Army settles ‘rido’ in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The 103rd Infantry (HARIBON) Brigade of the Philippine Army has managed to settle on December 19 the long standing political feud (rido) between Butig town’s current mayor Ibrahim R. Macadato and former mayor Atty. Dimnatang P. Pansar. 

In a simple ceremony held at the Brigade Social Hall, the two contending parties who are running for mayoralty in the said municipality swore before the Holy Qur’an and signed a peace covenant to end their long standing family and political feud that caused the loss of 13 lives and the wounding of 11 persons from both sides. 

The Macadato – Pansar political rivalry is one of the long standing and most intense feuds in the province especially during elections. Both have maintained a solid number of followers for years which oftentimes created chaos and fear among their constituents. 

The two parties, however, remained calm during the meeting. With only few supporters with them, both came willing to finally put an end to their rift in the interest of giving primacy to the welfare of the people of Butig. 

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Ansary P. Maongco expressed gratitude to the 103rd Brigade for initiating the rido settlement. 

Maongco, who witnessed the settlement together with the members of the 103rd Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board, is elated with how the 103rd Brigade is leading the way in attaining true peace in the province especially that 2013 elections is nearing. 

He said the event is worth emulating and should serve as an example to other municipalities and prominent personalities to come forward and end existing feuds. (103rd Brigade,PA/PIA-10) 

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Caretaker gov’t accelerates livelihood dev’t, poverty-reduction in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- The caretaker government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continues to work towards lifting the economic status of its constituents through the implementation of livelihood projects and other poverty-alleviation programs, ARMM Officer-in-Charge Mujiv Hataman said. 

During his first State of the Region’s Address (SORA) on Tuesday he cited the “Fish for Peace” program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) where 5.52 million species of tilapia fingerlings and 679,000 pieces of carp fingerlings were distributed to 2,698 beneficiaries throughout the region. 

He said the BFAR was able to provide gillnets, hook and lines, fishpots, motorized and non-motorized bancas, and fish corals to 10,101 fishermen and 105 fisherman-associations under program. 

A total of 1,525 fishermen were also benefitted from the 61 units of Payao distributed by BFAR, he further said. 

Hataman also bared that 70 percent of the ARMM coastlines were placed under the protection of BFAR through the program’s Bantay Dagat component that resulted to the saving of five bundles of black coral, 52 hawksbill turtles, and 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish declared as endangered species. 

More than P214 million capital seed fund were meanwhile given to 2,500 associations in line with the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

The Governor said the region was also allotted a total of P625 million Micro Livelihood Enterprise for capacity building of women under the Transition Investment Support Plan or Stimulus Fund. 

"We were able to release P691 million to 18,900 beneficiaries of the Cash for Work Program in addition to the P215 million for the 21,530 Sustainable Livelihood Program beneficiaries," he added.

According to him, the caretaker government has constructed 209 modified shelters for internally-displaced persons in Maguindanao, Sulu and Basilan while the construction of additional 140 units is still on-going. 

Hataman further said the regional recipients of the Indigent Senior Citizens Social Pension reached 8,836 while the Pantawid Pamilya Program has a total of 317,733 family-beneficiaries. (APB/PIA-10)

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Provincial Health Office conducts medical mission for typhoon victims in Lanao Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 22 (PIA) --The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recently conducted a medical mission in Buadipuso-Buntong to respond to the healthcare needs of residents affected by typhoon Pablo. 

The program dubbed “Medical Mission Handog ni RG Hataman Para Sa Mga Biktima ng Bagyong Pablo” was undertaken in partnership with the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM), the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the provincial government who provided logistics support to the medical teams. 

IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said at least 1,500 constituents were afforded with various health services during the mission. 

These services included medical consultation and treatment; minor surgery; vaccination for flu and pneumonia; eye examination with free eyeglasses; and health education. 

According to him, the medical mission was graced by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. 

Minalang said Hataman led the distribution of oral hygiene kits to children from the different affected barangays. 

