NYC assesses youth needs in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 27 (PIA) --- The National Youth Commission (NYC) conducted a meeting with the Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC) to get updates on the youth development initiatives being pursued by the provincial government.

The consultation meeting was held Wednesday, February 25, at the Provincial Capitol Compound, this city.

 “We know the youth of Lanao del Sur have their own certain needs and how to respond to these needs is what we need to come up to today,” NYC Mindanao Commissioner Earl Pioquinto Saavedra told PYDC members and youth representatives while encouraging them to share and let their concerns be heard.

Provincial Chief of Staff Shiela D. Ganda assured NYC that the drug dependence issue in the province is minimal due to the influence of Islam among the youths.

“The number of youths who are drug dependents is not zero but at least very low. We are very glad too that we don’t have clubs or mobs here, however breed of extremists are now prevalent in the province,” Ganda said.

She said this can be associated to the inferiority of the youth citing the recent Mamasapano incident which resulted to negative reactions from people who do not know how it is like to live in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nassif Elias of the MY Lanao group presented some of the highlights of previous youth consultative meetings in the province. He said the need for Provincial Youth Research and Training Center and youth empowerment programs were among the concerns raised during the previous consultations.

Commissioner Saavedra assured them that the concerns will be addressed properly. He said the concerns will be relayed to the central office to see the most feasible ones. They will be reviewed first to check if they need policy actions and interventions.

Other matters that were discussed during the meeting include the crafting of the Provincial Youth Development Plan, Youth Organization Participation, and revisiting of the Executive Order No. 021.

To cap the program, participants of the consultative meeting released yellow and white balloons to commemorate the EDSA revolution and sympathize with those affected by the recent Mamasapano clash. (Johaniah N Yusoph/PIA-10)

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ARMM introduces green super rice to farmers in the region

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) introduced the Green Super Rice (GSR) to farmers in the region for commercial production following a successful harvest at a 2-hectare demonstration farm in Maguindanao.

ARMM Agriculture Secretary Macmod Mending Jr. said they are pushing for the commercialization of this variety for increased productivity and better income for local farmers.

The GSR has been developed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to be climate resilient and resistant to rice diseases such as sheath blight, bacterial leaf streak viruses and false smut.

The GSR variety can lead to more stable yield with lesser fertilizer and pesticide inputs.

ARMM currently ranks 18th in terms of rice production in the country with a 3.1 metric tons per hectare yield.

Mending said they expect to increase this to 7.7 metric tons per hectare with the introduction of the GSR.

The region’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has distributed GSR seeds to 500 farmers during the rice farmers’ field day and harvest festival held in Sultan Mastura town, Maguindanao last week.

The GSR is part of DAF-ARMM’s P3-million technology-driven programs that include the Rice Crop Manager (RCM), Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) and the Next Generation (Next Gen). The programs are designed to help increase the productivity of rice farmers in the region with the use of modern technology in farming.

The RCM is an internet-based application that provides recommendations on nutrients, pest, weeds, water management based on the variety of input and site-specific conditions. PRISM is a system provides data and maps out rice growing areas affected by natural calamities and pest outbreaks.

The NextGen project involves the introduction and adoption of high-yielding rice varieties and hybrids, such as the GSR, with tolerance to biotic and abiotic strain in rice production.

DAF-ARMM also provided a P1.6 million-worth combined harvester to the farmers in Sultan Mastura. The machine can simultaneously reap, harvest and thresh rice.

“ARMM aims to address the challenges on farming by taking advantage of new technologies that increases farm productivity, and making them available even to the poor farmers in the region,” said Mending. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521424661955/armm-introduces-green-super-rice-to-farmers-in-the-region#sthash.WbgWC7WA.dpuf

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ARMM people’s day offers free services to the public

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will provide free services to the public every third Saturday of the month beginning this February as part of the People’s Day initiative of Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman.

          

The program was officially launched on February 21 at the ARMM compound in Cotabato City with the participation of different line agencies.

Hataman said it is part of their commitment to pursue a revitalized and reformed ARMM and help raise awareness on the services and different programs of the regional government.

“Dapat umabot sa grassroots ang ating serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan (The services we provide should reach the grassroots),” he added.

The free services included legal services and medical services like diabetes and hypertension screening, urinalysis and pneumococcal vaccination.

A supplemental feeding and psychosocial briefing to a group of children affected by recent conflicts in Maguindanao were also held.

ARMM also hosted a jobs fair for domestic and international job opportunities, a session on mine risk education (MRE) and recreational activities like sports, film showing, puppet show and storytelling.

Similar activity will likewise be held in each of the region’s five provinces in the coming months.

The agencies that participated in the People’s Day were Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Regional Sports Coordinating Office (RSCO), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM HEART) and the Regional Library. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521424609768/armm-people-s-day-offers-free-services-to-the-public#sthash.Gn0iAl0l.dpuf

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Health office in Lanao del Sur explains importance of oral health

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Poor oral health can affect a person’s physical, mental and social well-being thus it is important to take proper care of one’s teeth.

