Duterte launches P187.54-million electrification projects in ARMM

President Rodrigo Duterte and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman led the ceremonial switch-on for P187.54 million worth of electrification projects in the region.

The ceremony emphasizes the government’s desire to provide electricity to a total of 38,044 household beneficiaries in 21 sitios (sub-villages) in the region, mostly in conflict-affected areas.

President Duterte, during his first visit on Saturday, October 29,  in the ARMM’s seat of government, said he will improve the situation in Moro land. Electrification is part of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda for ARMM aimed at uplifting the lives of the people.

The projects were initiated through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). About P610 million was already spent in electrification projects in the region these past years.

The projects include Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP), Nationwide Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE), Household Electrification Program using Renewable Energy System, and Electrification and Support Projects to Host Communities.

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the government will empower electric cooperatives in the region as they play an important role in helping address the energy crisis and in ensuring least cost and stable supply of electricity to consumers.

The electric cooperatives in the region are the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (MAGELCO), Siasi Electric Cooperative, Inc., Sulu Electric Cooperative, Inc., Basilan Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Sec. Cusi said in his speech that only 50 percent of the sitios in the region are energized. “We have to find ways how can we energize all the sitios and households in the ARMM so that everybody will be given the same level of opportunity,” he said.

Availability of power can generate jobs to thousands of residents, increase livelihood projects, and upgrade technical facilities in schools, as well as in commercial and medical establishments.

In 2015-2016 under the SEP, the NEA has energized 302 sitios with 1,775 household consumers. The cost of energizing these sitios under SEP is roughly, P337.01 million.

The program was aimed at energizing the sitios within the barangays through grid electrification of electric cooperatives. SEP target areas are far-flung sub-villages within the barangay that are feasible for extension of power lines.

Under the BLEP costing P153.64 million, the NEA covered 40 sitios, 266 household beneficiaries while 22 projects are on-going. The BLEP is defined as the transformation of the connection strategy from off-grid such as solar, or small gen sets. Target beneficiaries are areas previously energized through off-grid technologies.

Through the DOE’s NIHE, electricity was provided to 3,689 household beneficiaries in the province of Sulu and Maguindanao in 2015 with a total amount of P14.99 million. NIHE is a three-year program that aims at implementing measures and grant assistance to intensify household electrification.

MAGELCO General Manager Ashari Maongco, during the visit of the President, received a cheque amounting to P13.8 million for the implementation of NIHE program in the province.

Technical assistance to be undertaken includes streamlining of the connection process and policy support to address the issue of slum electrification and flying connections among others.

Its specific targets are poor and qualified households situated in areas where the distribution of electricity are available. The beneficiaries are given house wiring materials and service drop worth P3,750.

There are also 3,868 household beneficiaries in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi for 2016 under the household electrification program using renewable energy system with P21.66 million in funding. The program involves energization of off-grid households using renewable energy technologies and photovoltaic street lights and communal facilities.

Sec. Cusi said with the electrification program, the agency hopes to make education and health services more accessible in the rural areas. “This is the government's commitment to energizing the off-grid communities,” he added. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

0

President Duterte launches BANGUN ARMM

President Rodrigo Duterte launched on Saturday, October 29, the Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrition (BANGUN), the administration’s flagship program in combating hunger and malnutrition in ARMM.

“Wala na kayong makikitang leader for a long time na may malaking pagmamalasakit sa inyo,” President Duterte said before an audience of more than seven-hundred representatives from various Bangsamoro sectors.

BANGUN, initiated by the President himself, is a program that will forge solidarity among all stakeholders to assist in eliminating the problem of malnutrition and ensure that children in ARMM grow healthy and strong.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman pledged P214 million in support of the program. This is in addition to the P48-million budget the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office has allocated to the program for the remaining months of 2016.

DSWD-ARMM will partner with the ARMM’s Department of Health targeting children ages 0-12 years old to pilot BANGUN implementation in Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, and Datu Piang in Maguindanao; and in Jolo and Patikul in Sulu.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the program is very personal for the President as his personal observations on the malnutrition figures in ARMM were his driving force to come up with the project. “The President has a built-in radar for detecting peoples needs,” shared Taguiwalo.

It was in the second cabinet meeting, said Taguiwalo, that the President brought up the proposal for DSWD to come up with a comprehensive and sustainable program as answer to issues affecting the growth of the poor children in the region.

ARMM remains the poorest region in the country with poverty incidence among households rising from 46.9% in 2012 to 49.6% in the first semester of 2015.

 

One out of two families in the region are living below the poverty line threshold with 44.5 percent food insecurity rate, which means that one out of two families cannot afford to bring basic food on their tables at least three times a day.

DSWD, as the forefront agency in poverty reduction, is working on streamlining its capabilities to efficiently deliver programs that are truly felt on the ground.

Regional Vice Governor and DSWD-ARMM Secretary Haroun Alrashid Lucman said the regional agency’s strategy is to converge all programs to provide holistic support to individual beneficiaries making them the same beneficiaries to various anti-poverty programs.

