Aquino signs into law ARMM poll postponement bill

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Thursday signed into law the bill postponing this year's Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections to be synchronized with the with the national and local elections in 2013.

The officials present during the signing were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Senators Franklin Drilon and Teofisto Guingona III.

Under Republic Act 10153, the next ARMM elections for the regional governor, vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly shall be held simultaneous with the midterm elections on the second Monday of May 2013.

Succeeding regular elections in the ARMM will be held on the same date every three years.

The President shall appoint officers in charge for the regional election officers of the ARMM from among the recommendations submitted by a screening committee in consultation with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

In a press briefing after the signing, Aquino said he wanted the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the ARMM to have the same vision as his.

“Yung hindi magpapatuloy ng sistemang nakaugalian sa ARMM, talagang nakafocus mag-dedeliver ng basic services na due them," he said.

He added the appointed OIC will be having a roadmap with roadmap with “tangible doables" and time frame when he should accomplish the it.

“Yung essence nun yung magpapatupad ng pangarap natin na maranasan ng lahat ng taga-ARMM yung ibig sabihin ng good governance at walang balak tumakbo sa regional government," Aquino said.

Asked on the plan of Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Eid Kabalu to become the OIC for ARMM, the President said he has yet to hear it from peace adviser Teresita Deles.

“I have yet to hear it from the peace adviser. We will have to study that matter also and there will be a process to select the leader, OIC for ARMM," he said.

The administrative order creating the screening committee is still being drafted.

The appointed OICs shall perform the functions pertaining to their respective offices until duly elected officials assume office.

The appointed members of the regional assembly shall conduct a study and review of RA 9054 or the Organic Act for ARMM and submit recommendation to the Congress within six months from their assumption into office.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to nullify Republic Act No. 10153, the law that postpones this year's Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections.

In a petition for certiorari and prohibition, Lagman asked the court to issue to temporary restraining order to prevent Malacanang from implementing RA 10153.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa was impleaded as a direct respondent.

Lagman likewise asked the court to issue a decision "nullifying RA 101053 as unconstitutional and invalid."

Lagman also asked the Supreme Court to order the Commission on Elections to push through with the conduct of the August 8, 2011 ARMM elections.

However, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated that they are confident that they will be able to defend the constitutionality of RA 10153.

“As we have said in the past, we are confident that we can defend the law when it is called for by the Supreme Court," she said in an interview. - (VVP, GMA News)

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Students and youth groups spearhead Cotabato Humanitarian Relief Operation

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 28 -- Last week, President Benigno Aquino III personally visited Cotabato City and distributed relief goods to thousands of residents affected by flood in Maguindanao and nearby provinces in Mindanao.

Here in the Mindanao State University main campus, the United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN), in coordination with the Silsilah Forum-Marawi chapter, is spearheading the Cotabato Humanitarian Relief Operation.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Hamodi Lao Tiboron, UVPN executive president said that aside from Silsilah Forum, other youth and student organizations, fraternities and sororities and tribal organizations in Mindanao and even in Manila have signified their support to this noble cause.

Lornito Mahinay, Jr., chapter president of Silsilah Forum-Marawi said that they have established donation centers in MSU-Marawi dormitories and cottages and also in the cities of Iligan, Butuan and General Santos.

Rice, canned goods, noodles, used clothing and cash may be brought to these donation centers, Tiboron said.

“We would also like to thank the Philippine Army for volunteering to deliver the collected relief goods to Cotabato City on Saturday, July 2,” Tiboron said.

Mahinay also said that the relief goods they will be able to collect will not all be delivered to Cotabato City “because we believe that most of the relief goods coming from Manila are delivered there.”

“We would also like to cater to the needs of those victims who are not in evacuation centers such as those in other areas in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat,” he added.

“We would also like to coordinate with government agencies here in the city such as the National Food Authority if they could also extend any form of assistance to the thousands of flood victims in those areas,” Manihay added.

Tiboron is also appealing to the local, regional and national governments to seriously look into the flood problem that has been recurring every time heavy downpour is experienced in those areas in Maguindanao and Cotabato. (Bobby Ilupa)

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Ignore rumors, MILF told

Government peace negotiators urged representatives of the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to disregard rumors and preconceptions as the two sides began a new round of exploratory talks in Malaysia on Monday.

Chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen dismissed rumors that the Aquino administration was planning to “supplant” the current negotiations with a parallel process that would water down the participation of international mediators in the quest to end the rebellion in southern Philippines.

“Those are simply rumors,” said Leonen.

“I am disappointed the MILF thinks we are staging schemes when we are already here in Kuala Lumpur for the scheduled talks,” Leonen said in a statement.

Earlier, the MILF expressed apprehension, based on the supposed revelation of a former government executive, that the Aquino administration aimed to institute “something like direct talks” which would dilute the participation of the international community in the talks and “offer the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao [as] a sort-of transition government…” (Ryan D. Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao; AFP)

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Lanao del Sur celebrates 52nd year

It’s all systems go as Lanao del Sur gears up for numerous civic-cultural activities designed to celebrate the province’s unique diversity even as it bridges differences through various people-oriented programs and local government campaigns.

The series of events will happen tomorrow, June 29, the 52nd day or Araw ng Lanao del Sur. The colorful festivities will be presided by Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. Assisting him is First Lady Raifa Adiong, head of the Provincial Tourism Council. The day’s highlight will be an Open House vividly showcasing Maranao arts and crafts, as well as various games.

“I am sure many of our people will have fun competing for big, big prizes. That’s the government’s gift to our hardworking citizens,” says Gov. Adiong. He also adds, “It’s time to come out shining from the negative publicity that unjustly hounds Mindanao. It’s time for a new image for both local and international tourists. As you know, since we began this tradition decades ago, Araw ng Lanao has been a tremendous and joyful success, thanks to the people’s cooperation.

Among the day-long fascinating activities are cultural and indigenous games, street dancing, an automobile show, the Palarong Capitol, a peace caravan, mobile passporting, etc. And, yes, there will also be a film festival featuring the works of Maranao filmmakers. They will vie for the top slot in FDCP’s Peace is... Short Film Competition 2011. (The Philippine Star)

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Calanogas town receives tramline

Farmers from Barangay Pantao and Inuma of Calanogas town in Lanao del Sur have no more worries on transporting its farm products to the market.

These after the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) turned over two units of Agricultural Tramline System Project last June 14.

The system worth over P 3 million pesos with a total of 505 meters (Inuma- 260 m, Pantaon-245 m) and two (2) terminals each has a hauling capacity of 1.5-2.0 tons/hr and a carrier capacity of 350-500 kg. Using 4DR5 Diesel Engine, it can transport goods to and from at a speed of 150 meters/minute.

It could cater to a combined area of 85 hectares and more than a hundred farmer-beneficiaries in the two municipalities who are growing corn, coconut, banana, upland rice and vegetables.

The tramline according to Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Director Raul Fas is an alternative and fastest way to transport goods from distant farms and in the highlands to nearby accessible roads and market place.

DAF-ARMM Secretary Atty. Lomala M. Balindong, Assistant Secretary Oweida Pangarungan, Admin Chief Akilan Manko, Regional Agriculture Engineering Division Chief Engr. Abraham Onotan and PhilMech Director Fas led the turn-over and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony .

Secretary Balindong in his message appealed to farmer-beneficiaries to maintain properly and use of the facility as it will benefit them and their community.

Actual operation of the system was conducted involving farmer-operators. The proper handling and carrying of products in the tram terminal from the farm down or through the nearest road or area has been demonstrated.

Furthermore, a lecture/discussion on tramline system was done by Engr. Divino Franco of PhilMech, Nueva Ecija.

Calanogas Mayor Dra. Raquemah Aguam Benito-Taha represented by Vice-Mayor Engr. Benito extended their heartfelt gratitude to DAF-ARMM and PhilMech with the blessings in support to the High Value Commercial Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

Farmer-operators had undergone training on tramline operations and maintenance involving Hauling Operation, Communication/Signals, Safety, Maintenance and Trouble Shooting a day before the said turn-over at Ayala Resort Hotel, Mindanao State University-Main Campus. (rafid-armm/tengdatu)

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Solon seeks to impose P500,000 fine on reckless, drunk drivers

Lanao del Sur Rep. Mohammed Hussein Pangandaman proposed Sunday the imposition of P500,000 fine against reckless and drunk drivers to avoid tragic loss of lives due to vehicular accidents.

Under House Bill 4706, reckless drivers especially those driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs shall indemnify their victims amounting to at least half a million pesos.

