Muslim women group take part in protecting Lake Lanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 24 (PIA) --- The Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) has appealed to the public to help protect and preserve Lake Lanao, during a recent brief awareness program at Barangay Banggolo, this city.

This, as the council, a confederation of 39 Muslim women non-government organizations (NGO) in the country, took part in the celebration of Earth Day by reaffirming their commitment to protect and preserve Lake Lanao.

The group marched the streets of Marawi’s lakeshore, last April 22, picking up garbage and plastics along the way as they launched an environmental drive dubbed as Lake Lanao Clean-Up.

With them were members of the 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), 65th Infantry Battalion (IB), Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) and barangay officials, among others.

They also urged market vendors not to pollute the lake with plastic and help in maintaining the cleanliness of the Lake and campaigned for the reuse, reduce and recycle strategy to protect the second largest lake of the country.

Lake Lanao is one of the major sources of hydro-electric power for Mindanao. However, it faces the risks of being contaminated with wastes that will eventually affect the lives of thousands of Maranaos who are dependent on Lake Lanao for food and livelihood. (PMWC/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur moves Earth Day celebration to April 26

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 22 (PIA) --- The entire province will join the rest of the world in making positive changes for the planet Earth by commemorating the Earth Day 2011 and spreading awareness on the important environmental issues affecting the country and the world.

But instead of conducting activities on April 22, the celebration for the 2011 Earth Day in the province has been moved to April 26 because April 22 coincides with the Roman Catholics’ observance of Good Friday.

Thus, the “Inengka Ko Ranaw” Coalition (IKRC) chaired by Tatar Boriongan, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) Officer will spearhead the celebration on April 26 with the conduct of a tree planting activity at Kampo Ranao here and the holding of an environmental forum at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

The Lanao del Sur provincial government, the 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), Philippine Army and the IKRC are also set to forge a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the celebration, Boriongan said.

Moreover, an audio-visual presentation (AVP) about climate change will also be shown to the participants of the forum.

The IKRC is composed of individuals and various non-government organizations, civil society organizations (CSO), the youth and academe sectors, among others, who want to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

This year’s Earth Day theme is ”Billion Acts of Green” which aims to mobilize one billion acts of environmental service around the world.

The Earth Day Network, calls for people of all nationalities to commit a simple act that will help reduce carbon emissions and promotes sustainability.

Collectively, these acts will not only have an impact on global carbon emissions but will also demonstrate the power of small everyday individual acts of green. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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PNP reports death of notorious carnapper in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 22 (PIA) --- The Philippine National Police (PNP) here reported that a notorious carnapper operating in the city and the province has been shot to death.

P/Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Asejo Llorca, Director of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) disclosed that Aratuc Pangcoga, also known as Alvin, 35 years old, married, jobless, was shot to death by unidentified suspects last April 18 at about 8:30 p.m. at Barangay Moncado Colony, this city.

He said based on their initial investigation, the victim, who was a native of Brgy. Parao, Bayang town, this province, was alone in his residence when suspects entered and without any altercation shot the victim hitting on the different parts of his body with the use of an M16 Rifle and Caliber .45 pistol causing his instantaneous death.

He, further, said that they are still conducting a thorough investigation on the identity of the suspects.

He likewise revealed that victim was also responsible for a jailbreak that happened on August 2010.

In a related development, Llorca further disclosed that the local police have filed a case against the arrested Hanif Pacalna for violation of PD 1866 for illegal possession of firearms.

The 20-year old Pacalna was the suspect for the shooting of Liezl Bala, a professor of Jaimatul Philippine Al-Islamia, last April 13.

“We will be filing another case against him in violation for article 248 under the Revised Penal Code for the crime of murder,” he added.

Meanwhile, Llorca commended the Marawi City Police Office (MCPO) for a job well done citing their efforts in showing to the citizenry that the law is indeed being implemented in this part of the country. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Muslim women council honors Gawad Ulirang Ina awardees

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 22 (PIA) --- To inspire Muslim women to excel despite limitations posed by their culture, the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) has conducted a search for the Gawad Ulirang Ina Awards at Manican Hall, Bangon, this city, yesterday, April 21.