The regional agency, he said, is also eyeing provision of healthy packed meals with complete nutritional requirements to day care children as augmentation to the existing supplemental feeding program in the hope that this will hasten the eradication of hunger and malnutrition in the region.

Vilma Cabrera, DSWD Undersecretary for Operation of Protective Programs, said the department is confident with the ARMM government’s support in the implementation of its programs especially under the leadership of Gov. Hataman.

“Maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo sa mamamayan lalo na sa mahihirap, patas na pagtrato sa komunidad na hindi nangingilala sa kulay, at tapat na serbisyo na walang bahid ng korupsyon,” Sec. Taguiwalo said are the President’s principles in the implementation of all projects under his administration. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

0

Farmer, fisherfolks in ARMM receive agri assistance

The Duterte administration poured P500 million agricultural assistance to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict-affected areas in Mindanao

The distribution of assistance to farmer and fisherfolks beneficiaries was held during the launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) in Cotabato City on October 29, 2016.

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to end the hunger in Mindanao and develop the island. “I want the incidence of hunger stopped,” Duterte said.

Having started his ‘more responsive anti-poverty programs’ for Mindanao, Duterte promised to pour more development programs in the poverty stricken regions. “Bigyan niyo ako ng panahon, I will improve the Moro land.” Duterte said.

Atty. Bai Ranibai Dilangalen, Department of Agriculture (DA) undersecretary for special concerns, said the assistance would be a big step forward in contributing to the improvement of agricultural production, and ease poverty incidence within residents in the target regions.

“Admittedly, many of our poor countrymen are from the agriculture sector – the farmers and fisherfolks,” Dilangalen said.

Dilangalen said the DA and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) assistance was pegged at approximately P306 million, adding to the funds of regular programs of the two agencies.

“We hope our programs would help address poverty problem in these areas,” Dilangalen added.

Sec. Alexander Alonto, ARMM’s Department Agriculture and Fisheries secretary, said the assistance would augment the gaps of the regular programs being implemented in the region.

“These will uplift the volume of agricultural production we have in the ARMM, and would alleviate poverty of farmers and fisherfolks at the same time,” Alonto said.

The assistance from the DA and BFAR include farm equipment, post-harvest facilities, machineries, farm and agri-aquatic inputs such as rice certified seeds, corn seeds, banca, fishing paraphernalia, among others.

A new project of the DA, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), will allow the DA to look at the weak points of each identified poor province as priority areas, and determine its key potentials in food production and agricultural livelihood programs.

In the ARMM, Maguindanao was chosen and received P50 million assistance received by Governor Toto Mangudadatu. The provinces of Sarangani and North Cotabato also received P50 million each for the same project.

USec. Dilangalen noted that additional P100 million for the three provinces will be allocated for the same project in 2017, and more provinces will be included in the project.

Another P192 million worth of agri-assistance was also launched under the socio-economic development component of the Normalization Fund. For the ARMM alone, approximately P144 million was allotted for this year, and the remaining P48 million was allocated for the other three regions.

For his part, Sec. Alonto said the continuing efforts of the ARMM government and the anti-poverty programs of Duterte administration will uplift the lives of poor families who are mostly living in impoverished communities. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

0

TESDA offers skills training to OSYs, drug surrenderers in ARMM

Out-of-school youth and drug surrenderers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are given priority in training courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“The out-of-school youth and the drug surrenderers will surely avail of the program. We will not leave them hanging,” TESDA Director Secretary Guiling Mamondiong said during a press briefing held here on Thursday, October 27.

Secretary Mamondiong said the agency will continue to implement its current programs even as it has integrated the anti-poverty agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

To further pursue an active participation of communities in TESDA’s programs, letters to all 42,000 barangays in the country asking local officials to provide a list of recommended scholars and the kind of skills they need training on have been sent, he said.

The agency’s 14-point Reform and Development Agenda for the next six years are Barangay-based Scholarship Program; On-line Scholarship Application; Technical Audit of TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) Schools and Programs; Skills Training for Drug Dependents; Skills Training for Entrepreneurs and Family Enterprises; Skills Training for Inmates and their Families; Inclusive Program for Women; Continuing Program for TESDA’s Alumni; Global Access to/on-line database of TVET Graduates and Certified Workers; Linkages with Agro-Industry; Linkages with State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges; Linkages with Foreign Skills Training Institutions; Transparency; and Moral Renewal.

The 14-point agenda serve as the framework on which programs designed specifically for expanded access to TVET by the identified groups would be implemented.

“We are confident that these programs will help empower our people to become more productive members of society. These will give them opportunities through skills training that can either help them start a career or a new business venture,” said the TESDA chief.

The agency’s programs are free of charge to out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, as well as employed and unemployed residents of the region. 

To avail of the free skills training, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and provincial offices for other areas in the region. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda to be launched in ARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Oct. 28 (PIA) –Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will launch a program dubbed Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Saturday, October 29.