The measure seeks to add more teeth to Article 2206 of the Civil Code, providing that the amount of damages caused by a crime or a quasi-delict shall be at P3,000.

The law “has been in existence from the time of its promulgation in 1949 and has not been amended since then. Even the Supreme Court, through their decisions noted that the amount provided for in Article 2206 is not enough," Pangandaman said.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has earlier disclosed that from January 2009 up to present, they apprehended 348 drivers for drunk driving, while the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) bared that from January to September this year, they arrested 116 people for committing such offense.

"One could never afford to make any mistake once they are on the road," Pangandaman said.

He said his measure “will make the public more diligent in their actions and accountable for everything that they do and make everyone more responsible stewards of human life.”

Under the bill, the violators shall also be liable for the loss of the earning capacity of the deceased and moral damages may also be demanded by the spouse, descendants and ascendants of the deceased from them.

The House of Representatives recently passed on third and final reading House Bill 4251 that seeks to criminalize the act of driving under the influence of alcohol or liquor. The measure is known as the “Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUIA) Act of 2010.” (By Charissa M. Luci / Manila Bulletin)

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Peace advocates to hold peace caravan in 2 Lanao provinces

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 24 --- The Ranao Confederation For Peace (RCFP), an alliance of peace-oriented organizations, civil society groups and academic institutions, will be spearheading a caravan for peace in the two (2) Lanao provinces tomorrow, June 25.

Sultan Musa Macabangkit, chairman of RCFP, said that the peace caravan aims to show popular and grassroots support to the on-going peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippine (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The peace caravan is also our chance to urge both parties) to forge a negotiated political settlement of the Mindanao conflict in the soonest possible time,” Macabangkit stressed.

“We have been in distress. We have been suffering for several decades now. This conflict must be put to an end,” he added.

Some 3,000 vehicles, including motorcycles, are expected to participate in the peace caravan that will jumpstart here at about 7:00am.

From Marawi City, the caravan will pass through Iligan City and in some towns in Lanao del Norte.

In the town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, the caravan will turn left and will proceed to the town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur.

From Malabang, it will take the highway passing through towns in the second district of Lanao del Sur before it finally goes back to Marawi City.

Macabangkit said he has already informed Brigadier General Ariel Bernardo, chairman of the GPH – Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) about the activity.

He said he will appreciate any assistance for a smooth and peaceful conclusion of the peace caravan.

Macabangkit also assured the CCCH chair that they will also do their best to discipline their own ranks so that no untoward incident will happen during the peace caravan.

Meantime, Abul Alibasa, RCFP youth coordinator, encouraged all Muslims, Christians and indigenous people to participate in the said peace caravan and show their support to the “roadmap for peace” or the comprehensive compact.

Peace is everybody’s concern, he added.

The GPH and the MILF are scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 27-28, 2011. (Bobby Ilupa/RnB Marawi)

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Kidnapped businessman released in Marawi

A Maranaw businessman abducted by unidentified armed men in Lanao del Sur on June 11 was freed by his captors Wednesday afternoon inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Colonel Daniel Lucero, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, told Inquirer Mindanao.

Lucero said Camal Tocal, a resident of Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, reunited with his family soon after his release.

He said based on information reaching the military, Tocal’s relatives negotiated with the kidnappers and agreed to pay an unspecified amount in ransom.

Lucero said the recent spate of kidnappings in the Lanao provinces has made authorities suspect that a big kidnap-for-ransom group, such as the Kuratong Baleleng, was involved, but the authorities were still trying to validate this. (Richel Umel/Inquirer Mindanao)

Backgrounder (Source: LSPPO)

An alleged abduction transpired on June 11, 2011 at about 12:30pm at the vicinity of Barangay Gadongan, Marawi City where a red Mazda 6-7 bearing Plate No. POM-158 was flagged down by group of unidentified armed men.

The Mazda was owned by Camal Tocal, 37 years old, married, businessman, native of Barangay Bacolod, Lumbayabao, Lanao del Sur and a resident of Barangay West Marinaut, Marawi City.

Initial investigation of the PNP revealed that said vehicle was traversing the highway from Lumbayabao to Marawi City when flagged down at gunpoint by the suspects onboard a white pick-up with unknown Plate Number.