The regional governor also pledged to provide funds for the repair of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) damaged by the typhoon, he further said. (APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM guv cites achievements in health, education programs

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) achieved successes in implementation of health and education reforms, an ARMM official said.were cited by the region’s governor in his last Tuesday. 

In his State of the Region Address (SORA), ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said maternal mortality dropped from 245 for every 100,000 live births to 66. 

Data revealed that the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births also went down to 18 from 55 in the previous years. 

Hataman is optimistic the figures will further go down with the recent passage of the region’s Reproductive Health Care Law. 

Moreover, 199 health facilities including 18 ambulances were added throughout the region and additional 80,000 families were covered by PhilHealth. 

In terms of infrastructure, Hataman boasted the passing ARMM Public Works Act. 

He noted that the P1 billion fund given to the region, year after year, under the General Appropriations Act was often used for re-gravellng of farm-to-market roads. 

But with the ARMM Public Works Act, the P1 billion will be used to fund priority infrastructure projects that truly meets the needs of the people like national roads and bridges; strategic infrastructure in support to tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health and sanitation; and other infrastructure for conflict and calamity-affected areas. 

The Governor also announced that last June the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region has generated P59.2 million savings. He said such savings were utilized in purchasing new heavy equipment that will be distributed to the different districts in the region. 

We have regained the trust of the national government because of our hardwork, hence, the ARMM is given an additional P510 million for 2013 bringing the region’s infrastructure fund to P1.5 billion, he added. 

Other gains cited by the ARMM Governor were the establishments of Commission on Human Rights Regional Office, the setting-up of violence against women (VAW) hotline, the formation of the ARMM Council Against Human Trafficking (ACAT), and the settlement of “rido” or family feud through the Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission. 

Meanwhile, Hataman commended the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) for passing the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy (MMA) Act 231 or the Tax Oversight Committee; MMA 299 or the Public Works Act; MMA 288 or the Commission on Human Rights Act; MMA 290 or the Appropriations Act; and MMA 292 or the Reproductive Health Care Act. 

He further urged the RLA to pass other laws that will pave the way for more reform programs such as amendments to the region’s Basic Education Act of 2010, ARMM Omnibus Investment Act, amendments to the Revenue Code; ARMM Development Corporation Act; and Shari’ah Compliant Micro-enterprise Fund Act. (APB/PIA-10)

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Hataman cites educational gains in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman bared the concrete gains his administration has achieved to improve the quality of education in the region. 

In his first State of the Region’s Address on Tuesday, Hataman cited the educational reforms his administration has instituted that resulted to the eradication of ghost students and teachers and huge savings for the regional government. 

He said the ARMM Government boldly addressed the problems of teachers regarding the payment of loans and benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) by talking to and forging an agreement with the GSIS management. 

The Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM, he said, has settled the P5-million debts of the Marawi City Division and the P14-million debts of Basilan Division. 

Hataman said they are now in the process of paying the some P1.9-billion debts of the department to the GSIS. 

The Governor also announced that the DepEd-ARMM, in the implementation of financial reforms, has saved P224,227,269.90 which will be used in paying the salary differentials and backpays of teachers. 

DepEd-ARMM has also generated P135 million that may be utilized for the repair of classrooms and purchase of school chairs, he added. 

Citing statistics from the Enhanced Basic Education Information System, Hataman said the region lacked 5,057 classrooms, 3,479 teachers, and almost half billion of school chairs in 2011. 

He, however, announced that DepEd-ARMM has launched programs and projects dubbed “37 Firsts of DepEd-ARMM” to raise the quality of education in the region. 

Included in these are various support and training assistance from different organizations such as PLDT-SMART Foundation, SEAMEO-INNOTECH, Synergia, AMORE, AAI, UNICEF, GIZed-Fit For School, USAID and Ronald McDonald, as well as the construction of learning centers in remote areas by BRAC. 

Hataman said the Australian government is also actively supporting the region and has provided P3.97 billion through the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao Program which includes early childhood and basic education, school health, techvoc training for out-of-school youth. 

