DAF, DepEd partner with UN-WFP to improve food security in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 21 (PIA) --- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will work jointly with the United Nations–World Food Program (UN-WFP) to improve food security in the region.  

The three agencies signed on Tuesday, November 19, an agreement that establishes their collaboration in the strengthening of the “Gulayan sa Paaralan,” a project that brings together the school and the community in putting up a vegetable garden within the school compound.

Macmod Mending, DAF-ARMM secretary, said the project aims to improve food security and the health of school children in the region and also lessen incidents of malnutrition.

DepEd-ARMM will help identify an area of at least 1,000 square meters in every participating school where the “gulayan” or garden can be put up and encourage 20 farmer-parents and pupils to engage in the project.

The UN-WFP will support the project through the provision of food support, monitoring the progress of the engagements and facilitating meetings of stakeholders, according to the agreement.

Meanwhile, DAF-ARMM will provide agricultural inputs and organize a Project Management Team (PMT) at the provincial levels to ensure proper coordination among stakeholders.

The agency vowed to ensure the sustainability of the program and conduct a harvest festival as an indicator of its progress.

Mujiv S. Hataman, regional governor of ARMM, lauded the efforts and partnership of the three agencies.

He said it is also important to recognize the school beneficiaries who will successfully attain their target for the harvest festival. (Arman C.Trabucon/OJT-Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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OSYs in Lanao del Sur to benefit from TESDA, BEAM and Synergia partnership

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) --- An additional 1,000 out-of-school youth (OSY) will benefit from a new skills training project that will start next month.

The OSY training project aims to provide an avenue for OSYs to become productive members of the community, said TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi during the “Ozor ka, Ranao!” program aired Monday, November 18, over DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi.

Mapandi said the training project is a joint undertaking of the Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Synergia Foundation.

It will be implemented in Marawi City and seven Synergia-partnered municipalities like Ganassi, Kapatagan, Saguiaran, Mulondo, Taraka, Balindong, and Calanogas, she said.

But Mapandi added that she has also requested for slots or inclusion of OSYs in far-flung areas of the province.

She said the six-month training which they hope to finish in May 2014 is geared towards wage and self employment.

“Ozor ka, Ranao!” is a one-hour radio program of Philippine Information Agency and Philippine Broadcasting Service aims to provide people with information and updates on various efforts 

to bring development and prosperity in the province.

It is aired live over DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi, 8am to 9am, every first and third Monday of the month. (APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM Vice Governor leads tree planting activity in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid A. Lucman, Jr led a tree planting activity in Mindanao State University (MSU) Main campus, Saturday, November 16.

Around 300 seedlings consisting of tanglin, igyo, white lawaan, upang, and mab’lo (fruit berry) were planted by Lucman and representatives from Lanao del Sur Police Office, 103rd Infantry Brigade, students, and youth groups in the one-hectare Demo Farm of MSU College of Forestry and Environmental Science.

Melvin U. Disomimba, faculty of the MSU College of Forestry and Environmental Science, expressed appreciation to the regional vice governor for choosing the demo farm as the area of the tree planting activity.

“Only few were able to conduct this kind of activity here but with the initiative of the regional vice governor, we realized now that we have partners in the advocacy of promoting and protecting the environment,” he said.

The tree planting activity was part of the ECOWATCH program of the vice governor launched recently here to promote awareness on the protection of Lake Lanao and the environment. (Mohammad Nassif M. Elias/APB/PIA-10)

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ECOWATCH launched in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) – A program on environmental protection was launched here Thursday, November 14.

The launching of the program dubbed “ECOWATCH” was spearheaded by the Office of the Regional Vice Governor in partnership with Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) and the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (BYA).

ARMM Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid A. Lucman said the program aims to promote awareness on the protection of Lake Lanao and the environment.

He said it is also an avenue for the government to provide support to the youth for a wider advocacy on environmental protection.

“Alam namin ang ganitong advocacy ay mahirap isulong kapag walang supporta ang mga kabataan so the challenge entirely defends on you whether you will response positively on this challenge”, Lucman said to the different youth groups who participated in the launching held in Marawi Resort Hotel, Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus.

Regional Environment Secretary Kahal Q. Kedtag said the DENR-ARMM, since the very beginning, pledge to support the reform agenda of the regional governor Mujiv Hataman which includes environment protection.