A confederation of 39 Muslim women non-government organizations (NGO) in the country, PMWC recognized the commendable achievements of fellow Muslim women who have remarkably balanced career and family with integrity.

During the occasion, Raida Maglangit, former town mayor of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur and now a commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), administered into office the following:PMWC officers: Dr. Padoman G. Paporo, President, Dr. Pesigue C. Tomawis, Internal Vice President, Dr. Hafisa Aida M. Macadaag, External Vice President, Hadja Nabihah Noni L. Lao, Secretary, Bai Soraya Zaalica Pangcoga-Yusoph, Treasurer and Dr. Amina Sarip, Press Relations Officer.

Board of Directors are Bai Omera Dianalan-Lucman, Chairperson, Dr. Hameedah Erlinda Ola-Casan, Vice Chairman and Bai Aleah Marabur, Secretary and Samira Gutoc, Engr. Tita Suib, Bai Raifah Sani Rakiin-Adiong, Bai Putri Norhata Dimarunsing Macatbar-Alonto, Professor Marlene Tamano, Hadja Al-Nahar Lazo and Bai Matabay Diamad as members.

The PMWC also presented its various accomplishments which include environmental programs and activities on the protection, preservation and development of Lake Lanao, among others. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Calanogas town, Lanao Sur marks 34th anniversary

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 18 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Calanogas, this province, has staged weeklong activities, from April 16-21, to commemorate its 34th “Araw ng Calanogas.”

The celebration is anchored on theme “Sustainable Peace, Development, and Climate Change Adaptation: Our Challenge!” reflecting the commitment of the people in Calanogas in so far as peace and development advocacy as well as their support to environmental awareness and protection is concerned.

Mayor Raquemah Benito-Taha said the activities include a climate adaptation program which is a universal concern because many natural calamities have beset not only the country but also worldwide, where many lives were lost and development infrastructures destroyed.

The weeklong activities commenced last April 16 with a parade from the municipal hall to the municipal gymnasium where an opening program was held. The event was graced by P/Chief Supt. Bienvenido Latag, Director of the Philippine National Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Lt. Col. Giovanni Franza, Commander of the 51st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and P/Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Llorca, Director of the Provincial PNP Office.

A tree-planting activity, seminar on climate change adaptation and contest on ”Kataro sa Lalag” (Best in Maranao Speech) were conducted on April 17 while sports, games and musical shows will be held on April 18 and 20.

A whole-day medical, minor surgical, optometry, and dental mission is also scheduled on April 19 while the awarding and culmination ceremony is slated on April 21.

“The medical mission is one of the avenues in which we can serve the marginalized portion of our constituents in terms of health aspect while the climate change adaptation activity is geared to assure environmental awareness and protection not only in our locality but also globally,” said vice-mayor Macapado Benito Sr.

Meanwhile, sports and games are aimed to build-up courage, sportsmanship and camaraderie among our constituents while the musical shows are aimed at entertaining as well as teaching good values to the masses, he added.

Calanogas is one of the 39 municipalities of Lanao del Sur created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1132. It is located about 35-km southwest of Marawi City and composed of 17 barangays with a total population of about 21,847. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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ATM in every town for 4Ps beneficiaries can help local economy – DSWD Secretary

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 16 (PIA) --- Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said that the establishment of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in every municipality would help boost the local economy.

During her recent meeting with the local chief executives in the province, she explained that the goal is to have an ATM in every municipality so that the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will have an easy access to their benefits.

Aside from this, she said that the other advantage of having ATM in the locality is that the beneficiaries can spend their money right in their respective municipality by buying rice, food and other necessities instead of spending it in the city where they will be withdrawing their cash grants.

“Actually, we are putting cash in these towns and we want to make sure that the cash circulates within these areas to contribute to the local economy,” she said.

The meeting held last April 13 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here was aimed at tackling issues and concerns regarding the implementation of 4Ps in the province.

4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy that provides cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14.

Soliman promised that they will start the establishment of ATMs in every municipality as long as they can work-out some security issues.

