ARMM regional govt launches Ramadan Sadaqa

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 29 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will conduct a ‘Ramadan Sadaqa’ on June 30, 2015 in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao by assisting flood victims.

An act of charity and initiated by ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, the activity will cater to almost 2,000 families affected by the calamity.

Ramil Masukat, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office director, said the distribution of goods will be held in Sultan Sa Barongis, which suffered heavily from the flood.

He said the regional government will distribute food packs, school supplies, and hygiene kits.

The Office of Civil Defense-ARMM will augment the assistance by donating slippers, pails and dippers. All the 12 barangays of Sultan Sa Barongis are currently inundated, with five barangays reporting knee-high floodwater.

Masukat said Sultan Sa Barongis is a flood-prone municipality because of its geographical location. The town is situated within three river systems – the Ala, Kabulnan and Kakal.

The ARMM-Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART) is currently conducting monitoring, validation, and assessment of the extent of flood damage in other towns in Maguindanao.

Atty. Kirby Abdullah, ARMM-HEART focal person, said the team has already coordinated its activities with local government units affected by the flood. Moreover, members of the team have immediately went down to the ground as soon as reports on the flood were received.

Based on ARMM-HEART reports, the towns of Rajah Buayan, Datu Salibo, Paglat, Paglas, and Datu Abdullah Sangki were also affected by the calamity. However, most of the damage was on crops and livestock. The flood, which is caused by continuous heavy rainfall, also disrupted classes in at least six schools.

Last June 23, the country’s weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, officially declared the start of the rainy season. The agency said that the wet season could last three more months. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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4,562 students in ARMM finish TESDA courses

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 27 (PIA) --- A total of 4,562 students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) successfully graduated with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certificates in vocational courses for the first semester of 2015.

Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, TESDA-ARMM executive director, said that this is part of the region’s efforts to develop and improve the socio-economic status of residents in the region.

“There is no age limit as long as they want to be trained and we are encouraging out-of-school youth, persons with disability, and those who do not have a job (to enroll in TESDA courses),” Jaafar said.

Courses offered include automotive and land transport, computer systems servicing, electronics products assembly and servicing, dressmaking, healthcare services, pharmacy services, security services, 2D animation, visual graphic design, metals and engineering, bartending, bread and pastry production, food and beverage servicing, and front office services.

This year, TESDA-ARMM hopes to generate 24,500 tech-voc graduates with employable skills in the region. The TESDA central office has allotted P21.28 million to 2,358 slots under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and P10.86 million for 1,203 slots under the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) in the five provinces of ARMM.

 

TWSP and PESFA are scholarship programs currently implemented by TESDA that address equity and access issues by providing direct financial assistance to deserving technical-vocational education and training enrollees nationwide.

 

After a chosen training program is completed, a graduate will undergo competency assessment to determine if he can be certified as technical education and skills development specialist. Passers will be awarded TESDA National Certificate, or Certificate of Competency.

 

“After the 36 days of training, my welding skills will help increase my chances of getting a job,” said Rhiden Aguilar, a 35 year old graduate of Shielded Metal Arc Welding Course.

 

Unemployed women can also avail of training that could earn extra income, or even launch a business enterprise, such as food processing. Fatima Mamaluba, a 51 year old housewife in Upper Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said she learned a lot from her training in food processing.

 TESDA programs are free of charge to out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, as well as employed and unemployed residents of the region. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Delegates of Democratic Progress Institute visit ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 27 (PIA) --- Delegates of the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI), an international group that specializes in conflict resolution, visited the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Friday, June 26, to discuss the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF).

ARMM Chief of Staff Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr. with the region’s Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) Secretary Don Mustapha Loong led a brief discussion on the region’s initiatives on the Bangsamoro transition.

DPI was established in consultation with a group of international experts in conflict-affected areas around the world, including Turkey, and other countries such as Peru, South Africa and Ireland.

It aims to broaden the base for dialogue and conflict resolution through activities, mainly study visits, as well as round table meetings. Participants include members of the Parliament from Turkey’s main political parties, Wise Persons Commission, policy makers and journalists.

