ARMM grants scholarship to top 10 graduates in Maguindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 31 (PIA) ---- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has awarded full college scholarships to the top 10 graduates of the Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School in barangay Tukanalipao, Mamamasapano town, Maguindanao on Monday, March 30.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the scholarship grant is part of their efforts to invest in the education of deserving youths in the region, especially those in conflict-affected communities.

He said the graduates from Tukanalipao are the first group of recipients of ARMM’s Academic Investment for Muslim Mindanao (AIMM) scholarship program, which entitles grantees full four-year scholarship in the college or university of their choice.

Aside from the tuition and miscellaneous fees covered by AIMM, scholars are also entitled to receive transportation allowance.

Hataman personally handed the scholarship grants during Monday’s graduation ceremony, where he delivered an inspiration speech.     

He emphasized the importance of education in attaining peace and urged the 49 graduates to pursue their dreams no matter the odds.

Class valedictorian, Norombai Utto, 17, said she wishes that every day is a graduation day because there is no military operation.

In her valedictory address, she said: “Itigil po ninyo ang gyera. Sa halip na kaguluhan ang inyong suportahan, sana po sa edukasyon po kayo mamuhunan, at nang kaalaman at hindi takot ang maging pundasyon ng kapayapaan ng ating bayan.”

In addition to the scholarship grant, ARMM also provided P600,000 worth of books to the Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School and would be putting up a P3.5 million, three-classroom building as part of the school’s rehabilitation. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521427719073/armm-grants-scholarship-to-top-10-graduates-in-maguindanao#sthash.f4CngtLV.dpuf

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NGCP seeks media’s help to stir awareness on impact of ROW violations

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 27 (PIA) --- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) asked the help of media practitioners in the two Lanao provinces in raising awareness on the impact of right-of-way (ROW) violations to the integrity of the grid in Mindanao.

The intentional planting of trees under and along power lines has an adverse effect on the power system in Mindanao, said Emmanuel Abellanosa, head of NGCP Mindanao Operations & Maintenance (MOM) Regional Office during the media orientation on ROW violations in Lanao, Thursday, March 26.

Vegetation can cause power interruption of the lines which can lead to brownouts or blackouts. Industrial customers also suffer production losses due to power outages and voltage dips.

At present, there are already three power lines out of operation due to the vegetation problems. The Baloi-Agus 6 69kV Line was no longer functioning since January 2015 while the Baloi-Agus 2 138kV Line 1 and 2 was out of operation since August and October last year, respectively.

According to NGCP, Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydroelectric (HE) plants are in danger of being isolated from the grid because the only link that they have to the grid is thru the Agus 2-Kibawe 138 kV lines. When these lines trip, Agus 1 and Agus 2 HE plants will be isolated and cannot generate power, thus, more shortage of power.

We have already asked the help of various stakeholders, from the local government units, military, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but were unsuccessful. They said it was so hard to convince landowners to settle down with our estimates, Abellanosa added.

NGCP has been dealing with the ROW problems since it took over the operations of the country’s electric business.

There were only few ROW problems during the TRANSCO time. But when it was about to be privatized, it was discovered that some landowners started planting trees under transmission lines and refused to be negotiated. When NGCP took over in 2009, ROW problems began to crop, said Mr. Avelino Dawis, head of NGCP District 2 Operations and Maintenance.

He said the landowners are demanding too much before NGCP can cut down their trees that are posing dangers to the power lines.

NGCP has already filed eight expropriation cases.

Dawis said they are also readying to file another 12 cases in the next few days.

But such legal action, he said, entails a long process and the worsening of the ROW problems might affect the stability of the Mindanao grid. (APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521427382994/ngcp-seeks-media-s-help-to-stir-awareness-on-impact-of-row-violations#sthash.Q1Ik2gkV.dpuf

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Lanao media practitioners tapped on line safety info drive

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 27 (PIA) --- The country’s power grid operator has enlisted the help of Lanao media to disseminate information on transmission line safety. 

Safety violations are detrimental to transmission operations and public safety, said Beth Ladaga, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Mindanao Regional Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer, during the Media Orientation on ROW Violations in Lanao and Facility Tour in Iligan Area Control Center, yesterday, March 26.

Ladaga said safety practices will prevent power interruptions and ensure safety of residents.

She emphasized that planting of trees and building of houses or any structure under or near transmission lines are prohibited to prevent accidents and power trippings.

