From arms to farms: MILF’s 102nd Base Command embarks on coffee production

Moro Islamic Liberation Front's 102nd Base Command Administrative Officer Hanif Salindawan conveys his happiness with the creation of the new technical working group that shall focus on boosting coffee production in Lanao del Sur province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The government’s arms-to-farms program has truly borne good fruit with all the evident positive events.

 

Just as the Ministry of Trade Investments and Tourism (MTIT) moved to ramp up the coffee production in the province of Lanao del Sur, the 102nd Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) located in the municipality of Madamba has also been magnified to be venturing into the same industry, being part of the process of returning to the government fold, and renewed from being an armed camp to an agricultural community.

 

With the MTIT recently standing at the forefront of the creation of a technical working group (TWG) focusing on the advancement of the coffee industry in the province, Hanif Salindawan, the camp’s administrative officer, underlined the great necessity of the formation of such a group to boost the coffee production. 

 

He stressed that the assembly of the TWG can be attributed to one of the wonderful successes of the government ministries composing it.

 

Salindawan shared that their camp has a wide land that can be planted with varied crops and plants but accordingly, they cannot take any progressive action due to lack of support.

 

As such, he looked forward to an effort to aid them to make use of their available land.

 

“Sa TWG na ito, baka dito na manggaling ang kinakailangan namin ng anumang technical support na wala tayo noon… Hindi ito kaya ng isang opisina. Sa pamamagitan ng pagcreate ng TWG na ito ay magiging isang pwersa na so mas malakas ang kalabasan ng TWG na ito,” said Salindawan.

 

[To this TWG, maybe this will be the source of any technical support we did not have before… This cannot be done by only one office. Through creating the TWG, there will be one force so there will be a mightier result from this TWG.]

 

The administrative officer conveyed his delightfulness, citing that this could help in the total transformation of their communities from being an armed group to farmers as they are given the chance to work as better citizens of the country.

 

“Sa TWG, maraming salamat. Sana ay tuloy-tuloy na ang TWG na ito. Sa kapwa ko farmers, sana hindi tayo mawalan ng pag-asa na may mas marami at mas malaki pa ang maitutulong gobyerno,” he said.

 

[To the TWG, thank you so much. I hope this TWG is continuous. To my fellow farmers, I hope you do not lose hope because there are a lot and bigger things that the government can help.]

 

The 102nd Base Command bared that in its area of jurisdiction alone, more or less 300 hectares are ready to be planted with coffee. Moreover, he said their camp holds roughly 100 farmers. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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MTIT eyes stimulation of coffee production in Lanao Sur

Ministry of Trade Investments and Tourism (MTIT)-Lanao del Sur Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Abdul Bashit Sabdullah cites the high demand for coffee in the global market, thus, they see it appropriate for Lanao del Sur province to engage in the same industry. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-Following the creation of a new technical working group (TWG) for the coffee sector, the province of Lanao del Sur is now eyeing to bolster its production of coffee and make a name in such an industry. 

 

Ministry of Trade Investments and Tourism (MTIT)-Lanao del Sur Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Abdul Bashit Sabdullah emphasized that they initiated the formation of a TWG to amplify the coffee production in the province as they can indeed attest that there is a very high demand and potential of coffee in the market. 

 

He stressed that there are already many coffee farmers in the province but were not given enough attention as this is the first time that the MTIT has magnified such a sector. 

 

”This is the first time [to form a TWG] kasi ang MTIT years back na hindi pa BARMM [when it was not yet BARMM], DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] was focusing on different industries but isang [one] industry kada [per] province. For Lanao del Sur, we were focusing on abaca before. For this time, since bago ito, niregionalize na ang coffee [this is new, the coffee was regionalized] ]that is why nagsisimula na tayo [we started] with the help of the technical working group,” said Sabdullah.

 

The MTIT Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist underscored that although the Philippines is one of the coffee producers worldwide, it still has to import some supplies for the consumption of its people. 

 

However, with Lanao del Sur having suitable land to grow coffee, he conveyed that it would be better if the place would embark on the production of such as this would not only benefit the Bangsamoro region but also the whole country in general.