The Governor also made mentioned that a total of 6,540 scholars are currently benefiting from the programs of the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) while 607 are being served by the scholarship program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (APB/PIA-10)

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Army holds dialogue with local leaders in Marawi City

SAGUIRAN, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The 65th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army conducted a pulong-pulong with the councilors, barangay officials and other stakeholders from Marawi City, last week. 

The dialogue, held at the Battalion’s Headquarters here, was aimed to inform the local leaders about the present peace and order situation and other security issues and concerns the entire province is currently facing. 

Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Seigred J. Espina said during the dialogue that the role of the army, particularly his troops, is to promote peace and order. 

He said the army is also mandated to protect the lives of the people from those engaging in criminal practices that impedes peace and progress in the province. 

Espina also reiterated that there are many things each and every community member can do to eradicate criminality. 

These include encouraging the residents to feed information to local authorities and telling others to venture into new legal endeavours, he added. (65th IB/PIA-10) 

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Medical mission benefits more than 700 Lanao Sur residents

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec 12 (PIA) -- More than 700 people in Binidayan town has benefited from the comprehensive and integrated medical mission conducted by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Unayan District Hospital last December 7. 

Services availed by the residents include minor surgery for cyst and other growth, circumcision, medical consultation, dental extraction and prophylaxis, vaccination for flu and rotavirus, cataract surgery and other eye disorders, as well as health education and family planning counselling. 

The medical mission was undertaken in partnership with the District Hospitals in the province, 51st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, local government units and civil society with the support of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional government through the Department of Health (DOH)-ARMM. 

This is just one of the many efforts of the new ARMM government to reach out to the underserved communities in terms of health, said IPHO Chief Alinader Minalang. 

He said this intervention is also in line with the IPHO’s Reach Every Barangay (REB) strategy to improve health service delivery and ultimately the health status of its constituents, especially the poor. 

Minalang meantime urged health partners to extend more support to sustain the said undertaking. 

He hopes to bring the medical mission to several strategic areas to accelerate health improvement in the province. 

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Lanao del Sur execs support land survey in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Local chief executives in the province fully support the forest land boundary assessment and delineation (FLBD) project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. expressed his unwavering commitment during the launching of the project held in Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday, December 2. 

He is also thankful for the implementation of the project in the region which is set to kick-off in the province. 

A priority project of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the FLBD project aims to map areas to delineate the boundaries between forestland and alienable and disposable lands in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 

Adiong, however, urged the DENR-ARMM to coordinate with the provincial government and the respective municipal mayors on the schedule of the actual conduct of the land survey to avoid problems in the field. 

League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Lanao del Sur Chapter President and Poona Bayabao Mayor Lampa Pandi also conveyed the same support to the project. 

He said the LMP will provide the necessary assistance to the DENR during the actual survey. 

Earlier, DENR-ARMM Secretary Hadji Kahal Kedtag enjoined municipal mayors and their respective Sangguniang Bayan to support the implementation of the project. 

He said the active participation of the local government units is critical to the success of the FLBD project. 

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, on the other hand, said the implementation of the P44 million FLBD project is pursuant to the memorandum of agreement the ARMM government signed with the DENR on June 19, this year. 

He said the project is in compliance with the agenda of the President to complete and perfect the country’s land delineation and land classification before the end of his term.

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DENR-ARMM launches forest land boundary and delineation project

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) launched on Sunday the forest land boundary assessment and delineation (FLBD) project in the region. 

The project aims to map areas that can be potential for agroforestry development, delineate our agricultural lands with that of forest lands, and protect our established protected area systems, said DENR-ARMM Secretary Hadji Kahal Q. Kedtag. 

He said the FLBD project is in compliance to the constitutional mandate of the DENR to mark on the ground the boundaries between forestland and alienable and disposable lands. 

In this way, we can be able to determine the appropriate management interventions and protect our remaining forest cover, Kedtag added. 

According to him, the implementation of the project will officially start in Lanao del Sur and will continue in Maguindanao and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. 

He said the project will be anchored on the theme “Unang Tanda para sa Kagubatan, Simbolo nang Handa, Matatag, Makabago at Makakalikasang Bangsamoro,” highlighting the importance of forest lands in laying down the development roadmap for the upcoming Bangsamoro government. 