In a press statement from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the program will help uplift the lives of the residents in the region and other conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Areas that will benefit from CRDA are the towns of Jolo (Sulu), Bongao (Tawi-Tawi), and Marawi City (Lanao del Sur), as well as the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

Aside from ARMM areas, other beneficiaries of the initiative are:

Region 9 – Zamboanga City, Ipil (Zamboanga Sibugay), and Pagadian (Zamboanga del Sur);

Region 10 – Tubod (Lanao del Norte) and Lanao del Norte province; and, Region 12 – Isulan (Sultan Kudarat) and the cities Kidapawan (North Cotabato), Koronadal (South Cotabato) and General Santos City.

Among the programs, projects, and services covered by CRDA are scholarships from TESDA and from the Commission on Higher Education; water projects from the Department of the Interior and Local Government; agricultural machinery, equipment and seedling from the Department of Agriculture; banca, fishing gear and gill nets from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; supplemental feeding from the Department of Social Welfare and Development; opportunities under the Special Programs and Employment of Students beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment; and distribution of PhilHealth cards.

TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong said he has been tasked by the President to coordinate with other agencies in resolving poverty and hunger in Mindanao. 

The President earlier urged various government agencies to submit measures on how to ease hunger and poverty in Mindanao.

TESDA is a government agency in charge of making vocational and technical skills training available nationwide. Its objective is to develop a trained workforce thereby providing young Filipinos a better chance at finding employment. TESDA is also one of the 12 government agencies on the forefront of the fight against poverty. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Commemorative stamps turnover highlights ARMM Archives Day

The ceremonial turnover of commemorative stamps from the Philippine Postal Corporation to the Office of the Regional Governor highlighted the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (ARMM) first Archives Day celebration on October 21, at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

The issuance of the stamps is in recognition of the Office of the Regional Governor’s (ORG) ISO 9001 certification following a successful two-phase external audit conducted by TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc.

“This is one achievement that this administration is very proud of. This is the very first time that the Office of the Regional Governor attempted and passed the certification for ISO 9001:2008. We are very appreciative that the Philippine Postal Corp.’s Stamp Committee approved the grant of the special stamps,” said ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman.

“This milestone is our legacy to the Bangsamoro people and the commemorative stamps are our small contribution as collectible pieces of history. Hence we want to share the event with historians, archivists, librarians, and records officers all over ARMM,” Gov. Hataman said.

The Philippine Postal Corp. recognizes historical milestones and achievements of organizations and institutions through the issuance of commemorative and special stamps. When granted, only a limited number of these stamps are printed and distributed to more than 192-member countries of the Universal Postal Union.

“The ISO 9001 certified core processes are two of the main services of ORG and we want to ensure our clients that we don’t only provide quality services but also that these services undergo a quality standard procedure,” said Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong, Regional Cabinet Secretary and the Quality Management Representative.

ORG-ARMM, which has ministerial control over some 40 line agencies and support offices, is now one of the few local government units in the country eligible for the ISO certification. ARMM also recently passed for the very first time the national government’s Good Governance Conditions reflecting a revitalized and reformed autonomous region.

In the Philippines, pursuant to Proclamation 660 Series of 1995, the National Archives Day is observed on October 21. The proclamation is aimed at focusing public attention on the role and importance of archives in national development efforts. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

ARMM holds conference on resolving clan conflicts

The Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RRUC-ARMM) held a conference on ‘rido’ settlement on October 19-21, 2016 to generate insights and recommendations from different actors to resolve rido-related problems in the region.

The participants of the three-day conference are representatives from local government units, line agencies, civil society organizations, government security forces, and revolutionary groups specifically the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front. These groups have different data on rido and have different approaches in settling clan conflicts.

Romeo Sema, chairman of RRUC-ARMM, said there’s a need for a better way to settle family conflicts. “We want to have a consolidated data on the number of rido cases and we aim to have coordinative mechanisms to settle these ridos,” Sema said.

He also noted that the regional government will be able to have a complete look at the rido situation in the ARMM and that RRUC, being an advisory body to the regional governor, will be able to recommend policy-related solutions to this problem.

The book ‘Rido: Clan Feuding and Conflict Management in Mindanao’ written by Wilfredo Magno Torres III defined rido as a conflict characterized by sporadic outburst of retaliatory violence between families and kinship groups as well as between communities.

Abdulbasit Benito, RRUC-ARMM executive director, said rido causes problems not only between conflicting families but in the community as well. “Rido causes much suffering, numerous casualties, destruction of properties, and it cripples the economy and displaces the community,” Benito said.

Data from RRUC-ARMM showed there were 269 cases of rido in the ARMM from 2012 until October 2016. But the ARMM’s Police Regional Office reports there were only 209 cases during the same period in the region.

Benito said the main causes of rido are election-related conflicts, land ownership conflicts, crimes against chastity, personal grudge and theft. He added that even jesting, suspicion, and mere misunderstanding could also cause rido.