Onboard the red Mazda was Camal Tocal, his wife, Rocma (37 yo), his 2 children Jabber (12 yo) and Rohaima (11 yo), and a 35-yr old helper of the family.

The suspects grabbed Camal Tocal inside their getaway vehicle and brought with them all the personal belongings of the passengers onboard.

At about 12:40pm, the family of the victim reported the incident to PO1 Abduljabbar Galawan, Duty on Post at ICOM Terminal in Barangay Moncado Kadingilan, Marawi City who immediately responded and able to go after the white pick-up at Barangay Maul in Marantao town with the Marantao MPS serving as the blocking force thereat.

While eluding arrest along Narciso Ramos Highway at Barangay Maul, the getaway pick-up vehicle of the suspects bumped a parked L-300 vehicle with undetermined number of passengers onboard. A case was referred before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor docketed in NPS-RXIV-04-INV-11F-00116 for Reckless Imprudence resulting in Multiple Physical Injuries and Damaged to Property duly signed by Fiscal Ombra Bacaraman dated June 13, 2011.

A case was also referred before the Office of the City Prosecutor docketed in XIV-06-INQ-11F-00041 for Kidnapping with Robbery against the suspects Jamil Bubong Macadato @ Melmel and Jonivy Sarabia Diaz @ Joni duly signed by Hon. Lacsasa M. Macabangon, City Prosecutor dated June 14, 2011.

On June 20, 2011, Camal Tocal was safely released inside the Mindanao State University campus through the negotiation of a certain Mangombaya Mamasaranao.

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Lanao del Sur health officials intensifies campaign against dengue

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 23 --- Health officials in the province are continuing their drive against the deadly dengue disease.

Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) officials led by Dr. Alinader Minalang have intensified the campaign against dengue by conducting advocacy drive in public schools around the province.

Minalang underscored the importance of informing the teachers, pupils, and parents on the strategies to prevent dengue.

He reiterated to them the 4S-strategy of the Department of Health to fight dengue.

The 4S strategy, he said, stands for 'search and destroy' the possible breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes; 'self-protective measures' such as wearing of long-sleeve shirts and using mosquito repellants; 'seeking early consultation' when symptoms come-up; and 'saying no to indiscriminate fogging'.

Minalang, however, emphasized that ‘search and destroy’ is still the most effective strategy.

He also recalled that many children from some towns in the province suffered from dengue disease last year. But, he is thankful that there is no confirmed dengue case yet this year.

He said this could be attributed to their relentless campaign against the dreaded disease.

The anti-dengue drive in schools was part of the nationwide observance of the Dengue Awareness Month which is celebrated every month of June.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue.”

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Fight against measles continues in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 22 --– Towards the goal of making Lanao del Sur a measles-free province, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here continues to conduct the free anti-measles vaccination.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, provincial health officer II of the IPHO, told Radyo ng Bayan that the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) is still on-going since not all children were covered during the MRSIA last April 11-May 11, 2011.

“Noong isinagawa namin ang MRSIA, may mga bata na hindi dinatnan ng ating mga health workers sa kani-kanilang mga bahay dahil isinama ng kanilang mga magulang o nasa ibang lugar nagbabakasyon,” he said.

The MRSIA was a nationwide 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.

Minalang reported that about 150,000 children or approximately 90 percent of the targeted children in the province were vaccinated against measles when the MRSIA was conducted last month.

He said they were able to attain such accomplishment because of their ‘Reach Every Barangay’ strategy as well as through the support of local officials and non-government organizations.

Minalang also advised parents to bring their children to the rural health units and have them vaccinated against measles for free.

He further disclosed that measles in the province dropped down to 22 cases this year compared to the 60 cases recorded last year.

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LGU-Marawi imposes “No Prescription, No Dispensing” of anti-TB drugs policy

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 7 (PIA) --- The local government unit of Marawi has recently passed an ordinance imposing strict implementation of the policy that drug outlets should not dispense anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs without prescription.

This is embodied in City Ordinance No. 018, series of 2011, dubbed as “An Ordinance Implementing the “No Prescription, No Dispensing of Anti-TB Drugs” in All Drug Outlets in the Islamic City of Marawi and Providing Penalties Thereof.”

The ordinance mandates all drugstores, pharmacies, and any other business establishments authorized to sell drugs and medicines to follow the policy that anti-TB drugs should only be dispensed with the appropriate prescription from duly licensed physicians.