The ARMM government, through Governor Mujiv Hataman, forged a memorandum of agreement with DENR Secretary Ramon Paje last June 19 for the conduct of forest boundary delineation in the region. 

Under the agreement, the DENR committed a financial assistance of P44 million for the project which the ARMM government hopes to complete by mid of 2013

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Local disaster councils conducts damage and needs assessment

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is currently undertaking damage and needs assessment (DANA) after typhoon Pablo hit some parts of the region yesterday. 

Three teams were dispatched in the province and one in Maguindanao to determine the extent of effect of the typhoon in the areas. 

Initial reports from the RDRRMC said typhoon Pablo brought heavy rains and strong winds in the province, causing electricity shutdown and flooding in Bubong, Ramain, Mulondo, and Taraka. 

Two bridges located in the towns of Malabang and Kapai were also destroyed by the floods. 

The Narciso Ramos Highway (Kapatagan-Balabagan-Malabang road) and the road network going to Butig town were not passable due to flooding. 

Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. with the members of the provincial DRRMC is also conducting an on-site inspection in the affected municipalities. 

The provincial government likewise dispatched trucks to help in the evacuation. 

Adiong also issued an order for doctors and mobile clinic to go around the municipalities and check on the affected families. 

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Good housekeeping in ARMM saves gov't millions of pesos - Hataman

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Acting Governor Mujiv Hataman of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proud of the various reforms his administration has initiated to push the region forward. 

During the opening ceremony of the ARMM Investment Forum on November 24, the governor boasted of the pockets of reform his administration had instituted which, according to him, are now being felt on the ground. 

“In our first 100 days, we focused all efforts on good housekeeping - introducing transparency mechanisms in our financial transactions; adherence to civil service regulations and audit rules; a merit-based, credible system in the appointment of officials and personnel; and a campaign for efficiency in public service,” he said. 

Hataman said the ARMM reform administration also embarked on “ghost-busting” and ran after ghost employees, ghost teachers, ghost schools, ghost students, ghost projects, and recently, even ghost voters. 

“In our ghost-busting in the Department of Education (DepEd) alone, in the first 100 days, we were able to save P164 million while in the Department of Public Works and Highways, we saved P56 million, which we used to purchase heavy equipment,” he noted. 

The ARMM Governor further said that his administration has intensified the delivery of basic social services to ARMM constituents that earned the confidence of the national government and its line agencies, and the trust of international donor partners. 

The Australian government through the AusAid granted P3.9 billion for basic education programs in Muslim Mindanao. In fact, we just launched the BEAM-ARMM last November 20, attended by no less than the DepEd National Secretary Bro. Luistro Armin, and AusAid Development Assistance Director General Rob Brazier, he cited. 

In terms of infrastructure projects, Hataman said they have also implemented roads, schools and bridges projects the latest of which is a P300-million bridge connecting Bongao to mainland Tawi-Tawi and a P320-million water project in the same province. 

“We have a P500-million road project in Marawi-Malabang, Lanao del Sur while we committed to complete the province’s circumferential road with P1.2 billion in Basilan,” he added. 

According to Hataman, these are just some of our infrastructure projects in the region, many of which came from the President’s stimulus funds for the ARMM. 

Meantime, Hataman gave assurance that the anticipated economic growth will not bypass the poorest members of the ARMM community committing the gains of development to increase social spending for public services like education, health care, water systems and housing. 

He said the regional government will likewise ensure the protection of the environment and the sustainable utilization of natural resources will not be compromise. 

“And although we start with economic growth, our eyes are set on economic stability, one which is founded on sustainability, long-term planning and goal-setting, supported by necessary economic policies and institutionalized mechanisms, the governor further said. (APB/PIA-10)

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Local execs, civil society reps undergo seminar on public finance

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Local government executives and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) from the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur underwent a two-day seminar workshop on planning, budgeting, revenue generation, procurement, debt and accountability. 