“We will continue working with these actors to help settle rido and prevent it from recurring,” RRUC-ARMM chairman Sema said. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Marawi exec bares top gains in first 100 days

Some say only magic will change the negative image of Marawi City. But the city mayor believes otherwise.

There is good news in Marawi each day and this is the new normal in the city, Mayor Majul Gandamra told constituents on October 17, as he boasted the great strides of his administration for the first 100 days.

Programs to support the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the national government, ease traffic congestion and address solid waste problems which brought back the trust of the people to the authorities and the government system are among the top accomplishments cited by the mayor.

“The city has been silenced by fear of criminalities and injustices which contributed to the loss of opportunities for economic growth and the involuntary migration of residents. Thus, we have strengthened our collaboration with the authorities and took the lead in the implementation of the program to end the narcotics syndicate in our communities,” Gandamra said.

He further reported that the city government has reconstituted a new Ecological Solid Waste Management Council, launched new strategies coupled with enhanced ordinances to address the solid waste problem, and provided the necessary logistical support such as procurement of trucks and equipment to facilitate timely collection of wastes.

Gandamra said he also ordered the regulation of public utility vehicles and the 8,000 tricycle operators as well as the demolition of illegal structures and terminals along key roads which caused heavy traffic congestion. ‘We are now finalizing our Road and Traffic Management Plan and will soon commence the training of our traffic champions,” he added. 

Other gains cited by the mayor include the revitalization of the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) council, the conduct of disaster preparedness drills and basic life-saving trainings, and repair of the drainage system. (APB/PIA-10)

0

ARMM, Gawad Kalinga ink accord on school feeding program

The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) and Gawad Kalinga signed a memorandum of agreement to implement a school-based feeding program covering six towns.

The agreement entails the establishment of central kitchens that will benefit 11,300 students in six towns namely Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, Jolo in Sulu, Lamitan in Basilan, Taraka in Lanao del Sur, and Upi and Parang in Maguindanao.

The program will have the active participation of parents and teachers as well as representatives from local government units, private organizations, and other stakeholders. Daily preparation of nutritious meals for public schoolchildren is the general objective of the program.

In August 2015, the DepEd-ARMM and Gawad Kalinga first entered into an agreement to pilot the same program in Parang, Maguindanao. The success of that initial effort prompted the expansion of the central kitchen approach in other towns in five provinces in the region.

Dr. John A. Magno, DepEd-ARMM Secretary, said the regional government is hoping that the pilot kitchens will eventually become training centers for replication of the program throughout the region.

The school-based feeding initiative will start in the six towns covered by the agreement in the second week of November.

The 2015 data of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that among children aged five to 10, about four of 10 are underweight, while six of 100 are thin and regarded as having health problems.

“The regional government is doing concerted efforts to combat hunger and eliminate malnutrition among children,” Dr. Magno said. He stressed that the program will also help improve the attendance of schoolchildren.

After the signing of the agreement, key officials of DepEd-ARMM and Gawad Kalinga as well as representatives of various stakeholders signed a “wall of commitment” to show full support to the program. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

0

BFAR Marawi holds lakeshore clean-up

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here conducted a lakeshore clean-up drive on October 18, to intensify awareness on the need to conserve and protect fisheries and aquatic resources.

The lakeshore clean-up held in Barangay Lumbaca Madaya kicked-off the 53rd Fish Conservation Week celebration in Marawi city.

The observance that started on October 17 and will culminate on October 21 is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 176 s. 1963.

City Fishery Officer Saida Tomadung said the theme for this year’s celebration is "Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan Tungo sa Mas Masiglang Pangisdaan" to remind the public on the importance of protecting the fisheries and aquatic resources.

Other activities for the weeklong celebration are the conduct of training on municipal and regulatory services; consultative meetings with local government units, barangay officials, non-government organizations, peoples’ organizations, and fisherfolks; and the holding of livelihood day where fishing paraphernalia will be distributed to targeted fisherfolks. (APB/PIA-10)

0

ARMM to reinvigorate local health boards

After finishing a two-year, three-module program under the Health Leadership and Governance Program, 19 local chief executives and nine local health officials have vowed to reinvigorate local health boards in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The participants received program certificates of completion during graduation rites at Heritage Hotel in Pasay City on October 14.

Dubbed “ARMM Colloquium: Moro Leaders in ARMM as Champions thru Health Leadership,” the program was aimed at training local chief executives and health officers in every local government unit to become responsive leaders capable of addressing the health needs of their constituents.

“We are grateful to the Zuellig Family Foundation for giving us a chance to prove our worth and develop our homegrown champions,” ARMM’s Health Department (DOH) Secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. said. The foundation was established in the Philippines in 1997 by the Zuellig family, which is engaged in pharmaceutical business as well as other ventures.

