CSC-ARMM confers awards to outstanding regional public servants

The Civil Service Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CSC-ARMM) gave recognition to outstanding public officials and employees in the region.


The awarding, dubbed as the Honor Awards Program, is an annual undertaking of the Commission that recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work performance.


The CSC-ARMM said the conferment of honor awards aims to motivate or inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

 
CSC-ARMM awarded the Dangal ng Bayan to Lanie Acoy Castanares, municipal civil registrar of Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao; SFO1 Wagner Kamlian, MPA, municipal fire marshal of Bongao Central Fire Station in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; and Kanggo Umal, regional treasurer of the ARMM's Office of the Regional Treasury.

 
The CSC Pagasa Award - Individual Category awardees were given to Engr. Soler Undug, district engineer of Basilan; Rosita Furigay, mayor of Lamitan City, Basilan; and Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, ARMM's secretary of Health Department.

 
The Cadastral Survey Team of the ARMM's Environment and Natural Resources, on the other hand, received the CSC Pagasa Award - Group Category that include DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag, Asst. Secretary Alindatu Pagayao, and Engr. Allan Diansuy, Atty. Badrodin Pacasem, and Engr. Charlene Pascual as members.


The awards were given during the culmination program for the 116th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary in the ARMM at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on September 28.

 
Winners of the Inter-Agency Sportsfest were also awarded during the ceremony. The celebration focused on the theme "Sigaw ng Lingkod Bayani: Malasakit Para sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani, at Kalikasan." (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

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"Good neighbors" rally behind ARMM budget as it breezes through house plenary

Congressmen's support for the 2017 regional budget of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  (ARMM) was apparent during the plenary hearing in the House of Representatives on September 28, 2016.


Zamboanga City District Representative Celso Lobregat noted that some concerns were raised during the pre-plenary hearing, but the ARMM leadership was already able to respond sufficiently to the said concerns.


Lobregat then manifested as a "good neighbor" that he had no more questions for the ARMM.

The minority leader, Quezon 3rd District Representative Danilo Suarez then moved to end the interpellation for the ARMM budget, which the majority was about to echo.


But it was at that point when Kusug Tausug Representative Shernee Tan moved to defer the approval of the ARMM budget to "a later date," saying that she needed answers to her questions regarding the said budget.


She carried out her interpellation using questions earlier resolved during the pre-plenary hearing, one that was led and later described by Lanao del Norte's 1st District Representative Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, vice chairperson for the committee of appropriations and sponsor for the ARMM budget in the plenary, as a "very productive meeting."

Tan's inquiries included concerns regarding the construction of the Maimbung Municipal Hospital and the arrangements for funding and implementation of the national road construction in Kalinganan Caluang, Sulu.


The funds for the Maimbung Munical Hospital were part of the funds logged under the Transition Investment Support Plan which was included in the former administration's Disbursement Acceleration Plan (DAP).


The DAP has since been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court which halted the plan implementation.


Meanwhile, the national road construction in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu is funded by the national Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which coursed the funding through DPWH-IX.


DPWH-IX then signed a memorandum of agreement with the DPWH-ARMM who took responsibility for the implementation of the project through its district engineers office in Sulu's 2nd district.


These funds were not part of the ARMM budget for 2016.


These points, along with others raised by Tan, have been resolved during the pre-plenary where representatives from the regional agencies and their national counterparts were present as well.


The regional Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) also initiated the move to include the suspended portion of the budget for the Maimbung hospital in the proposed budget of national health department for 2017.


The budget for the hospital is now logged under the national DOH's budget and will be implemented as soon as possible.


Tan also expressed doubt regarding the ARMM's "absorptive capacity" and questioned if the autonomous regon "can be entrusted to fully and faithfully implement the billions" logged under its regional budget.


Dimaporo then offered a quick response, noting that the national Department of Budget and Management ranked ARMM as the second best region in the entire Philippines in terms of absorptive capacity.


That was Tan's last question, after which the House of Representatives was finally able to approve the ARMM budget on the third try, after two previous motions to end the budget interpellation.


The P40.573-billion ARMM budget for 2017 is the biggest in the region's history. (Bureau of Public Information/PIA-10)

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ARMM mulls activation of local school boards

Officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are determined to harness local school boards (LSBs) in improving the state of education in the region.

Alfhadar Pajiji, regional Department of Education (DepEd) assistant secretary for special projects, said they recognize the essential role of LSBs in advancing the welfare of public schools in the ARMM.

The region is composed of the provinces of Sulu, Maguindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur, as well as the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

“While the regional government is working at addressing issues in the education sector, the functions of the LSB cannot be underestimated and the need to make these boards functional is a challenge to the department,” he said.

Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates local government officials to work on education sector concerns. Under the law, school boards should be composed of local chief executives, school superintendents and district supervisors, councilors, board members, treasurers, Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen, presidents of parent-teacher associations, and non-academic personnel of schools.

