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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Provincial Health Office holds conference on family planning

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov 5 (PIA) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) conducted a two-day command conference on family planning last week to address the unmet needs for family planning in the province. 

The conference was attended by chief of hospitals, municipal health officers, and other health workers from the different towns of the province. 

It was also graced by other stakeholders from both the public and private sectors like representatives from the provincial government, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Al-Mujadila Foundation, and members of the media, among others. 

The conference focused on discussions regarding issues on family planning and reproductive health, as well as, the approaches and directions of the family planning program in the province, IPHO Chief Alinader Minalang said. 

The Islamic perspective on reproductive health, updates on the implementation of the Reproductive Health Code, generation of demands through family development sessions and the role of community health teams in the delivery of family planning services were also tackled. 

The conference also featured a lecture on cervical cancer prevention and recognition of individuals who gave support to IPHO and to the rural health units and hospitals who showed exemplary performances in the delivery of family planning and reproductive health services. 

The highlight of the conference was the signing of commitment by the participants to improve not only the provision of family planning services and the availability of commodities, especially to the poor, but also the overall health status of our constituents, Minalang said. 

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