OBYA holds first provincial youth congress in Lanao del Sur

“The regional government is committed to uplifting the youth across the region, and it is good to see the youth themselves are also committed to taking action,” ARMM Chief-of-Staff and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-ARMM) regional OIC-Director Rasol Mitmug Jr. said as he addressed more than 200 youth leaders in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on April 19. 

Youth leaders from different organizations across the province participated in the first provincial youth congress organized by the Office on the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA). 

During the said event, the youth had the chance to engage each other not only to discuss their concerns but to come up with solutions and proposals both for the local and regional government. 

“It is always good to see youth leaders express willingness to serve their communities and fellow Bangsamoros, and our office is committed to harnessing that potential and building a relationship with the youth sector. The regional government looks forward to working with you,” said Amir Mawallil, OBYA executive director. 

Discussions on programs and assistance for out-of-school youth (OSY) were the highlight of the said event, with Mitmug responding to queries as the participants fielded questions regarding relevant services offered by TESDA.

He said TESDA-ARMM has already gathered OSY data across the region and is in the process of verifying and targeting the needs of the said youth sub-sector. 

Meanwhile, OSY and other sectors who may be interested can bring the basic requirements to centers and inquire about the programs offered by TESDA-ARMM. 

Among other issues tackled during the youth congress were unemployment and underemployment, waste management, and peace and security. 

“Our people have faced far greater adversities in the past and we have overcome these challenges with youth leaders at the forefront of the struggle. There is a lot expected from the youth and looking at you present here today, I can say that the future holds so much promise. Thank you for reminding us what it was like to be a youth leader again,” Mitmug said as he thanked the youth at the end of the open forum. 

Also present in the said event were Jehanne Mutin, chairperson of the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women, Abdulhamid Alawi, ORG Records Division chief, Dim Radia, administrator of the region’s Cooperative Development Agency, Al-Trekee Dayan, Regional Sports Coordinating Office Director, and Anwar Upahm, ARMM-HELPS program manager. (OBYA/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur DRRMOs undergo contingency planning workshop

Disaster risk reduction and management stakeholders from local government units and government agencies in the province participate in the three-day Contingency Plan (CP) Formulation Workshop sponsored by the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM).

The workshop is held at Almaseer Hotel in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao from April 19 to 21, 2017.

It aims to develop deeper understanding on the substantive nature and processes involved in the formulation of contingency plans on the possible hazards  during high density and population gathering. 

Leo T Alicias,  representative of OCD-ARMM Officer-in-Charge, gave his welcome remarks to the participants where he highlighted the importance of execution and coordination in the event a disaster comes. 

“The observance of procedures and protocols with respect to the different roles of the stakeholders and key players in DRRM is very important," he said.

Gecile Gonzales of OCD-ARMM discussed contingency planning citing it like a vehicle which must be prepared ahead of time and  must be  checked always to ensure that it will work when the need arises. 

Hence, it should be regularly reviewed, updated, and simulated into an exercise to test the plan.

At the end of the workshop, the participants are expected to produce an draft contingency plan output and will be finalized, reviewed, endorsed to Sangguniang Panlalawigan and will be duly signed and approved by the Provincial Governor. 

They will also come up with a worst case scenario and formulate goals, objectives and response mechanisms to put in place under such scenario. (OCD-ARMM/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur stakeholders raise issues on social dev't

To improve communication with the stakeholders at the grassroots level and promote greater community participation in solving social issues, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has conducted a summit and dialogue in Marawi City on Wednesday, April 19.

The event, dubbed Social Development Summit, brought together hundreds of stakeholders in education, health, social welfare, and environment sectors at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, together with officials from the regional departments of Education (DepEd), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Health, and Environment and Natural Resources, attended the summit to address and answer the issues and concerns of each sector.

Dr. Nariman Lao Taha, a rural health physician in the town of Sultan Dumalondong since 1990, said in more than 25 years of working, this is the first time they had a dialogue with the ARMM regional governor.

"Napakagandang pagkakataon ito na makausap namin ang regional governor at mga regional secretaries para maipaabot namin ang mga concerns namin sa aming lugar. Kailangan po talaga namin ng expansion ng health facilities para ma-cater namin ang lahat ng pumupunta sa RHUs (rural health units) namin,"Dr. Taha said.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, Lanao del Sur provincial health officer, said while efforts are underway to cater to the needs of the populace, challenges still face the health sector in the province. Lanao del Sur has 1,063 barangays in 39 towns. Each of these towns has a rural health unit, but only 31 have standard buildings. Also,only 138 of the total 1,063 barangays have barangay health units.

The province has six hospitals, but only one is classified as Level 2 hospital with 200-bed occupancy. The remaining five are either infirmary, or Level 1 hospital with less than 100-bed occupancy. In 2016, the province had a total population of 828,584.

