64th IB spearheads turn-over of renovated school building

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 29 (PIA) -- The 64th Infantry Battalion (64th IB) of the Philippine Army spearheaded the turn-over of the newly renovated school building that was burned down last May. 

The three-classroom building, including school chairs, were turned-over to the school administrator of Pantar Primary School in Barangay Pantar, Piagapo town here last June 26. 

The turn-over ceremony and inauguration was participated in by local officials and leaders, as well as parents and teachers aiming for the resumption of peaceful living in the said barangay. 

Lt.Col. Dario Bucawit, commanding officer of the 64th IB said the renovation and turn-over was a joint undertaking of the 64th IB and municipal government of Piagapo. 

"Helping in the renovation of the building showed our firm commitment to give the best service to the local folks in our areas of operation in support to the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or Oplan Bayanihan," he said. 

Asnawi Bato, municipal vice-mayor, and the incumbent Association of Barangay Councils President Ambroussi Macatanong reiterated the importance of education in improving the lives of their constituents. 

They also gave assurance to the local folks that they will do their best to bring the perpetrators who burned down the building of the unlawful act to justice.

0

53rd founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur kicks off with cultural events

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 27 (PIA) -- The 53rd founding anniversary of the province kicked-off yesterday with a series of shows that depicts the rich Maranao culture. 

According to Provincial Information Officer Nasser Ganda, among the cultural events that marked the start of the week-long celebration are "kataro sa lalag," "kakolintang," and "kasipa sa manggis." 

While the kataro sa lalag (oration) showcases the fascinating Maranao poetry, kakolintang (playing the kolintang), on the other hand, best features the traditional Maranao music. 

Kolintang is an ancient form of musical instrument composed of a set of gongs arranged in a row and played by striking the gongs with two wooden beaters. It is the main instrument of the kolintang ensemble, the other gongs are debakan, agong, gandingan, and babendir. 

Kasipa sa manggis is an indigenous sport where a colorfully decorated, small box-like structure is strung to a rope tied to long bamboo poles. A player would be given the chance to kick the rattan ball towards the structure, and if it falls, the player gets a prize. 

Other cultural shows scheduled until June 29 are "kambayoka," "kapangotiyapi," "kasayaw sa singkil," and "kanggarotaya." 

To add fun to the festivities, sports tournaments such as basketball, badminton, tennis, golf, volleyball, marathon, walkathon, and practical shooting were also lined-up from June 26 to July 3. 

Line agencies in the province will also be showcasing their respective programs and projects through a booth exhibit and display within the New Capitol Complex grounds from June 26 to July 3.

A dialogue between the heads of the line agencies, the provincial government, and the regional government is likewise slated on July 1, which was declared by Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. as Line Agencies Day. 

Meanwhile, the Lanao civil society, spearheaded by the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council, will participate in the week-long celebration through tree planting and fish dispersal in Ramain town, and a walk for Ranao on July 2, which was also proclaimed as Solidarity Day in the province. 

Local government units (LGUs) from the municipal down to the barangay level, including the two congressional district offices, will also take part through a special program on July 3, otherwise declared as LGU Day. 

On July 4, a cultural street dancing, and a culmination program with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo as keynote speaker, will cap the week-long celebration. 

0

LGU-Lanao del Sur partners anew with TESDA for jobs and training fair

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 23 (PIA) -- The Lanao del Sur provincial government will again partner with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office in bringing together employers and jobseekers in a two-day jobs and training fair in the province. 

TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi said the jobs and training fair will be held in the New Provincial Capitol Complex on July 1-2 as one of the highlights of the 53rd founding anniversary of the province. 

She said the jobs fair aims to provide a venue where applicants can seek work while the training fair will pave way for interested individuals to equip themselves with various free skills training while waiting for another jobs fair. 

In April, the provincial government and the TESDA in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs of the Mindanao State University (MSU) conducted a two-day jobs cum training fair where a total of 242 job seekers were entertained and 649 individuals signed up in the different training courses. 

The courses included refrigeration and air-conditioning, visual graphics, candle making, automotive servicing, plumbing, computer hardware, office application, dress making, consumer electronics, electrical installation, tile setting, hair cutting, soap making, and baking and pastry production. 