The local leaders meantime suggested clustering of towns so that the establishment of ATMs will be per cluster.

In response, Secretary Soliman said clustering is okay as long as the local chief executives can agree among themselves where the ATM will be established, taking into consideration the interest of the beneficiaries as the main parameter.

In the year 2010, cash grants totaling Php17,164,700 were released to 3,697 beneficiaries in the province. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Marawi awards the cleanest, greenest and safest barangays

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 16 (PIA) --- Three barangays were adjudged as the top cleanest, greenest and safest villages from among the 96 barangays here.

Spearheaded by the city government in partnership with the 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), Philippine Army, the awarding highlighted the simple but colorful 31st anniversary celebration of the city last Thursday, April 14.

Aside from the honor and prestige of being the cleanest, greenest and safest barangays, the top three villages namely Raya Madaya I, Lumbaca Toros and Lilod Madaya, they also received trophies and cash prizes amounting to P25,000, P10,000 and P5,000, respectively.

Ten (10) Green T-shirts with the print “My Barangay is the Safest and Cleanest Barangay in the City” was also given to Raya Madaya I.

Col. Daniel Lucero, Commander of 103Bde, thanked the barangays and the anonymous donors and judges for supporting the initiative to maintain a clean and safe environment in the city.

He also challenged all barangay leaders to sustain their cleaning and greening efforts and to inculcate on their constituents, the importance of living in a safe and clean environment. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Marawi celebrates 31st founding anniversary as Islamic City

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 15 (PIA) --- The lone Islamic City in the country is celebrating its 31st founding anniversary, today, carrying the theme “Enhancing Maranao Culture: A Key to Sustainable Peace and Development.”

Dansalan derived from the word ‘dansal’ which means ‘destination point’ was the city’s original name. It was given a charter as a city in 1940 pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 592.

It was renamed “Marawi” through Congressional Amendment of the Charter in 1956 sponsored by Senator Domocao Alonto.

Again, on April 15, 1980, it was declared the “Islamic City of Marawi” under City Council Resolution No. 19-A giving credence and recognition that 92 percent of its population are Muslims.

In a simple but colorful program following the traditional parade around the town proper yesterday, April 14, Mayor Sultan Fahad ‘Pre’ Salic expressed gratitude for the support of all the people in the city as they have all contributed to the city’s peace and development.

On the other hand, Col. Daniel Lucero, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde), Philippine Army, urged all Maranaos to revisit and remember the resolve, bravery and heroism of Maranao heroes who fought against foreign colonizers and confronted the threats that destabilizes the province and the city.

He appealed to them to unite together and fight against all those forces that would destroy the tranquility of the place referring to lawlessness, illegal drug use and trafficking.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano who graced the occasion with some members of his city council also underscored the contributions of the Maranaos in the prosperity of his city.

He likewise reiterated the call for unity stressing that Mindanawons should work together, help one another and trust each other to solve the problems in Mindanao.

“There are no Muslims, there are no Christians, there are no Lumads, there are only Mindanawons who should now start to understand and realize that unless all of us work together, we cannot progress as a people in the islands of Mindanao,” Emano added.(Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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DSWD warns personnel against corrupt practices

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 15 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned on Wednesday erring personnel against committing corruption and conniving with members of local government units in manipulating the records of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

The warning was made by Secretary Corazon Soliman during her meeting with local chief executives (LCEs) of the province at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, this city. last April 13.

The meeting was called to re-orient LCEs on the 4Ps and to discuss issues and concerns regarding the implementation of the program in Lanao del Sur.

Soliman has reminded everyone that the DSWD will not tolerate any form of corrupt practices, especially, if it would hurt the poor or if the poor will be used to satisfy one’s self-interest.

Stressing that the department is ‘zero-tolerance’ to corruption, she said that any misdeed committed by their personnel will be dealt with appropriate actions.

She advised that complaints or petitions can be filed with the DSWD Regional Director or head of their field office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“Or if you are not comfortable with the officials in the field office, you can directly send it to me through my e-mail “dinky@dswd.gov.ph,” she added.

