TFBM cites significance of gratitude for support

Beneficiaries of Marawi Covid Recovery Project of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and implemented by Community and Family Services International pose with the various assistance. (Michael John Paclar/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. encouraged the beneficiaries of the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP) to be grateful for the assistance they received.

“Tayo ay dapat magpasalamat. Express our graittude. Kapag naacknowledge natin iyong tumutulong sa atin, nadadagdagan ang blessings,” he said.

[We should be grateful. Express our gratitude. When we acknowledge those who help us, we will receive more blessings.]

The TFBM Field Office manager said gratitude encourages the donors or implementers of the program. 

He also lauded the efforts of the Australian government for the continuing support they provide to the affected communities. He further reaffirmed the commitment of the government to rebuild the City.

“Habang hindi natatapos ang rehabilitasyon, kami po ay nandito para tulungan kayo. Iyong rehab natin malapit nang matapos. Maraming proyekto ang ginagawa,” he said.

[While the rehabilitation is not over, we are here to help you. Our rehabilitation is nearing completion. Many projects are being done.]

MRP is funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and implemented by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) benefitting more than 51,000 persons affected by the Marawi Siege.

DFAT and CSFI also implement the Marawi Covid Recovery Project which targets to provide protection, psychosocial, and livelihood support to a total of 4,000 households in Marawi and six municipalities in Lanao del Sur. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Sur) 

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Returning LSI in Marawi gets support through MCRP

Hanifa Decampong shares how the Marawi Covid Recovery Project of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and Community and Family Services International helped her to start anew. (Michael John Paclar/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--A returning resident who was stranded in Metro Manila received food vending livelihood assistance through the Marawi Covid Recovery Project (MCRP) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and Community and Family Services International (CFSI).

Hanifa Decampong who lives from Barangay Papandayan Caniogan recounted that she ventured into Manila to find a job after the Marawi siege. When the pandemic broke out, she decided to return to Marawi. Fortunately, she is one of the beneficiaries of the MCRP.

“Nakatanggap ako ng food vending which is naging simula ng bagong hanapbuhay ko kasi galing ako Manila. After siege nagpunta ako ng Manila para sa hanapbuhay then dumating ang pandemic, umuwi ako. Tapos sa tulong ng CFSI, nagkaroon ako ng food vending para sa bagong hanapbuhay na nagamit ko sa araw-araw na pangangailangan para sa dalawa kong anak,” she said. 

[I received food vending assistance which fueled the beginning of my new livelihood because I came from Manila. After the siege I went to Manila for a job then the pandemic came, I went home. With the help of CFSI, I had food vending as my source of income that I used for daily needs for my two children.]

Decampong shared she cooks and sells street food and ice buko at her home. She said the income she earned from it helped her buy milk and other necessities for her two children. 

The MCRP beneficiary also conveyed gratitude to CFSI and the Australian government for the support given to her which helped her to start anew. She hoped that they will continue to assist the affected residents of Marawi. 

Decampong also hoped that her story will inspire others to rebuild their lives. She reminded her fellow beneficiaries to use well the assistance provided to them. 

“Sa mga kagaya ko na nakatanggap ng livelihood, sana gamitin ito sa mabuti at gamitin ito sa pang-araw araw na pangkabuhayan. Palaguin ito para hindi na makaranas ng gutom ang pamilya at makapag-aral ang mga anak,” she said. 

[For those who also received livelihood support, I hope that you will use it well. Sustain it so that your family will not experience hunger and your children can go to school.]

Under the MCRP, a total of 4,000 households in Marawi and six municipalities in Lanao del Sur are targeted to benefit from protection, psychosocial, and livelihood support. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

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More IDPs receive assistance from DFAT Australia, CFSI

Couples Khadafi Tocalo and Norhanie Baraakal receive marriage certificates through the assistance of CFSI and the Australian government. (Michael John Paclar/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--With its continuous efforts to rebuild the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) here, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) turned over anew various assistance to 17 beneficiaries. 

Under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP), 10 beneficiaries received livelihood support (assorted grocery items, food vending items, e-loading), two got assistive devices, two acquired birth certificates, and three couples received marriage certificates. These beneficiaries are part of the projected 4,000 households that will benefit from the MCRP through June 2023.

Couples Khadafi Tocalo and Norhanie Baraakal are among the beneficiaries who received marriage certificates through the assistance of CFSI. Together with their nine children, CFSI also assisted them in acquiring birth certificates. 