 

Sabdullah said that as of now, they have not yet set a specific target for the coffee industry in the province as they are only starting to maximize production through the regionalization program of their ministry. 

 

Nonetheless, he hoped that in no time, the province would be recognized as a producer not only of commercial coffee but of special or top-grade coffee as well. 

 

Sabdullah likewise urged more residents to engage in coffee production considering that more opportunities await and various ministries are now ready to render relevant aid.

 

“Ang Lanao del Sur ay [is] elevated so probably, we can produce magagandang [good] coffee… Mag-engage tayo [We must engage] into coffee kasi malaki ang potensyal sa kape [because there is a big potential in coffee], not only sa [in the] Pilipinas but worldwide,” he said.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) reported that four types of coffee can grow in Lanao del Sur province, namely, arabica, robusta, liberica, and excelsa. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Gov’t ministries, agencies create TWG for Lanao Sur’s coffee industry

The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) convenes government ministries and agencies to create the technical working group (TWG) that shall focus on boosting the coffee industry in the province of Lanao del Sur. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As part of its goal of bolstering more agricultural production that brings additional opportunities to the province of Lanao del Sur, a new technical working group (TWG) was created to particularly focus on boosting the coffee industry in the province, the Bangsamoro region and the Philippines in general. 

 

The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) led the first convention of different ministries and line agencies in the province for the formation of the TWG wherein the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) was appointed as the chairman while the MTIT and the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG) were recognized the vice-chairmen. 

 

The list of official members included the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Mindanao State University (MSU), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Skills and Development (MBHTE-TESD), among others. 

 

MTIT-Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Mohammad Aquil Mamainte stressed that while they are mandated to promote and develop productions in the province of Lanao del Sur, they do their best to tap various partners and stakeholders who have relevant roles that can be of help to make progress in the coffee industry. 

 

“Hindi kaya ng MAFAR lang. Kailangan natin ng cooperation ng ibang sector at ibang stakeholders sa coffee,” he said. 

 

[This cannot be done only by the MAFAR. We need the cooperation of different sectors and other stakeholders of coffee.]

 

Mamainte further emphasized that they pursued the formation of the TWG to effectively formulate a road map for coffee production in Lanao del Sur province. 

 

“Hopefully, with the coordination of this TWG, every now and then, kailangan mag-update. Kung walang roadmap, paiba-iba ng direksyon. Kung may ganito [TWG], may efficient, mabilis at maganda ang results.” he said. 

Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT)-Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Mohammad Aquil Mamainte says they tap other government partners believing that one office alone cannot do the work of boosting the coffee production in Lanao del Sur province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MTIT-Lanao del Sur Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Abdul Bashit Sabdullah bared that the road map to be formulated through the Coffee Industry TWG should be effective from 2022-2026. 

 

He stated this was the first time they created a TWG for such a production as years back, before the birth of the Bangsamoro region, they had only pushed each province to focus on one production which in the case of Lanao del Sur province is the abaca industry.

 

Sabdullah added that for this time, the MTIT is already regionalizing the coffee production, thus, the pursuance of the TWG.

 

Earlier, Mamainte underscored that seeing a great demand for coffee in the country and with enough available land area in Lanao del Sur province, they intended to promote coffee growing and production to make the said land area beneficial on the communities’ end. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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LDS’ Barimbingan villagers enjoy livelihood efforts of Islamic Relief

An additional 120 residents in Brgy. Barimbingan in Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur is enjoying the livelihood program of the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines. The most recent effort they have is the training on financial literacy and enterprise development. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--More households in the municipality of Ditsa-an Ramain in the province of Lanao del Sur benefited from the livelihood program delivered by the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines.

 

This, as 120 additional residents particularly from Barimbingan village participated in the financial literacy and enterprise development training spearheaded by the said international non-government organization.

 

Norhaima Aragasi, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Marawi City and now living in Barimbingan, underscored that the training offered by the IRW-Philippines was important to them as members of the community because this allowed them to learn how to establish and sustain businesses. 

 

“Alhamdulillah, this is very good. Maraming salamat. Sana ipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang naitutulong sa iba’t ibang barangay, lalo na sa barangay namin,” she said.

