OCD, Lanao Sur DRRMO conduct ICS training

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM) and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) held an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Training Course for 37 members of the PDRRM Council on April 7 to enhance coordination among agencies during emergency situations.

ICS is a standardized system used for managing emergencies, providing a coordinated approach that integrates all parties involved in DRRM.

PDRRMO Head Shaminoden M. Sambitory said the ICS training is structured into Levels 1 through 4, with the executive course focused on ICS overview and terminologies. This ensures that local officials, department heads, and council members understand the basics of ICS and their roles during emergencies.

“It is crucial to capacitate them to ensure there is no duplication of efforts. In ICS, we aim to prevent situations where services are not provided or responses are duplicated. These are key areas we prioritize to ensure effective emergency management,” Sambitory said.

According to Sambitory, the province’s geography poses challenges in coordination and communication during emergencies. Some areas lack signal, necessitating the use of two-way radios as alternatives for communication.

“Because of this, there is a delay in terms of information dissemination. But we are always trying to adopt alternative ways of disseminating information and getting reports from our areas,” he added.

Sambitory also underscored the importance of continuous training to enhance the province’s emergency preparedness. To support this, the PDRRMO has planned a series of capability-building activities, including a second batch for the ICS executive course and advanced ICS training (Levels 1-4).

Other specialized courses for responders include Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Training, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and First Aid and Basic Life Support. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Lanao Sur farmers receive support to boost productivity

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Farmers in Lanao del Sur expressed their appreciation for the vital support they received for their agricultural and livestock operations. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro government, they received a warehouse, solar dryer, and livestock shelters, aimed at enhancing their productivity.

The Farmers’ Cooperative in Barangay Amaiditimbang, Masiu town, was granted a warehouse for crop storage and a solar dryer to improve post-harvest processes. Cooperative member Najer Ali thanked the Bangsamoro Government for providing these facilities, emphasizing their importance, particularly during harvest seasons.

“For a long time, we struggled with inadequate storage and drying facilities. Now, we have a proper warehouse and solar dryer that will help us preserve and process our crops efficiently,” Ali said.

The cooperative also received a cattle shed to protect livestock during extreme weather conditions.

Omelhair Gandamato, another member, expressed gratitude for the shelter, which will support their livestock project.

“We are very grateful because we not only received cattle from MAFAR, but they also provided us with a proper shelter for them. This will ensure that our cattle are well-protected, especially during the rainy season,” Gandamato said.

The Tabay Coconut Farm Producer Cooperative in Barangay Budas, Balabagan town, also received a goat shed to support their goat farming project.

These efforts are part of MAFAR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agriculture in the Bangsamoro region by improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The turnover was led by MAFAR Special Development Fund program officer Najib Usman, who encouraged the farmers to fully utilize the facilities and maintain them for long-term community benefit. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur/with reports from MAFAR)

Marawi Compensation Board continues to assist siege victims, releases P1.18B

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — To fulfill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the compensation process for victims of the 2017 Marawi siege, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) distributed P75,612,598.32 to 40 claimants, March 20.

This brings the total funds disbursed to P1,187,041,105.48, benefiting 713 claimants.

During the payout, claimant Yusoph expressed relief after years of waiting: “Alhamdulillah kasi naabutan namin yung matagal naming hinihintay. We’ve been waiting actually for how many years and finally dumating na,” he said.

(Praise be to God that we finally got what we’ve been waiting for. We’ve actually been waiting for how many years, and it has finally arrived.)

Though there were some delays, Yusoph is thankful for the creation of MCB, which enables them to receive what they are rightfully entitled to.

Rawia, another claimant, also expressed gratitude despite the delays: “Masaya kami, kahit matagal naming hinintay ito, nauunawaan namin. Sa totoo lang, hindi ito lubos na sapat para sa lahat ng nawala, pero Alhamdulillah, nagpapasalamat pa rin kami. At least kinilala nila ang aming hinaing,” she said.

(We’re happy, even though we’ve waited a long time for this, we understand. Honestly, it’s not fully enough for everything we lost, but Praise be to God, we’re still thankful. At least they acknowledged our concerns.)

She added that the funds will be used wisely for home repairs.

The compensation is governed by Republic Act No. 11696, the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, which provides cash assistance for death claims and compensation for property damages. Death claims are eligible for P350,000, while compensation for destroyed homes is based on construction materials used.

Those with totally destroyed homes will receive P18,000 per square meter for concrete, P13,500 for mixed concrete and wood, and P9,000 for light or pure wood. For partially damaged homes, owners will receive P12,000 for concrete, P9,000 for mixed concrete and wood, and P6,000 for light or pure wood.

MCB continues to process claims and urges remaining claimants to be patient. Under its new chairperson, Attorney Moslemen T. Macarambon Sr., the Board reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under RA 11696. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur with reports from MCB)

Marawi Compensation Board welcomes new chairperson

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Lawyer Moslemen T. Macarambon Sr. assumed as the chairperson of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) following a turnover ceremony on Tuesday, March 25.

Macarambon Sr., a former regional trial court judge and Commission on Elections commissioner, took on the role with a focus on advancing the MCB’s objectives.

In his acceptance speech, Macarambon Sr. acknowledged the challenges ahead and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the compensation process.