Tocalo urged his fellow IDPs to use the livelihood support given to them in rebuilding their lives. He reminded them that they should not sell such assistance. 

“Panawagan sa mga beneificaries ng CFSI na gamitin nila sa tamang pangangailangan iyong natanggap nila para mabuhay nila iyong mga anak nila at pamilya nang maayos. Huwag nilang gaayahin iyong ibang beneficiaries na binebenta yung nakukuha nila. Dahil kung talagang gagamitin nila, makakatulong ito sa kanila,” said Tocalo who also lives in Area 1, Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter Site. 

[We call on the beneficiaries of CFSI to properly use what they have received so that their children and families can live well. They should not imitate those other beneficiaries who sell what they get. Because if they really use it properly, it will help them.]

Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Sisson of the Embassy of Australia, Steven Muncy, Executive Director of Community and Family Services International and Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. recently led the ceremonial turn-over of various assistance under MCRP. (LELA / PIA Lanao del Sur) 

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DFAT Australia, CFSI reaffirm support for recovery of IDPs

Deputy Head of Mission Richard Sisson of the Embassy of Australia turns over an assistive device to a beneficiary under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project. (Michael John Paclar/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--While the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP) which benefitted more than 51,000 persons affected by the Marawi Siege ends this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) remain committed to providing support for the recovery of the internally displaced persons of this city. 

CFSI will also continue to provide assistance through the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) funded by the Australian government. 

“MRP started in October 2017. It will end this month but the MCRP which started in February 2021 will continue until June 2023. We are not ending, we are continuing to work with you and your people,” said Steven Muncy, Executive Director of Community and Family Services International, during the ceremonial turnover of assistance to IDPs in Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter Site. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Mission Richard Sisson of the Embassy of Australia is pleased that the assistance helped IDPs in providing livelihood support, psychosocial services, assistance to people with special needs and protection support including identification of documents such as birth and marriage certificates.

Sisson highlighted in his message that the Australian government will continue to help Filipinos in times of need. 

“Australia remains committed and is always ready to support the Philippines and Filipinos in times of need. Our work continues as we commenced the MCRP this year to build on the gains of the MRP recovery project and sustain our support to IDPs especially those who have been affected by the CoVid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic,” said Sisson.

During the ceremonial turnover, another 17 community members received assistance from CFSI and DFAT Australia under the MCRP. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Sur) 

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CFSI: A timely helping hand in govt’s ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’

The Community and Family Services International (CFSI) is extending its support to the vaccination program in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur through its provision of information, education and communication (IEC) materials. (Michael John Paclar/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

The world is currently on its greatest effort to vaccinate the populace against the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 with respective strategies pitched to attain herd immunity in all the countries. This intensified program involves not only the government but also other partners to ensure a ramped-up drive.

One of the tapped sectors is those constituting the non-government organizations (NGOs), bearing various advocacies to advance the betterment of society. Now, they get to be involved in the battle against the global health crisis through championing the COVID-19 vaccination program. Notably with the visible presence is the humanitarian organization named Community and Family Services International (CFSI).

In the Philippines, the CFSI has pursued numerous projects and its most recent effort is its support to the aggressively initiated three-day national vaccination days dubbed as Bayanihan, Bakunahan running from November 29 until December 1 this year. 

Accordingly, the organization’s implementation of the Marawi COVID-19 Recovery Project (MCRP) with funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian government paved the way for the support to be extended to the vaccination drive covering 14 barangays in Marawi City and six towns in Lanao del Sur province.

This, as it firmly believes that backing this national vaccination program will be beneficial on their end in meeting their goal which is to promote protection and recovery of at least 4,000 households or 20,000 individuals from the economic and psychosocial impact of armed conflict and the pandemic. 

The CFSI particularly aimed to enter into close collaboration with key stakeholders, local government units (LGUs), rural health units (RHUs), and target communities to reach the grassroots and shed light on them with regards to the persisting pandemic, and the vaccines that they must be inoculated with to hit herd immunity and eventually beat the crisis. 

Under the project, community orientation was conducted which was focused primarily on often disregarded areas in addition to the door-to-door campaign majorly giving convenience to persons with special needs such as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. 

Further, the organization facilitated safe space prospects for vaccination sites, utilizing its Harmony Learning Center in Sagonsongan and Lake View Transitory Shelters situated in Barangays Sagonsongan and Boganga, respectively. 