The event, aimed to enable both LGUs and CSOs to better understand the processes and intricacies of local public finance, was held in Davao City on November 24-25. 

“Public finance is not as complex as it appears once stakeholders learn to analyze public finance records, track expenditures and find alternative ways to raise revenues for the LGUs,” retired UP Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones said. 

Briones, a former national treasurer is the lead convener of Social Watch Philippines and Chair of Kaakbay Partylist, along with its network of CSOs called Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) which engage the executive and legislative branches of government, including LGUs, in public finance processes. 

Briones said the workshop seminar hopes to be the start of getting people involved in the local "kaban ng bayan" in ARMM area. 

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman, who took part in the event, also provided insights on the importance of local public finance in local governance and what needs to be done. 

He encouraged CSOs to participate in the formulation of policies, programs, and projects for local development. “This is a right protected by the Constitution and the Local Government Code,” he said. 

Hataman, however, challenged the participants to be independent in the monitoring and assessment of the performance of LGUs and their officials. 

According to him, the seminar-workshop is just the beginning adding that the regional government will work towards bringing the initiative to all LGUs in the region. 

At the end of the two-day event, the participants, who were mostly budget officers, treasurers, assessors, planning officers, state auditors, and finance committee members and representatives of local development councils and CSOs, came up with joint assessment and plans to get the involvement of citizens in local public finance processes to ensure transparency and accountability in their respective areas. 

The plans also included improving their spending priorities and revenue efforts. 

The seminar-workshop was organized by the Social Watch Philippines in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, Civil Service Commission, and the Department of Interior and Local Government. (Social Watch/armmcommgroup/APB-PIA 10)

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AusAID grants P3.927 billion education assistance to ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov 20 (PIA) -- More than 500,000 children in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will have better access to education as the Australian government through its Agency for International Development (AusAID) poured P3.927 billion (93.5 million Australian dollars) to the region under the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM)-ARMM program. 

“Through this, the Australian government hopes to contribute to the building of better education system that will contribute to peace,” said AusAID First Assistant Director General Rod Brazier. 

He said BEAM-ARMM is a symbol of friendship between the people of Mindanao and the Australian government. 

BEAM-ARMM will target the most disadvantaged children in ARMM and will provide training and capacitate 20,000 out-of-school-youths in the region. 

Mohammad Noor Saada, Department of Education (DepEd) regional assistant secretary, said the BEAM-ARMM has four components that will each be separately implemented by an international non-governmental organization. 

The first component is the Early Childhood Education which will be implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

The second component, Essential Health Care Program, will be implemented by GIZ and Fit-for-School while the third and fourth components, namely, Vocational Technology Education and Alternative Delivery Model, will have Cardno and Brac as its implementing partners, respectively. 

A memorandum of subsidiary agreement (MSA) was also signed today by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, DepEd Regional Secretary Atty. Jamar Kulayan and Brazier during the launching of the program. 

The MSA is the implementing arrangement on how the program will be executed by the regional government and the DepEd- ARMM, as well as how the AusAID will support its implementation. 

“There is no project that is in the heart of President Aquino than BEAM-ARMM,” said DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro. 

“This means so much not only to ARMM, but to the whole Philippines for it aims to close all gaps,” he added. 

For his part, Hataman said BEAM- ARMM manifests his administration’s commitment to education reform. 

In the 23 years existence of DepEd-ARMM, it is only now, through BEAM-ARMM, that the agency was directly involved in the program design, development and approval, the regional governor noted

Hataman is also optimistic that BEAM-ARMM will play a crucial role in bridging the transition to a Bangsamoro system of education. (armmcommgroup/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM dad vows to continue reforms, puts premium on economic agenda

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv S. Hataman vowed not only to continue the reforms being implemented in the region but also to prioritize socio-economic agenda. 

Hataman announced this during the opening of the 23rd ARMM anniversary celebration held in Cotabato City, Monday, November 19. 

The ARMM governor, in his keynote message, identified economic thrust to substantiate the reform agenda forged for the region. 

He also underscored the need to push further the development of agribusiness for lasting peace in the region. 