She, further, said that the complaint should state the actual circumstance of the case such as the name of the personnel, what specifically has he/she committed, to whom he/she has connived with, the date and the location where the act took place.

She promised that corresponding actions will be made within one or two months from the filing of the complaint because we want to give a fair process of investigation.

“We have a legal service system and once the fact is established and we found out that there is a probable cause, we will apply the Rules of the Civil Service Commission and the department’s Code of Ethics,” she further added.

The Social Welfare Secretary has stressed that they will not coddle erring personnel in fact they have already fired several municipal links all over the country and three (3) LGUs in Maguindanao province were also suspended due to anomalies. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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IPHO-Lanao del Sur launches “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas”

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 12 (PIA) --- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Lanao del Sur, in collaboration with the municipal government of Ditsaan-Ramain, successfully launched on Monday the month-long, door-to-door measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MRSIA) in Barangay Poblacion of the said town.

Dubbed as “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas”, this nationwide campaign, scheduled April 4 to May 4, this year is aimed at eliminating measles by 2012 and accelerating the control and prevention of German measles, otherwise known as Rubella, through immunization of children aged nine (9) months and below eight (8) years old, regardless of their immunization status.

In Lanao del Sur, however, the campaign runs from April 11 to May 11, Dr. Alinader Minalang, IPHO chief, said.

He said measles has become a serious health concern because its complications could be fatal and could lead to death especially among children and urged the municipal and barangay officials to help in the wide dissemination of the program and to convince their constituents to have their kids vaccinated against measles.

He also advised parents to submit their eligible children for vaccination even if they have previous measles vaccinations citing that the MRSIA is free, safe, and the most effective protection against measles.

For his part, Ditsaan-Ramain Mayor Amanullah Marmar expressed his sincerest gratitude to the IPHO for launching the program in his town.

He also vowed to support the anti-measles program and all other health programs emphasizing that healthy human body is the capital to empowerment and development.

After the brief program held at the municipal hall covered court, the IPHO staff along with the municipal officials, rural health unit workers, barangay health workers, and nurses employed under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS) proceeded to the neighborhood and conducted the ceremonial vaccination to three (3) children.

Vitamin A capsule which is an important micronutrient for a healthy immune system was also administered orally to the children. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Marawi health office eyes religious leaders help in its anti-smoking drive

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 11 (PIA) --- The City Health Office (CHO) is eyeing religious leaders as effective partners and advocates of the anti-smoking campaign.

On Sunday, personnel from the CHO headed by Dr. Faisal Idris, in coordination with the Department of Health in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) conducted a forum on tobacco participated by religious leaders or Ulama and representatives from Madaris schools in the city.

Idris said the main objective of the forum was to raise awareness on the harmful effects of cigarette smoking to human health and to seek support from the participants to help discourage smoking.

It was also aimed to gauge and solicit opinion on the Fatwa on Smoking Cigarette issued by the Supreme Council of Darul Ifta of the Philippines last year.

“Fatwa” is an Islamic ruling or a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law issued by a recognized religious authority called "Mufti."

The Fatwa declared tobacco or cigarette smoking "haram" or forbidden. It also prohibited the manufacturing and selling of tobacco or cigarette.

Under the Islamic ruling, smoking cigarette is considered forbidden because of its being filthy, containing harmful chemicals that caused damage to human health. Spending money in buying cigarette is also considered as wasting of wealth which is forbidden too in Islam.

The highlight of the forum was declaration of support and the signing of commitment by the participants pronouncing their vow to promote anti-smoking at their respective homes, schools and community.

In addition, the local government of Marawi also signified commitment to support the anti-smoking program of the DOH.

Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Abdani Alonto, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, said he will endorse before the Council an ordinance to regulate smoking in public places within the city. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Lanao Sur provincial health office intensifies campaign to eliminate maternal, neonatal tetanus

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 08 (PIA) --- In an effort to reduce infant mortality, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is stepping-up a campaign aimed at vaccinating about 200,000 women in the province.

This is a massive campaign towards protecting the health of mothers and their newborn considering that maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is a major health problem that contributes to infant mortality said IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang during the orientation on MNT Elimination campaign held here last April 5 and 6.