Apart from all of these, information, education and communication (IEC) materials were also provided through the installation of relevant tarpaulin in identified strategic areas and radio guestings while its own sets of encoders were mobilized to assist in encoding and uploading online the information on vaccinated individuals in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Social Work Department of Mindanao State University (MSU).

With all the efforts poured, the CFSI remained committed to lending its timely helping hand in the government’s vaccination program as aside from the MCRP objective, it shares the same perspective that vaccines are indeed effective solutions to pass through this unwelcomed COVID-19 health problem. 

“Ang humanitarian organizations gaya ng CFSI ay naniniwala na ang bakuna kontra COVID-19 ay isa sa mga mabisang pamamaraan para protektahan ang ating sarili, ating pamilya at ating komunidad kaya nakikiisa ang CFSI sa ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’,” said CFSI MCRP coordinator and Iligan sub-office head Farida Mangcaan.

[Humanitarian organizations like the CFSI believe that the vaccine against the COVID-19 is one of the effective means to protect ourselves, our family and our community, that is why the CFSI we come as one in the ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’.] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi’s Raya Madaya 1 sees new brgy complex symbol of hope

As Brgy, Raya Madaya 1 of Marawi City accepts its new barangay complex, barangay officials convey that such a facility symbolizes hope to every constituent that one day, they may return to their homes which were greatly devastated during the siege four years ago. (PIA-Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur --Following the inauguration of the new complex of Brgy. Raya Madaya 1 here Thursday, December 2, constituents conveyed they see this as a light, giving hope to their desire of being welcomed once again in their previous homes wrecked by the battle four years ago.

“Through the construction of this barangay complex, we can finally show our community not just a symbol of hope but an action and a tangible start of our rebuilding and returning to our home,” said former barangay chairwoman Asmenah Manabilang-Barambangan.

She stressed that this does not just signify they will be returning to their old places but also building a bigger and better barangay with all its residents.  

Apart from giving optimism that they could still return to their home, Barambangan added this is likewise a center of good governance where officials will work harder than ever to make sure they can slowly provide facilities and services their people deserve. 

Affirming this, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario believed it would indeed be a major drive for barangay officials to energetically deliver services. 

The barangay complex of Raya Madaya 1, just like the other previously completed complexes, is also equipped with the chairman’s office, madrasah, and health center.

Mayor Majul Gandamra said this is one of the primary concerns they looked into as they believe capacitating the most basic unit of the government will ensure the development of the city.

As such, he urged the receivers to utilize it to lead every constituent to betterment to live up to the purpose of its construction.

“Bagama’t kami sa gobyerno ay patuloy na sumusuporta upang mabigyan ang lahat ng magandang buhay, ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nasa inyong kamay kaya gamitin natin ang lahat ng oportunidad na hinandog sa inyo ng inyong pamahalaan para sa ikabubuti ng pangkalahatan,” said Gandamra.

[Although we, in the government, continuously support to give everyone a good life, the real progress is in your hands, that is why let us use all of the opportunities offered to you by the government for the good of all.] (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Most advanced bulk water system to rise in Marawi

Task Force Bangon Marawi together with officials of LWUA and the city and provincial governments break ground for the construction of a bulk water system project. (Angelo Dologmandin / PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Residents of the most affected area (MAA) are now assured of potable and safe water following the groundbreaking ceremony of a Bulk Water System project in Brgy Kapantaran, this city.

Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Administrator Guiling Mamondiong, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario and Mayor Majul Gandamra broke ground on Thursday, December 2, signaling the start of the water project construction. 

The project will use the most advanced technology with a capacity of five million liters per day.

All the 24 barangays in MAA are set to benefit from this project which is targeted to be completed by April next year.

According to Del Rosario, three sites are involved in the construction of the water bulk facility - the pumping area within the lake, the treatment facility, and the two reservoirs where it will be channeled once treated.

"There are three parts to this project. They intend to tap three subcontractors who will do the three areas at the same time. So instead of one contractor doing the pumping construction, doing the treatment facility, and the reservoir construction, they would tap three contractors to do these at the same time. It would mean that the completion will be fast-tracked," he said.