Series of investment meetings have taken place as local and foreign investors expressed interest in the field of agricultural expansion. 

Earlier, regional officials graced the launching of the P579-million worth banana expansion project of Del Monte Phil. in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao province which would generate at least 3,000 local jobs. 

Investment mogul John Perrine of Uni-Frutti Inc. has likewise visited Talayan municipality for a proposed banana expansion and palm oil processing in the area. 

Hataman said the inflow of foreign and local investments signals the strengthening of the regional economy. This is a proof that investors have trust and confidence in the investment potential of the region, he added 

In line with this, an investment forum is set to be staged on November 24 as part of the month-long celebration. The forum will carry the theme: Philippine-Malaysia Investments: Fostering Sustainable Development in Muslim Mindanao. 

The regional governor, meanwhile, commended social service key players for an increase in budget allocation following re-established confidence of the national government to the regional leadership. 

Hataman also assured the housing project for the region’s employees will be completed within his term.(armmcommgroup) 

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ARMM to mark 23rd founding anniversary

Month-long activities set to kick-off on Monday

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- A series of month-long activities marking the 23rd founding anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is set to kickoff on Monday, November 19, at the region’s seat in Cotabato City. 

“Everything is set for the upcoming celebration,” said Amir Mawallil, head of the newly-formed ARMM Communications Group. 

Mawallil said this year will be a celebration of the substantial reforms that have been put in place by the present regional caretaker government and prop up gains in the peace process between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government following the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro middle last month. 

He said the framework agreement presents new challenges and opportunities to Filipinos especially for the residents of Mindanao and ARMM. 

The 23rd ARMM anniversary celebration is dubbed 2012 Bangsamoro Peacetivities and carries the theme: “Mga Makabagong Hamon sa Mapayapang Bangsamoro.” 

The commemoration will commence with a parade and trade Fair on November 19 and will conclude with Cultural Peace Concert and fireworks display on December 19. 

Other important highlights of the celebration include a street dancing competition, a tournament on traditional Moro games dubbed the Morolympics and a cultural and fashion show. 

In addition to the usual showcase of the unique and vibrant culture of the Moro people, celebration activities will focus on promoting the framework agreement and the continuing reforms in the autonomous government. 

OIC-Governor Mujiv S. Hataman lauded regional officials and employees who, through the years, witnessed and played integral part in the evolution of ARMM since its inception in 1989. 

“I urge the entire ARMM constituency to take part in the festivity intended not only for the employees but to the general public as well. We will ensure a meaningful commemoration without necessarily incurring lavish spending,” he said.

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2,600 scholarships available for Lanao Sur constituents - Tesda

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 16 (PIA) --- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has called on all out-of-school youth and unemployed adults in the province to avail of its scholarship programs. 

A total of 2,594 scholarship vouchers for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Private Education Student Fund Assistance (PESFA) program are still up for grab this year said Tarhata S. Mapandi, Tesda provincial director. 

She said the 1,619 slots will be financed under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) stimulus package or the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) while the remaining 975 slots will be covered under the regular TWSP and PESFA program. 

According to her, Tesda has allocated more than P4.7 million worth of scholarship grants for the province for the regular PESFA and P2.5 million for the regular TWSP. 

The grants will be used to fund the technical-vocational training of 593 beneficiaries under the PESFA and 382 TWSP beneficiaries, she added. 

The courses offered for the programs are Agricultural Crop Production NC III, Baking and Pastry Production NC II, Carpentry NC II, Commercial Cooking NC II, Computer Hardware Servicing NC II, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Emergency Medical Services NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Healthcare Services NC II, Horticulture NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Masonry NC II, Massage Therapy NC II, and Security Services NC II. 

Interested applicants are advised to visit the Tesda rovincial office at the 3rd floor of Line Agencies Building inside the Provincial Capitol Compound, here.

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TESDA-Lanao del Sur allots P11.70 M for training programs under stimulus package

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- A training fund of P11.70 million under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) stimulus package has been allotted for the province to finance the technical-vocational education and training of 1,619 beneficiaries. 

