ease the pain of MAA residents who are still staying in evacuation centers as rehabilitation may take years to finish. 

Around 11,000 families from the MAA are needing temporary or permanent shelters.

At the onset, the donated heavy machineries can speed-up land development and construction of temporary and permanent shelter sites in different locations in Marawi City and its nearby municipalities as reconstruction of the MAA is yet to begin. 

The colossal task of rehabilitating and reconstructing the MAA, composed of 24 barangays, is on its way. Around 250 ha. is expected to undergo full rehabilitation.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Aidiong Jr., and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra witnessed the event as keys were handed-over to the TFBM. 

According to Ambassador Haneda, Japan sees the urgency in restoring the fundamental needs that will bring the lives of people back on track. He adds that the Japanese government will add 10 million pesos of budgetary support to the Philippine government and will expand the existing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) road development project in Mindanao to include the rehabilitation of roads around Marawi City. 

Japan’s turn-over of heavy machinery coincided with the ceremonial signing of grant with UN habitat worth 500 million pesos to provided shelters and livelihood support to displaced Marawi residents and turn-over of passenger vehicles donated by the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to support government agencies involved in the rehabilitation of Marawi. (PIA-TFBM-ICCC/JAEBata)

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ARMM youth agency holds two-day peace camp in Corregidor

 
Over 30 Moro youth leaders gathered in Corregidor island for the Moro Youth Peace Camp organized by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) on March 17-18, 2018.

The youth camp was in line with the region’s Bangsamoro Week of Peace and the commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Jabidah Massacre, which is considered to be a critical point in the Bangsamoro struggle.  

 
“We have gathered youth leaders across the region in one place to learn about one important part of the history of the struggle,” said Nizam Pabil, executive director of OBYA. 

“For you to appreciate, embrace and support the plight of the Moro leaders today – may it be BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law), may it be addressing discrimination – it is important to look back and understand where it is coming from,” he said.

The camp was held in Corregidor Island where the Jabidah Massacre that resulted in the killing of Moro soldier-recruits occurred in March 1968. 

“You have to understand something for you to appreciate something. The best avenue to learn is to go to the place,” said the youth affairs director.

The two-day event focused mainly on the history of the Moro struggle and the role of the youth in peace building.

Speakers include Rogelio Braga, author of literary works that tackle the realities of the Bangsamoro struggle, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, executive director of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, who lectured about the youth’s role in peace building.

Part of the event was a visit to the location of the Jabidah Massacre where the participants met ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman. 

The governor said he is hopeful that the Jabidah Massacre will be a beacon of hope for the Bangsamoro dream and that in the future, historical injustices committed against the Moros will be solved.

“Before I joined this activity I have little knowledge of the Jabidah Massacre,” said Rauff Pulalon, 21, one of the youth participants. He added that after the site visit, he realized the importance of remembering history to reflect and be reminded of the decades-long Bangsamoro struggle.

“As youth of today, we are reminded that the Jabidah Massacre plays an important role in our struggle. Our role today is to continue what our ancestors have started,” said Pulalon. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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ARMM holds 2nd Bangsamoro Women’s Summit

Women leaders from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) line agencies and local government units, as well as from civil society organizations, participated in the 2nd ARMM Bangsamoro Women’s Economic and Development Summit which started on March 14, in Cotabato City.

Bearing the theme ‘Meaningful Change for Economic and Political Participation for Bangsamoro Women,’ the summit seeks to strengthen the capacity of women leaders assuming various roles in economic development leading to a more progressive autonomous Muslim region.

The summit was spearheaded by the ARMM’s Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In his keynote message, OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza stressed the important roles women play in peace building in communities. “Women are the best instruments in helping society, especially in dealing with peace and security in the area. They play an important, efficient, and productive role in promoting peace, not only in the family but also in the community,” he said.

Comelec Commissioner Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon, one of the resource speakers, emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in the political arena. “When women don’t participate in the government, they will never have a fair share of resources on finance, education, health and livelihood,” she said.

She also said people should get rid of the stereotypes that Bangsamoro women can’t lead. “We should educate our people, especially our youth, that girls can lead as well as boys,” she added.

At the activity’s venue, some of the region’s line agencies showed their support by setting up booths showcasing their services for the participants. 

The summit is in line with the National Women’s Month celebration and the regional celebration of Bangsamoro Week of Peace 2018. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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ARMM opens over 1,400 summer jobs for students, OSYs

The Department of Labor and Employment in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOLE-ARMM) has announced 1,411 summer jobs currently available for students and out-of-school youth (OSY) across the region.

DOLE Regional Secretary Muslimin Jakilan said the program is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational course students, and OSY living in areas covered by the Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) program, a development convergence initiative of the regional government covering 553 recipient barangays.