The DPI delegates conducted a week-long, from June 21-27,  comparative study visit to the Philippines to explore lessons learned from the southern Philippines’ peace process

“This is an important and timely visit, which comes at a critical point in the Philippines’ peace process in particular in relation to the recent decommissioning of weapons,” said DPI Director Kerim Yildiz.

During the briefing, Atty. Mitmug also discussed various programs and projects for the region’s constituents. (BPI/APB/PIA-10

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DPWH-ARMM to construct P10-B worth of projects in 2015

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 25 (PIA) --- The Department of Public Works and Highways of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has programmed this year various projects in the five provinces of the region with total allocation of P10 billion.  

The P10-billion worth of projects includes 500 kilometers of roads, 45 seaports and 91 water supply systems.

In a press conference dubbed “Tapatan sa ARMM” on June 24, newly installed Secretary Don Mustapha Loong said his department is speeding up work to meet its target of implementing these projects within the year. 

Secretary Loong is continuing the reform agenda started by the previous administration of former secretary Engr. Emil Sadain and the regional government.

Engr. Sadain, the head of the regional public works agency for the past three years, is now the DPWH national office’s assistant secretary for foreign-funded projects. 

Secretary Loong also reiterated that the DPWH-ARMM has many flagship projects in the region’s five provinces. In 2014, the DPWH-ARMM targeted P5-billion worth of projects, which include 400 kilometers of roads, 13 bridges, 17 seaports and 12 drainage structures. 

 “As of now, projects for 2014 had achieved a physical accomplishment of 70 percent,” Sec. Loong said.

He further said that they are now doing things faster and systematic and strengthening their partnership with the local government units for the people of ARMM in order for them to have cheaper transport of goods and products, better access to tourism sites, and mainly to uplift the lives of the people in the region.” 

 

The agency is currently working on flood control and drainage improvement projects to minimize flooding during the rainy season. 

DPWH-ARMM is also focusing on roads leading to tourist spots in partnership with the ARMM’s Tourism department. 

 “This will boost the region’s tourism industry and will attract more visitors and tourists,” he added. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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Employees of ARMM-locally funded agencies to receive salaries through ATMs

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 23 (PIA) --- The Regional Budget and Management Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBMO-ARMM) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) implementing the release of the salaries of employees of eight locally funded agencies through automatic teller machine (ATM) accounts.

Mailyn Macusang, RBMO-ARMM executive director, and Marissa Dalidig, LBP Estosan branch head, led the ceremonial signing at the Pagana Kutawato Restaurant in Cotabato City.

Macusang said the MOA is part of the ARMM government’s objective promoting good governance under the leadership of Governor Mujiv Hataman.

“The current administration of ARMM has introduced policies on open-governance system, processes and other interventions to improve and institutionalize the ARMM budgeting system as part of its quest for good governance,” Macusang said.

Currently, the agency is prioritizing the elimination of ghost employees as well as fast-tracking the process of salary payments.

On January 22 this year, Gov. Hataman signed Administrative Order No. 004 that entrusted the RBMO-ARMM with managing its own funds as well as seven other agencies.

These agencies are ARMM Development Academy, Bureau on Cultural Heritage, Coordinating and Development Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs, Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women, Regional Reconciliation and Unification Council, Regional Sports Coordinating Office and Southern Philippines Development Authority.

More than 150 employees from these agencies will receive their salaries through ATM accounts starting this month. Major departments under the regional government had already implemented payments of salary through ATM accounts, and the inclusion of locally funded agencies is another milestone for the autonomous regional government, Macusang said.

The LBP also conducted proper training on Republic Act 10365, or the Anti Money Laundering Act of 2012, especially on Know-Your-Client procedures, to all concerned employees of the eight agencies. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Hataman urges constituents to devote Ramadan to attainment of peace

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 19 (PIA) --- Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) urged his constituents to utilize the observance of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan to achieve peace in Mindanao. 

In a statement, he reiterated that Ramadan is the “time when we strengthen our commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao through fasting and prayers.” 

