Guv says state of ARMM mirrors Aquino's success in governance

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 28 (PIA) --- The successful application of good governance in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proof of the Aquino administration’s commitment to its “Tuwid na Daan” objective, said Gov. Mujiv Hataman in a statement.

“We are greatly indebted to the Aquino administration for the overflowing support that apparently emanated from its trust and confidence that we can stir positive change and ignite sustainable development in the region, Hataman said.

The current ARMM administration, according to Hataman, drew inspiration from the Aquino administration in pursuing a good governance agenda that eliminated practices of corruption and improved delivery of services to the people.

No less than Aquino himself branded ARMM a failed experiment. In May, however, ARMM passed the national government’s Good Governance Conditions, a first time in the region’s history. For regional officials, the recognition reflected how effective the reforms are, as it showed the "revitalized and reformed autonomous region.”

“Many doubted our agenda. Many doubted our objectives. Many doubted that we can make change possible in ARMM. But we proved them all wrong," Hataman said.

"We saw the influx of investments and today, the business sector continues to put a keen interest in us. Economic investments are at an all-time high, funding for infrastructure, especially in connecting the island provinces to the mainland, have been approved, and renewed support for the agricultural sector has been felt by our farmers and fisherfolk across the region,” he added.

Hataman also cited how investments boosted  the local economy resulting in increased employment and improved income for residents. The construction of more infrastructure facilities means better mobility for his constituents as well as improved access to goods and services. Additional support extended to ARMM farmers means more food on the table and a better life for farmers and fisherfolk.

The governor underscored, however, that the joint commitment of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for peace on the island is the biggest legacy the current national leadership would leave, noting no other administration has dared to go all-out to support the Mindanao peace process.

“Our dream is for the next governments to continue what we have started; to sustain the reforms we have worked so hard for, and to provide us with opportunities to chart our own path as people of the Bangsamoro,” he said. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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PNoy hails guv role in ARMM progress

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 28 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III hailed Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman on his role in achieving the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ thrust of the administration.

During his final State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on January 27, President Aquino underscored the progress and reforms in the ARMM emphasizing on Hataman’s assistance in attaining his administration’s objectives.

President Aquino in his speech said that despite not being an official member of the Cabinet, Hataman did “his part to help the administration’s progress along the straight and righteous path.”

The President also cited the completion of the region's cadastral survey, which started in 1913. “It took almost a century to complete (the first) 46% of the survey,” the President said. The survey identifies the boundaries of the land covered by each city, municipality, and province in the Philippines.

Hataman said the region is greatly indebted to the Aquino administration for its overwhelming support. He further said that the administration’s “trust and confidence stir positive change and ignite sustainable development in the region.”

In 2013, Hataman has been tagged as a “ghost buster” after he got rid of ghost employees in different agencies as well as ghost teachers and students in far-flung areas in the region. A total of 75,242 ghost students and 21,374 ghost enrolees were deleted from the records of the Department of Education-ARMM between 2012 and 2013.

After more than two decades, teachers in the region have started receiving benefits from their contributions to the Government Service Insurance System. This came about after the regional government settled at least P891.4 million worth of unpaid premiums in previous years.

As part of good governance drive, the region’s portals were opened to the public allowing its constituents to access the latest reports on accountability, revenue, fund utilization, and project implementation status.

During the Hataman administration, the investment climate has been vibrant and the region has surpassed its yearly target. As of date, the Regional Board of Investments has recorded P1.8 billion in new private capital flowing in for 2015.

 

Recently, the region has passed the National Government’s Good Governance Conditions reflecting “a revitalized and reformed autonomous region.” This compliance was the first in the region’s history. 

The Hataman administration anchored its reform initiatives on three key pillars: good governance, peace and security, and socioeconomic development. (Bureau of Public Information/PIA-10)

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DepEd, IPHO Lanao gear up for school deworming day

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 24 (PIA) --- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) here met on July 23, to gear up preparations for the upcoming National School Deworming Day on July 29.

The coordination meeting tackled the respective commitment of the two agencies as well as other stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the deworming activity.

The meeting was also attended by law enforcement agencies, officials of the provincial government, and media practitioners to help in intensifying information dissemination for the deworming activity.

The National School Deworming Day is a massive, one-day, and simultaneous school-based deworming effort targeting approximately 16 million school-aged children.

IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said the activity was designed to reduce the problem on soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) infections that can cause poor physical growth, poor intellectual development and impaired cognitive functions in children which can result to anemia and malnutrition.

“We are optimistic that this activity will reduce the burden of worm infections and will have a positive impact on children’s education and health,” he said.

Thus, he urged parents to send their children to school on the day of the activity.

Minalang also advised them to ensure that their children have eaten breakfast before the intake of the chewable Albendazole (400mg) or Mebendazole (500 mg) tablets.

The second round of school deworming is scheduled on January 2016.

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MSU students undergo earthquake drill

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 24 (PIA) --- The Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) spearheaded an earthquake drill at the Mindanao State University – University Training Center (MSU–UTC) on July 22, to familiarize students on the emergency procedures in times of earthquake.

The drill was conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month.

More than a thousand students including faculty and staff of MSU-UTC participated in the drill.

Aside from the actual demonstration, the students were also oriented on what to do during tremors and how to save themselves and others from the danger of earthquakes.

Grade 7 student Nurjannah Minor said the activity was totally informative and fun. “We have learned how to save ourselves in case there is an earthquake. It was also fun seeing our PNP and BFP personnel doing the actual demo,” she said.

“Hindi po pala dapat tumakbo lang pag may lindol. Dapat gawin natin ‘yong ‘duck, cover and hold’ para sigurado na walang mahuhulog sa atin. (We should not run during earthquakes. We should do the ‘duck, cover and hold’ to avoid injuries from falling objects) We really learned a lot,” said Grade 5 student Jamimah Abbas.

PDRRMO Chairperson Tatar Boriongan said they are planning to regularly hold earthquake drill every three months in both public and private schools.

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Active lifestyle prevents obesity, says health office

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 23 (PIA) --- Maintaining a physically active lifestyle prevents weight problems and obesity, according to health experts here.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said regular physical activity can help control weight and improve one’s health.

He said increased physical activity is also recommended under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition which aims to address the current prevalence of obesity among children and adult.

Based on the latest nutrition survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in the country increased from 16.6 percent in 1993 to 31.1 percent in 2013. The number also went up for children, aged 11 to 19 years old, from 5.8 percent in 2003 to 8.3 percent in 2013. Among pre-school children, the prevalence has also gradually increased to 4.9 percent in 2013.

According to Minalang, physical inactivity is a key contributor for the increasing prevalence of obesity and weight problems in the country.

He said other contributors include shift in dietary pattern, poor breastfeeding practices, and child undernutrition particularly during the first 1000 days of life.

“Infants who experienced growth failure early in life and had rapid weight gain in childhood might be at risk of adult obesity and non-communicable diseases,” he added.

IPHO Nutrition Program Coordinator Nelia Sarap said intake of fruits and vegetables, managing stress, and cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption also help control weight problems.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months prevents overweight and obesity in children too, she added.

Meanwhile, IPHO is intensifying its advocacy campaign on proper nutrition through the 10 Kumainments and Pinggang Pinoy programs.

Minalang said these programs will help address the increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight.

The 10 Kumainments is a food-based dietary guideline that promotes proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. The Pinggang Pinoy is a guide that uses food plate model to convey right food group proportions on a per-meal basis. (APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM further strengthens direct assistance to communities

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 22 (PIA) ---  In a bid to address the remaining gaps and challenges on inequity in the delivery of basic socio-economic services, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has established a flagship direct assistance program dubbed as ‘Empowering the Bangsamoro Region through Active Community Engagements in the ARMM’ (EMBRACE-ARMM).

John Louie Balagot, the regional government’s deputy executive secretary and concurrent program manager of EMBRACE-ARMM, said Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has underscored the need to strengthen the ‘May K ka sa ARMM’ program, which was established in 2013, specifically to further improve the mechanisms and to optimize the achievement of its objectives of helping needy communities. 

In June 2015, the Office of the Regional Governor created EMBRACE-ARMM through Executive Order No. 017.

“The ARMM government is committed to empower its people and communities by providing access to basic social services,” said Balagot. 

The program comprises three key components namely education, medical assistance and livelihood.

The scholarship program, or Academic Investment for Muslim Mindanao commonly known in the past as ‘Iskolar: Para sa Pagbabago, Para sa Bangsamoro’, is among the direct assistance programs of the regional government to help underprivileged students pursue college degrees.

“Education is one of the main thrusts of the reform agenda of the current ARMM administration and we would like to tell our constituents that we will continuously deliver opportunities to bring education closer to them,” added Balagot.