The public are also discouraged to park vehicle near or under transmission lines, climb transmission structures, fly kites near transmission lines, put-up antennas and build grass fires near or under power lines.

Carrying long sticks or any object that might reach or come in contact with the power transmission lines is also considered as unsafe practices.

We should advocate observance of line safety at all times to prevent accidents, damage to life and properties, and power outages, Ladaga added.

The transmission line safety campaign of NGCP aims to raise public awareness on maintaining reliable, secure and safe transmission system in the country and in ensuring public safety in the communities. (APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521427387108/lanao-media-practitioners-tapped-on-line-safety-info-drive#sthash.0UsU9ToZ.dpuf

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ARMM implements P77M worth of infra projects in Mamasapano

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 27 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will put up various infrastructure projects totaling P77.336 million, in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao to help rehabilitate and address the development needs of conflict-affected communities in the area.

The projects include school buildings, water and sanitation facilities, a bridge, access road and a mosque.

“Gagawin naming oportunidad ang nangyari (noong January 25) sa Mamasapano upang mas gumanda ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin dito,” said ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Hataman is optimistic that the projects will help usher in peace and development in the area.

The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will construct a total of nine school buildings costing P44.397 million in different schools in the municipality.

Funds for the six school buildings will come from the Department of Education-ARMM and the remaining three will be funded from DPWH-ARMM’s savings, amounting to P3.5 million.

DPWH-ARMM will also build eight water and sanitation facilities costing P5.439 million, and P9 million worth of water supply systems in different identified barangays.

Emil Sadain, DPWH-ARMM secretary, said the projects will help address the development needs of communities that have been affected by the 25 January Mamasapano incident and the ensuing military offensive.

In addition to the school buildings and water facilities, Sadain said ARMM will construct an 880m access road from Tukanalipao proper to Sittio Ameril, amounting to P7.5 million, and a 120m, P10 million steel footbridge.

Moreover, ARMM will fund the construction of a mosque amounting to P1 million in Barangay Tukanalipao, which will be undertaken by the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Hataman together with Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, PA-6ID commanding general, Mamasapano Mayor Tahirodin Benzar A. Ampatuan, Sadain, and Director Ramil Masukat, ARMM’s Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Officer, led on Wednesday, March 24, the ground breaking rites of the school building, water and sanitation, and mosque projects.

Hataman said the involvement the army in the implementation of the infrastructure projects in Mamasapano shows that the military is supportive of the Mindanao peace process.

ARMM also provided livelihood assistance to the ten civilian families affected in the 25 January Mamasapano incident during the groundbreaking. The assistance included four mechanized hand tractors and six passenger tricycles. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur donates P2.5M worth of relief goods to Maguindanao evacuees

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 24 (PIA) --- Civic groups here have turned-over around P2.5 million worth of relief goods to the Tabang Sibilyan donation center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to help evacuees in Maguindanao.

                    

The relief goods which included 272 sacks of rice, canned goods, noodles, and other food and non-food items were transported Monday, March 23, in Cotabato City on thirteen forward trucks.

ARMM has launched the Tabang Sibilyan relief and peace advocacy campaign early this month in response to the escalating conflict in Maguindanao, which has already displaced 25,067 families.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has also ordered the drafting of a humanitarian and development action plan to address the rehabilitation and other post-conflict needs of affected communities.  

The region spends more than P1 million daily on food assistance alone for the thousands of families staying in at least 75 evacuation centers in the province.

Haroun Alrashid Lucman, ARMM vice-governor and concurrent Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary, lauded the people of Lanao del Sur for responding to the call for aid of displaced families in Maguindanao.

The donations from Lanao del Sur were collected by the Saksi Islamic Radio Forum and Foundation (SIRFF), the Lanao Confederation for Peace and Grand Mufti Alim Murad Amanodin.

The group launched a provincial counterpart of ARMM’s donation drive Tabang Sibilyan and urged political leaders to take actions and restore peace in Maguindanao.

“We sympathize with our Muslim brothers affected by the military’s all-out offensive in Maguindanao, which has resulted to massive displacement among civilians,” said Musa Sultan of the SIRFF. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM LGUs to be evaluated for competitiveness

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 24 (PIA) --- The National Competitiveness Council will include selected Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in its annual Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) survey this year, a regional official announced Monday.