Vice-President Leni Robredo who was a guest in last week’s event said the “key to ARMM’s progress are good governance, strong and honest leadership, transparency and accountability, and an ability to love its history, beautiful and tragic as it may be.”

“The program allows the participants to understand the problems and become a catalyst for change. The mayor understands that he needs to go beyond medical missions, or paying for the medicine and hospital bills of his constituents, establish a clear vision for health change, and be a health ambassador so that his constituents develop co-ownership of the health programs,” Vice-President Robredo said.

ARMM local leaders and health personnel shared their acts of leadership in health and how these contributed to better health outcomes that benefited their constituents.

Speaking on behalf of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Dr. Sinolinding said ARMM used to be the example to show what not to do in government. Today, the ARMM is referred to as a model for empowered and decentralized governance.

Improved delivery of health services has always been a priority in the region, Dr. Sinolinding said. In recent years, the ARMM has installed rural health units in 105 of the 116 municipalities and two cities in the region.

Within the same period, he said, the regional government increased the number of PhilHealth cardholders by 80 percent from 834,153 to 1.5 million. “We also increased the number of PhilHealth-accredited units by 85 percent, from only 47 in 2012 to 87 in 2014,” said Dr. Sinolinding

Making health services accessible to all is key in improving the quality of life in the region, especially in the island provinces, the regional chief of the Health department said.

The DOH-ARMM will strengthen the linkages between the local government units and the department to provide the medical needs of the ARMM constituents, Dr. Sinolinding said. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Six ARMM local govts receive 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance

Six local government units (LGUs) -- one provincial government, one city government and four municipal governments -- in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were awarded with 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance, a regional executive said.

Noor Hafizullah Abdullah, secretary of the ARMM’s Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the citations are in “recognition of their good performance.”

“Last year, we have zero passers; this year we have six,” Sec. Abdullah said.

The awardees are the province of Maguindanao, the city of Lamitan in Basilan, and the towns of North Upi and Parang in Maguindanao, Wao in Lanao del Sur, and Jolo in Sulu.

Sec. Abdullah said the DILG-ARMM always assists LGUs that seek to pass good governance tests, such as the Seal of Good Local Governance and the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping. Passing these tests mean better services to ARMM constituents and compliant with government requirements.

The Seal of Good Local Governance, also known as ‘Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal,’ is awarded by the DILG annually to deserving provinces, cities and municipalities that perform well in various fields such as peace and order, environmental management, business-friendliness, and competitiveness.

To be a recipient of Seal of Good Local Governance, an LGU needs to pass certain requirements namely improvements on performance, accountability, transparency, and participation. These requirements encompass three core assessment areas: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas namely Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management.

LGUs that meet the minimum criteria will not only be conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance but will also be entitled to a package of incentives, such as the Performance Challenge Fund and access to other national performance-based programs.

In 2014, seven ARMM towns received the same award. The towns were Datu Odin Sinsuat, Parang, Sultan Mastura and Upi in Maguindanao; Ganassi and Wao in Lanao del Sur; and Siasi in Sulu.

This year, 46 towns in the region passed the 2016 Good Financial Housekeeping. Last year, only 17 ARMM towns received such recognition. The Seal of Good Housekeeping was launched by the DILG central office in 2012 to boost the government’s reform initiatives in the regions. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

DTI-Lanao del Sur conducts consumer forum on malnutrition

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office held a consumer forum on malnutrition awareness in Marawi City on October 12, to raise awareness on malnutrition among consumers in the province.

Spearheaded by DTI Provincial Director Mohammad Aquil Mamainte, the forum was attended by members of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur Consumer Group, teachers from Marawi City Division, members of Marawi Broadcasters Association, and representatives from different sectors.

Three speakers spoke in the forum. Hadja Shaima Sally Batabor, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist (STIDS), spoke about consumer rights and responsibilities and how to be a smart consumer while Registered Nutritionist-Dietician Chrisley Gonzales from Department of Health-ARMM gave an overview of malnutrition in the region and taught the participants how to eat well to prevent malnutrition.

Mautante Marohombsar, on the other hand, discussed halal advocacy and how Muslim consumers can make sure that what they are consumers are halal or permissible by Islamic standards.

The forum ended with an open forum and a message by Marawi City and Lanao del Sur Consumer Group President and acting station manager of DXSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi Bae Soraida Sarigala who gave practical tips on buying wisely.

The forum was part of the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month with the theme "Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility." (SAMD/PIA-10)

0

DepEd-ARMM cites importance of handwashing habit

 

The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) highlighted the importance of developing the habit of handwashing with soap during the Global Handwashing Day observed on October 12.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM secretary, said the Education Department is committed in ensuring that “every child in the region develops healthy habits that start with simple steps like daily handwashing with soap.”

The DepEd-ARMM, together with the Australian embassy’s Basic Education Assistance to Muslim Mindanao (BEAM)-ARMM program, marked the 5th Global Handwashing Day at Timanan Central Elementary School in South Upi, Maguindanao.

