Army seeks Punong Barangay help in war vs criminality

SAGUIARAN, Lanao del Sur, March 30 (PIA) --An army official appealed to the 30 Punong Barangays (village chieftains) here to help them in their war against all forms of criminality in the area.

Lt. Col. Dario Bucawit, Commander of the 64th Infantry Battalion (6IB) expressed his predicament over the current peace and order situation in the area during the recent municipal peace and order council meeting.

He said the town is always at the limelight because it is tagged as one of the asylums of organized crime groups involved in kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) and other illegal activities.

He sought the full commitment and cooperation of the local officials citing their crucial role in eradicating lawlessness, such as, kidnapping, carnapping and drug pushing, among others.

He asked them to report immediately any suspected illegal activities in their respective barangays through the 64IB hotline 0920-948-7196 or 0917-710-6993.

Bucawit also warned the chieftains that those found not reporting the presence of bad elements or hiding criminals in their barangays will be filed with appropriate charges.

He made it clear that the both the Army and Police forces are determined to apply the full force of the law in order to have safer communities in the province.

Meantime, Municipal Mayor Macmod Muti urged the chieftains to heed the call of the army and support the anti-criminality campaign to achieve peace, order and security in the town. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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‘Alay Lakad Para sa Kababaihan’ culminates Women’s Month fete in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 30 (PIA) -- In an effort to advance gender equality and empower women, four (4) agencies in the province joined the rest of the nation in celebrating this year’s Women’s Month.

With only two days left before the end of March, empowered women from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LSPPO), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), and Tactical Foundation (TF) carried-out an ‘Alay Lakad Para sa Kababaihan’ to wrap-up the Women’s Month fete.

The four groups converged at Pacasum Square in Barangay Banggolo, this city, around 5am, Tuesday, March 29, and walked towards the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Barangay Buadi Sacayo where a “Hataw” aerobics exercise was conducted.

Provincial Director Tarhata Mapandi of TESDA said, the walk for a cause is a clear manifestation that the four agencies stands behind to support the rights of Filipino women against all forms of discrimination.

With the theme “Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In Support of the Millennium Development Goals,” this year’s Women’s Month celebration is anchored on the relevance of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the national translation of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the achievement of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting their rights, especially those in the marginalized sectors while the MDG is a set of international development targets that the UN-member countries have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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TVET grads, skilled workers avail of TESDA’s free competency assessment

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 29 (PIA) --- More than 100 graduates of technical-vocational programs and skilled workers here have availed of the competency assessment and certification services being conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Tarhata Mapandi, TESDA Provincial Director, said they are conducting free competency assessment and certification in identified key qualifications that are hard to find but with high industry demands.

Aimed at raising people’s awareness on the competency assessment and certification program of TESDA, as well, as to enhance the competitiveness and employability of Filipino workers, the synchronized National Technical-Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) Competency Assessment and Certification or NATCAC is conducted at all regional and provincial levels from March 28 to April 1.

She said the holding of a week long competency assessment and certification is to facilitate the production of competent, skilled and certified workers and TVET graduates so that they can be qualified for good jobs here and abroad.

Although they are targeting only 60 candidates here in the province, 30 of which will come from the Computer Hardware Servicing NC II and another 30 from Dressmaking NC II, Mapandi revealed that about 104 have applied for assessment on dressmaking while another 54 applied for computer hardware servicing.

“We also have applicants in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Consumer Electronics Servicing,” she said.

Mapandi, further said that upon passing the written examination and actual demonstration, the applicant will be given a certification which he/she can use in applying for jobs in such fields either locally or abroad.

The assessment is being held at the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center (PCMDC) of TESDA in Maliwanag, this city. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Gunmen release kidnap victims in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 29 (PIA) --- Gunmen have freed over the weekend the couple they kidnapped in Lanao del Norte province without any paid ransom, an army official said on Monday.

Col. Daniel Lucero, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, said the immediate and safe release of Atty. Poroa Botawan Sangcaan and his wife Bairah Datumanong Sangcaan, last March 26 without any paid ransom, was facilitated by elements of his unit based in Kampo Ranao, this city.

Initial police investigation disclosed that the victims were abducted last March 23, at about 3:30PM in Brgy. Kalanganan, Pantar, Lanao del Norte onboard their green Toyota Adventure bearing the plate WEZ-656.