“Let us take this opportunity to spread the message of love, compassion, and peace among us and to our non-Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao, the Philippines, and across the world,” he said. 

Hataman also extended his warmest greetings of peace and prosperity to all Muslims as they observe the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

“This is the time where we renew our devotion and reflect on our faith as Muslims who are guided by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Almighty and merciful Allah,” Hataman added.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, or the Hijri calendar, based on the lunar cycle, which began in AD 622 when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina. 

During the fast, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The other acts of worship are the ‘shahadah’, which is the declaration of faith; ‘salat’, the five daily prayers; ‘zakat’, or alms giving; and ‘hajj’, the pilgrimage to Mecca.

In line with this, the ARMM government has adjusted the working hours of Muslim employees, which started on Thursday, July 18, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This schedule will last until the Eid al-Fitr or “feast of breaking the fast” on either July 17, or July 18.

Meanwhile, about 60 food and non-food exhibitors showcased goods and services inside the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

Secretary Sakiran Hajan of the ARMM’s Trade and Industry department, which serves as this year’s lead agency of the Ramadan Food and Trade Fair, said the event is not exclusive for Muslims. 

There are series of activities lined up for the month-long celebration, which include Qur-an reading, Islamic symposia, cultural presentation, free Iftar (fast-breaking) and nightly events sponsored by different ARMM line agencies. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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IPHO reminds public to observe Four S strategy to avoid dengue

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 19 (PIA) --- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of this province is reminding the public on safety measures to avoid dengue disease

This should not be taken lightly because some cases may even lead to death, said IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang during the Ozor ka Ranao! radio program of Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

                             

He said that when symptoms appear, the victim should be taken to the nearby hospital immediately for checkup.

Such symptoms, he said, include sudden high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea, pain behind the eyes, vomiting and even skin rash, which appears three to four days after the onset of fever.

Once the dengue is severe and not treated immediately, it can even lead to bleeding of the nose, gums, and easy bruising, he added.

Minalang also clarified that dengue is caused by a bite from a mosquito called Aedes aegypti and it can never be transferred by a cough or sneeze.

Minalang thus encouraged the public to be proactive by following the “Four S” strategy to keep dengue carrying mosquitoes away. The Four S consists of seeking and destroying breeding areas of mosquitos like stagnant waterway, flower vase, water containers with no cover and among others; seeking early consultation once symptoms appear; exercising self-protecting measures such as using repellent lotions and wearing clothes that cover one’s flesh; and lastly say no to fogging.

Ozor ka, Ranao! is aired every first and third Monday of the month, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., over  99.7 MHz DXSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi FM. It is one of the mechanisms of PIA and Philippine Broadcasting Service in providing information and updates on various government development programs and projects. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)

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Leaders, govt agencies participate in caravan to empower Lanao Sur youth

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) --- Leaders of youth organizations and government agencies here gave young people in the province the opportunity to understand and be involved in social issues.

           

They also expressed their commitment to support and advance youth empowerment in the province during the youth caravan held Tuesday, June 16, at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, this city.

Organized by the Health Organization of Mindanao (HOM) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the caravan carried the theme “Kabataan, Now Na”!

HOM Executive Director Selahuddin Yu Hashim said the caravan seeks to encourage the youth sector to develop a positive change in their outlook and empower themselves with sound and life-changing principles.

It also aims to help them have a common understanding on social issues, create a common voice, and contribute to a bigger vision of creating a better society for all.

The whole day youth caravan featured various interactive and educational booths from participating government agencies and private organizations who shared their programs and projects on youth development.

Those who participated included the Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Commission on Population, Department of Health, Red Cross, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others. (APB/PIA-10)

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400 Lanao Sur OSYs graduate from TVET program of BEAM-ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) --- At least 400 out-of-school youth (OSYs) from six municipalities of Lanao del Sur completed various technical and vocational courses under Australian government-funded Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM) Program.

The OSYs coming from the towns of Molundo, Maguing, Ditsaan Ramain, Marantao, Saguiran, and Piagapo received their certificates during the graduation ceremonies held Monday, June 15, at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, this city.