The TFBM chief also disclosed that they have programmed a budget to scale up the capacity to 10 million liters per day by next year

Meanwhile, Gandamra conveyed his gratitude for the implementation of the bulk water system stressing that a water project is one of the important aspects of development.  He said the provision of safe and potable water sources is useful to Marawi residents who are set to return to MAA. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur

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TFBM, LGU-Marawi inaugurate Raya Madaya 1 Brgy. Complex

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--As rehabilitation of Marawi continues, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and city government officials on Thursday, December 2, inaugurated another barangay complex inside the most affected area (MAA) of the city. 

The Barangay complex located in Raya Madaya 1 is equipped with a madrasah and health center in line with the efforts of the government to provide quality education and healthcare to Marawi citizens. 

City Mayor Majul Gandamra said that it is their commitment to the barangays within the MAA to build barangay complexes equipped with a health center and madrasah. The inauguration, he said, is evidence of that promise that had just been fulfilled. He attributed such fulfillment to the support of the national government through the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

 "We in the LGU would like to express our profound gratitude to the national government and TFBM and our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for your continued support in our pursuit for comprehensive development of the city. Thank you for fulfilling your commitment to our people," the mayor further said. 

City Mayor Majul Gandamra expresses his gratitude to TFBM and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for their continued support in the pursuit of comprehensive development of the city.  (Angelo Dologmandin/PIA Lanao del Sur)

TFBM chairperson Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario said the barangay complex was designed not only to house barangay officials but also to have a madrasah and health center to provide service to residents. 

"I think with these facilities the barangay officials would be energetic in providing services to the people of Marawi," he said. 

The TFBM chief also said that the completion of the barangay complex is a symbol of good governance and unity among constituents of Raya Madaya 1.

TFBM chairperson Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario says the barangay complex was designed not only to house barangay officials but also to have a madrasah and health center to provide service to residents.  (Angelo Dologmandin/PIA Lanao del Sur)

The Raya Madaya 1 barangay facility is the fifth newly-constructed barangay complex inaugurated this year. Earlier, TFBM and the city government of Marawi rolled out the Tolali, Datu Naga, Datu sa Dansalan, West Marinaut, and Moncado Kadingilan barangay complexex. 

The construction of these complexes was implemented by the city government funded under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management - Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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TFBM chief checks Marawi rehab progress anew

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario inspects the progress of Marawi City Jail in Brgy. Biaba Damag. He is accompanies by City Mayor Majul Gandamra and TFBM Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario again headed to the country’s only Islamic City to check on the progress of the ongoing rehabilitation. 

He inspected on Thursday, December 2, ongoing projects such as the Grand Padian Market, Promenade, Marawi Museum, School of Living Tradition, and Peace Memorial Park in the most affected area of the city. 

He also checked the rehabilitation works on the slaughterhouse, Torogan, Marawi City Jail, and permanent housing projects in Barangays Patani and Kilala. 

According to the TFBM chief, the Marawi rehabilitation is now 85% complete with different projects having different stages of completion. 

"Others were completed, others are ongoing, and others are now on the final stages. So we can summarize that it's about 85% complete," he said. 

Del Rosario also attended the turnover of the newly-restored Grand Mosque to its administrators, the groundbreaking of a Bulk Water System Project, and the inauguration of Raya Madaya 1 Barangay Complex. 

"We would like to ensure you that Task Force Bangon Marawi will continuously support Marawi City and ensure the completion of our projects as promised by our President who said that 'I will see to it that Marawi will rise as a prosperous city again'," he said during the Raya Madaya 1 Barangay Complex inauguration.

Del Rosario, who also heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), likewise emphasized that rebuilding Marawi is not only about public infrastructures but also in ensuring that there will be a peaceful environment once the rehabilitation is completed. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Gandamra says Grand Mosque rehab sign of a new beginning

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra says the rehabilitation of the Grand Mosque brings a ray of hope and a new beginning to the people of the City. (Michael John Paclar / PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--City Mayor Majul Gandamra said the rehabilitation of the Grand Mosque brings a ray of hope and a new beginning to the people of the City. 

"This [rehabilitation of Grand Mosque] becomes a ray of hope for all of us, all of our constituents. This turnover ceremony gives a new beginning for all of our people," he said. 

Gandamra extended gratitude for the support provided by the private donors and for the effort of Task Force Bangon Marawi to seek for potential donors to pledge commitment to support the repair of destroyed mosques. 

After more than 10 months of repair works, the Grand Mosque has been officially turned over to its administrators. New members of the Board of Directors also took their oath. 