They were on their way to attend a gathering (Kandori) in the said town when flagged down and forcibly taken by four (4) armed men.

Further investigation also revealed that the suspects identified as Arpa Alim Gumpal, a.k.a. Arafat, Farouk Alim Gumpal, a.k.a. Froxy, Odeng Gumpal and Lucman Gumpal, a.k.a. Lucky handed down the victims to a kidnap-for-ransom group who demanded a sum of Php1.5M ransom.

“Troops from the 103rd Brigade and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LSPPO) were on reconnaissance patrol when they chanced upon some residents in Barangay Mamaan in Piagapo town and revealed about the presence of the kidnapped victims in their barangay,” said Lucero.

He further said that a warning was sent to the kidnappers that police and army troops will proceed to the area if the victims will not be released immediately.

Lucero also disclosed that the couple was kidnapped to force them to settle their debts to their abductors.

The 57-year old Sangcaan is the legal officer of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Iligan City while his 53-year old wife is a public school teacher. The couple resides in Barangay Marawi Poblacion, this city.

According to LSPPO and the victims, a case will be filed against the kidnappers, he added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Gunmen release kidnap victims in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 29 (PIA) --- Gunmen have freed over the weekend the couple they kidnapped in Lanao del Norte province without any paid ransom, an army official said on Monday.

Col. Daniel Lucero, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, said the immediate and safe release of Atty. Poroa Botawan Sangcaan and his wife Bairah Datumanong Sangcaan, last March 26 without any paid ransom, was facilitated by elements of his unit based in Kampo Ranao, this city.

Initial police investigation disclosed that the victims were abducted last March 23, at about 3:30PM in Brgy. Kalanganan, Pantar, Lanao del Norte onboard their green Toyota Adventure bearing the plate WEZ-656.

They were on their way to attend a gathering (Kandori) in the said town when flagged down and forcibly taken by four (4) armed men.

Further investigation also revealed that the suspects identified as Arpa Alim Gumpal, a.k.a. Arafat, Farouk Alim Gumpal, a.k.a. Froxy, Odeng Gumpal and Lucman Gumpal, a.k.a. Lucky handed down the victims to a kidnap-for-ransom group who demanded a sum of Php1.5M ransom.

“Troops from the 103rd Brigade and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LSPPO) were on reconnaissance patrol when they chanced upon some residents in Barangay Mamaan in Piagapo town and revealed about the presence of the kidnapped victims in their barangay,” said Lucero.

He further said that a warning was sent to the kidnappers that police and army troops will proceed to the area if the victims will not be released immediately.

Lucero also disclosed that the couple was kidnapped to force them to settle their debts to their abductors.

The 57-year old Sangcaan is the legal officer of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Iligan City while his 53-year old wife is a public school teacher. The couple resides in Barangay Marawi Poblacion, this city.

According to LSPPO and the victims, a case will be filed against the kidnappers, he added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Young Moro professionals spearhead Bangsamoro peace week

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 28 (PIA) --- In an effort to raise awareness on Bangsamoro identity and consciousness, an organization of young Moro professionals spearheaded this year’s celebration of the Bangsamoro Peace Week (BPW) in Northern Mindanao.

Anchored on the theme “Revisiting Our Past, Forging Our Future,” the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) – Northern Mindanao conducted several activities online and in public places that included T-shirt campaigns, promotion of Moro pride on films and Facebook profiles and press meetings from March 18-25, 2011.

The group composed mostly of doctors, lawyers, nurses and government executives will also lead the launching of a photo exhibit dubbed “Moro” at SM-Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, March 30.

The series of activities commemorated, in a more positive note, the infamous “Jabidah massacre” which is considered a turning point of the Bangsamoro struggle in Mindanao.

They believed that the Jabidah massacre is considered one of the tragic incidents in Bangsamoro history where dozens of Moro recruits on a training in Corregidor Island were massacred by government forces in 1968.

Journalist and peace advocate Samira Gutoc said they wanted to honor the brave women, men and children who died defending Moro homeland through the commemoration of the BPW.

“We are not re-launching an MNLF or MILF revolt or even condoning the Abu Sayyaf. We are creating an online and physical revolution founded on peace and understanding,” said Gutoc, one of the founding members of YMPN.