Under the ordinance, first-time violators will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 while a warning will be issued plus a fine of P3,000 will be imposed to second-time offenders.

For the third offense, violators will be charged a fine of P5,000 and their business license or permit will be revoked.

Meanwhile, owners of drugstores and pharmacies have expressed support to the new ordinance.

In a public hearing conducted here last month, they assured the city government that they will advise their clients or anti-TB drugs buyers to consult first with duly registered physicians.

In return, they urged the city government to disseminate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to better inform and educate the public on the said ordinance.

City Ordinance No 018 was sponsored by Kagawad Abdani T. Alonto of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on Health. (PIA-10)

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City ordinance strengthens anti-smoking drive in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 6 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Marawi has approved an ordinance to strengthen the anti-smoking drive here.

City Ordinance Number 017, series of 2011, or the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of the Islamic City of Marawi imposes a citywide ban on smoking in public utility vehicles, government-owned vehicles or any other means of public transport for passengers.

Authored by Kagawad Abdani T. Alonto, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) Committee on Health, the ordinance also restricts smoking in restaurants, office establishments, public buildings, public places, enclosed public places, or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence and private places of work.

However, it allows designated smoking rooms or areas where a person is permitted to smoke, provided that any duly designated smoking rooms or areas shall be enclosed to protect non-smokers from inhaling second-hand smoke.

Alonto disclosed that violators of the ordinance shall be subject to a fine of not less than P500 or more than P2,000 or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month or more than six (6) months or both at the discretion of the court.

Also, in cases when proprietors or owners of establishments do not enforce and warn violators of the ordinance or fail to report violators, they will be charged with a penalty of:

Php300 or one (1) month of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on first offense.

Php500 or two (2) months of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on second offense and P1,000 or four (4) months of imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court on third and subsequent offenses.

The city ordinance, Alonto said, supports Republic Act No. 9211 and Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 17 which adopts a 100% smoke-free policy and smoking prohibition in all areas of government premises, buildings and ground, except in designated smoking areas to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.

On the other hand, RA 9211 otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 regulates the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisements of tobacco products. (PIA-10)

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62,500 adult learners in ARMM to benefit from LIPAD project

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA) -- Adult learners in this province will now have an opportunity to better their lives with the implementation of the Literacy for Peace and Development (LIPAD) project in the next three years.

Through the adult literacy classes, LIPAD aims to raise the basic and functional literacy level among adults in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said LIPAD project director Professor Pilar Bautista, during its launching in Buadipuso Buntong, this province, last Wednesday, June 1.

She said basic and functional literacy classes will be held in the identified municipalities of the five provinces in ARMM that will cater to out-of-school youths and other adult learners who comprise the lowest literacy level in the region.

“The project targets to produce 62,500 neo literates all over ARMM at the end of the three-year duration or about 12,500 adult learners per province,” she said.

Bautista further said that they have also trained and developed a corps of barangay literacy facilitators who will handle the literacy classes.

“Some 125 facilitators have been trained for the first batch who will be given an honorarium of P4,000 per two classes, with each class having a duration of three months,” she added.

She also disclosed that the plan to track and determine the learning progress of the learners will be done by the facilitators and provincial coordinators.

“Exams will also be given to them in between the class duration because the top learners will be given honors and distinction at the end of three months to build-up their pride and confidence," Bautista said.

The LIPAD Project is funded by the United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc.(MKFI), a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of literacy, poverty alleviation, as well as peace and development especially in Mindanao.

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USAID launches adult-literacy project in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 05 (PIA) --- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a 3-year adult literacy project, here, to improve the basic and functional literacy among adults in this province.

Dubbed “Literacy for Peace and Development (LIPAD),” the project aims to provide adult learners with critical consciousness on conflict prevention and peace making as part of the learning process that will allow them to participate meaningfully in the fashioning of peace and development in their own communities.

The project was simultaneously done in the five (5) provinces of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) last June 1.

In Lanao de Sur, LIPAD was launched in Barangay Raya Buntong in Buadipuso-Buntong town, one of the four (4) towns in the province identified to benefit from the project of the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI).

The other towns are Marantao, Ditsaan-Ramain, and Saguiaran, Aquino Macarampat, LIPAD Project Provincial Coordinator, said.