According to Mapandi, the April jobs cum training fair ended with two TESDA graduates hired on the spot and 177 applicants scheduled for final interview. 

0

Ganassi town hosts 1st Sarimanok Boat Racing in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) -- Hundreds of spectators gathered at Lake Lanao in Ganassi town to witness the first-ever Sarimanok Boat Racing in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), hosted by the municipality of Ganassi last weekend. 

The event, anchored on the theme “One Paddle for Peace, One Race for Ranao” , featured a clinic on dragon boat racing, followed by an exhibition from the members of Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), who got seven world records and three world champions. 

The audience were also thrilled to see some race action from the 12 participating teams as they competed for the title of being the first Sarimanok boat racing champion. 

According to Ganassi Mayor Al-Rashid Macapodi, the Sarimanok boat race is an historic event not just for the municipality but also for the province, signifying the birth of the sport in the ARMM. 

"We conceptualized the Sarimanok boat race to encourage the sport among the Maranaos, advocate for cultural tourism, and develop Lake Lanao as one of the sports destination in Muslim Mindanao," he said. 

Instead of the dragon head and scales, the boats used in the race have the “Sarimanok” head, a legendary bird that has become a symbol of Maranao art. They were also decorated with an ornamental artwork of Maranaos called “Okir.” This design is usually found in woven or printed textiles, carved into wooden boxes, etched into knife or sword blades and handles, or into various brasswares. 

Macapodi further said the event was also aimed at providing alternative livelihood opportunities to the people of the lake by promoting Ganassi to be the center of Sarimanok boat-making in the region, hence, the municipal government launched its boat-making livelihood program during the event.   

For their part, members of the PDBF expressed appreciation to the Ganassi municipal government for inviting them to be a partner in the holding of the Sarimanok boat racing. 

“Rest assured the world champ paddlers will always be here to support your advocacy in promoting the sport in Mindanao, as well as, in redefining the image of province through sports and tourism,” expressed PDBF President Marcia Cristobal. 

Meanwhile, the team from the 51st Infantry Battalion was awarded as the first Sarimanok Boat Race champion finishing the race at the time of one minute and 22 seconds. Aside from receiving medals for being the best time holder, the team was also rewarded with a trophy and P20,000 cash prize. 

On the other hand, the 64th Infantry Battalion team won 1st place and received a trophy and P10,000 while the 2nd place went to the Black Renegade team who won a trophy and P5,000. The other nine teams were given P2,000 each as consolation prizes. 

0

Line agencies in Lanao Sur to showcase programs, projects on July 1

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 14 (PIA) --- National line agencies here in the province will be showcasing their respective programs and projects to the public this coming July 1. 

This, after Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. slated July 1 as Line Agencies Day in the entire province to give recognition to the valuable contributions of line agencies in promoting peace and development in the province. 

Provincial Chief-of-Staff Atty. Aminoden Macalandap said the line agencies will be given the opportunity to feature their programs, projects, and services in a booth exhibit and display at the designated area within the New Capitol Complex from June 26 to July 3. 

He said this will serve as a platform for the line agencies to let their constituents be aware of their existing programs and services citing that the public should be well-informed of the current activities of the various agencies and offices operating in the province. 

Macalandap disclosed that no less than Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman will be gracing the event. 

Accordingly, a ‘hataw’ activity to be spearheaded by the Provincial Integrated Health Office (IPHO) will jumpstart the Line Agencies Day followed by booth visitation by Hataman and party. 

A dialogue between the heads of the line agencies, the provincial government, and the regional government is also scheduled during the day where line agencies will be presenting a summary of their accomplishments, as well as, some pressing issues and concerns that need to be addressed by the provincial and regional governments. 

The Line Agencies Day will likewise be marked by a job fair to be conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with the provincial government, as well as, the holding of mass birth registration, a joint project of the provincial government, the National Statistics Office (NSO), and the various Municipal Civil Registrar offices in the province. 

The Line Agencies Day is among the highlights of the 53rd Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebration which will start on June 26 and will culminate on July 4.

0

Phl Dragon Boat to join Sarimanok Boat Race in Lake Lanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 11 (PIA) -- Fifteen members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation will be arriving in the province on Friday, June 15, for the holding of the “Sarimanok Boat Race” in Lake Lanao. 