Citing that identity and history is valuable to any people and nation, Drieza Lininding, Secretary General of YMPN-Mindanao said it is about time that Filipino brothers and sisters expose themselves to the varied histories of the Islamized Muslims and Christianized Filipinos so that there be “acceptance” to each other.

Wearing black T-shirt with “I am Moro Professional” slogan, Hamida Guro, YMPN-Northern Mindanao Chairperson described the challenges confronted by Muslim minorities in Cagayan de Oro City.

Not having access to “halal” or allowable Muslim food, no legal assistance for women detainees, dormitories with signages of “Exclusively for Christians” and subdivisions which disallowed Muslim realty applicants were cited by Guro as some of the concrete examples of discrimination.

Some successful stories which should be documented as positive contribution to nation-building have also been listed by YMPN.

This includes the artistic creations of Maranao artist Dr. Sainuddin Moti dubbed “Darangen Dolls,” the first Muslim lady Asst. Secretary in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Jehanne Mutin, who was a former awardee of The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) and outstanding mayors and municipalities, such as Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur and Sulu in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Besides the celebration in Cagayan de Oro City, the BPW is also commemorated in other regions across the country with the support of other agencies and organizations, such as OPAPP and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Philippine economy seen to sustain resiliency in the medium-term

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 26 (PIA) –- The Philippine is expected to sustain strong and healthy economic performance in the medium-term.

This positive outlook was laid down in an audio-visual presentation (AVP) shown before participants of the Philippine Economic Briefing held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City, recently.

The AVP entitled “Daylight in the Philippines: Accelerating Progress” summarizes the country’s economic performance in 2010, as well, as the prospects and policy directions for 2011.

It showed that the economy grew at sustained strong levels over the last decade posting 7.1% growth in the fourth quarter of 2010 marking the 48th quarter of positive economic growth since 1999.

The country avoided a recession in 2009 and staged a strong recovery in 2010 with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.3%, a broad-based growth supported by the industry and services sectors and consumption and investments.

The effective monetary policy also kept inflation rate in 2010 at 3.8%, well-within the target range of 3.5%-5.5%. Accordingly, the sound management of inflation kept domestic interest rates and money supply supportive of growth.

Moreover, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projected inflation to stay within the target range of 3.0%-5.0% for 2011.

Meantime, gross international Reserve (GIR) expanded to a record US$62-B in 2010 and grew to US$63.5 as of end of January 2011. These growing international reserves are also supported by strong remittance flows that went up by 8.2% in 2010. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Abad reiterates govt’s policies to boost economic growth

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 25 (PIA) --- Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad has reiterated the government’s overarching strategy for national development.

Under the leadership of the President Benigno Aquino III, the government, he said, is pursuing reforms that will ensure rapid, sustainable and broad-based growth and prosperity in the country.

Addressing the participants of an economic briefing held in Cagayan de Oro City, recently, Abad shared the Aquino administration’s optimism on the economic performance and its roadmap for success.

“We have a clear agenda outlined in the President’s 16-point social contract with the Filipino people that include specific plans relative to public-private partnerships, to investing in education, health and social protection, to improving macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability, among others,” he said,

These, Abad said, can be accelerated through the “daylight” formula which highlighted transparency, accountability and inclusiveness as against secrecy, connivance and exclusivity in the past.

Transparency means that all the dealings, actions and decisions of the government are accessible to the public for their knowledge and scrutiny while accountability means the government operates consistent with the law and with established standard of performance and ethics, he said.

Inclusiveness, he further said, is empowering the citizenry and lending them a greater hand into how their government is being run adding that without the active and empowered participation of the people the government would not succeed.

He pointed out that the only way to reinvigorate the economy and ensure meaningful lives for our people is through honest and effective governance.

This entails transforming the government to be transparent in all actions and dealings, accountable to the law and to the people and truly inclusive in its engagement with the people it seeks to serve especially the vulnerable and marginalized, Abad added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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President Aquino welcomes House passage of HB 4146

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 24 (PIA) – President Benigno Aquino III welcomed the approval by the House of Congress of a bill postponing the August 2011 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to May 2013.

House Bill 4146 provides for the synchronization of the ARMM polls with the national and local elections in 2013 and the appointment by the President of officers-in-charge during the interim period.

In a press conference held at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel here, the President said he expects an intense debate on the merits of HB 4146 in the Senate but his administration would remain persistent in pushing for the postponement of the elections.