This was the message of Dr. Artawan P. Indar, supervising dentist of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), during the Ozor ka, Ranao! radio program of the Philippine Information Agency and DxSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi Monday, February 16.

Dr. Indar said routine dental cleansing and exams are the best ways to ensure and maintain oral health.

“We should brush our teeth every after eating or thrice a day especially during night time,” she said.

According to her, the foods that are consumed during the day may stick to the surfaces of the teeth and may create bacteria build-up or plaque.

“Dental examinations should also be conducted twice a year to determine if a person has dental problems,” she added.

Meanwhile, the IPHO and Philippine Dental Association–Lanao Chapter with the support of local government units is providing dental package services to various areas in the province.

Our dental package services include dental check-up, tooth extraction, provision of free toothbrushes and toothpastes, and oral health education, Dr. Indar said.

She said they are also conducting tooth brushing drill to teach children the proper technique of brushing teeth.

These services, among others, are being provided by IPHO during its community outreach program in line with the Oral Health Month celebration this February.

Dr. Indar said the areas identified for their community outreach program this month are Marawi City and the municipalities of Saguiaran, Masiu, Taraka, Buadipuso Buntong, and Balindong. (APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521424147169/health-office-in-lanao-del-sur-explains-importance-of-oral-health#sthash.yxpAdksR.dpuf

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ARMM investment up despite Mamasapano clash

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The recent incident in Mamasapano in Maguindanao failed to weaken the enthusiasm of investors over prospects of pouring money in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

According to the ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), two projects with a combined value of P863.05 million have been cleared of technical and procedural hurdles and are now up for final approval after the go signal from the board's management committee (Mancom). 

The endorsement by Mancom means the projects will now go through deliberations and possible approval by the Board of Governors of the RBOI who will meet before the end of the month.

The two projects are the P741.8 million nickel-ore mining project of Chan C Mining, Inc. in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi, and the P121.25 million petroleum depot project of Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation, also in Panglima Sugala.

The mining project is expected to produce 1,000,000 MT of nickel per year, while the depot project has a 7.6 million liters capacity.

Despite the Mamasapano incident, RBOI is currently processing investment projects in Maguindanao, particularly on renewable energy and oil palm and banana plantation.

RBOI is also assessing the multi-billion peso logistics center proposed at the Port of Polloc in Parang, Maguindanao. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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YapaKapayapaan draws hundreds of peace advocates in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 9 (PIA) --- Hundreds of peace advocates here gathered and marched barefoot from KM. 0.00 to the People’s Park compound to call for truth, justice and solidarity.

The barefoot walk for peace dubbed YapaKapayapaan was organized by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government together with civil society groups.

It was held simultaneously in the regional government compound in Cotabato City and in the five component provinces of ARMM on Friday, February 6.

"This is a solidarity walk to sympathize with the civilians who were affected by the Mamasapano incident," said Asec Ding Cali, YapaKapayapaan focal person for Lanao del Sur.

He said the barefoot walk was anchored on the theme "Ituloy ang lakad. Don't give up on peace” to condemn the needless loss of lives and displacement of families due to armed conflicts.

Wearing black t-shirts, the peace advocates also called for support to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the on-going peace process.

"Ang lakad na ito ay nagsisilbing mensahe na tayo ay patuloy parin sa pagsulong sa usaping pangkapayapaan masakit man ang pagtahak sa daan nito," said Alibasher Pocaan Camar, one of the peace advocates who joined the walk. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/PIA-10)

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Advocates to walk barefoot for peace

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Hundreds of peace advocates including government workers in the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in this city will walk barefoot this Friday to amplify the call for peace and denounce violence.

   

The activity dubbed as YapaKapayapaan or “barefoot walk for peace” is organized by the ARMM government with the support of civil society groups, religious organizations and the indigenous community.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the activity, which carries the theme “Ituloy ang lakad, don’t give up on peace,” aims to magnify the call an end to the needless loss of lives and displacement of thousands of families in Mindanao due to armed conflicts.

He said it is also the region’s way of denouncing a military solution to the January 25 incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that led to the death of 44 police officers, 18 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 5 civilians.

Hataman said the incident must not lead to the derailment of the peace process.

YapaKapayapaan will be held at the ARMM government compound in Cotabato City, designated locations in the region’s five component provinces and two cities, and at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Friday afternoon.

Peace advocates from civil society organizations, religious groups including Muslim Ulamas, indigenous community, and the academe are expected to join in the solidarity walk for peace.

In a flag ceremony at ARMM’s seat in Cotabato City on Monday, Hataman said the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF presents the most durable solution to the conflict in Mindanao as he offered his condolences to the families of all those killed in the Mamasapano encounter.

 

He said that war is not the solution and the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) “is for the interest of peace” and Filipinos must support it.

However, he added that peace must be based on justice, and there can be no justice without the truth. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur joins Oral Health month celebration

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- “Taking care of our oral health is like taking care of our whole body system.”