They completed courses on crops and organic fertilizer production, handicrafts, heavy equipment operation, dressmaking, and small engine servicing, among others.

The training was provided by the Skills Mastery Institute of Cagayan de Oro City while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province assisted through the skills assessment component of the training program.

The BEAM-ARMM Program aims to build the capacities and skills of OSYs in the ARMM through its component on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

It provides OSYs in the region opportunities to develop their own business enterprise, earn a living and stir economic development in their respective communities. (APB/PIA-10)

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Taraka celebrates 53rd founding anniversary

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) --- The Municipality of Taraka celebrated its 53rd founding anniversary on June 10-14, 2015 with activities that can build stronger camaraderie among the various stakeholders of the municipality.

During the opening program, Taraka Mayor Nashiba Areefa Gandamra Sumagayan emphasized the importance of knowing the history of their town.

“Remembering our glorious past gives us a sense of pride and awareness of what we are, for it brings to mind the rich culture, beauty, potential and wonders of our beloved municipality,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to everyone for their overwhelming support “It is indeed gratifying to have seen everyone doing their best efforts as we let the people known that Tarakanians (people of Taraka) are united and committed on the right direction toward sustainable development,” she added.

With the theme “The Progressive Taraka: New Opportunities To Promote Sustainable Peace and Development” also featured an open house of the various teams, Health Summit, and the presentation of the history of Taraka.  

As people went home after the culmination of the event, the colorful booths, the well-designed archways in every barangay with the Meranao “okirs” carved on them and the successful games shared with the municipal government officials and employees will surely leave a beautiful imprint on their hearts, for a lifetime.

Taraka is known for its luxuriance in historical sites that includes the BAB-UL-RAHMAN (Gate of Mercy) Mosque, the very first mosque built in Lanao del Sur and second oldest mosque in the entire Philippines, which paved way to the Islamic teachings and religion in the whole province. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB.PIA-10

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DSWD-ARMM grants livelihood assistance to human trafficking victims

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) ---- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) awarded livelihood assistance to 10 Trafficking in Persons victim-survivors in Maguindanao

ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia personally handed the P10,000 check each to victim-survivors on Monday, June 15, 2015 during the 5th ORG People’s Day held in Cotabato City.

“Magagamit nila ang natanggap nilang assistance sa kanilang pag-aaral at upang makapagsimula ng maliit na negosyo (They can use the amount they received to pursue higher education as well as in starting a small business),” she said.

Executive Secretary Alamia also referred them to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-ARMM for skills development.

Rosalie Esturco, technical education and skills education specialist of TESDA-ARMM, said the agency is offering free vocational courses to the victims.

“We want to attend to the needs of these individuals. On our end, the first thing we can do is to get their profiles, know what trainings they need, and endorse them to our provincial training center,” Esturco said.

The intervention is part of the Recovery and Re-integration Program for Trafficked Persons, a national program of DSWD that provides adequate services to victims of human trafficking.

Farhana Gendeng, 17, a resident of Glasi, Datu Piang and one of the victim-survivors thanked DWSD-ARMM and the regional government for the assistance extended to her. She said she will use the amount given to start a small ‘sari-sari’ store to help her and her family.

Based on data from the ARMM Council Against Trafficking (ACAT), there are 387 human trafficking victim-survivors in the autonomous region alone. In the Philippines, the Bongao town in Tawi-Tawi province was identified as the transit point wherein potential victims are often intercepted.

ACAT performs as the regional counterpart of the National Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. It monitors, oversees and coordinates programs and projects to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons in the region. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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RBOI-ARMM conducts consultation on investment priority guidelines

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 18 (PIA) --- Investors and business leaders in the province of Maguindanao participated in a public consultation on 16 June in Cotabato City to promote the region's industries and to review the 2014 ARMM Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).

The Regional Board of Investments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) led the consultation with concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman of RBOI, said the exercise is part of the regional government’s objective of increased participation of stakeholders in the planning of the region’s economic development.