He said synchronization would eliminate “command votes” and would lead to clearer mandate by the people in the autonomous region.

Likewise, the “command votes” resulted to the underdevelopment of the region citing that the region has been continuously plagued with kidnappings, robberies and other problems arising from absence of peace and order due to underdevelopment.

Adding the consistent ranking of ARMM as the highest in terms of maternal and infant mortality rates, the President thus stressed the need for intervention of the national government to make way for reforms in the autonomous region. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Marawi)

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President Aquino lauds MisOr tax, customs collections efforts

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 23 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded today the tax and customs collections gains of the province citing its major contribution to the national collections.

Speaking before participants of the Philippine Economic Briefing held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Center here, he said the province has played a significant role in the increase in the collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by 17.7% and 9.6%, respectively.

“In the third quarter of 2010, your tax and customs collections increased by 22.4% and 25.2% respectively,” he emphasized.

He also cited the doubling of the total investments in region 10 making the regional economy boom alongside with the national economy.

Based on the report of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao is the largest regional economy in Mindanao.

The President further assured Oro constituents that the national government is their friend reiterating that the efforts of his administration are geared towards making their lives and the rest of the country better.

“Our efforts are ultimately premised on the same thing: that the entrepreneurs and the citizens of Cagayan de Oro and the rest of the country should be able to live better lives, look forward to better futures, and bequeath to their children a better Philippines,” he said.

The briefing dubbed as “Daylight in the Philippines: Accelerating Progress” was the third leg of the domestic economic road show jointly conducted by the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

In attendance during the briefing were provincial governors, city mayors, municipal mayors of provincial capitals, presidents of the provincial chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in region 10, regional directors/heads of the member-agencies comprising the Regional Development Council (RDC-X).

Also present were members of the Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation in region 10, Oro Banker’s Association, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, and Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Pres. Aquino distributes social services grants to NorMin beneficiaries

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 23 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III graced, today, the awarding of social services grants to beneficiaries in Northern Mindanao.

The event was held at the Oro Christian Grace School in Barangay Macasandig, this city, where recipients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs received assistance and grants.

These social programs included the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.

At least seven (7) associations were awarded with checks with amounts ranging from P100,000 to P150,000 under the SEA-K program, a livelihood and capability building program aimed at enabling the poor to have access to credit and promote entrepreneurship, namely:

The Pearl SKA in Kadingilan, Bukidnon, Generosity SKA in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Kauswagan SKA in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, Odiongan SKA in Odiongan, Gingoog City, and Amethyst SKA in Kadingilan, Bukidnon received P150,000 each while the Manobo-Talaandig SKA and the Kinamatta SKA both from Maramag, Bukidnon got P125,000 and P100,000, respectively.

A total of P148,228,847.59 has been released to 1,378 associations or 33,803 SEA-K beneficiaries all over region 10 as of February 2011.

Misamis Oriental posted the biggest number of associations with 444, followed by Bukidnon with 291, Misamis Occidental with 280, Lanao del Norte with 196, Camiguin with 114, and Cagayan de Oro City with 53.

Moreover, twenty (20) recipients were also awarded with 4Ps cash cards of which ten were from Barangay Patag while the remaining half came from Barangay Bulua, this city.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health nutrition and education.

As of March 2011, a total of P974,392,152 has been released to 88,332 4Ps beneficiaries in region 10.

Of these beneficiaries, 41,586 came from Lanao del Norte, 15,336 from Misamis Occidental, 4,111 from Misamis Oriental, 601 from Camiguin, 18,337 from Bukidnon, 2,663 from Cagayan de Oro City, 1,131 from Iligan City, and 4,567 from Tangub City.

In addition, 14 indigent senior citizens from Misamis Oriental were likewise given pensions, namely: Rosenda Labor, Guillermo Padigos, Isabelo Apdian, Lucia Dadang, Crispina Pacala, Ernesto Lorono, Abundia Ramos, Carmela Ajonan, Silvestra Silao, Claro Bagatcholon, Condrado Dotdot, Rofina Lomocso, Elesia Estrada and Clementino Lorono.

A realization of Republic Act 9994, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens provides a monthly subsidy of P500.00 to sickly and disabled senior citizens whose ages are 77 and above to improve their living condition and augment their capacity to meet their daily subsistence and medical requirements.