He said the primary objective of the campaign is to rapidly eliminate MNT by conducting three (3) rounds of door-to-door tetanus toxoid (TT) supplemental immunization activity (SIA) targeting all women 15-40 years old, regardless of their immunization status with at least 85% coverage, distributed to municipalities or barangays.

Minalang said elimination of MNT is defined as an incidence of less than one (1) case per 1,000 live births in every province and cities of every country.

“We should never be complacent because the Lanao del Sur is considered one of the nine (9) high-risk areas for MNT in the country,” he said.

The other areas are Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Isabela City, Basilan, Abra and Benguet.

Minalang revealed that in Lanao del Sur about 40 percent of women give birth at home which raised the possibility of them and their newborn babies at risk of contracting tetanus.

The disease, he said, is often caused by unsanitary conditions in home deliveries leading to the contamination of the umbilical cord when it is being cut infecting both the mother and the baby.

He further said that the province posted high infant mortality rate since the year 2000 but slowly declining over the years, however, the rate is still high compared to the other areas in the country.

“This is because mothers are not yet aware on the importance of prenatal care and delivery in well-equipped facilities,” he added.

The IPHO chief has also encouraged mothers give birth in hospitals, health centers, birthing homes, clinics or other facility-based delivery.

In the meantime, Minalang reminds that the first round of the TT immunization will be conducted on June 1-30, while the second round is on July 1-30, 2011 and the third is January 1-31, 2012, exactly six (6) months after the second dose. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Qualified nurses undergo orientation on RN HEALS

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 5 (PIA) --- Around 300 nurses hired under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS), here, attended an orientation on the project last April 1 and 2.

Conducted by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), the activity aimed to give the RN HEALS nurses a better grasp about the objectives as well, as their duties and responsibilities relative to the project.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, IPHO Chief, said the orientation and deployment were deferred for about a month due to the delay in the downloading of funds for said orientation and other activities related to the project.

He said the new recruits came not only from Lanao del Sur but also from Maguindanao province, Cotabato City and Iligan City.

“They applied here because they cannot be accommodated in the other provinces and cities due to the limited slots there,” he added.

Minalang said these nurses will be deployed all over the province for a period of one (1) year which will include six (6) months of service in hospitals and another six (6) months community service in rural health units.

They will be given an allowance of P8,000 per month by the Department of Health (DOH) while the local government unit (LGU) where they will be assigned will also provide additional monthly allowances and benefits worth P2,000, Minalang said.

Moreover, a certificate of competency and employment will be given by the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to those who will satisfactorily complete the requirements.

Minalang, further, said that some of the newly-hired nurses were already deployed, yesterday, April 4 while others are still on the process of signing their contracts.

He also disclosed that they have encountered a slight problem in terms of the assignment of the nurses citing that some of them have their own preferred areas of deployment.

The RN HEALS was conceptualized with the aim of making necessary health services available to all Filipinos in poor communities.

It is a multi-agency project spearheaded by the DOH in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DSWD, PRC, and the LGUs. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Health providers in Lanao del Sur oriented on measles-rubella immunization

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 06 (PIA) --- Health service providers and workers in the entire province were briefed on the latest policies and guidelines on the implementation of the nationwide anti-measles campaign dubbed as “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas.”

The two-day orientation on Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Strategy Activity (MRSIA) held at Mamitua Saber Research Center inside the Mindanao State University here on April 5 and 6 was spearheaded by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Dr. Alinader Minalang, IPHO Chief said MRSIA aims to eliminate measles by 2012 and accelerate the control and prevention of German measles or rubella.

“We will be giving anti-measles shots to all children aging nine (9) months and below eight (8) years old regardless of their immunization status from April 11 to May 11,” he said.

He revealed they will be using the door-to-door strategy where health service providers and workers will visit households to reach many children as possible, unlike the old practice when these workers were stationed in health centers and will have to wait for the parents to submit their children for measles immunization.