The CMCI ranks Philippine cities and municipalities based on 28 indicators that are grouped into three equally-weighed pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency and Infrastructure. The combined score on each pillar indicates their rank.

The index was developed by the NCC in 2012.

                                         

Abubacar Datumanong, DTI-ARMM assistant secretary, said it is the first time for the NCC to include ARMM LGUs in its survey.

He said the region’s two component cities – Marawi and Lamitan – and 43 municipalities will undergo the survey.

He further said the survey and series of orientations for the selected LGUs will start anytime in April.

“Titingnan ng isang business investor kung how ready ang isang particular area or particular LGU concerning business and infrastructure, at ang kanilang CMCI ranking ang magiging picture nila once na papasok sila sa isang locality to put up investment,” he added.

ARMM has already organized a Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC), chaired by the region’s DTI office, to spearhead the CMCI survey.

An academic institution selected through bidding will undertake the actual survey.

In line with this, Datumanong encouraged LGU officials to support the project which will be completed before May 15.

“We need their full cooperation, and we request them to provide accurate data for the survey,” he said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

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ARMM introduces new app to increase rice production

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 23 (PIA) --- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has introduced a new application that will help increase the yield of rice farmers in the region.

                                 

The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) app provides information that helps farmers administer water management, nutrient, pest and weeds control depending on the seed variety and site specific conditions.

The app is accessible through the internet using a smartphone, computer and other mobile devices. 

DAF-ARMM has trained more than 200 local farm technicians, agri-technologists and extension officers on how to use the RCM app. They will be coaching rice farmers how to improve their yield with the help of the app.

The technology was piloted in the towns of Pagalungan, Sultan Mastura, Datu Paglas, Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao province, and Taraka in Lanao del Sur following its launch last month.

"It will address problems on crop management practices through appropriate recommendations based on technical data provided by the RCM app," said ARMM Agriculture Secretary Makmod Mending Jr.

Around 20,000 farmers in the ARMM are expected to benefit from the program.

The RCM is part of the programs of ARMM to improve the lives of rice farmers by adopting new technologies for increased productivity and income.

According to Tong Abas, DAF-ARMM focal person on rice research and development, the RCM guarantees an increase of at least 1 ton per hectare in yield. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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DepEd-ARMM explains non-release of salaries of teachers in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 19 (PIA) --- An education official in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) denied the allegation that the salaries of teachers in Marawi City have been unjustly withheld.

Dr. John Magno, ARMM's Department of Education assistant secretary for operation, said the payroll checks of the teachers have already been sent to their field office in Marawi City, ready for release pending the compliance of needed requirements.

He said the region has been very prompt in releasing the salaries of teachers.

Magno said the teachers who have not yet received their salaries have been repeatedly advised to submit the corresponding daily time record.

 "We obliged them with the basic government requirement to submit form 48 or the daily time record (DTR) in compliance with the law," he said.

Magno said 19 teachers still have to submit their DTR.

"They will receive their salaries once they comply with the law," he said. The official said the condition is an administrative procedure and has nothing to do with legal disputes between Marawi City Schools Division Superintendent Mona Macatanong and Pharida Sansarona, the region's designated officer-in-charge.

Macatanong had earlier alleged that DepEd-ARMM officials intentionally withheld the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the schools division of Marawi City to coerce her.

Magno refuted this claim clarifying that the division office failed to submit liquidation report of its previously released MOOEs as prerequisite.

"Marawi Division was not able to submit liquidation for more than a year," Magno said, underscoring that the procedure guards against the misuse of MOOE funds. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM initiates one million signatures for peace campaign

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 14 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will gather at least one million signatures to enlist the support of people nationwide to the call for peace in Mindanao.

Lawyer Rasol Mitmug, the ARMM governor’s chief of staff, said the signature campaign dubbed “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace” will be launched during the region’s commemoration of the Jabidah massacre on March 18 in Corregidor Island and will run for three months.

He said it signifies the people’s struggle to attain a lasting peace and end the armed conflicts in Mindanao.

The campaign aims to generate at least one million signatures from individuals, organizations and institutions nationwide in support to the ongoing peace process and to underscore the call to end all wars in Mindanao.

 “Kailangan nating maiparating na maraming mamamayan sa buong Pilipinas, lalo na sa Mindanao, ang nagsusulong ng kapayapaan,” Mitmug said.