As of March 16, 2011, about 1,991 senior citizens have been validated for awarding of social pension while a total of 10, 097 are yet to be validated in the region. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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President Aquino to award social services grants in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 22, (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to distribute social services to beneficiaries in Cagayan de Oro tomorrow afternoon at Oro Christian Grace School.

He will led the awarding of grants on the following seven (7) social services programs: Community Mortgage, Slum Upgrading, Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Philhealth cards, and Certificate of Land Ownership.

The distribution of grants is one of the four events scheduled to be attended by the President on March 23.

Another event is a dialogue with civil society organizations at Pilgrim Christian College Auditorium where multi-sectoral groups will be presenting various major social issues to him.

The President will also be gracing the joint Philippine Economic Briefing and Regional Development Council Meeting at Mallberry Suites, this city.

He will also lead the inauguration of the first provincial road management facility project in Opol town, Misamis Oriental.

The 9-10 Kms road project which traverses five barangays is funded by the Australian Aid (AusAID).

Completed on February 27, 2011, the project costs P60.772,526.72 of which 12% comes from the local government unit of Misamis Oriental. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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ARMM voters’ registration starts today

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 21 (PIA) –- The 10-day registration of voters in the five provinces and one city comprising the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) starts today amidst a plan to postpone the August 8, 2011 ARMM polls.

City Election Officer Atty. Tanjie Macadindang said the registration which will last until March 31 will be held in the provinces of Basilan (except Isabela City), Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao (except Cotabato City), Lanao del Sur and the city of Marawi.

He said the applications for registration, transfer of registration records, change or correction of entries in the registration records, reactivation of registration records and inclusion of registration records or reinstatement of name in the list of voters shall be personally filed at the Office of the Election Officer at the city or municipality where the applicants reside.

For Marawi City applicants, these will be conducted at his office located inside city hall compound in Barangay Bangon from Monday to Saturday, inclusive of holidays during regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., he said.

Macadindang further said that an applicant for registration must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the country for at least one year and in the place where he proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding August 8, 2011.

Those who have not reached the required age or period of residence on the day of registration but will possess such qualifications on or before August 8, 2011 may register as voters, he added.

According to him, applicants are required to personally appear at his office and present any of the following identification documents: current employee’s identification card (ID) with the signature of employers or authorized representative; postal ID’ student’s ID or library card signed by the school authority; senior citizen’s ID; driver’s license; NBI/PNP clearance; passport; SSS/GSIS ID; Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID; license issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission; or any valid ID.

Community Tax Certificates (cedula) or certifications/identification cards issued by the barangay shall not be honored as valid identification documents, Macadindang said.

In the absence of any of the above-mentioned identification documents, he said the applicant may be identified under oath by any of his relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Awareness and vigilance, keys to fire prevention- BFP

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 17 (PIA) --- The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) here has issued fire safety tips to remind the public that awareness and vigilance are the keys to fire prevention.

Sr. Fire Officer (SFO) 1 Aminola Udasan, Acting City Fire Marshal, warned the public not to connect too many electrical appliances to one outlet to avoid electrical overloading.

“Electrical appliances should also be unplugged after every use or when not in use,” he said.

Regularly check electrical installations and fire protection devices and have all damaged wirings and electrical equipment repaired or changed by a competent electrician, Udasan said.

He advised the public to check their gas stoves and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks for leaks and to replace cracked gas hose which could start fires.

He said LPG stoves should be provided with safety devices that automatically stop the flow of gas should leak develop in the tubing between the regulator and the burner.

“Make sure that your electric stove is switched-off and your LPG tanks turned-off after every use,” he further said.

The acting fire marshal also cautioned them not to smoke in bed and not to leave a lit cigarette or cigar unattended and not throw lighted cigarette butts and cigar stubs on dried leaves and garbage making sure they are thoroughly crushed before they are discarded.

“Lamps and candles should be placed away from curtains and other objects that easily catch fire. Matches, lighters and other flammable liquids should likewise be kept away from reach of children,” he added.

Moreover, he urged the public to get a fire extinguisher or install smoke detectors or keep a bucket of water handy at homes.

He also said that a fire survival plan is important for any family even if the above precautions are taken. He urged families to plan various escapes routes out of the house depending on the possible different locations of the fire.