“Handwashing with soap is the low-cost high-impact intervention that, when practiced properly and regularly, prevents infections and saves lives,” Magno noted.

The handwashing day bears the theme “Make handwashing a habit”, and was aimed at highlighting the importance of developing healthy habits that help prevent the occurrence of hygiene-related illnesses among children.

Official records show that nine percent of childhood deaths are caused by diarrheal diseases and almost half of these deaths could be prevented through handwashing with soap.

Since 2011, the ARMM government, specifically DepEd-ARMM, together with nongovernmental organizations, has been implementing Essential Health Care Program in 400 schools across the region. The initiative focuses on daily group handwashing with soap, daily group toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, and bi-annual de-worming.

Ester Roxas of the Australian embassy underscored the importance of schools in forming healthy habits among schoolchildren. “The education system is central to habit formation and the school provides the perfect setting for this formation,” Roxas said.

The Australian embassy official commended the DepEd-ARMM, mentioning it has taken the lead in the Philippines to ensure that the children of ARMM have daily activities to develop healthy habits.

“With so many children practicing handwashing together each day, ARMM is setting an example to the rest of the country,” Roxas added.

The DepEd-ARMM has developed the Three Star Approach, wherein schools, with the participation of the community, are encouraged to improve their ‘WinS’ or water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools.

The WinS includes the implementation of daily group handwashing with soap, daily group toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, and bi-annual de-worming.

Through the DepEd ARMM’s Three Star Approach’s WinS monitoring, school heads are taking the lead to ensure that all classrooms practice healthy habits.

The DepEd-ARMM is presently producing 1,000 group washing facilities to ensure that each school has the infrastructure needed to allow children to practice daily handwashing.

The region’s Education department covers nine schools divisions namely, Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. As of the latest data, there are 2,150 public elementary schools, and 304 secondary schools in the ARMM. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

DepEd-ARMM trains school heads on classroom construction management

To ensure good quality classrooms are built in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Education department (DepEd) has trained school heads on classroom construction management.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM Secretary, said the school heads need to learn the basic concepts of construction as well as to get acquainted with building design and specifications of good quality construction materials.

“We want our school heads to learn all these skills so they could help us monitor the construction of classrooms in their respective schools,” Dr. Magno said.

He shared that the regional government has filed cases last year against contractors who performed poorly.

“The training of school heads in classroom construction management is one of our strategies to prevent contractors from short-changing the schoolchildren, the end-users of our classrooms,” he added.

To date, the department has trained 1,125 school heads as well as other stakeholders such as parents of schoolchildren and DepEd-ARMM division supervisors with the help of the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM), a program funded by the Australian Government.

BEAM–ARMM was launched in 2012 aimed at contributing to the alleviation of poverty and the emergence of peace in ARMM through targeted investments in basic education.

The classroom construction management training for school heads is a landmark initiative introduced by the BEAM-ARMM Program and implemented by DepEd-ARMM starting in 2014.

The DepEd-ARMM chief said the training is unique to the region. “I haven’t heard of programs such as this in other regions,” he stressed. He said the department has also maximized the use of social media as a platform to monitor the progress of classroom construction in the region. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Public schools in ARMM to receive operating expenses in 2017

Public elementary and secondary schools across the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be entitled to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) in 2017.

Dr. John Magno, Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM) regional secretary, said all public elementary and secondary schools will receive their monthly MOOE to sustain expenses for utilities such as electric and water bills, procurement of school supplies, salaries for janitors and security personnel, and other expenditures.

In the past, only central schools and national high schools were granted MOOE resulting in problems for many schools specifically on how to support their financial needs. This has led to irregular collection of fees by school heads from teachers and students.

Magno cited that a school head in Sulu was suspended due to irregular collection of fees. He underscored that the administrative move was a “reflection of the instituted reforms in the Education department in the ARMM.”

The House of Representatives has recently approved the P40.537 billion budget of the ARMM for 2017 including the more than P12 billion earmarked for DepEd-ARMM.

Out of the more than P12 billion budget, roughly 96 percent will be allocated for personnel services and the remaining four percent will be for the MOOE of schools.

The amount of MOOE allocated for each school is based on total school enrolment, number of teachers, classrooms, and graduating students.

The MOOE could be used in the procurement of school supplies needed in classroom teaching, school training activities, utilities and communications expenses, graduation rites expenses, and minor school repairs.

The region’s Education department covers nine schools divisions namely, Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

As of the latest data, there are 2,150 public elementary schools, and 304 secondary schools in the ARMM. “The (2017) budget is enough to suffice the needs of our schools,” Magno said. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

DTI-ARMM lines-up activities for 2016 Consumer Welfare Month

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) is conducting series of activities in line with the celebration of the 2016 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM).

Atty. Anwar Malang, DTI-ARMM secretary, said the 2016 CWM celebration is aimed at promoting consumer empowerment and cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure that consumers are well educated and protected. This year’s event holds the theme ‘Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.’