He said the “I Sign for Peace” campaign also aims to counter the call by some sectors for a full-blown military offensive against Moro rebels in Maguindanao following the unfortunate incident in Mamasapano.

Isa Tom del Monte, Coordinating and Development Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (CDO-BYA) director, is spearheading the campaign.

“Gusto nating bigyan ng mukha ang nanawagan ng kapayapaan ay hindi lamang isang tao, hindi lamang dalawa, kundi milyon-milyon. Ipakita natin sa buong Pilipinas na marami tayo na nananawagan ng kapayapaan kaysa sa mga taong nananawagan ng digmaan,” said Del Monte.

The “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace” campaign is being supported by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), Anak Mindanao (AMin) Partylist, religious organizations and educational institutions in different parts of the country. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521426255941/armm-initiates-one-million-signatures-for-peace-campaign#sthash.JzsdchOX.dpuf

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ARMM launches donation drive for IDPs in Maguindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 14 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has launched a donation drive to help cater to the basic needs of the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying at different evacuation centers in Maguindanao.

The military operation that started in February has now escalated to 13 towns in the province, forcing 19, 075 civilian families or 93, 402 individuals to take refuge in evacuation centers.

It also disrupted classes in 42 schools, affecting the education of at least 16,000 elementary and secondary students.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they continue to respond to the needs of the displaced families while underscoring the call for peace.

The “Tabang Sibilyan, Isulong ang Kapayapaan” relief and peace advocacy campaign of the region aims to provide food and medical assistance to the evacuees and rally support for the continuation of the Mindanao peace process.

ARMM spends at least P12 million a week on food packs for the evacuees. The amount does not include the cost of other forms of assistance and the logistics.

Deputy Executive Secretary John Louie Balagot said the existing funds of the region will not be able to keep up with the rising number of evacuees.

The donation drive, he said, will help augment the resources of the regional government and raise awareness on the plight of civilians in the ongoing conflict in Maguindanao.

He added that it also aims to centralize donations intended for the IDPs.

A donation booth has been installed in front of the Office of the Bangsamoro People inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City to accept donations in cash or in kind. The booth will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Balagot said the regional government is asking the public and different institutions to donate food and clothing for the IDPs.  

Cash and other forms of donations are also welcome, he said. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521426255848/armm-launches-donation-drive-for-idps-in-maguindanao#sthash.UbeVw7O3.dpuf

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Food bazaar showcases entrepreneurial skills of Lanao women

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 12 (PIA) --- Local bakers and chefs showcased their talents in baking and cooking during 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit at the Provincial Capitol Tuesday, March 10.

The 1st Food Bazaar and Exhibit in this province was organized by the Provincial Government in coordination with the Rotary Club to give local bakers and chef an avenue to market their products.

Rotary Club chairperson Raifa Rakiin-Adiong said the activity was intended to help entrepreneurial women promote their own products.

“Lanao del Sur constituents don’t actually need to go to other cities to buy cakes and pasta. We have many local bakers and chefs who are highly competitive. As you can see, they have delicious products,” she lauded.

The bazaar and exhibit was the first of its kind in the province. It was conducted in line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month with the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na!”

ARMM Vice-Governor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman lauded both the provincial government and exhibitors for forwarding women empowerment and for showcasing their uniqueness in baking and cooking, respectively.

“It’s great to see women as forefront entrepreneurs because indeed they are important in the concept of modern development,” he said.

Lucman boasts that the products are delicious and all well-made.

AnakMindanao Representative, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, also graced the bazaar and encouraged all women to use their passion, talents and skills in money-making.

She emphasized that March is not the only month for women to celebrate their rights and talents. “It is only a reminder that throughout the year, we deserve the care, support, love, attention, honor, and the recognition of our rights” she shared.

The 14 exhibitors garnered hundreds of visitors and buyers. The exhibit happened simultaneously with the 1st Lanao del Sur Women Council Orientation. (JNY/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521426122713/food-bazaar-showcases-entrepreneurial-skills-of-lanao-women#sthash.O63SAuaY.dpuf

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ARMM joins women’s month celebration

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 11 (PIA) --- The Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) will mark the observance of the national women’s month this March in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with activities focused on giving assistance to women and children displaced by the present military operation in Maguindanao.

“We anchored our activities with the region’s call for peace because of what is happening now in our region, especially in Maguindanao,” said RCBW Chairperson Sittie Jehanne Mutin.