“We prioritize those students who most need summer jobs,” Secretary Jakilan said adding that the drive is part of the DOLE’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), a flagship program designed to provide income opportunities to out-of-school youth and students from underprivileged families during summer or Christmas break.

Under the SPES, the Labor department shoulders 40 percent of the salaries of the beneficiaries, while the employers like government agencies, local government units, private companies and other sponsor institutions pay the 60 percent.

Secretary Jakilan said the DOLE-ARMM has earmarked P3.8 million for the program.

“We want to help the students and OSYs to earn money, which they can use to pay for next school year,” he cited. 

The registration for employment applicants has already started and will end on the last week of March. Students will have work for a period of 25 days.

Students applicants are required to submit the following: birth certificate; barangay clearance; certification by the school registrar, or Form 138, or original class card; certificate of good moral character; and parents’ income tax return, which shows an annual income not exceeding P85,000. 

For an OSY, a certificate of good moral character issued by his/her barangay is required.

Secretary Jakilan said applicants may visit DOLE-ARMM’s regional office at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City or the Labor department offices in their respective provinces. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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ARMM celebrates Bangsamoro Week of Peace 2018

Officials and employees of the different line agencies and offices in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) kicked-off the celebration of this year’s Bangsamoro Week of Peace with a parade in Cotabato City, March 12. 

With the theme “Hope and Solidarity in Struggle”, the celebration recognizes the Bangsamoro’s ongoing struggle for self-determination, which is driven by shared aspirations and strengthened by the diversity of its people.

Several activities in the different areas of region was also lined-up to raise awareness and consciousness on the Bangsamoro’s narrative. The activities include Forum on Autonomy and Federalism in Cotabato City (‪March 12-13); Sports Peace in Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi (‪March 12-17); Lakbay Kultura in the region’s five provinces (‪March 12-18); Libreng Sakay and Photo Exhibits at the ports of Lamitan in Basilan, Jolo in Sulu, and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi (‪March 12-18); Peace Concert in Cotabato City (‪March 13); Pagbabalik-Tanaw (Historical Seminar and Workshop) in Quezon City and Valenzuela City (‪March 14); Medical Mission in Metro Manila (‪March 14-15); Bangsamoro Women’s Summit in Cotabato City (‪March 17-18); and Moro Youth Camp in Corregidor Island (‪March 18).

Amir Mawallil, executive director of the Bureau of Public Information-ARMM, said these activities are geared towards educating the youth about the history and struggle of the Bangsamoro. 

He said that Bangsamoro Week of Peace is about commemorating the 50th year of Jabidah massacre.

Aside from the regular observance that ARMM would usually do on Corregidor Island, a Moro Youth Camp will be conducted on the island where 35 youth delegates from different areas of ARMM are to participate with a purpose of learning on the history of the Bangsamoro struggle and to share with them the essence of remembering the Jabidah Massacre.

“It’s a challenge for us, especially the Bangsamoro, to continuously educate the public about the history and the struggle of the Bangsamoro people,” Director Mawallil added.

Meanwhile, Nizam Pabil, executive director of the Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs-ARMM, gave emphasis on the significance of the role of the Bangsamoro youth in upholding peace in Mindanao. 

He said that in the celebration of the Bangsamoro Week of Peace, the Moro youth joins in the call for peace.

The Bangsamoro Week of Peace is held annually, every second week of March, in commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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Robredo visits Lanao Del Sur to provide aid for Marawi

Vice President Leni Robredo spearheads the events, groundbreaking of Angat Buhay Village and dialogue with internally displaced women dressmakers and turnover of livelihood subsidies in support to the residents of Marawi City.

Right after the siege began, the Office of the Vice President has partnered with several organizations aiming to provide aid to the city. As part of Stand with Marawi Relief and Early Recovery Operations, the two programs are geared to address the problems of the city on housing and livelihood.

Through Angat Buhay, an anti-poverty program of the vice president, these programs intend to lighten the burden of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Marawi.

Construction of Angat Buhay Village

Angat Buhay collaborated with Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Piso Para sa Laban ni Leni Group, United Architects of the Philippines, Metro Stonerich Corporation and the City Government of Marawi to construct the Angat Buhay Village.

The village aimed to house 100 transitory shelters, 60 of which are expected to be completed by June. Each shelter measures 24 square meters with the estimated cost per unit of P165,000.

Aside from the shelters, the village will also feature a Masjid, community, livelihood and temporary learning centers, toy library, and vegetable garden.

Beneficiaries of the transitory shelters will be selected by the local government of Marawi, adhering to their criteria.

For the first six months, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) will shoulder the water bill and contribute P200 for each shelter’s electricity bill.