The Federation partnered with the municipal government of Ganassi for the conduct of a three-day seminar clinic and exhibition on dragon boat racing at the cove of the lake in Ganassi, disclosed municipal administrator Noroddin M. Maguindanao in a press conference held on Saturday at Brewberry Cafe in Cagayan de Oro City. 

According to Maguindanao, the event is dubbed as “Sarimanok Boat Race” because participating boats will have the traditional ‘Sarimanok’ head instead of the dragon head and they will be decorated with ‘okir’ on the sides rather than dragon scales. 

He said it is expensive to buy and transport the original dragon boat to Lanao, thus, Mayor Al Rashid Macapodi handpicked skilled boat makers to construct the boats and make the paddles that will be used for the event. 

The seminar clinic and exhibition which is anchored on the theme, “One Paddle for Peace, One Race for Ranao,” aims to introduce and promote the sport among Ganassi constituents. 

"Most importantly, we hope to deliver a message on the present situation of Lake Lanao, its importance to the Maranaos and the need to protect and preserve it," Maguindanao said. 

He stressed that activities and events like the Sarimanok boat race is needed to support the battle cry of saving Lake Lanao. 

Maguindanao disclosed that as of press time, 10 teams, excluding those coming from the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police, have already registered for the event.

0

Peoples’ Council cites urgency of raising awareness on electoral reforms

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 9 (PIA) -- Recognizing that an informed and engaged citizenry is a crucial component of ensuring an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections, stakeholders in the province has cited the need to intensify efforts to raise public awareness on new electoral policies. 

Massive awareness on electoral reforms was one of the recommendations pushed by members of the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council during a consultative meeting on Wednesday with officials of the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) headed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Nasib Yasin. 

The meeting was held after the Senate and the House of Representatives in a Joint Resolution resolved to annul the book of voters of the municipalities and cities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and directed the COMELEC to immediately conduct a new general registration of voters in the region. 

During the meeting, the council also urged the COMELEC to engage the participation of the religious sector or the Ulama in the information campaign. 

Another recommendation was to augment the current police and military forces in the province to provide security during the registration period which according to Yasin is scheduled this coming July 9 to 18. 

The setting-up of checkpoints in strategic areas to avoid flying registrants was likewise pushed during the consultation. 

Meanwhile, Yasin told the group that he has directed all Election Officers in the province to submit the list of clustering areas adopted during the last local elections to serve as guide, and that if there are some changes to be made in the clustering for some justifiable reasons, it should be specified in the report. 

He further disclosed that during the general registration, each cluster area will be provided with voters’ registration machine at the ratio of 1,700 expected applicants per machine. 

The Provincial Election Supervisor also emphasized that the conduct of general registration is another step towards the clean and honest elections.

0

Lanao del Sur gears-up for 53rd founding anniversary

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 8 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Lanao del Sur is stepping-up its preparations for the 53rd founding anniversary celebration of the province.

To be anchored on the theme “Lanao del Sur, My Home, Your Home,” the 53rd Araw ng Lanao del Sur will officially start on June 26 and will culminate on July 4.

Atty. Aminoden L. Macalandap, Provincial Chief-of-Staff, said they are now putting final touches on all the details relating the celebration.

He said this year’s celebration will be different from the previous celebrations because national line agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations, and civil society organizations will take part in the celebration.

Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. specifically gave instructions to invite NGAs, NGOs, and CSOs operating in the province and involve them in the different events.

Thus, series of coordination meetings with the heads of various line agencies and civil society are being conducted by the provincial government to drum-up their support and participation in the celebration.

Macalandap emphasized in one of the meetings that line agencies and the civil society are vital partners of the provincial government in advancing peace and development in the province.

Hence, the provincial government has slated July 1 as Line Agencies Day and July 2 as Solidarity Day, which are two of the highlights of the anniversary celebration, to recognize their important contributions to the province. (

0

Lanao ready for Dragon boat race

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 7 (PIA) -- Preparations are well underway for the holding of the first-ever dragon boat exhibition and clinic in Lake Lanao on June 16-18, this year.

The municipality of Ganassi, under the leadership of Mayor Al Rashid Macapodi, in partnership with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation is spearheading the three-day exhibition and clinic dubbed “Sarimanok Boat Race.”