Also known as the Islamic Center, the Grand Mosque is just one of the mosques that have been repaired using the incentivized compliance by housing developers. 

The mosques that have already been repaired are Masjid Disomangcop, White Mosque, Masjid Darussalam, and Masjid Marinaut. The rehabilitation of Ramadan Mosque and Masjid Macaorao is also underway. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie admins undertake Grand Mosque management

Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario shares how the government strived to find donors to fund the restoration and repair of mosques, among which is the Grand Mosque which was backed by housing developers in the country. (Michael John Paclar / PIA Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Following the unveiling of its markers on October 16 signaling the most awaited completion of its construction, the management of the Grand Mosque has now been turned over to the care of the Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie Islamic Center of Marawi, Inc. Thursday, December 2. 

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier signified to prioritize the rebuilding of mosques in the city considering they play a vital role in the recovery of the siege-impacted citizens. 

He shared how the government strived to find donors to fund the restoration and repair of mosques, among which is the Grand Mosque which was backed by housing developers in the country.

"I have seen the destruction in 2017 and four years after, December, the same month when I set foot on the Grand Mosque. I can say that this is the biggest and the most beautiful mosque," said Del Rosario. 

Mayor Majul Gandamra reiterated that while there is a clear line separating the State and the Church as stipulated in the country's Constitution, the effort of giving attention to dilapidated mosques is a big step to the city's healing. 

"Islam is more than just a religion. It has become a way of life for our people. As such, in pursuit of comprehensive rehabilitation of the city, the rebuilding of destroyed mosques should be also included in order for us to face a future full of hope," he said. 

With the official turnover of the mosque to its rightful administrators, the new set of Board of Directors also took an oath to accept the responsibilities in managing the newly constructed religion of worship. 

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Sec. Saidamen Pangarungan likewise conveyed his commitment to accepting the prior call from the President to foster cooperation among concerned stakeholders so the city can rise back better and stronger. 

"We are taking the President's marching order to heart by becoming stewards of this centerpiece of religious, cultural, and historical significance," he said. 

The three-floor Grand Mosque with a 9,484-square meter floor area and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, is known to be the biggest mosque in the Philippines. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi’s Grand Mosque turned over to administrators

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur —The government through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) turned over the newly-rehabilitated Grand Mosque to its administrators Thursday, December 2.

Popularly known to locals as the Islamic Center, the iconic Grand Mosque is regarded as the biggest place of Islamic worship in the country with a floor area of 9,484 square meters which can accommodate around 20,000 worshippers at any given time. 

The key of responsibility and supporting documents that included certificates of completion and occupancy, fire safety clearances, as well as electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, among others, were handed over by TFBM chief Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario to Administrator Hadji Abdul Pangarungan who thanked the government for rehabilitating the mosque.

TFBM chief Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario turns over the key of responsibility and supporting documents to Grand Mosque Administrator Hadji Abdul Pangarungan. (Michael John Paclar / PIA Lanao del Sur)

The turnover was witnessed by Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), City Mayor Majul Gandamra, and some members of the Pangarungan clan.

The NCMF Secretary also conveyed his gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Secretary Del Rosario for their efforts in restoring and improving the Grand Mosque which Pangarungan considered as the crown jewel of Marawi. These efforts, he said, will always be remembered by the people of Marawi.

Pangarungan also recalled when President Duterte unveiled the marker of the mosque in October of this year and he urged the concerned stakeholders to continue to foster cooperation so that Marawi will be able to build back better and stronger.

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan thanked President Duterte and the Task Force Bangon Marawi for restoring and improving the iconic Grand Mosque.

"We, the Pangarungan family, are taking the President’s marching order to heart by becoming stewards of this centerpiece of religious, cultural, and historical significance,” he said.

After the turnover ceremony, the new set of Board of Directors of the Grand Mosque took their oath to accept the responsibilities in managing the newly-restored and improved place of Islamic worship. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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MOH, Lanao del Sur gov't warn public vs using fake vax card

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Bangsamoro government's Ministry of Health (MOH) and the provincial government here are warning Lanao del Sur residents about buying or using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.

This, as more business establishments and neighboring provinces and cities begin requiring proof of vaccination for entry.

"Yun pong nagtatangka dyan or nagnanais na pekehin ang mga vaccination card we are sending this message to you that the provincial government of Lanao del sur is very serious on instituting criminal cases against those offenders," said Provincial Board Member Allan Panolong.