Stressing that fire safety and prevention is everybody’s responsibility, he reminded the public to maintain good sanitation at home which is not only conducive to healthy atmosphere but also enhances fire prevention measures. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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I-Mix in iron fortified rice is certified “halal” food - NFA manager

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 16 (PIA) --- The iron premix (I-Mix) used in the fortification of Iron Fortified Rice (I-Rice) is certified “halal,” an Arabic word which means that it is lawful/allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines.

This was clarified by Lanao del Sur Provincial Manager Sittienaidah Sampaco of the National Food Authority (NFA) here during the re-launching of the I-Rice program held yesterday, March 15.

Sampaco said the I-Rice program is one measure of the government to address the problems on malnutrition in the country.

"Iron fortification of rice was first launched in 2005 in compliance with Republic Act 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 which seeks to address the alarming micronutrient deficiency among children nationwide," she said.

Micronutrient deficiency which is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders refers to the lack of essential vitamins and trace minerals such as vitamin A, iron, iodine, and zinc.

Sampaco explained that RA 8976 which took effect on November 2004 calls for the mandatory fortification of staple foods such as rice, flour, cooking oil, and refined sugar.

By adding vitamins and minerals to commonly eaten foods lacking basic nutrients, fortification has been eyed as the most cost effective means to eliminate micronutrient deficiency, she said.

During the re-launching, Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mangoda Dima Jr., and City Health Officer Dr. Faisal Idris all cited the importance of micronutrients in the body.

They also underscored the nutritional benefits that can be derived from eating I-Rice and said I-Rice helps boost body systems to fight anemia and infections, maintains alertness and endurance and improves mental and physical development.

It is also good for lactating mothers and helps prevent child birth defects and mortality during pregnancy and that there can be no over dosage in eating I-Rice because it only provide one-half (½) of the daily recommended energy nutrient intake for iron.

A declaration of commitment was also signed by the guests together with other government implementers, rice industry players, and media to show their commitment to support anti-hunger programs of the government and to help promote I-Rice consumption in the province.

I-Rice is available in all accredited NFA rice retail outlets nationwide at P27 per kilo. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Marawi)

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HB 4146 gather support from various groups

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 14 (PIA) -- Some non-government and civil society organizations, here, have expressed support to House Bill (HB) 4146 that seeks to postpone the August 2011 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections to May 2013 and authorize the President to appoint officers-in-charge (OIC) as caretakers during the interim period.

In a resolution issued by the officers and members of Kabnar (Human Rights) Advocates Inc., they strongly recommended and supported the postponement of the ARMM elections to give way for reforms in the attainment of just and sustainable development in the region.

During the consultations held in Marawi City last March 12, Bai Sandra A. Sema, Maguindanao First District Representative and author of HB 4146 said the synchronization, aside from being a constitutional mandate, is necessary in addressing reforms in the ARMM.

“HB 4146 is a reform bill as it addresses electoral reform and I am very happy that the President placed it as one of the priority measures which clearly indicates that ARMM is a priority concern of Malacanang,” she said.

She also disclosed that conducting elections is expensive not only in terms of money but also with regards to the physical and mental burden teachers are facing every time there is election.

The Bangsamoro Succesors’ Generation Network – Ranaw Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development also backed the synchronization of ARMM polls with the 2013 national and local elections citing the bill as a proper move to initiate reforms the autonomous region.

Likewise, the Reform ARMM Now (RAN) issued a statement supporting the deferment of the regional elections to provide synergies for the peace process by making ARMM an effective mechanism for basic service delivery.

They also said the move can arrest the declining peace and order situation brought about by the proliferation of arms and increasing incidence of political violence, kidnappings and narco-criminal syndicates and rationalize government expenditure related to elections and focus fiscal priorities for electoral reforms.

The group, further, cited that the 1987 Constitution provides that all elections for national and local elections, except for barangays, shall be synchronized.

Moreover, Hadji Abdullah “Lacs” Dalidig and Dimapuno “Pangnal” Datu-Ramos of the Islamic Movement for Electoral Reform and Good Governance (IMERGG) both voiced their support to the bill during the public consultation conducted in Provincial Capitol Gym here last March 12.

They both agreed that the Bangsamoro people need more good governance, real reforms, and public service than numerous elections marred with vote-buying, fraud, manipulations and violence. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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ARCAPP calls for ARMM elections to push thru as scheduled

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 14 (PIA) – While some groups in the province have expressed support to HB 4146, there are also others that calls for the elections in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to push through.