The DTI-ARMM has conducted a one-day Consumer Forum on Malnutrition Awareness in Cotabato City on October 5, in Cotabato City. The forum was attended by officials and employees of ARMM line agencies, the academe and business sectors.

It focused on the nutritional status of ARMM residents and the government’s intervention and programs, consumer protection, rights and responsibilities, and financial literacy.

Mary Ann Morales, chief of consumer public awareness bureau of DTI-12, discussed topics about consumer protection, consumer rights and responsibilities, and Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“Informing and involving consumers are ways to ensure consumer protection and promoting consumer welfare,” Morales said.

A franchising expo that provides the participants knowledge on entrepreneurship and business development was also conducted on October 4. The activity featured four speakers who discussed the various aspects of business and franchising opportunities in the region. It also featured talks from experts on trends in the field of franchising.

Jed Arboleda, Philippine Franchise Association consultant, said the potential for the growth of franchising in the ARMM is high. “Franchising is one of the best ways to increase the number of stores because you use other people’s money,” he said.

DTI-ARMM has pipelined other activities this month such as Diskwento Caravan in Basilan, Consumer Education and Information in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and Provincial Monitoring of Enforcement of Fair Trade Laws. A cooking contest and installation of Timbangan ng Bayan will also take place in key towns in the region.

The Consumer Welfare Month is observed annually in October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098. The event is led by National Consumer Affairs Council of the DTI, a government body established under RA 7394 to improve the management, coordination and effectiveness of the nation’s consumer programs. (BPI/PIA-10)

0

Lanao del Sur town launches MASA MASID

In support to President Rodrigo Duterte's war against illegal drugs, the municipality of Bubong in the province launched the MASA MASID program with a walk for peace on October 5.

Led by Municipal Mayor Alfais Munder, the 36 barangay chairmen of Bubong, municipal employees and police went around the streets of the municipality bearing anti-narcotics placards.

Municipal Local Government Operation Officer Agakhan M. Rinandang said MASA MASID program is a community-based program for the prevention of criminality, corruption, illegal drugs in the villages.

"Bubong is the first municipality in Lanao del Sur to launch the program. As the DILG Officer of Bubong, I am very happy that all local officials support this program," Rinandang said.

MASA MASID is envisioned to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities. It encourages the involvement of local stakeholders to take a proactive stance in the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main thrusts: information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revive the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wishes to be partners for change. (SAMD/PIA-10)

0

Federalism advocates hold symposium in Lanao del Sur

To promote public awareness and appreciation of the federal form of government, a movement of federalism advocates conducted a symposium in Marawi City.

The People’s National Movement for Federalism (PENAMFED), a private sector which advocates the shift to a federal form of government, organized the first symposium on federalism in the province on October 1 in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Mindanao State University (MSU).

The advantages of a federal form of government were tackled during the symposium with the theme “Federalism For United Philippines.”

It was attended by the university officials, students, teachers from the Department of Education in the province, and stakeholders from the different sectors.

“Nakita ko na kailangan ng immediate development dito sa inyong lugar. Kapag naging federal form of government na tayo, mapapakinabangan niyo na ang inyong sariling natural resources,” (I saw the need for immediate development in your area. You will benefit from your own resources when we shift to a federal government), PENAMFED Vice President Martin Diño explained to the people of Lanao del Sur.

He said federalism is the key to finally achieve peace and bring economic growth and prosperity in Mindanao.

 

Local advocates also expressed their support to President Duterte during the program.

 

The symposium concluded with the attendees raising their fists, as a gesture of support, and pledged that they will back the President’s advocacies to rid the country of criminality and corruption, to eradicate poverty, and bring about change from unitary to federal of government.
 
“We believe that it could be done through a shift from a unitary form of government to a federal one, which will lead us to economic prosperity for all, and this is the ultimate change we want and dream of,” they unanimously uttered.  

 
PENAMFED has recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the DILG to embark on a massive education and information dissemination to promote awareness and understanding on the overall benefits of federalism. (APB/PIA-10)

0

DepEd honors 10 outstanding teachers in ARMM

The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) honored ten outstanding Bangsamoro teachers on Wednesday, October 5, in celebration of the 2016 World Teachers’ Day.
 

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM secretary, said the awards serve as recognition for the invaluable services of teachers in the learning and development processes of students in the region and to the Education department itself.

Citing a story of a master teacher in the region qualified for promotion as school principal, or district supervisor, but chose to remain a classroom teacher, Dr. Magno noted he has high regards to the “unsung heroes” of the nation in reference to the teachers.
 

“Malaki ang respeto ko sa mga gurong ang iniisip ay ang kinabukasan ng kabataan at hindi ang kanilang pansariling interes,” Dr. Magno said.

Jaime Mendoza, Jr. of Parang National High School in Parang, Maguindanao was one of the awardees. He served as a classroom teacher for many years and is now the English department head in his school.