With the theme “One Paddle for Peace, One Race for Ranao,” the event aims to promote the sport among the people in the province considering the important contribution of sports in upholding peace and unity in this part of the country.

The Sarimanok Boat Race also seeks to develop Lake Lanao as a water sports and adventure destination and dragon boat capital of Mindanao. Lake Lanao is the second largest freshwater lake in the country and one of the 17 ancient lakes in the world.

In the meantime, organizers of the event are inviting members of the media to be their partners in promoting this first-ever boat race in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

A press conference is scheduled to be held at Brewberry in Cagayan de Oro City this Saturday, June 9.

0

Lanao del Sur celebrates World Environment Day

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 7 (PIA) -- More than 6,000 Lanipao and Narra tree seedlings were planted in the province on June 5 as part of this year's World Environment Day celebrationn. 

The Philippine National Police has planted around 4,000 tree seedlings in its Municipal Police Stations, while the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, together with the provincial government were able to plant some 1,000 tree seedlings within Kampo Ranao here, said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Provincial Director Cosain Abbas. 

Personnel of the DENR Office in the province led by Abbas were also able to plant some 1,000 tree seedlings in the city. 

Abbas said that aside from the seedlings, which came from the DENR-ARMM office in Cotabato City, the National Power Corporation also planted some 3,000 tree seedlings in some towns of Lanao del Sur. 

He also said that this coming June 12, Philippine Independence Day, the provincial government will have another round of this tree planting activity in one of the towns and also on July 2 as part of its 53rd Lanao del Sur Day celebration. 

This year’s World Environment Day theme is “Green Economy: Does it include you?”

0

Mass tree growing marks World Environment Day in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA) -- A province-wide tree growing activity is slated here today, June 5, in time for the World Environment Day celebration. 

Atty. Cosain Abbas, head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province, said the activity aims to plant 10,000 trees across the province as part of their contribution to fight global warming and in preserving the environment. 

He said the DENR in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through its provincial office, has collaborated with multi-sectoral groups to include the provincial government, Department of Interior and Local Government , 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Mindanao State University, Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council, civil society, and members of the media to join in the tree growing activity.

He further said the tree planting will be held in various locations such as in river banks along Tulali Creek and Agus River in Caniogan, this city; along national highways, provincial and municipal roads except those with power lines; inside the MSU campus and other school campuses, and in contract reforestation sites of National Power Corporation in the western portion of the province, among others. 

The World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. 

It is commemorated every June 5 of the year and aims to give a human face to environmental issues. 

This year, the celebration is centered on the theme “Green Economy: Does it include you?” 

0

Local execs in ARMM back meaningful autonomy for Bangsamoro

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 2 (PIA) -- Local chief executives of the five provinces of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed their support to the meaningful autonomy that is being pursued by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as they move forward with the substantive issues on the negotiating table. 

Governors Mamintal Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, Jum Akbar of Basilan, Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, and Sadikul Sahali of Tawi-Tawi joined the 28th GPH-MILF formal exploratory talks in Malaysia to observe the negotiation process between the two parties 

According to a press release by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), the local officials are mindful that the GPH and the MILF have embarked on the substantive agenda, such as wealth and power sharing between the national government and the envisioned new autonomous political entity (NPE) that will replace the ARMM, following the signing of the Decision Points on Principles during their last round of negotiations in April. 

“Our position is one. We want meaningful autonomy under the Constitution,” said Tan. 

The government's peace negotiations with the MILF are guided by the President's directive to work within the flexibilities of the Constitution; learn from the lessons and experiences of the past administrations; deliver viable political, economic, and social commitments in a peace agreement; and the principles of transparency and inclusivity. 

In this view, Tan further underscored the need for a plebiscite. “We aim to uphold democracy. Even in ARMM they say democratize governance,” he added. 

Meanwhile, GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen emphasized during public consultations that the peace negotiations are conducted within the framework of the Constitution and the principle of “consent of the governed.” 

He explained that results of the peace talks will go through a political process (in the different branches of government and in the national and local governments). 

Parallel to this, the five governors said they recognize the primacy of the peace process and the need to “accompany its political process.” 

Tan shared that all the five provincial governors of the current autonomous region in the south are “optimistic of the efforts of both the GPH and MILF to achieve just and lasting peace.” 

0