Minalang said the province will be certified measles-free if it will meet the national standards, namely: all barangays have passed the Rapid Coverage Assessment (RCA) with no missed child and 95 percent (%) house marking accuracy and with no measles cases for the next three (3) months following the campaign.

After the MRSIA orientation, the health workers engaged in a workshop and came-up with operational plans on how they will promote, conduct, monitor and report the MRSIA drive.

One of the techniques identified is to closely coordinate and work with local officials, especially at the barangay level, community organizations, and other health stakeholders so they can help in informing the parents that vaccination teams will be conducting immunization activities at their respective areas.

Meantime, Minalang has encouraged the health workers to exert and give their best effort to reach many children as possible during the month-long massive immunization campaign.

With their commitments and the support of the 300 newly-hired nurses under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS) and the 50 midwives under the Midwives in Every Community in ARMM (MECA) programs of the government, Minalang is hopeful that the targets is just within reach. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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IPHO to strengthen collaboration with LGUs to address TB

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Apr 5 (PIA) --- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is intensifying its partnership with local government units (LGUs) here towards the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) in the entire province.

Just recently, the IPHO commemorated World TB Day in Barangay Cawayan, Marantao town where the LGU officials and barangay chairpersons joined in the celebration and pledged to support the campaign that will eradicate this most-dreaded disease.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, IPHO Chief said that the objectives of having a detection rate of at least 70 percent and cure rate of at least 85 percent can be achieved and sustained through the collaborative efforts of all agencies concerned including local officials.

He said the province has superseded the targeted cure rate, however, the detection rate remained below the set target.

With this, he encouraged all LGUs in the province to support the program by means of issuing policies and budget for the activities,especially on case finding and treatment.

Minalang also said that during the celebration, emphasis was put on the five (5) elements of the Directly-Observed Treatment Short Course Strategy (DOTS) that needs to be fulfilled to detect and cure TB patients.

These elements, he said, are political commitment, supervised treatment by a treatment partner, availability of anti-TB drugs, availability of laboratory supplies and standardized recording and reporting system of TB data.

The highlight of the celebration according to Minalang was the conduct of a marathon participated in by students reflecting the momentum and the youth moving forward with intensity in fighting the deadly disease.

He said the marathon was in line with the nationwide theme of “Isulong ang Laban sa TB: Malusog na Kabataan, Pag-asa ng Bayan” which also complemented the global theme of “On the Move Against TB: Transforming the Fight Towards Elimination.”

World TB Day is observed every March 24 to raise awareness on tuberculosis which remains a global epidemic. It commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the MycobacteriumTuberculosis as the cause of the disease. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Lanao Forester cites benefits of vermicomposting

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 4 (PIA) – A Forester from the Watershed Management Division-Mindanao Generation (WMD-MinGen) of the National Power Corporation (NPC) has promoted the advantages of vermicomposting as an alternative to commercial fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is the process of producing vermicompost, an organic fertilizer from bio-degradable waste materials with the help of earthworms.

Nasrollah M. Macaumbang, Communications Relations Officer of the WMD-MinGen, said that vermicomposting provides an economical means of achieving high agricultural yields because earthworms produce castings that naturally contain high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the main nutrients needed by all plants.

He said it is also good for the environment since it will eliminate the problem on waste disposal and the need for landfill, reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides, create soil supplements with impressive nitrogen and mineral levels, as well, as improve soil fertility and health through soil aggregation and aeration.

He explained that while biodegradable waste materials decompose naturally, traditional composting often takes a long time to effectively break down all components of the waste products.

However, he pointed out that ‘vermin’ or worms speed up the process because they have the ability to eat through a massive amount of waste in less time.

Macaumbang said vermiposting is also a good source of income that requires only a small capital.

He said one only needs to invest in hollow blocks to build a fence around the compost that will serve as the bedding, while other requirements are biodegradable materials from household, market, or garden wastes, earthworms which can either be red worms (Eisenia foetida or Eisenia Andrei) or the African night crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae), and worm food which can come from cattle, poultry, rabbit or horse manure, fresh food, pre-composted food wastes, legume hays, or corrugated cardboard.