Prior to his appointment as chairperson, Macarambon Sr. served as a member of the MCB.

Outgoing chairperson Attorney Maisara C. Dandamun-Latiph, appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in January 2023, played a key role in strengthening the MCB’s mandate to facilitate compensation for those who lost residential and commercial properties, as well as loved ones, during the conflict.

Under her leadership, the MCB has released a total of P1,443,712,772.10 to 848 claimants.

In her farewell address, Dandamun-Latiph expressed confidence in the new leadership and emphasized the importance of continuing the compensation process.

Meanwhile, the MCB remains dedicated to supporting the recovery and rebuilding of Marawi through this leadership transition. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Marawi Compensation Board distributes P919-M to siege victims

 

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has now disbursed a total of P919,416,092.46 in compensation to victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege, with the latest payout of P77,528,135.04 on March 11 benefiting 54 eligible claimants.

Created under Republic Act 11696, the MCB was established to provide financial compensation to individuals and families who suffered damages during the Marawi Siege. Since its formation, the Board has approved claims totaling P2,297,930,807.34, aiming to restore the losses and hardships faced by those affected by the conflict.

 

In a recent appearance on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, MCB Chairperson Maisara Dandamun-Latiph assured the public that with continued support from the national government, the Board is expediting the compensation process and improving its efficiency.

 

Meanwhile, the latest distribution has brought significant relief to claimants who have been awaiting financial assistance. One of the recipients, Zai, a structure claimant, expressed her gratitude for the compensation, which enabled her to rebuild her home.

 

“Alhamdulillah! Dumating din yung blessings galing kay Allah. Nagpapasalamat din kami dahil maayos na rin ‘yung bahay namin. Malaking tulong talaga ang MCB para kahit papaano ay mabawi namin ang nasira o nawala sa amin. Maraming salamat sa Gobyerno at nabuo nila ang MCB para tulungan kaming biktima ng siege,” said Zai.

 

(Alhamdulillah! The blessings from Allah have finally come. We are also grateful because our house is now in good condition. The MCB has truly been a big help so that we can somehow recover what was damaged or lost. Thank you very much to the Government for creating the MCB to assist us victims of the siege.)

 

The MCB remains dedicated to ensuring that all eligible claimants receive their compensation. It encourages those still waiting for their claims to remain patient and vigilant as the Board continues to process applications and distribute funds accordingly. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Marawi receives new equipment to improve waste management

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) handed over an Enviro-Asher unit to the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi on March 3 to support the LGU’s waste management efforts.

 

This marks the second installation of the waste reduction technology, following its deployment in Cotabato City in February.

 

The Enviro-Asher is a non-combustion waste reduction equipment that utilizes advanced technology to minimize waste volume without relying on external power sources such as diesel or kerosene.

 

“With the first unit deployed in Cotabato City, providing another Enviro-Asher to Marawi City marks a major step toward reinforcing sustainable waste management across our communities. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to a cleaner and healthier Bangsamoro,” said MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim.

 

According to data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Marawi City generates approximately 27.8 percent of Lanao del Sur’s daily solid waste, totaling about 148 tons per day. The Enviro-Asher is expected to reduce this waste load by providing a more efficient waste disposal method.

 

Sadiq Mohamad, director of the LGU Marawi Project Management Office, expressed gratitude for the new technology. He stated that with MENRE’s support, LGU Marawi is better prepared to address its waste management challenges.

 

He also emphasized the LGU’s commitment to sustainability and the need for continuous innovation in waste management for the benefit of future generations.

 

The Enviro-Asher project is a key MENRE initiative aimed at promoting sustainable communities and environmental responsibility throughout the Bangsamoro region. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur, with reports from MENRE)

BARMM’s water rationing project eases IDPs’ burden

The Bangsamoro Government’s Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) has launched a water rationing initiative aimed at providing 120,000 liters of potable water to 2,370 households across 15 transitory shelters in Marawi City. This project, set to run for the next ten months, is designed to address water scarcity and ease the financial burden on internally displaced persons (IDPs). The water rationing effort supplements ongoing water distribution in permanent shelters, ensuring continued access to clean water for those affected by the 2017 Marawi siege. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Government)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City have expressed relief over the Bangsamoro Government’s Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) water rationing project.

The project, set to provide 120,000 liters of potable water to 2,370 households across 15 transitory shelters over the next ten months, aims to address water scarcity and reduce financial burden on families.

Faisal Aragasi from the Boganga shelter said the water supply is a big help to their community. Previously, many IDPs had to purchase water, but the project allows for more affordable access, easing daily difficulties.

“We are grateful for the assistance from BARMM, especially the water supply. In return, we will assist MRP in ensuring the organized and fair distribution of water in our shelter,” Aragasi said.

The project supplements BARMM’s water rationing efforts in eight permanent shelters, which have been serving 1,680 households since 2022.

As the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) prepares to complete its water rationing efforts at the Sagonsongan Shelter, this new initiative guarantees continued water access for those in need.

IDPs from Sagonsongan expressed their gratitude to BARMM. Sairah Dimal highlighted the savings from purchasing water, while Khalid Abubacar emphasized the importance of water to his daily routines, such as ablution, cleaning, and laundry. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)