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi said it has started implementing the scholarship training programs which is part of the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) or the stimulus package provided by the national government to the ARMM regional government to fast-track key development initiatives in the region. 

Mapandi said the TESDA scholarship programs that will be implemented under the TISP have three components, namely, the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program, the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and the TWSP for Ulama and Youth. 

She said there are 355 scholarship slots available for the PESFA and 249 slots for the TWSP. 

The training fund for the PESFA amounted to P2.81 million while that of the TWSP totalled P1.77 million, she further said. 

In addition, a fund of P7.12 million was also earmarked to finance the trainings of 1,015 beneficiaries coming from the Ulama and youth sector. 

This is to give priority to the Ulama and youth to avail of the TESDA scholarship trainings, Mapandi added. 

Among the courses offered under these programs are agricultural production, baking and pastry production, carpentry, commercial cooking, computer hardware servicing, consumer electronics servicing, dressmaking, electrical installation and maintenance, emergency medical services, food and beverage services, healthcare services, horticulture, housekeeping, masonry, massage therapy, and security services. 

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Lanao Paddlers Assoc. invites sports enthusiasts to join training on Sarimanok-boat racing

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Lanao Sarimanok Paddlers Association (LSPA) is inviting all sports enthusiasts to join the training on Sarimanok-boat racing. 

LSPA Secretary General Noroddin Maguindanao said the training will be held weekly starting this November 17. 

The Sarimanok-boat was introduced in the province last June when the municipality of Ganassi hosted the first dragon-boat clinic and exhibition in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 

The Sarimanok-boat racing exhibition held at Lake Lanao, the second largest lake in the country, was conducted in coordination with the world-renowned Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF). 

But unlike the traditional dragon-boat, the boat used during the exhibition has the head of the legendary Sarimanok bird and decorated with ornamental Maranao artwork to showcase the richness of the Maranao culture. 

The LSPA, headed by Ganassi Mayor Al-Rashid Macapodi, was formed after the success of the event. 

It is a recognized organization by the PDBF. 

Maguindanao said the LSPA is currently on the planning stage for the historic holding of the Sarimanok-boat race next year. 

Those interested to join the training are advised to visit the official Facebook page of the LSPA @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/lanaosarimanokpaddlers/ for more details. 

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Muslims to mark start of New Year on November 15

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The entire Muslim community is set to celebrate Amon Jadid or Islamic New Year tomorrow, November 15. 

The National Commission in Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said the date corresponds to the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar or Hijrah marking the migration Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. 

In line with this, the NCMF announced that November 15, 2012 is declared as legal Muslim holiday to commemorate the significance of the day. 

This is by virtue of Article 169 of Presidential Decree No. 1083 or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines, the NCMF said. 

Accordingly, the holiday shall be officially observed in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. 

The cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, and Zamboanga are also to observe the holiday per Article 170 of the Presidential Decree. 

P.D. 1083 also provides that all Muslim government official and employees in places other than those enumerated under Article 170 shall be excused from reporting to office in order that they may be able to observe the holiday, the NCMF said. 

The Civil Service Commission has also issued CSC Resolution No 81-1277 dated November 18, 1981 recognizing the Islamic holiday, the NCMF further said.

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Newly-created body commits to combat human trafficking in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Members of the newly-created Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Council Against Trafficking (ACAT) have pledged to stop human trafficking in the region. 

They pledged their commitment to fight human trafficking during the recent launching of the ACAT Cum Refinement and Finalization Workshop on the Draft ARMM Strategic Plan on Trafficking in Persons. 

The workshop was aimed at coming-up with an action plan to address human trafficking in ARMM. 

ACAT members vowed not only to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of human trafficking in the region but also to ensure the protection, recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked victims. 

The symbolic signing of the pledge of commitment by ACAT members was witnessed by Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, a UN Special Rapporteur for Trafficking 

Headed by the Office of the ARMM Governor, the ACAT was created to respond to the human trafficking incidence in the region. 