Macaumbang further said that worms will not survive in an anaerobic condition so proper aeration, temperature and moisture of the beddings should also be observed in vermiculture.

Aside from selling the vermicompost, the earthworms can also be sold separately to others who are interested in vermicomposting since earthworms also reproduce, he added. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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MSU Marawi holds job fair in campus

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 3 (PIA) --- The Mindanao State University (MSU) here through the Division of Student Affairs Guidance Counseling and Testing Section (GCTS) conducted a job fair for graduating students and its alumni to help them find suitable jobs locally or abroad.

Dubbed as Job Fair 2011, more than 200 participated in the 2-day event held at the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the MSU campus last April 1 and 2.

Dr. Catherine C. Alicante, guidance specialist and head of GCTS, said the primary purpose of the job fair was to assist graduating students in finding jobs rather than letting them go to other places and spend so much time and money looking for jobs.

She also stressed that the applicants are assured that there will be no problem on illegal recruitment since the overseas agencies that they invited are really registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The agencies present during the activity included Placewell International Services Corporation, Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, Inc. and Horus International Recruitment Agency while the local companies included Globe Telecommunications, Federal Express and Air21.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also participated in the job fair since some of the jobs require skills training from TESDA which will also serve as an experience, Alicante added.

Prior to the job fair, a seminar was also held from 8 am-12 nn last April 1 to equip and prepare the applicants with the necessary tools in looking for a job.

Tips in searching and how to apply for a certain job, as well as, entrepreneurship were discussed during the seminar, so that in the case the applicant will not be able to land a job through employment, he/she can have an alternative to earn income by simply engaging in business. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Two warring families in Lanao del Sur reconcile their “rido”

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 2 (PIA) --- Using the traditional system of ‘taritib’ and ‘igma’ or customary laws, the warring families of the Dimaporos and Balindongs in Lanao del Sur have finally reconciled their “rido” (family feud).

In a solemn and gratified rido settlement ceremony held last March 31 at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Buadi Sacayo, this city, both families took an oath to put an end of the perpetuation of exacting revenge against one another.

They also pledged to forgive the previous offenses that they have inflicted against each other and stop the retaliation in their time for the benefit of the generations to come.

Likewise, they have sworn to endeavor rekindling unity and alliance between them.

The dispute between the two families who are affiliated through marriage started when one of the Balindongs shot a Dimaporo in Cogon, Cagayan de Oro, last month.

The rido settlement was initiated by Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. and 2nd district representative Pangalian Balindong with the assistance of 103rd Infantry Brigade (103Bde) of the Philippine Army.

Col. Daniel A. Lucero, 103Bde Commander expressed his gratitude to both parties for giving reconciliation a chance and hopes that other warring families will do the same resolution of conflict among them.

He also urged the two families to respect the agreement citing that anyone who will violate the agreement will be treated as their enemy.

“Anyone who will violate this agreement will be treated as our enemy. It is my hope that more warring families will resort to the same,” he said.

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and local religious, as well, as traditional leaders also supported said settlement. (103Bde/PIA-10)

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Lanao farmers hail NPC-WMD for assistance

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 2 (PIA) --- The Watershed Management Division-Mindanao Generation (WMD-MinGen) of the National Power Corporation (NPC) has been given a huge pat in the back by farmers in the two Lanao provinces for giving them assistance in setting-up agroforestry and reforestation plantations.

The farmers expressed their gratitude during the recent memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing between WMD-MinGen and qualified farmers for the establishment of plantations under the Family Approach Contract for Reforestation (FACR) and Agroforestry.

Under the contract, the NPC will provide the qualified farmers with planting materials and will pay for the labor costs on the establishment and maintenance of their forest or fruit tree plantation for a period of three (3) years.

Cabsaran Azis of Matungao, Lanao del Norte said he is very grateful to the government for implementing this kind of program citing that the program is really helpful to the livelihood of farmers in Lanao.

Azis is a retired Police Senior Inspector who applied his 2 (two) hectares of land for agroforestry plantation.