This was the message of Dr. Alinader Minalang, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) during opening of the 11th National Dental Month celebration held at the Saguiaran town covered court, Tuesday, February 3.

Minalang said oral health is very important especially among children.

“Because of its being systemic, there are other ailments that can be developed once oral diseases are not treated early,” he explained.

He thus encouraged the pupils of Saguiaran Central Elementary School to take care of their teeth and gums.

Minalang also urged the public to visit any Rural Health Unit (RHU) near them and make dental consultation.

The opening of the month-long observation was highlighted by provision of free tooth extraction services and medicines to 50 schoolchildren by the IPHO and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Lanao Chapter.

Aside from that, PDA Lanao Chapter President Dr. Nasrifa Tago and Dr. Apasra Macala, Saguiaran RHU Dentist, explained and illustrated to the children the proper way of brushing teeth.

Toothbrushes and toothpastes were also given away to the attendees of the opening program

February of every year was declared as National Dental Health Month pursuant to Proclamation No. 559 to strengthen public awareness on the importance of oral health care. This year’s theme is “Nakangiti Ang Kinabukasan, Kapag Ngipin ay Pinangangalagaan.”  (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)

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Hataman calls for peace based on truth, justice of Mamasapano encounter

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 2 (PIA) --- Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) drew attention today to civilian casualties of the Mamasapano incident as he joined other officials and employees of the region in calling for peace that is based on truth and justice.

Hataman said the public seems to forget that aside from the 44 police Special Action Force (SAF) and nine Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants killed, the encounter has also taken a toll on residents in the area with four of them dead, six injured and thousands displaced.

In a flag raising ceremony today, the ARMM governor led hundreds of employees and officials, who all wore black shirts, in a brief solidarity program marked by the releasing of white and blue balloons to urge that is no peace without justice and no justice without truth.

Hataman said that war is not the solution to achieve peace in Mindanao. “Ang aking panawagan ay katarungan para sa lahat lalung-lalo na sa mga inosenteng mamamayan na walang kamuwang-muwang sa insidenteng ito. Kailanman hindi solusyon ang giyera.”

He had earlier called for calm and sobriety as authorities investigate the unfortunate and violent incident.

Four civilians, including a five-year old girl, were killed in the encounter while six others were injured.

More than 6,000 residents in six barangays in the municipality have also been forced to flee their homes, and classes in 13 schools have to be suspended, affecting more than 6,000 students.

In a press conference, ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said P10,000 financial assistance were given to each of the six residents who were injured in the clash and P25,000 to each of the families of the four who died.

ARMM also provided a total of 932 relief goods to the displaced families.

Mamasapano Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan expressed his gratitude to the working government of the ARMM for the support. “Nagpapasalamat kami dahil kahit papaano ay nalunasan ang paghihirap ng mga tao especially yung mga affected na residente.”

Ramil Masukat, director of the region’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said that immediately after the incident, the agency assisted in the retrieval of the cadavers and is now focusing on distributing food and non-food items to the evacuees. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521422856450/hataman-calls-for-peace-based-on-truth-justice-of-mamasapano-encounter#sthash.N3IsaDI3.dpuf

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Lanao del Sur vies for world record by forming largest human power symbol

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, February 2 (PIA) -- Some 716 women here attempted to set a new world record by forming the largest human power symbol Sunday, February 1.

The women wearing yellow hijab (veil) and landap (traditional malong) challenged Canada’s world record which consisted of only 364 participants.

The activity was organized by the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RCBW-ARMM) to highlight the 2015 World Hijab Day celebration in the region.

Anchored on the theme “Hijab WALK: Women’s Access to Livelihood ay Karapatan,” the celebration was aimed to emphasize women’s important role in nation building. It was intended to promote women’s right to decent livelihood.

RCBW-ARMM Chairperson Jehanne Mutin said it is a call to all the women, that they have rights to access livelihood programs of various government agencies.

The activity started with a solidarity walk from the People’s Park to the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium where the human power symbol was formed.

It was participated by different line agencies and non-government organizations in the province and in the ARMM including the business, religious, traditional leaders, youth, and academe sectors.

Mutin said the human power symbol represents women empowerment. “Ito ay isang simbolo na ang mga kababaihan ay empowered (it is a symbol that women are empowered),” she added.

According to her, the activity is the official entry of RCBW-ARMM to the Guinness World Book of Records (GWBR).

“We want the world to know that women in Mindanao, particularly in ARMM, are capable of doing everything that they want to do,” she said.

The world-record attempt was witnessed by Judge Aboali Cali of the Ulama League of the Philippines and GWBR consultant Arnold Garbanzos.

Garbanzos said the records and video will be sent to London for validation by the GWBR.

The World Hijab Day is a worldwide event that encourages Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear hijab and experience what it is like to be a Hijabi woman as part of a bid to foster better understanding. (APB/PIA-10)

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