"Our dream for Lanao del Sur is a healthy, empowered and productive Maranaos," Dr. Minalang added. Other issues and concerns raised were the lack of school buildings, teacher’s appointments and promotions, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) payout, and PAMANA projects.

On education issues, the regional government noted it is still working at generating an accurate data about the education sector. The province of Lanao del Sur is composed of three schools divisions, namely Lanao Sur I, II and Marawi City.

Governor Hataman encouraged the teachers and local government units to meet for the activation of local school boards. He added that the local school boards could help them resolve the issues of DepEd with immediate response. 

Alfhadar Pajiji, DepEd-ARMM's assistant secretary for special projects, said they recognize the essential role of the local school boards in the advancement of the welfare of public schools in the region.

Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., regional vice governor and concurrent DSWD-ARMM secretary, reiterated that 4Ps is managed by the DSWD central office. "Hindi na po DSWD-ARMM ang may control sa payout kung hindi ang central office," Vice Governor Lucman said. 

The first Social Development Summit in the region this year was held in Basilan province last month. Similar summits will be held in three other provinces of the region, namely Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the coming months. (BPI/PIA-10)

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ARMM holds social dev't summit in Lanao del Sur

Photo credit: BPI-ARMM

To address issues at the local level and promote participation of the community in the decision-making process, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) held its second Social Development Summit in here on Wednesday, April 19.

The summit gathered local officials as well as stakeholders  involved in education, health, social welfare, agriculture and environment from the province.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, together with regional officials of Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), among others, were also present to address issues and concerns of the different sectors.

Photo credit: BPI-ARMM

Governor Hataman said the regional government will go down to the grassroots level to ensure efficient delivery of the region’s projects and programs. 

The first Social Development Summit was held in Basilan province in March, this year. Similar summit will be held in the provinces of  Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the coming months. (APB/PIA-10)

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ATI launches first learning site in Lanao del Sur

The Agricultural Training Institute -Regional Training Center(ATI-RTC XII) launched the first Organic Agriculture Learning Site  in the province on Tuesday, April 18.

The Learning Site or Sanayan sa Pagsasaka is located in Sitio Pantar, Brgy. Lumbac, Tugaya town  and owned by Shaifon Abdulmanan, an Organic Agriculture practitioner  and a Magsasakang Siyentista.

A Learning Site is a developed farm operated by successful farmers who want to share their knowledge and are willing to make their farms as demo area or hands-on learning and training venue for farmers, students and other clients who are interested in agriculture. 

Director Abdul I. Daya-an of ATI-RTC XII  and Department of Agriculture Provincial Office head Pangalian A. Balindong, Jr. unveiled the project marker (in tarp) to signal the operation of the learning site. 

PAO Balindong also committed to strengthen extension services in the area, in support to the attainment of the goals of the Tugaya Learning Site and the DA in general.

Director Daya-an, on the other hand, hopes that the learning site will bring significant changes on the lives of farmers in the province. He also expressed continuing support to make the farm an ideal venue for technology transfer. 

During the same day, DA and ATI also turned-over one 5000W  Diesel Generator to the members of the   Ganassi Rural Improvement Club to help them in their turmeric and palapa (Meranao spices) livelihood project. (DA Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)

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DAR turns-over subprojects to Taraka LGU

Photo credit: DAR Lanao del Sur

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province turned-over three completed subprojects to the Local Government Unit of Taraka  on Monday, April 17, under the DAR Asian Development Bank – Agrarian Reform Community Project (ARCP) Phase II.

The projects consisted of concreting of the Buadi Diamangga-Buadi Ongcalo Farm-to-Market Road, and construction of Multi-Purpose Building at Barangay Buadi Amunud and  Barangay Buadi Sundig.

The DAR ARCP aims to uplift the livelihood of the Agrarian Reform Partners by increasing their productivity and consequently their income.

Mayor Nashiba Areefa G. Sumagayan of Taraka said the projects were already completed early last year but was turned-over only this year due to conflict of schedules of both the LGU of Taraka and DAR Lanao del Sur. 

She also expressed gratitude to the department for the projects. “Rest assured that the two multi-purpose centers will be beneficial to the local farmers as they can use it for livelihood trainings and programs or evacuation centers when the need arise and any other functions,” she said.

Meanwhile DAR-ARMM Secretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan,  along with Sampaco A. Mamainte, DAR – ARMM Assistant Regional Secretary and Engr. Mesug P. Unda, Lanao del Sur Provincial Project Manager, underscored the collaboration of agrarian partners and stakeholders in helping the local farmers.