 

[Alhamdulillah, this is very good. Thank you so much. I hope they continue their help in different barangays, especially in our barangay.]

 

Barimbingan Barangay Chairman Abdillah Abdulazis also thanked the IRW-Philippines citing that the organization has already contributed a lot of support, especially to their place. 

 

He stated that the financial literacy and enterprise development training recently conducted in their community would be of significant aid in the livelihood of his constituents as it would teach the people how to embark on business. 

Barimbingan Barangay Chairman Abdillah Abdulazis of Ditsa-an Ramain town in Lanao del Sur province shows gratitude to the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines for helping his place in terms of livelihood. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

 

Nasima Dima, who is also a former resident of Marawi City but displaced by the siege underlined the essence of the training. She stressed that she learned the proper way of budgeting to make their business ready for long-term operation and further upgrade it. 

 

“Malaking tulong [ang livelihood program ng Islamic Relief] kasi ngayon ay krisis at pandemic. Malaking tulong sa amin ito,” said Dima. 

 

[The [livelihood program of the Islamic Relief] is a big help because now, we suffer from crisis and pandemic. This is a big help to us.]

 

Acmad Alip who was also impacted by the firefight in 2017 conveyed that the training of the IRW-Philippines was a rare chance given to their barangay. He shared that it was through this effort that he learned the effects of entering entrepreneurship and how to nurture the resources to sustain their business. 

 

“Malaking tulong [ang livelihood]. Bihira lang ito. Dapat palaguin. Sana makapagbigay pa kayo ng ibang tulong sa mga kapwa naming Muslim,” said Alip. 

 

[This is a big help [to our livelihood]. This is just seldom. This must progress. I hope you can still give more help to our fellow Muslims.] 

 

Currently, the IRW-Philippines is implementing the livelihood component of its project called "Sustaining Transformative and Resilient Initiatives for Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in Ranao Philippines" which aims to grant P50,000 cash and some equipment to at least 600 households in the entire Lanao del Sur province after the series of training. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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120 individuals in Ditsaan-Ramain undergo financial literacy training

Islamic Relief Philippines in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism Lanao del Sur Provincial Office conduct financial literacy and enterprise development training in Brgy. Barimbingan in Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao del Sur to upskill 120 household members in managing small enterprises. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Some 120 household members in Barimbingan village in the municipality of Ditsaan-Ramain have undergone financial literacy and enterprise development training to upskill them in managing small businesses.

The training was conducted by the Islamic Relief Philippines in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism Lanao del Sur Provincial Office on August 23-24, 2022.

Islamic Relief Philippines Area Programme Manager Sittie Jamairah Disomimba said the training aims to help the villagers engage in small enterprises and teach them how to grow their businesses.

Disomimba said the training was provided as part of the livelihood component of Islamic Relief's  Sustaining Transformative and Resilient Initiatives in Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in Ranao Philippines, a three-year project intended to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City and their host communities.

Funded by Islamic Relief Canada, the project targets to assist 600 households in six villages of Ditsaan-Ramain municipality, namely, barangays of Lumbatan, Linamon, BuadiAlao, Bagoaingud, Maindig, and Barimbingan.

The 120 Barimbingan villagers were the fifth batch of trainees benefitting from the said project. They were divided into self-help groups (SHGs) composed of 10 members depending on their interests and livelihood proposals.

After their training, each SHG would receive P50,000 cash grant as start-up capital for their chosen livelihood. Other needed equipment that cannot be purchased with the cash grant will also be provided by Islamic Relief.

Aside from financial management, the SHGs will also be taught about market development and those who will engage in skills-based livelihood will further undergo skills development and/or enhancement training.

“What we are making sure of is that their proposed businesses fit the community. Hindi pwede ang something na hindi mapapakinabangan o mapagkakakitaan sa barangay [something that is not useful and profitable for the barangay is not allowed],” Disomimba said. 