He also said that they are working hand in hand with other line agencies of the government to ensure that their programs and projects are environmentally friendly and sound.

“Our mandate of ensuring sustainable development of the region and the promotion of environment sustainability and protection remains to be at the fore front of our programs and projects”, reiterated Kedtag.

He said he is happy that the Office of the ARMM Regional Vice Governor of took the step in bridging the youth to the environment and instilling in the mindset of youth that they have also the responsibility towards the environment.

During the launching, lectures on climate change and tree planting, as well as, the state of Lake Lanao and related issues and concerns were presented by name DENR Provincial Director Cosain Abbas and PENRO Pipalawan Naga, respectively.

Dr. Asnawil Ronsing, professor and director of Shariah Center of MSU-Main Campus, also tackled the Islamic perspective in preserving the environment.

The ECOWATCH launching was attended by 190 advocates of environmental protection comprising of students, youth leaders, and civil society organizations in the province. (Mohammad Nassif M. Elias/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM’s 24th anniversary packed with cultural events

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 16 (PIA) --- The month-long anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which started early this month is set to launch activities that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the region.

The anniversary dubbed as ‘Pakaradjaan’, a Moro generic term which means festivities kicked off last November 7, tied with the celebration of the Sheikh Makhdum day, an Arab missionary who was responsible for the propagation of the Islamic faith in the country more than 600 years ago.

Ardan Sali, executive director of the ARMM’s Bureau on Cultural Heritage said cultural events were lined up for the entire month.

“Some of these are tutorial workshops on Kulintang, Kuntao, Pangalay and Sagayan dances,” said Sali.

He said that the upshot of the month-long celebration is to indulge the people of ARMM to increase the value of their appreciation as well as showcase the tribal culture, norms and traditions from the five major provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. (Kistine P. Abatayo, Arman C. Trabucon, Lady Jean L. Kabagani / OJT – Bureau of Public Information/PIA)

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ARMM Gov. Hataman receives outstanding governorship award

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 14 (PIA) --- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman is one of this year’s awardees for Outstanding Governorship given by an international organization, Wednesday, November 13, in Metro Manila.

Hataman received the coveted Outstanding Governorship Award from the Superbrands Marketing Incorporated (SMI), an organization founded in 1994 in United Kingdom with 90 member countries.

Hataman is the sole Moro governor among the six awardees that include Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.

“I would like to thank those who make up the Superbrands Marketing Incorporated or SMI for giving recognition to the Outstanding Governors for 2013,” Hataman said on his speech during the awarding ceremony.

He said he is elated to be among those chosen to receive the award this year.

“If I am not mistaken, I am the first Muslim or Moro leader, as far as I know, to receive this award. I would take this as a great honor not only for myself but for the entire Bangsamoro,” he said.

The award, according to SMI, serves as testimony of Filipinos’ commitment to excellence.

Hataman is known for initiating reforms in the graft-ridden 24-year old regional bureaucracy and was touted by President Benigno Aquino III as ‘ghostbuster’ for his efforts in combating ghost teachers and schools that led to hundreds of millions of savings in the region’s education department.

“The key to our service is our loyalty to our duty, determination to right the wrong, decision to reform a rotten system and a firm belief in the capability of our people. In a short period, we have shown that change can happen in ARMM,” Hataman said.

The regional chief executive also reiterated his all-out support to the ongoing peace negotiations in the south.

“As of now, we are preparing ARMM for the coming of a final peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and our government. We look forward to a peaceful and better tomorrow with the coming of the Bangsamoro,” he said.

                                                 

Hataman, who earlier announced that his government will send a humanitarian team to Visayas, sent his message of solidarity to all those affected by the super storm Yolanda.

“In closing, I would like to express our solidarity with all the provinces devastated by typhoon Yolanda. We in ARMM send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in the typhoon. Let us show at times like this our unity as a nation, who cares and supports each other whether there is a calamity or not,” he said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Float parade kicks-off ARMM’s 24th anniversary celebration

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 14 (PIA) --- The month-long celebration of the 24th anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) kicked off on November 7 with officials and employees parading the region’s rich and diverse culture in their traditional tribal attires with five floats adorned to represent each of the component provinces of the region.

The month-long celebration dubbed as “Pakaradjaan sa ARMM” (“Festivity in ARMM”) bannered the theme, “Pagkakaisa sa Kasayahan, Para sa Pagbabago sa Bangsamoro.”