“Our commendation to the LGU of Taraka for its support as we are one and united in forwarding developments in Taraka and entire Lanao del Sur,” said Secretary Sangcopan. (Saliha P. Lalanto, DAR-Lanao del Sur / PIA-10)

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S&T dialogue tackles strengthening of Halal industry

To identify possible areas of collaboration to strengthen the Philippine Halal industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-12 held a dialogue in Marawi City on Sunday, April 9, with sectoral representatives from the province.

The dialogue sought to provide a venue where we can lay open to stakeholders what we have and discuss what we can do to put in place halal initiatives to strengthen halal culture in Mindanao and the country at large, said Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST-12 director.  

She said DOST-12 has been implementing science and technology programs for the development of the halal industry and encouraging harmonization of efforts with collaborators from the government and partners from the private sector and the academe. 

The dialogue also featured lectures on halal as interpreted in Islam and Shariah law as applied to halal business and Islamic finance by Atty. Hamid Barra, professor of Mindanao State University-College of Law. Director Laidan, on the other hand, shared inputs on eco-halal for an inclusive Islamic community and the role of science, technology and innovation in the development of the halal industry. 

The DOST-12 Seal of Quality logo and the World Halal Assembly Philippines (WHAP) was also launched during the dialogue. The WHAP is a substantial event to carry out massive promotion and advocacy of the country's science and technology efforts and initiatives for the development of the halal industry, Laidan said. 

The assembly aims to realize the "One Standard, One Test, One Certificate" scheme in line with the implementation of the Unified Global Halal Standards of the Organization of Islamic Countries-Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (OIC-SMIIC). 

It will gather local and international halal stakeholders, members of the private sector, academe, relevant government agencies,  regulatory bodies, certfication bodies, scientists and technocrats, and Ulamas and Muslim communities.

The WHAP will be held  at the Marriot Manila grand ballroom on July 12-14, 2017 with the theme 'Developing Halal Premium Brand through science, technology, and Innovation." (APB/PIA-10) 

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BCH-ARMM, NCCA to implement cultural mapping project in Muslim communities

The Bureau on Cultural Heritage (BCH) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) plans to implement a cultural mapping project for Muslim communities.

Officials of the two institutions met on April 4 at the Bajau Hall, ORG Compound in Cotabato City for a consultative meeting on a research and documentation initiative that will come up with an inventory and registry of cultural properties that need preservation and protection.
                                             
Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, NCCA Commissioner for Cultural Heritage, described cultural mapping as a process of identifying, recording, and using cultural resources and activities in building communities.

“Ang kultura ay parang kaluluwa ng bansa. Everything emanates from our culture; this is why we would like to preserve it for our identity as people of the ARMM, and as Filipinos. Kaya gumawa tayo ng sistema so that we will be able to pass on to our children what we have in the past, that still exist in the present, that they can use in the future,” Fr. Rentoria said.

He also called on local government units in the region to support and take accountability on projects relating to cultural heritage. He said it is important to craft projects that will aid in their preservation and protection.

“Ang progress and development natin ay hindi lang sa mga current na pamamaraan, dapat kasama narin ang ating nakaraan. Marami nang mga pag aaral at mga success stories if we are able to preserve our heritage and this can be really good for our socio-economic development as well,” Fr. Rentoria added.

Meanwhile, Executive Director Marites Maguindra of the BCH-ARMM expressed optimism on the region’s renewed ties with the NCCA.

This is not the first time the two agencies worked together, but Maguindra said stronger ties with the NCCA is very beneficial for the ARMM since BCH has limitations in resources.

“Marami tayong plans on cultural preservation and we have already done some of them even with our constraints and limitations, and we are looking forward that NCCA will help us bridge those gaps,” Maguindra said.

“Nakakatakot na in 10 years time kapag hindi natin na-preserve hindi lang ang mga items, kung hindi pati ang transfer ng skills, baka tuluyan ng mawala ang mga heritage na ito,” she further said,

The consultation meeting was also a venue for BCH to propose to the NCCA possible projects that they could jointly implement in the future. One of these is the operation of the ARMM Museum or the Regional Center for Cultural Heritage.

NCCA is the planning and policy making body of the government on the preservation and protection of culture. (BPI/PIA-10)

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Socio-economic infra projects poured in Camp Bushra

Various socio-economic infrastructures were turned-over by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the towns of Butig, Lumbayanague, and Masiu on Monday, April 3, to aid the transformation of Camp Bushra into a progressive community.

The projects include level II water system, solar dryer with warehouse and rice mill, concrete pathways, box culverts, support to vegetable and inland fishpond production, and Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Chairperson  Irene Santiago led the turnover as part of the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Santiago was accompanied by  Office on the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistance Secretary Atty. Ma. Cecilia Papa, Community and Family Services International (CFCSI) Executive Director Dr. Steven Muncy, World Bank Representative Mr. Roy Tordecilla, Task Force Camp Transformation (TFCT)-Camp Bushra Chairman Osama Ali and co-chair Jannati Mimbantas, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Chairman Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, MILF-TFCT Coordinator Mohamad Saleh, and members of the Civilian Protection Component of the International Monitoring Team (CPC-IMT).