The LSB determines the annual supplementary budget needs for the operation and maintenance of public schools within the province, city or municipality, and serves as an advisory committee to the local legislative body on educational matters such as the necessity for, and the use of local appropriations for educational purposes.

“Having a strong, efficient and working local school board is the key to meeting effective delivery of education services, such as identification of priority schools to be rehabilitated, and facilities to be constructed,” Pajiji said.

The regional DepEd official cited the case of Naga City, which saw a dramatic improvement in its basic education after its then mayor, the late secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo, activated the city school board.

Robredo was among the local chief executives who advocated for the activation of the LSBs to improve education in the country. He noted that “local education governance reforms can be done” and that “empowered and functional local school boards have both the mandate and legal personality to serve as focal point for these reforms.”

Pajiji said regional DepEd is “encouraging local government units throughout the ARMM to help make local school boards more functional. The pressing problems we have on education such as the repair of dilapidated classrooms can be addressed more efficiently if we have active school boards.”

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said among the current challenges the region faces is the poor state of education and the regional government is taking various steps to reform and improve this sector.

The ARMM government has allotted a total of P2.3 billion for basic education facilities in the region from 2013 to 2015. Through its Department of Public Works and Highways, it has built a total of 332 school buildings across the region in 2013 and 2014. The ongoing construction of 819 additional classrooms is set to be finished by next year.
 
The region has 2,155 elementary schools and 304 secondary schools that are grouped into nine schools divisions, namely Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. (BPI-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

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Local execs in Lanao del Sur undergo orientation on DRRM

Local chief executives (LCEs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (DRRMO) from the different municipalities of the province underwent an orientation on disaster mitigation.

The DRRM Executive Orientation was conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense and the Provincial DRRMO on Thursday, September 29, at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

The orientation sought to impart the significant roles and responsibilities of LCEs, especially those newly-elected, in disaster management.

It also aimed to familiarize them, being chairpersons of their local DRRM Councils,
on the different plans, tools and information systems on disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation.

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Soraya Adiong encouraged the local executives to work together to build a disaster-resilient Lanao del Sur.

She also reminded them of their duty to ensure the safety of their constituents in times of natural and man-made disasters.

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Meranao Dulang

Food gathers people in solidarity. And Meranaos have a a unique way of arranging their cuisine during gatherings. Watch this video about the Meranao food arrangement called DULANG

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DENR-10, Lanao del Sur ink agreement for INREMP implementation

Photo by: Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur

The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 10 forged an agreement to safeguard the watershed areas within the Lake Lanao River Basin.   

The memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the implementation of the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP) was signed on September 21 by Provincial Governor Soraya Adiong and DENR-10 Regional Director Ruth Tawantawan in Quezon City.   

It was witnessed by DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Abul Khayr Alonto and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman.   

The MoA requires the development and implementation of the Lake Lanao River Basin Indicative Development Plan (IDP) and five Watershed Management and Investment Plans (WMPs), among others.   

INREMP intends to address unsustainable watershed management in four priority river basins which included the Lake Lanao River Basin.     

The project aims to reduce and reverse degradation of watersheds and associated environmental services caused by forest denudation and unsustainable farming practices. (APB/PIA-10) 

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Radyo ng Bayan in Marawi to free wellness, dental services to public

The management of DxSO Radyo ng Bayan here will conduct a three-day community service program as part of its 53^rd anniversary celebration.

The anniversary celebration, with the theme of "Radyo ng Bayan Marawi: Soaring High as Bona fide Media Partner for Change of the Government and the Bangsamoro Community,” will be held at DxSO Office at 4th street extension, Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus from September 24 to September 26.

Bae Soraida Sarigala, acting station manager, said the three day community service program will feature free wellness services, dental services and fingerlings dispersal in Lake Lanao.

The wellness services which include manicure, pedicure and haircut will be conducted on September 24 in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority - Lanao del Sur Provincial Office.

The free dental services will be provided on September 25 in collaboration with the Marawi City Health Office and the Philippine Dental Association-Lanao del Sur/Marawi Chapter. These will include tooth extraction, oral or dental check - up, medicine and oral hygiene education.

The last day of the community service program will be highlighted by tilapia fingerlings dispersal at Lake Lanao through the support of the Bureau Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Marawi City Field Office.

Manager Sarigala said about 20,000 tilapia fingerlings will be dispersed on that day. (APB/PIA-10)

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Gata Bridge to boost trade, travel in Lanao del Sur

The opening of the P32,024,994.62 Gata Bridge is expected to increase trade in the province by facilitating the transportation of goods and services between Marawi City and its neighbors.

Provincial Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong led the ribbon-cutting and turn-over ceremony of the newly-constructed 37.2 linear meter bridge, along the Marawi-Masiu National Road, in the section of Poona Bayabao town, September 18.

Governor Adiong said traders can now easily transport their goods and services to Marawi City and nearby municipalities which can help the local economy.

She said the bridge will also provide safety to public commuters and travellers.