A total of P24 million has been earmarked for the scholarship program and as of this month, it has assisted 1,539 students across the region.

Balagot also announced the holding of a scholars’ assembly for the province of Maguindanao on July 28 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

 

Meanwhile, the other key component, known as Regional Governor's Medical Assistance Program, provides financial assistance to ARMM constituents who have health problems.

 

The regional government has allocated P1 million to four partner hospitals for this purpose namely the Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City for Maguindanao; Amay Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi for Marawi City and Lanao del Sur; Basilan General Hospital for Basilan; and Zamboanga City Medical Center for Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

EMBRACE-ARMM also promotes projects on livelihood consistent with its objectives to provide sufficient and sustainable source of income for the region’s constituents. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM launches road mapping, management system

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 21 (PIA) --- The Department of Public Works and Highways of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) launched the Expanded ARMM Roads Mapping and Management (E-ARMM) system on July 20.

The system is aimed at establishing a database containing information on road projects including the connectivity conditions and other public infrastructure projects within the region.  This also creates a network system involving the regional office and eight district engineering offices that will serve as data repository.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong led the launching of the P2.5-million E-ARMM project.

Loong reiterated that for the “first time in 23 years, the department will have an inventory of all national, provincial and municipal roads.

“With the E-ARMM system, identification of right projects will be made easy that will lead towards accelerating the socio-economic condition of the ARMM,” he said.

Through the E-ARMM system the public can easily check paved and unpaved roads in the region.

The DPWH-ARMM now boasts of having evolved from an agency identified with corruption to being the model for transparency and top performance in the region. 

DPWH-ARMM also inaugurated a P3.2-million annex building that houses the Commission on Audit office, staff house, and canteen inside the regional office in Cotabato City.

The funds for the construction of the new building were taken from the department’s savings. It was pursued as part of its continuing reform and providing a quality work place. 

According to Loong, DPWH-ARMM exercises prudent fiscal management, which resulted in the generation of huge savings that were usefully utilized. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM attracts another major investment amid issues on BBL

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 21 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) continues to lure more private projects amid concerns on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) within the near term.

 

The RBOI Board of Governors, in a joint meeting with the members of the Management Committee in Davao City on July 20, approved the registration of DS3 Fuel Tanking and Services Inc., a P252-million petroleum project located in Polloc Free Port, Parang, Maguindanao. 

 

The project is the fourth registered by the agency this year after Chan C. Mining Inc., Lamsan Power, and Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading.

The DS3 Fuel Tanking and Services Inc. is engaged in providing storage facilities, marketing and distribution of petroleum products. The company will be involved in the construction and operation of oil depots with total capacity of 23 million liters per annum.

 

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI chairman, said the DS3 is the first foreign investor to invest in the downstream oil industry in the region highlighting business confidence among foreign investors in the region even as the BBL is still being debated in Congress.

 

He added that DS3 is a strategic investment because it can provide common service facilities for the different oil distribution industry players in the region and the presence of an oil depot and oil storage facilities can possibly reduce the retail price of oil products in the region.

 

Registered firms in the ARMM have recently expressed fear that a diluted BBL may curtail convenience of getting their permits, licenses, approvals, administrative consents and regulatory framework directly from the autonomous regional government.

As of date, ARMM has recorded P1.8 billion in total investments for 2015. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM’s DOH, NNC tap agencies to promote proper nutrition

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 16 (PIA) --- To address malnutrition problems in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC-ARMM) tapped members of the Regional Nutrition Committee to promote programs on proper nutrition.

Dayang Jumaide, DOH-ARMM assistant secretary, encouraged members of the Regional Nutrition Committee to emulate programs such as ‘Pinggang Pinoy’ and ‘10 Kumainments’ in their respective offices.

“These programs will help combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults in the region,” said Asec. Dayang.

Pinggang Pinoy provides consumers with recommendations on the appropriate proportion of various food groups for a truly healthy and balanced meal. It was developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, DOH, and the NNC.

The 10 Kumainments, on the other hand, are guidelines aimed at promoting positive nutrition practices and encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Data from the National Nutrition Surveys of the FNRI, the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity in the Philippines among adults (20 years old and above) increased from 16.6% in 1993 to 31.1% in 2013. For children aged 11 to 19 years old, the number also increased from 5.8% in 2003 to 8.3% in 2013. For pre-school children (five to 10 years old), from below two percent (2%) in 1989 to 1998, it went up to 4.9% in 2013.