Hataman said the celebration will not be limited in the region’s seat in Cotabato City.

“We’ll let all the people of the region experience and feel the spirit of the festivity by bringing the activities to the provincial level,” he said.

The regional government has earlier enjoined all offices and line agencies to organize activities that highlight the anniversary.

The opening ceremony of the “Pakaradjaan sa ARMM” also marked the 633rd anniversary celebration of the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, the Arab missionary who first brought Islam to the country.

The Islamic faith is central to the Bangsamoro identity and has helped define their culture and history.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the kick-off celebration was also in honor of Sheikh Makhdum.

Meanwhile, Jose Lorena, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) undersecretary, lauded Hataman for enabling ARMM to take on its role in the ongoing peace process and the eventual transition to the Bangsamoro political entity.

“Today signifies the celebration of faith and enlightenment with the coming of Sheikh Makdhum, a celebration of unity, marking the 24th founding anniversary of ARMM,” Lorena said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur joins relief drive for Yolanda’s victims

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, November 13 (PIA) --- Various government and non-government groups here are appealing for donations for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Visayas.

The relief collection drive, spearheaded by the Kasalimbago Movement together with the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Eagles, Karancho, Marawi Civicom, DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi, and Philippine Information Agency-Lanao del Sur, among others aims to reach out to fellow Filipinos displaced by the super typhoon.

Drop-off points for donations, whether in cash on in kind, include the Peace Plaza of the Mindanao State University main campus, town square, and Manican Hall.

Prof. Salipada Tamano, chairperson of the KASALIMBAGO Movement, said the group can also be contacted at hotlines 09155206377 or 0999975882.

In his appeal, Tamano called on Filipinos to come together as Muslims and Christians who are unified by the universal values of oneness with the pain of another.

“We are a nation that has shown that with every trial, we can rise above the challenges. Our faith has tested us to resolve natural and man-made disasters with our human spirit and collective will to survive,” he said.

Tamano said the KASALIMBAGO will send a relief operation after the collection drive.

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ARMM to extend aid to typhoon victims in Visayas

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 12 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is sending a humanitarian team to help victims of super storm Yolanda in Visayas, an official of the region said on Monday.

“We are sending a team there and we’re sending it within the week,” said ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia.

She said the ARMM government will bring food and non-food relief items to affected areas in Visayas. 

According to her, this is a pooled effort of all the line agencies of ARMM.

Meanwhile, Alamia said the regional government is also prepared for any calamities that may hit the region. 

“We are always prepared, this is why we’ve set up the ARMM HEART,” she said.

HEART stands for Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team, a key program of the regional government that focuses on disaster response.

ARMM was able to register zero-casualty when typhoon Pablo hit the region last year.

For his part, ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman has sent his message of solidarity to the victims of the typhoon.

“We are in solidarity with them and we in ARMM are praying and hoping that everyone will carry with them the torch of resiliency as we face the challenges that may come our way in the coming days,” Hataman said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/)

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PIA, PBS launch “Osor ka, Ranao!” radio program

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 5 (PIA) --- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in partnership with Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) Radyo ng Bayan launched a one-hour radio program in the province Monday, November 4.

The program dubbed “Osor ka, Ranao!” aims to provide the people in the province with information on the efforts of the government to bring development and prosperity in the area.

“Osor ka, Ranao!” is a Maranao phrase which means to strive for development and prosperity in the province, a concept that PIA and PBS want to highlight throughout the duration of the program.

The radio program will be heard from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. every first and third Monday of the month over DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi.

In his message during the launching, PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena said the radio program is open to support and help the provincial and city government as well as government agencies in the province in promoting their various programs and projects for the development of the entire province.

He also cited that the title of the radio program is fitting because it is what the President has always wanted and is doing not only in the Lanao province but also for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the entire country.

For his part, PBS Director Tito Cruz reiterated that the radio program will not cater to the idea of bad news.

He said “Osor ka, Ranao!” will air development programs and projects being implemented by the government so that the people in the province will know that there are also good things happening in the country and in the communities.

“Osor ka, Ranao!” is an off-shoot of the “Lambo Dyes!” radio program of PIA and PBS Radyo ng Bayan in Cagayan de Oro City. “Lambo” is a Cebuano term which also means development.

Cruz hopes that similar radio programs of PIA and PBS will also be aired in other parts of the country.

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