Ibrahim Mama of Butig, Lanao del Sur also expressed his appreciation to the WMD-MinGen for giving him training and teaching him the necessary skills required in the establishment of a “durian” plantation.

He said he was able to share to other small-scale farmers along Lake Lanao, the skills and techniques he learned from the various agroforestry trainings conducted by WMD-MinGen.

In 2007, Mama applied his two (2) hectares of land to the program and this year he applied additional two (2) hectares in the same program.

He thanked the government for the assistance and also advised other farmers, especially those qualified for the first time to the program, to persevere no matter how difficult it is to maintain the plantation.

Mama stressed that once the project will become successful it will definitely uplift the lives of the farmers in the area. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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NPC inks MOA with Lanao farmers on refo, agroforestry project

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 01 (PIA) --- The National Power Corporation (NPC) through its Watershed Management Division-Mindanao Generation (WMD-MinGen) has forged an agreement with qualified farmers within the watershed area in the two Lanao provinces.

Both parties have recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the protection and rehabilitation of the Lake Lanao Watershed by engaging into a Family Approach Contract for Reforestation (FACR) and Agroforestry.

Under the contract, the NPC will afford the qualified farmers with planting materials and labor costs for the establishment and maintenance of their forest or fruit tree plantation for a period of three (3) years subject for extension when warranted because of climatic conditions.

Mama D. Manonguiring, WMD-MinGen Manager, said the maximum area of land the qualified farmer could avail to develop is 10 (ten) hectares while the minimum area is 1 (one) hectare.

He said the total contract cost for the reforestation plantation is P35,641.96 per hectare while the agroforestry plantation costs P19,237.50 per hectare.

Their agreement provides that no advance payment or mobilization fee will be granted to the farmers since performance and services rendered by them shall be paid in accordance with a specified payment schedule.

Furthermore, subcontracting any portion of the scope of work will not also be allowed.

Manonguiring said they will be conducting monitoring and inspection every three (3) months and payments will be made only if the site preparation, planting, and maintenance pass is satisfactorily completed with at least 90% survival rate.

In case the survival rate is below 90%, the farmer shall shoulder the cost of seedling for the replacement of the seedling requirement to maintain the 90% allowed level of survival including the cost of labor for replacing, he added.

He also urged the qualified farmers to religiously adhere to the agreement citing that the assistance project is being implemented only in the two Lanao provinces and Bukidnon.

He likewise sought the support of all the residents in the area to help them save the Lake Lanao-Agus River watershed area. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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Lanao Sur farmers complete training on agroforestry, reforestation

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 1 (PIA) --- More than 50 farmers finished the livelihood training on agroforestry and reforestation plantation establishment conducted recently by the National Power Corporation (NPC) through its Watershed Management Division-Mindanao Generation (WMD-MinGen).

The participants were qualified farmers within the Lake Lanao-Agus River Watershed area in both Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces.

The training aimed to equip them with the necessary technical knowledge on how to prepare fruit trees and forest plantation site, planting techniques, as well, as maintenance and protection of their plantations.

During the one-day training, the farmers were trained on agroforestry plantation, its social and economic benefits and pests and diseases control, reforestation plantation, its economic and environmental benefits, and planting design, as well, as vermicomposting or vermiculture.

“Since 2005, we have been conducting yearly training for qualified farmers to impart to them the agri-technologies under the Family Approach Contract Reforestation (FACR) and Agroforestry,” said Engr. Mama D. Manonguiring, WMD-MinGen Manager.

He said the farmers are recognized to develop their extra landholdings into forest or fruit tree plantation under this scheme with the assistance of the WMD-MinGen.

“We will give them planting materials and pay their labor costs on the establishment and maintenance of their plantation for a period of three (3) years,” he added.

The purpose of the FACR is to provide livelihood opportunities for the farmers, help wean away timber poachers and illegal loggers and improve the peace and order problem in the area citing that residents will not resort to any criminality if they have a source of livelihood.

On the environmental aspect, the project will also help stabilize the soil and improve water yield, minimize soil erosion and will contribute in a little way to carbon sequestration and reduce global warming, Manonguiring said. (APB/PIA-10 Marawi)

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