In ARMM, the prevalence rate of pre-school children; children aged 11 to 19 years old; and adults are at 2.8%, 5.3%, and 23.2%, respectively.

The Regional Nutrition Committee is composed of representatives from the different regional line agencies, offices and bureaus including non-government and civil society organizations. It was created in 2013 with the primary goal of combating malnutrition prevalence in ARMM through an aggressive and cohesive delivery of services among concerned agencies, local government units and other stakeholders. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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200 Solar Dryer units benefit Lanao del Sur residents

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 16 (PIA) --- Two hundred units of direct solar dryers were constructed in different barangays of Marawi City and the 39 municipalities of Lanao del Sur by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur.

This is a 12 x 12 concrete pavement for exposing crops to direct sunlight under the open sky.

“In a province that is rich in agricultural lands and where growing and harvesting crops, such as rice and corn, is the main source of livelihood, a solar dryer is very useful,” Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr. said.

“Farmers in various municipalities now have a place to dry their crops for free,” he further said.

Upon lobbying for and receiving the funds of these solar dryers from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2014, Adiong immediately implemented the project with the local farmers in mind.

Adiong said the provincial government is hoping to help farmers in the province come up with good quality products and improve their livelihood.

They just need to coordinate with their respective barangay leaders for use of these dryers, he added.

“Solar dryers use sunlight for drying, less amount of fuel energy is necessary as compared to artificial drying systems, thus, they also save time and space,” the Governor explained.

Janisha B. Dimaampao-Ali, a resident of the municipality of Poona Bayabao, said the solar dryer in their area was used for drying rice grains and conducting of the weekly flag ceremony of nearby schools. “The youth here also uses it for recreational purposes during weekends,” she said.

Azam Macabando of Marawi City, on the other hand, said the solar dryer in Barangay Kapantaran is being used not only for drying of corn but also as playground for the children. “Various non-government organizations also use it for their medical missions,” he added. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM showcases halal products in Mindanao Halal Fest

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 16 (PIA) --- Muslim and non-Muslim exhibitors all over Mindanao showcased an array of halal food and halal-certified products in the two-day exhibition dubbed 1st Mindanao Halal Festival on July 15-16 at the Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City.

Escider Inc., a business investment firm spearheaded the two-day halal festival that features foods, apparel, fashion accessories, organic products and other services that are halal certified.

The 1st Mindanao Halal Festival is aimed at attracting more investors and partners to put up potential halal investments in Mindanao. The event provides entrepreneurs producing halal products an opportunity through the two-day market exposure. It also serves as a key focal point for education of halal practices and what it means to improve business integrity through values perpetuated by truly halal role models.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, ARMM’s Science and Technology department (DOST-ARMM) and the Davao City government supported the event.

DOST-ARMM Secretary Myra Mangkabung said the two-day halal event also offers a chance for consumers to explore the diversity of the halal food market and its potential. “Muslim Mindanao has great potentials to become a main source of halal products, which could spur the region’s economy,” said added.

Among of the highlights of the festival is the launching of the country’s first halal ordinance in Davao City and the Mindanao-wide Qur’an recital competition. For each night of the two-day event, the public will able to taste various halal foods through a nightly food festival with dishes based on Mindanaoan cuisine. Winners of the competition will receive monetary price and an all-expense paid pilgrimage trip to Mecca next year.

“We should further develop and promote our halal food particularly for export to also make our tourist destinations in the Philippines more friendly to Muslim tourists,” said NCMF Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao.

“Halal food is consumed by even non-Muslim consumers because it has highest standards of food safety,” she added.

The NCMF is a national commission mandated under Article 2 Section 8 of the Republic Act 9997 to promote and develop the Philippine Halal Industry and accredit halal-certifying entities/bodies for the utmost benefit of Muslim Filipinos and in partnership or cooperation with appropriate agencies individuals and institutions here and abroad.

As of May 31, the halal-certifying bodies accredited by the NCMF include Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc., Mindanao Halal Authority Inc. and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines Inc.

In ARMM, the DOST plans to conduct a halal congress in October this year to help propel the region’s bid to get a slice of the multi-billion global halal market. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM intensified drive to address iodine deficiency among residents

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 15 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is strengthening its campaign to address problems brought about by iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among its population as part of the celebration of the 2015 Nutrition Month.