Mendoza said he is proud to be among the 10 outstanding teachers in the region. “I am much honored being named as an outstanding teacher of ARMM,” he said.

As of 2016, there are 29,992 public elementary, junior high school and senior high school teachers across the region.

The ARMM is composed of nine schools divisions namely, Maguindanao I and II, MarawiCity, Lanao Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Each schools division nominated three teachers for the award.

A total of 25 teacher qualifiers underwent screenings that include panel interviews, written examinations, teaching demonstration and a review of qualifiers' pertinent documents.

The five winners in the elementary school category are Fridanovie Rabor of Datu Saililah Elementary School, Maguindanao I Division; Gideon Dable of Limpongo Elementary School, Maguindanao I Division; Susan Berganio of Nuro Central Elementary School, Maguindanao II Division;  Maria Helena Barlovento of Maluso Central Elementary School, Basilan Division; and Romel Plando of Hji. Yunos Jumdain Elementary School, Tawi-Tawi Division.

Aside from Mendoza, the four other winners in the secondary school category are Asnawi Rakiin of Datu Mamintal AdiongNational High School, Lanao Sur I Division; Primo Sanosa, Jr. of Malabang National High School, Lanao Sur II Division; Melba Abdulla of Maluso National High School, Basilan Division; and Grace Ann Pangambayan of Sulu NationalHigh School, Sulu Division.

The winners were conferred with plaques and cash prizes. The regional celebration has the theme “Guro Kabalikat sa Pagbabago.” (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

0

ARMM gov't ready for onset of La Niña

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional government assured that they are ready for the onset of La Niña. 

Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizullah “Kirby” Abdullah of the region’s Interior and Local Government department (DILG-ARMM) said during a press conference on Thursday, October 6, that his office has already convened local government units (LGUs) since May to carry out disaster preparedness measures.

Atty. Abdullah urged all provincial governors as well as city and municipal mayors to take precautionary measures in their respective areas of responsibility.

The DILG has launched new protocols, or procedures, for LGUs to strengthen disaster risk reduction management dubbed Operation Listo.

Operation Listo started in 2014 with Listong Pamahalaang Lokal, which institutionalized local protocols for disaster preparedness, response and monitoring.

The program was strategized to reach the grassroots with its second component, the Listong Pamayanan, focusing on capacity development intervention that starts from LGUs and cascades to the community.

“We already coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) for us to be prepared to address the ill effects of La Niña,” Atty. Abdullah said.

He also said that the government is implementing a comprehensive program on mitigating the adverse effects of La Niña. This covers agriculture, flood control, food security, and disaster risk reduction measures.

The ARMM’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD-ARMM) has conducted an ocular inspection to determine steps to be taken to minimize the impact of floods on low-lying areas.

OCD-ARMM has been coordinating with the regional disaster risk reduction and management council, LGUs and partner nongovernmental agencies.

ARMM's Agriculture Secretary Alexander Alonto said his office is preparing funds to mitigate the impact of the wet season. “Preparations are underway to mitigate the possible impact of the rainy season to farmers in the ARMM,” Sec. Alonto said. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

0

ARMM officials meet to intensify anti-poverty drive

Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) met Wednesday, October 5, to intensify the region’s anti-poverty drive aimed at uplifting the lives of poor families who are mostly living in impoverished communities.

ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia said the best way to combat poverty in the region is to properly deliver the programs and projects because these will have significant effects on their daily lives. 

“It will take time to solve the poverty challenge, but we in the regional government must continue to lead the fight,” said Atty. Alamia who presided an expanded meeting involving heads of different departments, line agencies and locally created offices.

The programs and projects of ARMM on poverty reduction were discussed during the meeting especially those implemented in conflict-affected areas. 

Atty. Alamia said the region has various programs and projects on poverty alleviation such as the Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment, Humanitarian and Development Action Plan, and Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy. 

The regional government will further improve its services in education, health, welfare, barangay, agri-fishery, infrastructure and non-infrastructure, she said.

Executive Director Baintan Ampatuan of the region’s planning and development office presented during the event ARMM’s medium-term regional development plan (MTRDP) covering the years 2017 to 2022.

Engr. Ampatuan explained that MTRDP is a six-year undertaking aligned with the national government’s Philippine Development Plan. 

The strategic cluster convergence plan, a three-year initiative of the ARMM cabinet cluster to carry out the administration’s priorities for 2016-2019, was also discussed. 

Two strategies were also tackled during the poverty reduction meeting. The immediate strategy is the ‘Labanan ang Kahirapan sa ARMM’, or the ‘Apat Dapat Program’, that focuses on key interventions concerning the four basic needs of every family, namely food, lighting, water and sanitation, and shelter. 

The region’s anti-poverty long-term strategy is the balancing of the economy that includes enhancing the productivity of the farming sector in order to increase agricultural production in rural areas.

“The local and regional governments will jointly work to provide an environment conducive to industrial development and in strengthening the services sector,” Atty. Alamia added. (BPI/PIA-10)

0