It is composed of the different ARMM Regional Government Line Agencies, civil society organizations, and other government and non-government partners.

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Army helps stranded commuters in Lanao del Sur

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Around 150 stranded commuters and motorists here have sought refuge at the headquarters of the 51st Infantry Battalion on Sunday night, November 11. 

Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon M. Yadao, said the stranded commuters were accommodated to stay overnight at the Battalion headquarters because part of the Narciso Ramos Highway was not passable to any type of vehicles due to flood waters. 

He said the heavy downpour of rains that started at around 12:30 in the afternoon caused flooding along the national highway, particularly at Barangay BPS Village and Bago-Ingud. 

Yadao immediately dispatched a platoon of Disaster Relief and Rescue Operation Unit and two military trucks to the area to extend transportation to the commuters. 

As the situation got worse at around 6 p.m., Yadao dispatched another platoon to secure the commuters and motorists from lawless elements and extortionists in the area. 

The stranded commuters and motorists came from the Zamboanga Peninsula and the cities of Pagadian, Iligan and Marawi. 

They were offered hot cooked rice and sardines during their stay since most of them have not yet taken their meals. 

The facilities of the military unit, as well as, the personal beddings and hammocks of the soldiers were also offered to them as a sign of hospitality. 

They left the camp premises on yesterday morning, November 12.

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ARMM legislative body backs declaration of MSU as ‘zone of peace’

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has passed a resolution supporting the call to declare Mindanao State University (MSU) as a ‘zone of peace.’ 

The resolution, entitled “Supporting the MSU to be Formally Declared as a Zone of Peace,” was one of the three resolutions adopted by the legislative body on November 6, said Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis. 

Such resolution was passed after a fire incident at the Mindnolia Net Café in the MSU commercial center on the morning of October 25 resulted in the death of café owner and MSU Philosophy Professor, Othello Cobal, and student assistant Erwin Diaz. 

Campuses should remain safe haven for students where teaching and learning could continue unhindered in an atmosphere free of violence and interference, the resolution stated. 

In August this year, an ambush occurred inside the vast MSU main campus where three members of the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army were slain. 

These series of events triggered perceptions of insecurity and instability in the campus that need intervention from the different stakeholders, the resolution further stated. 

Tomawis said copies of the resolution will be furnished to the MSU System President and Board of Regents, the provincial and city governments, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process. 

Prior to the adoption of the resolution by the RLA, a multi-sectoral organization in the province passed a resolution calling for the formal declaration of MSU as a zone of peace. 

The Multi-Sectoral Cooperation for Peace was formed during the security stakeholders’ dialogue convened by Assemblywoman Tomawis on November 2 to respond to security issues in the MSU main campus.

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ARMM solon convenes dialogue with security stakeholders in Lanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur. Nov. 6 (PIA) -- A lawmaker representing the women sector in the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has convened stakeholders in the province to address security concerns inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus. 

RLA Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis initiated the meeting after a fire incident transpired in an internet café inside the commercial center of the university on October 25 killing its owner, Professor Othello Cobal, and student assistant Erwin Diaz. 

The dialogue, held at the MSU-Mamitua Saber Research Center on November 2, was attended in by officials from the MSU, 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Joint Task Force Ranao, MSU Peacekeeping Force, Provincial Government and the City Government. 

Representatives from the religious sector, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and media were also present. 

Gutoc-Tomawis said the absence of clear policies and regulations on building establishments, private houses and cottages; absence of fire truck, fire hydrant, and ambulance; untapped local government support; and lack of coordination with the seven barangays within the university were just some of the concerns raised during the dialogue. 

At the end of the dialogue, she said the participants have moved for a thorough investigation of the incident to identify suspects of the arson and murder. 

They also agreed that there is a need to strengthen security policies and increase police patrolling and visibility in the campus. 

A Board Resolution to regulate entry into the campus was likewise recommended. 

The Assemblywoman further said the participants also formed an organization, called Multi-Sectoral Cooperation for Peace, and passed a resolution formally declaring MSU as a Zone of Peace. 

She said a similar resolution will also be filed at the RLA. 

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