Take the case of the Alliance of Regional Coalitions Against People’s Poverty (ARCAPP) and its Coalitions of Non-Government Organizations and Civil Society, which issued a manifesto requesting the pull-out of HB 4146.

They argued that ARMM was crafted as a mechanism for self-governance to answer the Bangsamoro people’s long decades of struggle and that it was not handed in silver platter but after precious lives and properties were lost.

They are now calling for the ARMM elections to push through, as scheduled, on August this year because they believe that postponement will bring instability in the region and deny its people the right to self-determination.

Furthermore, they pointed out that autonomy of the inhabitants of the ARMM must be upheld including their rights to choose their leaders.

“While we believe in the administration’s desire for peace in ARMM, such cannot compromise our right of suffrage to elect our leaders in a free and honest election,” they said.

Meanwhile, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino has appealed to the participants of the public hearing to accept the proposal of the President citing his determination to make reforms in the region.

Antonino graced the consultation together with Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Secretary Leila de Lima of the Dept. of Justice.

Robredo underscored the need to postpone the elections and for the President to appoint Officers-in-Charge (OICs) citing that ARMM was created to improve the lives of the people in the region. However, he noted that after 21 years of autonomy, four (4) out of its five (5) provinces are among the poorest in the country.

De Lima, on the other hand, defended the legality of the bill pointing out that the Constitution has an express policy on the synchronization of national and local elections.

She also added that the appointment of OIC’s is defensible since the Supreme Court has ruled that “holdover” position is unconstitutional and that the President has the power to appoint OICs consistent with the principle that a vacuum is not allowed by law. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Lanao del Sur exec, solons want ARMM polls to push through

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 14 (PIA) --- Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and the two congressional representatives from the province expressed objection to the proposed synchronization of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections with the 2013 National and Local elections.

During the public hearing on House Bill (HB) 4146 held at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium here in the city, Governor Adiong said the postponement of the ARMM polls is a blatant violation of the constitution as it will take away the right of suffrage of the people in the autonomous region.

The right of suffrage is a privilege and a human right that the people in the ARMM must enjoy, he underscored.

He said Republic Act 9054 or the Organic Act for the ARMM rendered HB 4146 unconstitutional therefore elections should proceed as scheduled on August 2011.

Likewise, 1st District Representative Hussien Pangandaman opposed the postponement of the ARMM polls and the appointment of caretakers for the region citing that replacing the regularly elected officials with appointed ones is unconstitutional under the RA 9054.

He also emphasized that within the framework of the Organic Act, the President has supervisory powers and not control over the autonomous region stressing that by appointing, the President would put control over the region which clearly violates the Act.

For his part, Representative Pangalian Balindong of the 2nd District also voiced the same sentiment.

“The postponement is not the penultimate answer to address major reforms in the ARMM, in span of 21 years, there has been eight elections postponements in the region to suit political exigencies but problems persist,” he argued.

He also underlined that under the Organic Act, the term of office of regional governor, regional vice-governor, and members of the legislative assembly shall be three years and they shall continue to hold office until their successors have been duly elected by the people of the region.

Meantime, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima explained that the intention of proposing HB 4146 is not to undermine the democracy and autonomy in the region but rather it will strengthen the democratic system by putting in the necessary electoral reforms.

Based on her research and study of the constitutional and legal provisions involved, she clarified that the bill has no legal and constitutional infirmity.

She also spelled out the expressed constitutional intent or policy which is to synchronize the national and local elections stressing that ARMM elections is but a local elections.

HB 4146, she added, will not amend the Organic Act but it will merely amend RA 9333, an ordinary law that can be amended by another law.

The Justice Secretary further pointed out that the Supreme Court has ruled holdover as unconstitutional since it has the effect of extending the term of office when the constitution itself set it only for three years.

On the other hand, she said that appointment is defensible since the President has the power to step in and appoint OICs in order to prevent vacuum which the law does not allow in the case the postponement will push through.

De Lima moreover urged the multi-sectoral participants of the public hearing to let the President put in the necessary institutional, political, societal, and especially electoral reforms for the betterment of the autonomous region.

The House Committees on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and Muslim Affairs conducted the public consultation on HB 4146 as granted by President Benigno Aquino III before the bill will be deliberated in the plenary. (Apipa Bagumbaran /PIA-10 Marawi)

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