“We will conduct the same public consultation in the other provinces of the region (Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi),” RBOI chairman Mastura said.

The 2014 IPP is a tool for industrial development, economic growth and consists of specific economic activities that are based on industry studies, plans and roadmaps.

This corresponds to the Regional Development Plan of ARMM in accordance with the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan. The identified priority economic activities are the basis for the incentives granted to qualified investors in the region.

Mastura said the parameters in the review of the projects include net value added, job generation, multiplier effect and measured capacity. 

The 2014 ARMM IPP preferred activities, or key industries, are agriculture; agribusiness; aquaculture fishery; basic industries; consumer manufactures; infrastructure and services; industrial service facilities; engineering industries; logistics; BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Association of Southeast Asian Nations Growth Area) trade and investment enterprises; tourism; health; education; services and facilities; and halal industry.

As of June 2015, a total of about Php1.5-billion worth of projects were invested in the region. Chan C. Mining Inc. invested Php741.8 million for its nickel ore mining and quarrying project in Tawi-Tawi. The Lamsan Power Corp. expanded its existing power plant to an additional 5.5 megawatts capacity worth P686.7 million in Maguindanao, and the Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading, a company into importation and distribution of petroleum products, invested Php121.2 million including building an oil depot in Tawi-Tawi.

RBOI also registered firms into Promotion of Investments Sustainability Organization (PISO) to strengthen investments generation in ARMM through a strong partnership with the private sector. The PISO will serve as an advisory body on issues related to investments and will help promote the region as a viable business destination to potential investors. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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1,579 residents benefit from RCBW-ARMM outreach program in Masiu

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 17 (PIA) --- Thousands of residents from the 36 barangays of Masiu town flocked to the outreach program of the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RCBW-ARMM) on Sunday, 14 June.

                                

The one-day activity was held at the Unda Memorial Agricultural School, Barangay Talub Langi and provided free services to villagers from far-flung areas.

The free services offered include women cooperatives orientation, skills training, medical consultation, dental services, eye check up, circumcision, haircut, massage and distribution of reading glasses.

RCBW-ARMM Chairperson Sittie Jehanne Mutin spearheaded the event, which received support from the region’s line agencies, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the 103rd brigade of the Philippine Army and the Rotary Club of Iligan.

Basic social services such as health, nutrition, infrastructure, education and other development projects are among the major program thrusts of the present ARMM administration. Mutin said Masiu is considered as one of the poorest municipalities in the region where cases of malnutrition are very high. It has a population of more than 30,000.

“It's nice to help people from this community, in fact we are conducting free medical services to other provinces in the region especially to depressed communities,” said Dr. Ahmad-Fawaz Israel, medical officer of the Office of the Regional Governor.

Noraida Natangcop, a 40-year-old resident of Barangay Unda Dayawan said it was her first time to have a medical check up.

“I’m also the first in my community to arrive here and I when I learned of the free services, I did not waste this opportunity and I’m so thankful to the regional government,” she said.

A total of 1,579 residents availed of the free services. They also signed the signature peace campaign dubbed as "I Value Life, I Sign for Peace". (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM steps up anti-poverty drive

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 17 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) strengthens its anti-poverty drive as it embarked on an inter-agency initiative that would “significantly and sustainably reduce poverty incidence among its population.”

Early this year, ARMM launched the national government’s Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP), an inter-agency effort “that seeks to reduce poverty by creating sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities for the poor,” said Janice Musali, the region’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director and ASAPP lead convenor for the ARMM.

Sulu, a component province of ARMM, has one of the highest number of poverty-stricken residents identified under ASAPP. The province has 122,218 identified as poor out of its 718,290 total population, as of the 2010 census.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the high poverty rate in the region continues to be a challenge to the regional government, but ASAPP will “help more Filipinos break away from the poverty threshold.”

“We are optimistic that this will be addressed more effectively with the introduction of ASAPP, the efforts of the Provincial Government of Sulu, and the convergence of livelihood and development programs of the working ARMM government,” Gov. Hataman said.