Distribution of sewing machines and materials

Ten IDP women receive five regular sewing machines, an edging machine and high-speed sewing machine, various cloths and sewing materials in a ceremony held at the Municipal Hall in Saguiaran.

The beneficiaries were chosen by the Saguiaran local government unit (LGU), some of which used to be dressmakers in Marawi and all have undergone dressmaking training at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Rose Acampong, nominated head of the beneficiaries, used to be a dressmaker back in Marawi. She lost all her sewing equipment due to the siege. Rose and the rest of the beneficiaries have high hopes of selling good quality clothes to nearby communities to earn income for their families again.

The Vice President encouraged the Marawi residents to stay united despite what happened to them. She believes that in unity, we can achieve anything.

“Isa lang po yung mensahe sa lahat, sa oras ng kagipitan hindi ito ang panahon para tayo’y magkawatak-watak, sa oras ng kagipitan, ito ay yung panahon na tayo ay magka-isa dahil kapag tayo po ay nagka-isa,lahat ng imposible ay puwedeng maging possible,” said Robredo. (PIA ICCC)

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ARMM women’s commission to hold summit for Bangsamoro women leaders

The Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is set to hold the 2nd ARMM Bangsamoro Women’s Economic and Development Summit in Cotabato City on March 14 and 15, 2018.

Sittie Jehanne Mutin, chairperson of the RCBW, said the summit aims to strengthen the capacity of women leaders in the region in assuming various roles in economic development leading to a more progressive autonomous Muslim region.

Using the theme ‘Meaningful Change for Economic and Political Participation from Bangsamoro Women,’ the event is expected to attract at least 500 women leaders from regional government agencies and local government units as well as from civil society groups and representatives from internally displaced communities.

The summit will also attempt to answer questions on women’s participation in economic development such as how can women from conflict-affected areas meaningfully participate in politics and the economy, and how can Bangsamoro women build a peace economy, one that takes into account transitional justice and the prevention of violent extremism, among others.

The RCBW cited that the summit is anchored on policies of the national and regional government aimed at empowering women. At the national level, the Magna Carta of women guarantees women’s right to political participation and representation, as well as access to economic opportunities.

The region’s Gender and Development Code, meanwhile, emphasizes equal rights among women and men in the political front and that covers involvement and representation in regional and local institutions. Thus, the current ARMM leadership has given priority to women’s active participation in economic development.

For instance, ARMM’s Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the years 2017 to 2019 provides specific action points on women’s empowerment and participation aimed at building an enabling environment for peace.

The summit’s welcome remarks will be delivered by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Commissioner Ma. Rowena Guanzon of the Commission on Elections. Presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza will then give the summit’s keynote address.

A series of discussions such as ‘How Women Make a Difference in an Era of Change’; ‘Women and the Bangsamoro Basic Law’; ‘Protecting Bangsamoro Women thru Social Protection Services’; ‘Women as Transformative Leaders’; ‘Halal and Micro-Financing for Bangsamoro Women’; ‘Livelihood Opportunities and Challenges’; and ‘Linking Political Participation to Economic Empowerment’ would be covered by experts during the two-day summit.

It will be recalled that in February 2016, RCBW also organized a two-day summit among women leaders in Bangsamoro provinces. The event, also held here, was aimed at enhancing women’s participation in good governance.

Source: BPI-ARMM

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ARMM kicks-off Women’s month celebration

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through its Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW-ARMM), officially started the celebration of this year’s National Women’s Month (NWM) through a parade, on March 5, inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

The parade, followed by a short program, was attended by officials and employees of the region’s different line agencies and offices. 

The ARMM celebration bears the theme ‘Meaningful change for Bangsamoro women can happen,’ which is anchored on the national theme: ‘We can make change work for women.”

During the program, ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia said, Bangsamoro women can make meaningful change happen.

“Kapag hindi kikilos ang mga babae, walang meaningful change ang mangyayari,” Secretary Alamia said emphasizing the importance of women working in the government.

According to her, more than 50 percent of the teachers, educators in the ARMM are women and almost 3,000 of the employees of ARMM are also women.

The observance of Women’s month is pursuant to Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 that gives due recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in the society specifically to inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services; to create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD); and to inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change.

Source: BPI-ARMM

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Groundbreaking of P3M multi-purpose building highlights 6IB 45th anniversary

In celebration of the 45th Founding Anniversary of the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led the groundbreaking of a multi-purpose building/covered court in Barangay Matling, Malabang town on March 1.

Hataman was assisted by 6ID Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega and 6IB Commander Lt. Col. Ruben G. Aquino in the ceremony that marks the start of the construction of the building. 

The P3 million project is under the ARMM Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (HELPS) program which is seen to benefit residents of Malabang and nearby areas. 