The new bridge replaces a 50-year old dilapidated bridge.

Poona Bayabao Vice Mayor Lampa Pandi said accidents happened on the old bridge due to its worn-out state.

The construction of the new Gata Bridge was implemented and supervised by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 10.

Engr. Mikunug Macabantog of DPWH Region 10 said the project was requested from the national government in 2014 by Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr. and his brother Congressman Ansaruddin Adiong. (PIO Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)

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Dulang Festival: Keeping the Meranao cuisine alive

Have you ever experienced Meranaos hospitality and their unique cuisine?

Meranaos are known for being hospitable and their warm hospitality is best reflected in a prestige feast called ‘Pagana Meranao’ where guests are entertained with traditional dance performances and treated to an extravagant banquet that features Meranao cuisine.

The cuisine is showcased in a native food arrangement called ‘Dulang.’ The arrangement contains traditional cuisine placed on brass food trays called ‘tabak.’ The food trays are covered with a Meranao tray cloths called ‘ampas’ and decorated heavily, following the traditional Meranao aesthetic, and with accents of gold or silver which symbolizes prestige and nobility.

Dulang is often served during special occasions such as dialaga (engagement),  kawing (wedding), graduations, kapapakaradiyaan (merrymaking), enthronements, religious festivity like Eid’ul Fitr and Eid’ul Adha, and even homecomings of people who had gone to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.

The city government of Marawi highlighted this tradition during its 76th Charter Day Anniversary which focused on enriching Meranao culture through a Dulang Festival.

The cultural celebration, which aims to cherish Meranao culture, was participated by the 96 barangays of the city, public and private schools, government agencies, and civil society organization, among others.

The city government of Marawi highlighted this tradition during its 76th Charter Day Anniversary which focused on enriching Meranao culture through a Dulang Festival.

The cultural celebration, which aims to cherish Meranao culture, was participated by the 96 barangays of the city, public and private schools, government agencies, and civil society organization, among others.

In his keynote message, City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra underscored the importance the celebration to enrich Meranao culture and traditions.

He said the strong ties among Meranaos which are showcased during cultural celebrations also help in building a peaceful community.

The Dulang Festival featured the most beautiful, best-tasting and artistically-arranged Meranao cuisine in Marawi.

It contains dishes with unique blend of flavors and spices such as kuning (yellow rice), piyaparan (carp, mudfish, chicken, shrimp meat with coconut shavings), desserts like dodol (sticky rice in coconut milk) and browa (muffins), among others.

The Dulang is not complete without the Palapa, a Meranao condiment made of shallots, ginger, and chili peppers simmered in coconut oil. (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521474013443/dulang-festival-keeping-the-meranao-cuisine-alive#sthash.IwjQL5pC.dpu

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76th Marawi City Charter Day showcases Meranao culture

Thousand residents in their colourful Meranao regalia came out to flock the streets of Marawi City, September 14 morning, to join the parade in celebration of the city’s 76th charter day anniversary.

All the 96 barangays in Marawi, public and privates schools, fraternities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, joined the colorful parade. 

The parade assembled in Barangay Marinaut at 7:00 a.m. and culminated in City Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a Dulang Festival that exhibited the exotic flavors and extravagant colors of Meranao cuisine. 

Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra thanked everyone in attendance especially Marawi City and Provincial officials and dignitaries, including Provincial Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. who showed unity with Marawi City during the parade in behalf of Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong and the whole provincial government.

Sultan of Bacolod Atty. Nashrollah B. Conding, City Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Marawi City Division Superintendent Pharida Sansarona, and Former National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Bae Omera Dianalan Lucman also graced the event.

“Your presence here today indicates only one thing -- that you are with me in my quest to reform and bring back the old glory and beauty of Marawi City,” said mayor Gandamra.

He also underscored the importance of remembering the glorious history of Marawi City for it gives a sense of pride and a vision of what everyone wants for his family and the community as a whole.

Marawi was formerly called Dansalan. It became a charter city on August 19, 1940 but inaugurated only on September 30, 1950 due to the Second World War. Its granting of a charter was sponsored by Senator Tomas Cabili. On June 16, 1956, Senator Domocao Alonto passed an amendment to the charter renaming the city from Dansalan to Marawi in memory of the Confederation of Marawi.

Finally, on April 15, 1980, Marawi City was renamed Islamic City of Marawi under a City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition of the fact that 92 percent of the population of the city were Meranaos who are Muslims.

Marawi City is celebrating its charter day anniversary a month late due to transition concerns.

 “We cannot afford to not celebrate because this occasion is foreshadowing our dreams of making this city a better place for us and future generations to come,” said mayor Gandamra.

With the theme “Enriching Meranao Culture: A Clean and Peaceful Marawi City,” the week-long celebration will also feature Quran reading contest, presentation of different Meranao cultural entertainment, office beautification competition, inter-barangay cleanliness and beautification contest, concert and fireworks display.

The celebration will culminate on September 17. (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

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