Meanwhile,  Barimbingan Barangay Chairman Abdillah Abdulazis is thankful to Islamic Relief for all the assistance it has poured into his village.  He said that financial literacy and enterprise development training would be of significant help in the livelihood of his constituents as it would teach them to properly manage a business.  (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Marantao leaders thankful for CFSI's community projects

Omar Moctar Sampaco, Barangay Chairman of Inudaran Loway in Marantao, Lanao del Sur town receives the certificate of award for the farm-to-market road project constructed under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) of the Community and Family Services International with the support of the Australian Government. MCRP is an expansion of the previous Australia-CFSI partnership that provided livelihood support for those displaced by the Marawi conflict and affected by the pandemic. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-- Leaders from the four barangays in Marantao that benefitted from the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) conveyed their gratitude to the organization for the aid extended to their villages.

"Maraming salamat po sa CFSI kasi isa kami sa napiling barangay dito sa Marantao na nakakuha ng [thank you very much to CFSI because we are one of the selected barangays here in Marantao that got a] farm-to-market road (FMR)," said Omar Moctar Sampaco, the barangay chairman of Inudaran Loway, citing the project as beneficial to his consituents who are mostly farmers.

He said the 155.5 linear-meter FMR would facilitate the fast and easy transport of agricultural products from his barangay to the municipal center and other markets outside Marantao.

Samro Mocsir, the barangay chairman of Punud Proper,  also expressed his appreciation for the community level II water system project that his barangay received under the MCRP. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta at tulong nila sa aming barangay. Nabawasan din yung mga problemang hinaharap ko para sa aming mamamayan [I am grateful for their support and help in our barangay. The problems I face for our people have also decreased]," he said.

Similarly, Matampay Barangay Chairman Mohammad Limbona is thankful to the non-government organization for helping him realize the villagers' dream of having a multi-purpose building that they can use as a 'bagsakan center' of agricultural products and a venue for holding barangay assembly and gatherings. 

Samro Mocsir, barangay chairman of Punud Proper in the municipality of Marantao, conveys his gratitude for the community level II water system project that his barangay received under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project of CFSI. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

The CFSI recently held a handover ceremony for the Community-Based Support to Livelihood projects, the livelihood component of MCRP, to the recipient barangays.

The projects consisted of a farm-to-market road in Brgy. Inudaran Loway, level II water system in Brgy. Punud Proper, mobile thresher with buffalo in Brgy. Palao-Ranaranao, and a multi-purpose community center in Brgy. Matampay.

Meanwhile, Marantao Mayor Akira Alonto reminded his constituents in the four barangays to take good care of the projects and use them properly according to their intended purpose.

He also called on them to help one another and support their barangay local government units and the municipal government that are working for the progress of Marantao and the betterment of its people.

The mayor likewise thanked CFSI and the Australian Government for the continuous aid extended to his municipality. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Municipal Mayor Akira Alonto of Marantao in Lanao del Sur reminds his constituents in the four barangays that benefitted from the Marawi COVID Recovery Project of CFSI to take good care of the projects and use them properly according to their intended purpose. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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4 villages in Marantao town get community projects from CFSI

As part of its Marawi COVID Recovery Project, the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) holds a handover ceremony of four Community-Based Support to Livelihood projects to barangays Inudaran Loway, Punud Proper, Palao-Ranaranao, and Matampay in the municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-- Four barangays in the municipality of Marantao here in the province received community projects to support the livelihood of its villagers who have been affected by the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic. 

Community and Family Services International (CFSI) handed over the Community Based Support to Livelihood (CBSL) projects to the Punong Barangays of the four villages witnessed by municipal mayor Akira Alonto on August 16.

The projects turned over were a 155.5 linear meters farm-to-market road for Brgy. Inudaran Loway, level II water system for Brgy. Punud Proper, a mobile thresher with buffalo for  Brgy. Palao-Ranaranao,  and a multi-purpose community center for Brgy. Matampay.

The CBSL projects were implemented under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) of CFSI and funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

MCRP aims to promote the protection, psychosocial, and economic recovery of at least 4,000 families or 20,000 individuals from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Ito pong Community Based Support to Livelihood ang objective po nito ay matulungan yung mga communities natin lalo na yung may mga persons with special needs na naapektuhan ng impact ng COVID-19 at ng Marawi siege to recover in terms of socio-economic aspect ng kanilang buhay," said MCRP Project Coordinator Farida Mangcaan.