An orientation on the use of WYD iodine checker was conducted on Monday by Josie Pondevida, a senior science research specialist of the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, to members of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force.

Pondevida said such checker can measure the iodine content of a salt sample accurately as compared with the rapid testing kit that has been used by the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) these past years.

Celia Sagaral, regional nutritionist of DOH-ARMM, said checking the iodine content in salt is the first step to address problems brought about by IDD in the region. This would certify and allow only salt that contains sufficient iodine to be sold in the markets in the region, “as required by Republic Act 8172, or the Act Promoting Iodization Nationwide, and ordered by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Iodine is a mineral needed by the body for normal thyroid function and for adequate production of thyroid hormones. A body that is lacking in iodine results in a range of abnormalities, which are called IDD that could affect all age groups. 

IDD includes goiter and poor health conditions such as stunted growth and reduced mental capacity. Insufficient iodine intake of pregnant woman may result in miscarriage and stillbirth. Even with a successful delivery, the baby can be underweight and with conditions such as deaf-mutism and squint or cross-eye, among others.

A teenager and an adult should consume 150 micrograms while a pregnant woman should consume 200 micrograms of iodine per day.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund report, inadequate iodine consumption among children may also result in an average of 13.5 point reduction in intelligent quotient, compared with children having sufficient iodine in the body.

“IDD is not a public health threat in the ARMM, but there are cases of IDD in the region,” Sagaral said. She added the department will conduct a series of iodine checking on salt being sold in the markets in the five provinces of ARMM in the coming months.

The DOH-ARMM will also tap local government units encouraging them to pass ordinances that would make available adequate iodized salt to consumers. The department will also reinforce the so-called Asin Law that requires producers and distributors of food-grade salt to iodize their products.

Sagaral said a series of iodine checking will be conducted to salt sold in the markets in the five provinces of the region this year. School- and community-based information drive will also be conducted to raise awareness among the public on proper iodine intake and the problems brought by IDD.

She also encouraged local salt producers to make their products available for testing at the DOH-ARMM office in Cotabato City. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur “dream road” to shorten travel time to Northern Mindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 10 (PIA) --- Residents of Lanao del Sur are anticipating the completion of the on-going “Dream Road” project, a 53-kilometer road stretching from the municipalities of Molundo, Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, all in Lanao del Sur to the municipality of Maramag in Bukidnon.

The Dream Road will shorten the travel time from Marawi City, the seat of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, to the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia in Bukidnon from seven hours to four hours.

“Going to Davao City shall no longer be a 12-hour feat for residents of the province as travel time is lessened to more or less four hours,” said Provincial Engineer Serad Laut.

Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said the road is expected to enhance business, fair trade and livelihood between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon which are both known to be rich in agricultural lands and farms.

“Farmers and buyers shall benefit as crops can be sold and bought at cheaper prices,” he added.

Governor Adiong has lobbied for the completion of the dream road project to President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Some of the funds from the offices of Representative Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto Adiong and ARMM Assemblyman Zia-ur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, both representing the first district of Lanao del Sur, were allotted for the said road.

The project was the brainchild of the late Mamintal M. Adiong, Sr. during his term as Governor of Lanao del Sur in 2001.

As of press time, only 12 kilometers of the road is being paved. “I am hopeful that the project will be fully completed by 2016,” Governor Adiong said.

The implementation of this P485 million project is being handled and monitored by the Department of Public Works and Highways of Region 10. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)

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FAO, DAF-ARMM to launch P21-M project for farmers

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 10 (PIA) --- Five thousand farmers in conflict-affected communities as well as those who absorbed losses due to the dry spell in Maguindanao and North Cotabato are set to receive agricultural assistance starting July 15.

Makmod Mending, secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM), and Jose Luis Fernandez, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) country representative, inked on July 8, a P21-million project to help pre-identified farmers restore their livelihood by providing them agricultural inputs and productive assets lost or damaged during the crisis that lasted weeks after the Mamasapano encounter in late January as well as from the recent drought.

“This is our way of helping our people who were affected by the armed conflict, and this response is going to address the needs of 5,000 affected families in the ARMM, as well as in North Cotabato,” Mending said.

The ARMM agriculture secretary added that the farmers who would receive assistance are from 16 towns in Maguindanao and from Pikit town in North Cotabato. These farmers were either affected by intensified law enforcement operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, or suffered losses from the impact of the recent dry spell.