“ASAPP is a poverty reduction effort that pursues active participation of the private sector and local government units to make poverty reduction rapid and sustainable,” Musali said. In 2012, ARMM has recorded poverty incidence of 48.70 percentage points and Sulu with a record high of 40.17 percentage points among families.

ASAPP was created by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster, which prioritizes 10 provinces in the country, including Sulu. Programs to be financed under the initiative are the Universal Health Care, Conditional Cash Transfer, Sustainable Livelihood, Abot Alam Program, and other initiatives geared at informal-settler families.

Official data showed that poverty incidence in the Philippines during the first semester of 2013 decreased by three percentage points from its level in 2012, it rose again in 2014 by 1.2 percentage points, as food prices increased faster than the incomes of the poor.

“The challenge is to ensure that economic growth will increase the incomes of the poor at a rate faster than inflation,” Musali added. She said strengthening price control, providing production support facilities and markets, and livelihood opportunities to poor population and improving peace and order situation will address the threats to food price inflation.

Twenty ARMM line agencies including its lead convenor, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-ARMM, will streamline their programs in the implementation of ASAPP for poverty reduction, employment and income generation. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)

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DAR-ARMM to distribute service facilities to agrarian reform beneficiaries

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAR-ARMM) will be distributing approximately P20-million worth of common service facilities to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations in the core provinces of the region.

The common service facilities are composed of six four-wheel drive tractors, three hand tractors, three corn shellers, and one power tiller.

It will be distributed during the agency’s celebration of the 27th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) on June 15, 2015.

The distribution is part of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services program of the agency, which is aimed at increasing production and engagement of farmer-beneficiaries in agri-based and related enterprises.

The recipients of the facilities were identified through a series of processes conducted by the agency. 

Amihilda Sangcopan, DAR-ARMM Secretary, said the facilities will make an impact on the lives of the farmer-beneficiaries in the region. She said the agency will cover the insurance and transport of the facilities to their respective areas.

Another highlight of the celebration is the launching of the new website of the agency. The website, said Sangcopan, is a way to introduce the region’s Agrarian Reform department and reintroduce CARP to the public.

Sangcopan clarified that the agency’s work does not end in the distribution of landholdings to farmer-beneficiaries under CARP. She said it is the mandate of the agency to increase the productivity of every agrarian reform beneficiary.

This year’s celebration will banner the theme, “Nurturing the Gains, Strengthening Partnerships, for Reform and Rural Development.” (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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DTI spearheads Ramadan Fair in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 9 (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) will organise a month-long Ramadan Fair this month as part of the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

The Ramadan Fair is considered the most popular annual multi-product consumer exhibition in the region. This year, 40 food exhibitors and 20 non-food exhibitors will showcase ARMM’s best goods and services from five provinces that include Maguindano, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi. 

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are required to fast during the day. This year’s observance is expected to start on June 17. 

DTI-ARMM will be the Ramadan Fair’s lead agency together with the Department of Tourism of ARMM (DOT-ARMM). Dr. Susana Anayatin, chief of technical management services of DTI-ARMM, said the event will attract exhibitors and visitors from ARMM and neighboring areas. 

Among the activities lined up for the month-long Ramadan Fair is the Qur-an reading competition headed by the Bureau of Madaris that aims at communicating messages written in the Holy Qur’an. 

Each of the line agencies will also sponsor free Iftar (fast-breaking) offering to the selected mosque in the region. DOT-ARMM will sponsor Islamic symposia throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan where various ARMM government agencies will conduct Islamic gatherings. 

With this year’s theme “100 Days of Journey in Understanding the Culture and History of Bangsamoro Towards Peace and Development”, the tribal villages inside the 32-hectare compound of ARMM in Cotabato City will also form part of the Ramadan festival said Secretary Marites Maguindra of DOT-ARMM. 

Major tribes covered in this event are Maguindanaon, Tausug, Sama, Maranao, Yakan, Iranon, and Teduray. The tribal villages will allow visitors to feel the traditional life of the people of the ARMM. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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