[We are sending this message to you that the provincial government of Lanao del Sur is very serious about instituting criminal cases against those offenders.]

He said appropriate criminal action will be filed against any person who would be caught falsifying the vaccination card as it is considered a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

MOH Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph backed the provincial government saying using fake vaccination cards is tantamount to falsification of a public document which is punishable by law.

"Sa mga taong namemeke nito para lang makalusot sa mall at sa checkpoint, mag ingat po kayo.  Mas mabuti na yung kuha kayo ng original at mabakunahan kayo," he advised.

[For people who faking it just to get through the mall and the checkpoint, be careful. It is better that you get the original and be vaccinated.]

Latiph said opting for a fake vaccination card instead of getting vaccinated is not only illegal but also risky for the community.

According to him, if individuals would secure the fake vaccination card, the government's vaccination program which is intended to protect the citizenry from Covid-19 will not succeed.

"Ang vaccination card ay libreng ipinamimigay ng MOH, IPHO at CHO ng Lanao del Sur at Marawi City. Huwag po tayong mag-attempt na mameke ng vaccination card.  Vaccine lang naman ang kailangan," he said.

[The vaccination card is given free of charge by MOH, IPHO and CHO of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. Let's not attempt to fake a vaccination card. All you need is a vaccine.]

The health minister also disclosed that after the Bayanihan Bakunahan they would focus on the crackdown of fake immunization cards. 

With this, he appealed to Bangsamoro people to get vaccinated to secure an original immunization card.

"Magpabakuna po kayo, libre naman ang bakuna. Huwag nating hintayin ang panahon na may bayad na ito. Habang mayroon pang pondo ang gobyerno para bumili ng bakuna, e take advantage niyo ito para atleast mabakanuhan kayo at kaakibat o kasama nito ang original na vaccination card," Latiph further said.

[Get vaccinated, the vaccine is free. Let’s not wait for the time when it's not for free. While the government still has the funds to buy the vaccine, take advantage of it so that at least you can be vaccinated and get the original vaccination card] (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur) 

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Marawi gets public's overwhelming response to nat'l vax days

Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig inoculates a youth under 18 years old during the commencement of Bayanihan, Bakunahan, a three-day national vaccination drive. He says there is an overwhelming acceptance from the residents during the onset of the campaign. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The local government here welcomed the overwhelming response of its citizenry after it launched Monday the three-day intensive national vaccination drive dubbed Bayanihan, Bakunahan.

City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig said as they have opened 11 vaccination sites, they received reports that lots of residents flocked to get vaccinated.

"Overwhelming iyong acceptance ngayon ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Bayanihan, Bakunahan. I hope tuloy-tuloy ito hanggang mareach natin ang 70% target natin, ang herd immunity," he said.

[The acceptance of our fellowmen here of the Bayanihan, Bakunahan is overwhelming. I hope this continues until we reach the target 70%, the herd immunity.]

Based on the 2020 national census, the city has 211,352 estimated total population, and accordingly, 70% of this is 133,512. Per the tallied vaccination status, the City Health Office (CHO) has vaccinated 23% of the eligible population which constitutes 30,000 residents, but only 11% is fully vaccinated. 

With the given data, Dalidig stressed they still have to inoculate more, targeting 27,000 vaccinees per day. 

A ten-kilo sack of rice from the BARMM-MSSD is given to each vaccinee in Marawi City as part of the strategy to convince residents to get vaccinated. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

He called on the public to go to the nearest vaccination hub and be immunized to hit herd immunity and get protection from the persisting COVID-19.

"Huwag maniwala sa fake news. Maniwala tayo sa ating mga doktor at local chief executives dahil lahat sila ay nagpabakuna," said Dalidig.

[Do not believe in fake news. Let us believe in our doctors and local chief executives because all of them got vaccinated.]

The city health officer likewise underscored that with the positive vaccination status, permission to resume the face-to-face classes in the city will be issued, thus, enjoining youths and parents to have themselves vaccinated.