The region’s Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART) reported that 125,000 were displaced during the law enforcement operations.

Fernandez, on the other hand, said the FAO-backed project will benefit 1,410 rice farmers and 3,590 corn farmers. They will receive agricultural inputs such as high quality rice, corn, and vegetable seeds; fertilizers; and hand tools.

The FAO official also added the farmers would be trained on specific technologies and approaches in crop production and natural resources management.

Last May 22, DAF-ARMM also distributed 2,461 sacks of hybrid rice to farmers in Maguindanao.  Mending said the hybrid rice seeds assistance helped the farmers cope with the damage exacted by the dry spell as their latest yields double compared with common rice seeds. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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No fake rice in ARMM, says regional NFA office

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 9 (PIA) --- The National Food Authority (NFA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has assured the public that there is no synthetic, or fake, rice in the region amid reports of such product sold in Davao City and in other areas. 

The NFA-ARMM has conducted inspections in rice retail outlets all over the region since July 1 in response to reports of suspected synthetic rice sold in some provinces not only Mindanao but in Luzon and the Visayas as well.

 “We closely supervise rice (distribution) in the region and so far, we have not monitored any fake rice,” said Fernando Nuñez, NFA-ARMM assistant regional manager.

Fake, or synthetic, rice is reportedly made from other crops mixed with synthetic components, including chemicals related to the manufacture of plastic, and produced in neighboring countries.

NFA rice supply in Cotabato City and Maguindanao comes from General Santos City; rice retailed in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur is from Cagayan de Oro City; and in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, rice comes from Zamboanga City. 

Nuñez said there are several processes and certifications in the legal importation of rice. The supplier is required to submit certificates of origin, of weight, and of quality in order to check if the incoming commodity conforms to current standards. 

NFA rice is available in the region’s markets at a price of P27 per kilo for regular milled and P32 per kilo for well-milled. The region’s grains agency also offered tips when buying rice.

Consumers, it said, should buy only from licensed retailers, which can be found in designated public markets, from groceries and supermarkets, as well as in NFA-accredited outlets. Licensed outlets, it added, display the full name of the retailer and the NFA accreditation number.

Consumers should also pay attention to the appearance of the commodity since the NFA imports long-grained and white rice. Fake rice is reportedly not too white, usually round, and uniform in shape and size. NFA rice also does not smell of plastic. When cooked, there should be no layer of plastic above the rice. Avoid rice, the agency said, that weighs less than the usual.

Furthermore, the grains agency said if there is suspicious-looking rice bought, the consumer must provide a sample of at least one kilo of uncooked grains and basic information of when, where, and from whom it was bought. 

He said reports on such product retailed in the market can be relayed through NFA-ARMM hotline at 421-2407and NFA’s Bantay Bigas hotline at 0906 436 3133. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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Communicators in Lanao del Sur team-up for wider info dissemination

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 8 (PIA) --- Communicators in this province collaborated to create a new and stronger information network to ensure that populace are well-informed of the relevant issues and development efforts in Lanao.

The organization named AGONG LINe or Lanao Information Network is composed of media practitioners, bloggers, government information officers, communications officers of civil society organizations, Communication Studies students, Editor in Chiefs of school papers, freelance writers, bloggers, and even netizens.

AGONG LINe was conceptualized to serve as a special network that will connect all communicators to make information easily accessible to everyone, discuss current issues and concerns and how to address such issues without hiding the truth, and share developmental stories.

“Individually, we are like dots of our respective organizations. But the network will connect us together to create a line that will provide faster access and dissemination of information,” said Prof. Sorhaila Latip, chairperson of the Communications and Media Studies Department of the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus.

Agong is a big gong used to call the attention of the public or summon people to a gathering or meeting.

Apipa Bagumbaran, provincial information coordinator of Philippine Information Agency, said the network will serve as a mechanism for the promotion of peace and development efforts in the province.

She also expressed optimism that members can strengthen the network to allow continuous exchange of views, knowledge and information.

The organizational meeting of the AGONG LINe held at the Science Lecture Hall of MSU main campus on July 6, was highlighted by an orientation on peace journalism.

Prof. Latip, who gave the lecture and mini workshop, also committed the support of the MSU Communications and Media Studies Department in the future undertakings of the network. (Johaniah N. Yusoph/APB/PIA-10)

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