[The objective of this Community Based Support to Livelihood is to help our communities, especially those with persons with special needs who have been affected by the impact of COVID-19 and the Marawi siege, to recover in terms of the socio-economic aspect of their lives.]

She said the four barangays are agricultural and rural by nature and have been affected by the siege and the restrictions due to COVID-19.

Accordingly, the projects were implemented in consultation with the four barangays to address their pressing and specific needs.

"Ang CBSL gusto natin na ang select barangays ay magkaroon ng community-driven, ibig sabihin sila yung magformulate ng kanilang priority initiative na makakasuporta sa kanilang kawiyagan o livelihood," she further said.

[The CBSL wants the select barangays to be community-driven, meaning they are the ones to formulate their priority initiative that can support their livelihood.]

Marantao Mayor Akira Alonto hands over the ribbon to Matampay Punong Barangay Mohammad Limbona to symbolize the formal turnover of the Community Multi-Purpose Center project to the barangay. The Community and Family Services International implemented the project through its Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) funded by the Australian Government. With them are MCRP Project Coordinator Farida Mangcaan and Assistant Project Coordinator Jalil Usman (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Mangcaan also clarified that the beneficiaries of the MCRP are not only those in Marawi City but also communities adjacent to the city which are directly affected by the Marawi siege and pandemic such as the municipality of Marantao, as well as, communities that experienced similar armed conflicts like Butig and Piagapo, and communities that hosted families displaced by the armed conflict such as Ditsaan-Ramain, Masiu, and Lumbayanague.

Earlier this August, CFSI also handed over 10 fishing boats, fishing nets, and a hand pump to fisherfolks in Brgy. Pitatanglan, Lumbayanague town.

"Nasa kalagitnaan tayo ng ating implementation and hindi lang ang apat ng barangay [ng Marantao] ang magbebenefit but other municipal local government units at saka yung mga beneficiaries in the past ng Marawi Recovery Project na nangangailangan ng further assistance like  medicines, access to other protection services, and civil documentation among others," she added.

[We are in the middle of our implementation and not only the four barangays [of Marantao] will benefit but other municipal local government units and also the beneficiaries in the past of the Marawi Recovery Project who need further assistance like medicines, access to other protection services, and civil documentation among others.]

MCRP is an expansion of the previous Australia-CFSI partnership that provided support for those displaced by the Marawi conflict. The project aims to promote the protection, psychosocial, and economic recovery of at least 4,000 families or 20,000 individuals from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is expected to be completed by June 2023. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Eye Bank encourages Bangsamoro to donate cornea

Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” B. Padilla, the founding president and ambassador of the Eye Bank Foundation in the country, calls on the Bangsamoro people to consider donating their cornea to help those needing a corneal transplant. The Eye Bank Foundation has partnered with the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in setting up the first Eye Tissue Retrieval Center in Marawi City. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Due to the need for more cornea donors, the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines is encouraging the Bangsamoro people to consider giving the gift of sight to patients needing corneal transplants.

Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” B. Padilla, the founding president and ambassador of the Eye Bank Foundation in the Philippines, said they need the help of the public to address the growing number of patients desperately waiting for eye tissues. 

In Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) alone, about 40 people are waiting for a corneal transplant.

"Please consider donating your cornea or yung cornea ng inyong mahal sa buhay. A lot of people here pati yung mga kapatid nating Muslim, ang dami-daming nangangailangan ng cornea," she said.

[Please consider donating your cornea or the cornea of your loved one. A lot of people here, including our Muslim brothers, need corneas.]

Padilla assured that the removal of the cornea is not disfiguring as it is done by skilled professionals with the utmost respect. Reconstruction is also done so that there is no change in the face of the donor. 

The eye bank ambassador also cited several Fatwa allowing such transplantation as it can do good for others and in consideration of the desperate worldwide need for corneas.

Recently, the Eye Bank Foundation entered an agreement with APMC for the establishment of an eye tissue retrieval satellite center in Marawi City. Part of the agreement is a workshop on cornea retrieval and training of transplant coordinators on approaching the family of potential donors.