Macarampat said LIPAD aims to produce a total of 12,500 adult learners in the province at the end of the three-year project with a target of 1,250 learners in the first batch.

This, he said, can be achieved through the conduct of series of basic and functional literacy classes in the identified 25 barangays of the province.

He disclosed that Buadipuso-Buntong has eight (8) participating barangays, Saguiaran has five (5), while Ditsaan-Ramain and Marantao has six (6) participating barangays, each.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the 3-year project have expressed their appreciation and gratitude over the project.

Hadja Somaya Madale, a 65-year old from Brgy. Raya Buntong in Buadipuso-Buntong, said she is very excited to learn how to read and write.

She explained that her parents did not send her to school because they were afraid she will be ‘Christianized.’

On the other hand, 68-year old Panontongan Dimaampao from Brgy. Lubo Lininding in Marantao said he was not able to go to school during his younger years due to poverty and that he is happy with the opportunity to learn and write now. (PIA-10)

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51st IB troopers join in Brigada Eskwela

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 2 (PIA) -- Soldiers from the 51st Infantry (Fuerte Uno) Battalion, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, with headquarters in Malabang, this province, participated in the Brigada Eskwela Program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

An annual school maintenance program, Brigada Eskwela, set from May 23-28, this year, involved the help of the stakeholders, such as, teachers, students, and local government officials, in getting the schools ready for the opening of classes this June.

1Lt Emil Charlie B Jaudian, Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer of 51IB, disclosed that they participated in the conduct of minor classroom repairs and clean-up activities in the various schools in the towns of Ganassi, Pualas, Calanogas, Pagayawan, Lumbatan, Lumbayanague and Malabang, during the week.

He said a platoon of Bravo Company conducted the Brigada Eskwela at the elementary schools (ES) in Sultan Gunting, Kasalayan, and Singcara, all in Lumbayanague town, last May 23.

On the same day, available Cougar troopers also took part in the cleanliness drive at the Central ES of Ganassi and Pualas towns, Darussalam ES in Calanogas town and Ambari Primary School in Pagayawan town.

They also conducted the same activity at Alog Lumbac ES and Poblacion Central ES in Lumbatan town on May 24.

The Fuerte Uno troopers, likewise, supported the Brigada Eskwela at the Sultan Gunting Central ES and Lumbayanague National High School (NHS) in Lumbayanague on May 25.

While on May 27, the troopers visited another three (3) schools in Lumbayanague namely Nanagun Sultan Para ES, Cadayonan ES and Dimoroyod ES.

Moreover, a squad from 1st Platoon, Alfa Company spearheaded the Brigada Eskwela at the Malabang NHS where they were able to conduct minor repairs on a school building and helped in the construction of room partition to give more space for teachers and employees of said school.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 51IB, said the activity gave the Army the chance to help and carry out one of its mandate in Oplan Bayanihan.

“We believe that education is an important and integral part of a child’s growth and development, thus, we take part in our nation building by participating in various projects and activities initiated by the different stakeholders in the community,” he said.

Helping out with the DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela was a way of helping out in providing a more conducive place for learning by our children, Franza added. (5iIB/PIA-10)

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DepEd-ARMM inks MOA with BPI for shared use of radio facility

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 1 (PIA) -- A memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the shared use of radio facility was signed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bureau of Public Information (BPI) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The signing was held here on May 26 after the successful inauguration of the DxED-FM 100.0 Mhz repeater station at the DepEd Lanao del Sur Division II-A office.

The repeater station which is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) under its Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM) program in the ARMM for the promotion of education in the province is to be operated by radio-based instructors of DepEd-ARMM.

The mother station of DxED-FM is located inside DepEd-ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

The MOA signing formalized the partnership between the two agencies of the autonomous region, as well, as the allocation of the time for the regular broadcast of programs and relevant information from the regional government that will benefit the people in ARMM.

The agreement was signed by Atty. Baratucal Caudang, ARMM Education Secretary and Ali Macabalang, Director of BPI, witnessed by Reagan Dagadas, AusAID Program Officer and Ramon Bobier, AusAID-BEAM Program Consultant.

Since DxED is an affiliate of Radyo ng Bayan, the radio station will also be receiving and airing information, news and programs of the national government.

To cater to the island provinces of ARMM, another repeater station was also launched in Basilan, yesterday, May 31. (PIA)

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