To convince even more of his constituents, Mayor Majul Gandamra is said to have requested the Bangsamoro region's Ministry of Social Services and Development more than 100,000 ten kilos of rice to be distributed to each vaccinated person during the national vaccination days. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Security force backs Lanao Sur’s intensive vax drive

Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) Director Christopher Panapan firmly emphasizes that everyone has to cooperate in the vaccination drive to surpass the COVID-19 pandemic. (Michael John Paclar/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--With the commencement of national vaccination days in the province of Lanao del Sur, the security sector conveyed it is backing the efforts of the local government and the teams in the front line of the intensive immunization against coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. 

Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade Commander BGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo stressed that they are supporting the health sector and the whole government to safely carry out their mission as they strive for the nation's recovery from the pandemic which caused major disruption in personal, economic, and social lives.

"Panahon na na maging katulong at katuwang tayo sa ating bayan sa pagiging isang bayani by having vaccinated today and the next days to come upang maiwan natin sa ating mga anak at mga apo ang isang healthy, safe at magandang kinabukasan sa ating bayan," he said. 

[It is time to aid and assist our country in being a hero by having vaccinated today and the next days to come so that we can leave to our children and grandchildren a healthy, safe and wonderful future.]

Cuerpo firmly believed that with COVID-19 immunization, the pandemic will be concluded with the normalcy of lives restored.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) Director PCol. Christopher Panapan underscored the vaccination drive as a sacrifice of each one, which is why all citizens must be united to attain herd immunity.

"This problem is not only a problem of Lanao del Sur and the Philippines. It is a global problem that needs the participation, cooperation and collaboration of every agency for us to win this war. Unseen ang kalaban natin at kung hindi tayo magkaisa, paano tayo mananalo [Our enemy is unseen and if we do not get united, how will we win]?" he said as he reported that the population of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province is 98% fully vaccinated. 

Panapan reiterated that religious scholars have issued a statement confirming the COVID-19 vaccines are not haram, depriving the public of such an excuse to not submit themselves for vaccination. 

As part of their commitment, the PPO established visibility, deploying personnel in more than 300 vaccination hubs in various municipalities of Lanao del Sur to keep track of peace and order in the area. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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BARMM urges public to get vaxxed with looming omicron threat

Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph inoculates his 18-year old daughter, Alyssa Jadida Latiph, to enjoin the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially now with the looming threat of omicron variant. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-Lanao del Sur) 

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur --As a new coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 variant named Omicron was discovered, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Ministry of Health (MOH) appeals to the public to get vaccinated now that it poses a threat of entering into the country.

“Nagbabadya ang bagong variant na omicron. This is very dangerous… We really do not know kung kailan dadating at sana hindi na dadating sa ating bansa itong omicron variant. Pero bago dumating iyan, dapat siguraduhin natin na bawat isang Pilipino ay bakunado at protektado sa virus na ito dahil nanganganib ang ating buhay,” said Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph in the launching of the three-day aggressive nationwide vaccination drive dubbed Bayanihan, Bakunahan. 

 [The new omicron variant is threatening. This is very dangerous… We really do not know when this will arrive and I hope this omicron variant does not enter our country. But before that enters, we should make sure that each Filipino is vaccinated and protected from this virus because our life is in danger.] 

 Latiph reiterated that the pandemic does not end yet as new variants spring and affect the world, including the alpha, beta and delta variants, among others. With the existence of these, he stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic remains a minacious challenge that takes part in the human crisis given its severe health and socio-economic consequences leading to lockdowns and ‘no movement on Sunday’ policy. 

Photo 2: Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph says the only way to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic is through vaccination. (Michael John Paclar/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

Latiph firmly conveyed that this has to end in the soonest possible time and such can be done through the national vaccination days which will at least intensify and maximize healthcare workers and different departments of the government to converge in vaccinating the citizenry. 

“Ito ay para sa ating lahat para bumalik tayo sa ating ekonomiya at normal na pamumuhay [This is for all of us so that we can get back our economy and return to our normal lives]. As we all know that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption and hardships in many aspects of our lives and it has continued weighing heavy in our national economy,” he said. 

The health minister hoped that when the year 2022 enters, herd immunity is attained with 70% of Filipinos immunized, believing this is the only means to get through this global health crisis. 

The BARMM government underscored that the vaccination will still go on even after the national vaccination days and citizens must not lean on fake news, rather, they should believe in scientific studies and take advantage of this vaccination opportunity as they do not have excuses anymore considering vaccine supply in the Bangsamoro region is sufficient with almost all brands of vaccines offered, and 600 to 700 vaccination sites opened with adequate manpower. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur) 

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