The said eye tissue retrieval satellite center complements APMC's Eye Center which has successfully conducted its very first corneal transplant to an 11-year-old boy who received a cornea from a donor through the Eye Bank Foundation. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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APMC to strengthen ties with hospitals, Ulama for cornea retrieval

Amai Pakpak Medical Center Chief Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin cites the relevance of having an eye tissue retrieval center and promoting corneal donation. Amai Pakpak has just opened an eye tissue retrieval center which is considered the 1st in Mindanao. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Recognizing the challenge of implementing a corneal donation program in a Muslim-dominated area, the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) is eyeing to boost its partnership with the religious sector and hospitals outside Marawi and Lanao del Sur for its cornea retrieval program.

"We acknowledge the challenges that it can bring to us. But APMC is a growing hospital. Recently, dumadami yung mga patients namin 9our patients] from nearby cities like Iligan and even as far as Bukidnon and Zamboanga [are increasing]. They are potential donors," said APMC Chief Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin.

She said they are also planning to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the public and private hospitals and even local government units in nearby cities, municipalities, and provinces that are non-Muslims.

Rakiin is optimistic that they can overcome the challenge of hesitancy among the local Muslim population through the help of religious leaders and Muslim scholars, particularly on the dissemination of Fatwas (Islamic rulings) on cornea transplantation.

“Collaboration and partnership among organizations have always proven to be crucial in preventing and countering blindness which continues to be a major public health problem. Based on surveys, corneal disease ranks fourth and a cause of visual disability and ocular mobility in the country,” she said.

With the support of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, APMC  has opened an eye tissue retrieval center considered to be the first eye tissue retrieval satellite center in Mindanao. 

'Nanawagan po kami sa mga taga Marawi, sa mga taga Lanao del Sur kasama na rin ang mga nearby cities at municipalities na ngayon ang APMC ay mayroon nang Eye Tissue Retrieval Center at tumatanggap kami ng donors ng cornea para magamit ng ating mga kapatid na kailangan ng corneal transplant. Tayo lang po for a start ang naging partner ng Eyebank of the Philippnes [ sa Mindanao]. Sabi nga nila, give the gift of sight," the medical center chief added.

[We appeal to the people of Marawi, to the people of Lanao del Sur including the nearby cities and municipalities. APMC now has an Eye Tissue Retrieval Center and we are accepting cornea donors for our brothers and sisters who need a corneal transplant. For a start, we are the only partner of the Eye Bank of the Philippines [in Mindanao]. As they say, give the gift of sight.]

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APMC opens 1st eye tissue retrieval center in Mindanao

Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) and the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines sign a memorandum of agreement to establish an Eye Tissue Retrieval Center in APMC. This is the first Eye Tissue Retrieval Center in Mindanao and the first to be inaugurated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Patients here and in nearby localities awaiting corneal transplants are now given hope after the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) and the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the establishment of an Eye Tissue Retrieval Satellite Center in APMC.

The MoA was signed by APMC Chief Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin and Eye Bank Foundation Founding President and Ambassador Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” B. Padilla at the APMC Amphitheater on August 17.

Rakiin said APMC recognizes the urgent need to establish an eye retrieval center in response to the increasing number of patients requiring corneal transplants. Accordingly, APMC has 40 patients enlisted at the Eye Center needing a corneal transplant.

The APMC Eye Tissue Retrieval Center is the first in Mindanao and the first to be inaugurated amid the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

The medical center chief said the Eye Tissue Retrieval Center will complement its Eye Center which is committed to contribute to the effort of eradicating eye blindness in the Philippines by helping the Eye Bank in its goal of promoting corneal and eye donation for transplantation. 

She said the Eye Center was identified in 2019 as one of the specialty centers of APMC as part of its deliverables and commitment to the Department of Health.

"One of the milestones and remarkable achievements of our Eye Center happened early this year when we successfully conducted our very first corneal transplant," shared Rakiin.