The military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has now escalated to 11 towns in the province, displacing more than 60,000 people, mostly women and children.

Mutin said women, children and the elderly undergo tremendous ordeal in times of conflict. She said conditions in evacuation centers can be very hard, with hundreds of families having to rely mostly on relief assistance for food.

“We are asking everyone especially those affected to cling to hope and help each other,” she added.

According to the RCBW,  the women’s month celebration in the ARMM will feature activities such as peace dialogues, lectures on women rights, trainings on entrepreneurship, and other social activities including relief operations and psycho-social intervention to women and children staying in evacuation centers.

The celebration, which carries the theme “Babae, ang desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, ikaw na!” kicked-off on March 9 with a parade participated by ARMM employees in Cotabato City.

A dialogue on the Mindanao peace process was held in the afternoon with a representative from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) discussing updates on the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a lecture about the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Mutin said they want to accelerate the participation of Moro women in peace building, economic empowerment and in enhancing gender development intervention for good governance in the region.

She also appealed to elected officials and lawmakers to support the peace process to end the off and on conflicts in Mindanao.

Other activities scheduled by the agency include an orientation on Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, trainings on economic and entrepreneurship in the five provinces and two cities of ARMM, in partnership with the local government and CSOs, and relief operation together with the region’s Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).

The observance of National Women’s month every March is in line with Proclamation No. 227 promulgated in 1988. The RCBW is the principal women development agency of ARMM. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521425989341/armm-joins-women-s-month-celebration#sthash.y6cTdTp8.dpuf

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ARMM holds seminar to standardize criteria on Qur’an reading competition

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 9 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Madaris Education (BME) of the Department of Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) conducted a two-day seminar to improve the judging skills in Qur’an reading competitions of 35 ulama and asatidz from different parts of the region.

The seminar was held over the weekend in Cotabato City.

Madaris Education Undersecretary Alzad Sattar said it was meant to improve the skills and knowledge of the participants and prepare them for this year’s annual National Qur’an Reading Competition scheduled in April.

“Kahit mayroon nang kaalaman ang ating Ulama at Asatidz na judges sa National Qur’an Reading Competition, kailangan pa rin natin itong i-enhance para mas mapabuti pa ang kanilang pag-judge,” Sattar said.

The region-wide seminar assembled 35 Ulama and Asatidz from the region’s five provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, and its two cities - Marawi and Lamitan.

Sattar also said that they are prepared to hold a similar seminar whenever there is a Qur’an reading competition to standardize the judging criteria.

Ustadz Yahya Titong of Basilan, who has been a judge of Qur’an reading competitions for almost five years, said the seminar was really helpful to them.

The program was funded by the office of Governor Mujiv Hataman in partnership with the Holy Qur’an Affairs Organization of the Philippines, Inc. (HQAOP). (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Investments in ARMM remain buoyant

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 9 (PIA) --- Investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) remain buoyant despite recent security concerns in certain areas of Maguindanao province.

The ARMM’s Regional Board of Investment (RBOI) said two companies based in the island town of Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi registered a total of P863 million worth of new projects with the region’s investment board in the first quarter of this year.

The two companies are the Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation and the Chan C Mining.

The Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading Corporation is into the importation and distribution of petroleum products while Chan C Mining is engaged in mining and quarrying of nickel ore exported to China.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI chair, said there are also pipelined projects in other parts of the region that include an expansion of capacity biomass power plant, rehabilitation of a starch factory, expansion of banana plantation, and construction of an oil depot.

Accordingly, strings of projects are also in the pipeline this year for Maguindanao, which includes a P1.3 billion palm oil plantation and a P2 billion banana plantation.

Jun Macalawan, RBOI supervising investment specialist, said the incident in Mamasapano and the ongoing joint law enforcement operation of the police and military in parts of Maguindanao have not discouraged foreign and local investors from expanding their businesses in the region.

He said their trust in the good governance initiatives of the present ARMM administration and in the ongoing peace process are the main reasons for their confidence in the region’s economy.

In 2014, ARMM generated more than P3- billion worth of investments, at least 400 percent of its target of P700 million for that year. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521425823687/investments-in-armm-remain-buoyant#sthash.KTeJNxwA.dpuf

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BFP-Lanao del Sur reminds public to exercise fire safety measures

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 4 (PIA) --- In anticipation of the increasing fire incidents during the month of March, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here reminded the public to take fire precautionary measures.