The groundbreaking was followed by a short program where Hataman briefly discussed the importance of the presence of the military in maintaining peace and security.

He also noted the significance of the military, local government units and the residents working together to sustain long lasting peace in the region.

Gen. Dela Vega, on the other hand, reiterated the importance of abiding the rule of law including Mindanao Martial Law instructions. 

Also present during the event were mayors and barangay officials from the municipalities of Malabang, Sultan Gumander, Balabagan, Kapatagan, and Marogong.

Source: BPI-ARMM

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ARMM holds People Day in Malabang, Lanao del Sur

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional government held a People’s Day in the municipality of Malabang on March 1.

The ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team, in coordination with the ARMM’s line agencies, provided free services to more than 800 beneficiaries from Malabang and nearby municipalities during the People’s Day.

Among the services provided included surgical and dental service; blood screening for hypertension and diabetes; eye screening; circumcision; reading glasses distribution; distribution of hygiene kits for kids with orientation on proper hand washing; supplemental feeding; and plastic sealers, noodle machines, and seedlings distribution.

Rido counseling; business name registration and business counseling; legal counseling; demo on technology transfer (food safety, Halal awareness, packaging and labelling); and social pension payout for senior citizens were also offered during the day.

Domie B. Sembrano, 64, from Brgy. Ansao, one of the beneficiaries of gill nets for fishing, said the programs and projects of the government are big help to them, especially for the local farmers and fisherfolks.

“Nakagkapya inya a project na gubyerno sa rekami. Nakadtabang a benar sa kapaguyag ami. Apya maytu-maytu na asal a pakadtabang. Mapia su gubyerno (Nakatulong itong mga proyekto at programa ng gobyerno sa amin. Malaking tulong sa paghahanap-buhay namin. Kahit kaunti ay nakakatulong pa rin. Mabuti ang gobyerno),” Sembrano said. 

Source: BPI-ARMM

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ARMM, LGU Marawi to build P115M infra projects

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the City Government of Marawi will construct infrastructure projects worth P115-million as part of Marawi city’s rehabilitation program.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra led two groundbreaking ceremonies here on March 1, for the construction of a P90-million Integrated Market, Food and Transport Terminal in Buadi Sacayo and the P25-million rehabilitation of City Hall and City Health Center.

The integrated market, food and transport terminal will sit in more than one hectare land, and will house 200 market stalls. 

Mayor Gandamra expressed confidence the city’s economy will rebound after it suffered heavy losses due to the siege.

“Definitely it will help the people of Marawi restore the economic operations dahil sa nangyari dito, bumagsak talaga ang ekonomiya,” mayor Gandamra said. 

Initially, the regional government has started building a wet and dry market in Bubong, Lanao del Sur in February that will open additional economic activities in the town and in the entire first district of the province since these areas have no formal marketplace.

Meanwhile, the Marawi city hall and the city health center will undergo rehabilitation since the two structures also sustained minor damage because of the battle. The ARMM will also provide an additional P15 million for the procurement of hospital facilities and equipment.

Source: BPI-ARMM

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DPWH-ARMM inks agreement with Lanao del Sur LGUs

The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with 15 local government units (LGUs) in the province for infrastructure projects targeted to be completed by the end of this year.

In a ceremony held at Lanao del Sur’s provincial capitol on March 1, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Loong said most of the beneficiary towns are awardees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance, a recognition given to LGUs that performed well in terms of good governance parameters.

He also emphasized the role of the LGUs in the success of the implementation of such projects. 

The joint undertaking of DPWH-ARMM and the LGUs is one of the steps of the regional government to comply with the President’s goal of implementing efficiently and within standards all 2018 infrastructure projects.

The budget for each LGU is as follows: Province of Lanao del Sur – P388 million; Piagapo – P33.95 million; Wao – P58.2 million; Taraka – P63.05 million; Poona Bayabao – P43.65 million; Masiu – P19.4 million; Bubong – P4.95 million; Ditsaan Ramain – P9.70 million; Mulondo – P19.4 million; Ganassi – P85.3 million; Calanogas – P19.4 million; Madalum – P38.8 million; Balindong – P16.49 million; Butig – P33.95 million; and Kapatagan – P37.38 million.

Butig Mayor Dimnatang Pansar said a 2.5-kilometer road will be built in his town to speed up economic development specifically in the agricultural sector.

“Our municipality is primarily an agricultural town, the movement of the farmers and the delivery of products to the market will be easier by connecting farmlands,” he said.

Meanwhile, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman asked the local chief executives to immediately start the road projects and complete those projects before December. 

With a MoA between DPWH-ARMM and the LGUs, the governor believes infrastructure projects will be properly executed and completion will be within schedule. 

Source: BPI-ARMM

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