On April 12, 2022, APMC conducted its first corneal transplant to an 11-year-old boy who received a cornea from a donor through the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Padilla said they partnered with APMC because of its willingness and readiness to establish an Eye Tissue Retrieval Center "It's not enough that you want to put up an eye retrieval center, kailangan may personnel ka. Sila [APMC] mayroong magandang Department of Ophthalmology, meron silang corneal specialist tapos yung kanilang hospital chief is very supportive. It's not just wanting to, not only eager to, but capability rin ng hospital," she stated.

[It's not enough that you want to put up an eye retrieval center, you have to have the personnel. They [APMC] have a good Department of Ophthalmology, they have a corneal specialist and their hospital chief is very supportive. It's not just wanting to, not only eager to but also the hospital's capability.]

The APMC is now the 6th Eye Bank Satellite Retrieval Center in the country together with Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research & Medical Center. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Outstanding DepEd Marawi teachers, workers recognized

A teacher receives her plaque of recognition for being one of the Paramanis sa Marawi 2022 awardees. City Mayor Majul Gandamra turns over the plaque to the teacher. He was assisted by First Lady and City Council Dr. Princess Pala Gandamra (in red) and City Schools Division Superintendent Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The City Schools Division of Marawi recognized its outstanding teaching and non-teaching personnel who have demonstrated exemplary services in delivering quality education in the city.

Eight excellent teachers from kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, senior high school, Special Education (SPED), Alternative Learning System  (ALS), Private School, and Islamic Studies and Arabic Language (ISAL) received their 'Paramanis A Marawi 2022' plaque during the awarding ceremony held on August 19 at the City Hall Gym.

Likewise, nine non-teaching personnel were also awarded under the categories - excellent learning area supervisor, excellent area program coordinator, excellent district supervisor, excellent secondary school principal, excellent elementary school principal, excellent private school principal, excellent division nurse, excellent administrative personnel, and excellent administrative aide. 

Finalists and qualifiers were also honored and given a certificate of recognition. 

The plaques were handed over by City Mayor Majul Gandamra, City Councilor Dr. Princess Pala Amera Gandamra, and City Schools Division Superintendent Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto.

In his message, mayor Gandamra lauded the Paramanis initiative for recognizing public servants in the education sector for exemplary performance in teaching, school management, supervising, and all related services that are aimed at providing quality education.

He also underscored the important role of educators in molding a holistically successful youth. 

'We would not be where we are now without the people behind our education. Indeed, educators are the light that illuminates the paths of our youth and the bright future ahead of them, and thus, it is just right and fitting to recognize all their efforts, and sacrifices," Gandamra said.

The city mayor also congratulated the awardees and reminded them to further improve their efforts in education delivery.

"Kaya naman sa lahat ng mga nakatanggap ng parangal na ito, sana ay gawin ninyong inspirasyon ang inyong natanggap na award upang mas pagbutihin pa ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin o katungkulan na makapagbigay ng edukalidad sa lahat ng ating mga kabataan dito sa Marawi City," he said. 

[That's why to all those who received this award, I hope you will it as an inspiration to further improve your sworn duty or office to provide quality education to all our youth here in Marawi City.] (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Charter day health services benefit over 1,700 patients in Lanao del Sur

Vaccination and tooth extraction are among the health services offered during the government services caravan in line with the 82nd chater day celebration of Marawi City. (Jason C. Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Over 1,700 patients here were given free medical and dental services by the City Health Office (CHO) during the three-day government social services caravan on August 16-18, 2022.

The social services caravan was one of the highlights of the 82nd charter day celebration of the city.

Health services offered include free medical consultation, circumcision, maternal and child care, family planning services, nutrition program, mental health, and psychosocial counseling.

City Dentist Dr. Samsida Gandamra said the CHO also provided free dental consultation, tooth extraction, cavity varnish, and dental kit.

Gandamra said the number of clients served during the three-day services caravan showed that CHO is functioning and is striving hard to give a better service to the people of Marawi.

Though the services caravan has already ended, the city dentist assured that CHO doctors are available daily to cater to the needs of the public.

"Bumibisita din po kami sa ibat-ibang barangay [we also visit different barangays] to give health education, to give cavity varnish and toothbrush to the people of the barangay," she further said.  (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

ooth extraction is among the health services offered during the government services caravan in line with the 82nd chater day celebration of Marawi City. (Jason C. Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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