                     

Acting provincial fire marshall SFO4 Maximino Ventura II said fire incident is considered an enemy of society’s progress because it has caused financial losses and damaged to lives and properties.

He said in 2013 alone, 28 fire incidents occurred the province resulting to P29,450,000.00 worth of property damages. “Although the incidents decreased to only 25 cases in 2014, the amount of property damages was still big at P20,150,000.00,” he further said.

To prevent further damages to lives and properties, Ventura urged the public to exercise fire safety measures especially in using electrical installations.

According to him, electrical overload or short circuit connection is the top cause of fire incidents in the province followed by unattended cooking.

The provincial fire chief said octopus connections should be avoided to prevent electrical circuit overload.

“We should unplug our electrical appliances and close our liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks when not in use or before leaving our houses,” he further said.

Ventura also encouraged the regular inspection of LPG hoses for leaks.

Other fire safety tips shared by provincial fire marshall include keeping matches away from children’s reach, being cautious in cooking and in using candles, and not smoking in bed or when sleepy.

“Above all, make sure you have fire escape plan for all situations,’ he added.

March is observed as the National Fire Prevention Month in line with Presidential Proclamation 115-A to raise awareness on fire safety practices and prevention measures. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur sole medical center celebrates 20th anniversary

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 4 (PIA) --- From a mere clinic inside a US military barracks in 1903 to Lanao Public Hospital in 1910, the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) celebrated its 20th founding anniversary Tuesday, March 3, highlighting its big transformation.

With the theme “APMC Transformation: A National Landmark Development,” the celebration was graced by Congressman Silvestre Bello III, Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) Executives, local government representatives, and staff and employees of the APMC.

 “APMC has improved a lot in its medical manpower, infrastructure, hospital services and modern medical equipment,” said APMC chief Dr. Amer A. Saber while he presented the history and success of the medical center.

Currently, APMC has eighty seven medical doctors, eleven successful major infrastructure projects, highly modern medical equipment and upgraded hospital facilities.

Dr. Saber said the big transformation of APMC is an offshoot of the hard work of the APMC doctors who provide quality medical services as well as the support of local governments.

He said the ultimate goal of the APMC is clinical excellence which can be achieved thorough modern medical equipment, upgraded hospital facilities and top caliber specialists.

Meanwhile, Representative Bello lauded APMC and its major transformation towards a premier medical facility which will provide greater accessibility and services not only to the people of North-Central Mindanao but to the general populace as a whole.

“I am certain that through our strong collaboration, effective partnership and unity, we will be able to deliver the best services to our people,” said Dr. Alinader Minalang, Chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) – Lanao del Sur, who also came as representative of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Minalang extended Hataman’s message that the ARMM Government will continue to be a partner of APMC in ensuring the availability and access to quality health services to the people.

APMC is further improving its quality management system and now undergoing the process of ISO Accreditation. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521425430985/lanao-del-sur-sole-medical-center-celebrates-20th-anniversary#sthash.ahR3qodz.dpuf

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ARMM brings humanitarian aid to displaced families in Maguindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, March 4 --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) conducted a humanitarian mission Tuesday, March 3, in the municipalities of Mamasapano, Datu Saudi and Datu Salibo in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the humanitarian mission together with local officials and other disaster response partners of the region to give assistance to families displaced by the ongoing joint law enforcement operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the province.

The mission included food and medical assistance, psychosocial interventions and sessions on mine-risk education.

The military offensive in at least 8 towns has already displaced around 8,300 families or 40,000 individuals. Affected municipalities include Shariff Saydona, Mamasapano, Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo, Rajah Buayan, Datu Hoffer and Datu Saudi.

The fighting has also disrupted the classes of at least 16,000 elementary and secondary students.

In an emergency meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) on Monday, Hataman emphasized the urgency of responding to the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He said they are closely coordinating with the national government to ensure that the basic needs of affected individuals will be attended.

Since February 28, the ARMM through its Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) served a total of 7, 208 families plus another 4,323 families from the humanitarian mission Tuesday.

Sapiya Pangadil, 60, of Barangay Tina in Mamasapano town is thankful to the ARMM government for the help, but prays the frequent armed conflict in their place would end so that her seven grandchildren can finish their schooling.

Moreover, Hataman said they will address issues on education and the health of the IDPs staying in evacuation sites. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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