The Government and MILF peace implementing panels previously agreed to undertake necessary projects for the transformation of the six acknowledged MILF camps, which included Camp Bushra, as part of the confidence-building measures provided in the Annex of Normalization of the CAB.

The projects were funded under the Mindanao Trust Fund - Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP), a multi-donor grant facility administered by the World Bank.

During the turn-over program, Hadji Ismail, President of Satamerah Association, conveyed his appreciation for the projects.

He said the projects are the fruits of the cause and struggle of the Bangsamoro and the presence of the GPH and MILF representatives and other guests showed their concerns in rebuilding the Bangsamoro community.

Satamerah is one of the recipient-people's organizations for farming inputs, capability-building, and other support services for vegetable production.

Santiago, in her message, underscored the important role of everyone in attaining peace and development.

"The secret to peace is us. Hindi ang gobyerno, hindi ang mga proyekto o ano pa man, kundi tayong lahat mismo ang sekreto sa kapayapaan," she said.

Ali, on the other hand, said giving more livelihood and economic opportunities to the grassroots will capacitate the community to be active participants in the peace-building efforts. 

Meanwhile, Tordecilla said the World Bank is thankful for the peace process between the government and the MILF and for creating an enabling environment for development to happen.

Camp Bushra has five vanguard municipalities: Butig, Masiu, Lumbayanague, Sultan Dumalondong and Lumbatan.(APB/PIA-10)

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ARMM, PEZA get help from US Halal Chamber of Commerce in exploring US halal market

A forum hosted by the US Halal Chamber of Commerce for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) held in Washington, D.C.  on March 27 looked at how Mindanao’s producers of halal products could access the US market.

Habib Ghanim, CEO of the US Halal Chamber of Commerce, led a group of experts in briefing the Philippine delegation on business opportunities, as well as challenges, in the US halal trade.

During the forum, it was proposed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be signed among PEZA, ARMM and the US Halal Chamber of Commerce in order to formalize cooperation and assistance.

“I believe that this will go a long way towards ensuring the empowerment of ecozones of Mindanao,” PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said.

Earlier this year, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman  officially declared the Polloc Freeport and Ecozone in Parang, Maguindanao as a ‘halal hub.’

“The ARMM government is continually working to open the possibilities to the halal market for the region as well as for the country,” Gov. Hataman said during the event marking Polloc Freeport's declaration as halal hub.

Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, executive director of the ARMM-Regional Economic Zone Authority and a member of the Philippine delegation, noted four important areas that should be addressed, namely, consensus on certification requirements that avoid confusing, contradictory and costly requirements; protection of the integrity of halal certification in order to avoid loss of confidence by consumers; ensuring claims regarding health and safety are based on science and not on shariah alone; and addressing the relative lack of information on halal markets.

The delegation considered the proposed cooperative effort to be timely because the global halal market is worth about US$ 2.77 trillion annually with trade in halal foods at US$700 billion, accounting for as much as 12% of global trade in agro-food products.

The signing of the MOU may take place at a planned International Halal Ecozones Summit to be held in Davao City, Philippines in October. (BPI/PIA-10)

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Agri workers, farmer leaders in Lanao del Sur undergo training on Halal small ruminant production

Forty-two (42) Agricultural Extension Workers and farmer leaders from different municipalities in the province completed the training course on Halal Small Ruminant Production held on March 28-29, 2017 at the Mamitua Saber Research Training Center, MSU Campus in Marawi City.

The training was aimed at developing and strengthening the role of extension workers involved in livestock program in implementing quality assurance system in the production chain for Halal products and services to ensure compliance to existing legislations by national and international standards.

Pangalian Balindong, Jr. , provincial head of the Department of Agriculture, underscored the importance of this training citing that small ruminant such as goat is greatly interwoven in the Islamic faith, and eating Halal foods is part of the Muslim way of life.

Dr. Norodin A. Kuit, National Focal Person for Halal and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) ARMM Regional Office -Chief of the Livestock Section, delivered topics on Religious, Science and Historical perspective of Halal, management practices on Halal goat production, Animal Welfare Act, proper transport procedure, registration of goat farms, and biosecurity and waste management.

Director Abdul I. Daya-an, of ATI RTC -XII, also shared some valuable insights on the current state of Halal certification, as well as some absurdities in the process.

He said “Halal meat is not just about slaughtering in adherence to Islamic rites as many contend...Halal starts right in the farm."

Discussions during the open forum focused on the issues of the difference of conventional goat management practices and Halal goat production as well as the current state of goat raising in in the province viewed from Halal perspective. (DA Lanao del Sur / PIA-10)

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