Lanao Sur PNP partners with Islamic Relief to intensify ‘KASIMBAYANAN’

DITSA-AN RAMAIN, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Aiming to fulfill the delivery of its effort to grassroots communities, the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO) teamed up with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines, to strengthen the implementation of their newly-launched program called Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan (KASIMBAYANAN).

During the IRW’s distribution of monthly stipend to learners in the town, the police force escorted them not just to secure the area but also to conduct lectures regarding child protection. 

Among the tackled topics were the ten basic rights of children and what kids and women should do when suffering from abuse. 

LDSPPO Senior Provincial Community Affairs Development Unit PSSG Alberto Gapoy shared it was in this way that they can strongly promote unity among police, the religious sector, and the rest of the community as they highlight the ‘malasakit, kaayusan at kapayapaan tungo sa kaunlaran’ (MKKK).

As this program was further introduced, he assured the public that the PNP would always be on standby and ready to help the community. 

“Nandito ang inyong kapulisan. Sa programa natin, tulong-tulong tayo para magkaroon tayo ng malasakit sa bawat isa nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon tayo ng kaayusan at kapayapaan tungo sa kaunlaran,” said Gapoy. 

[The police are here. In our program, we must help each other so that we can care for everyone and we would attain order and peace toward development.] (CRG/10/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Parents in Ditsa-an Ramain town elated with Islamic Relief’s provision of stipend

DITSA-AN RAMAIN, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Parents of some learners of Barimbingan Central Elementary School (BCES) in this municipality voiced their joy for receiving the  P1,000  stipend released by the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines to their children.

Parent Baisa Nuska expressed her happiness after learning that her two kids who were both Grade 6 pupils in BCES would receive their respective allowances. 

She stressed that it is a big help as it would be used to buy school supplies considering that her husband is already a senior citizen with no job.

Another parent, Linang Dimaporo also recognized the allowance for her three BCES students as a huge help. 

She shared that her children have already been requesting her to buy them notebooks which she could not do due to lack of budget, but with the help of Islamic Relief, her problem was already given a remedy

“Maraming salamat sa kanila kasi nakakatulong talaga sila sa mga estudyante, katulad nito. Ang pagbibigay nila ng isang libo ay malaking tulong na para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga bata,” said Dimaporo. 

[Thank you so much to them because they have really helped a lot of students, like this one. Their act of giving P1,000 is a big help for the needs of the children.]

Fatima Alawiya, who is a parent of a Grade 6-beneficiary from BCES, also conveyed her thanks saying that this was already a significant help, especially since her husband was jobless and sickly, and they could not afford to purchase any school supplies.

Parent Monalisa Lambas, whose two kids were also enrolled in BCES, was likewise gratified by the Islamic Relief. “Sobrang pasasalamat namin na kahit papaano, itong mga binigay nila ay nakakatulong sa mga estudyante tulad ng mga walang wala, at kahit papaano ay nakakadagdag ng budget. Sobrang pasasalamat talaga namin,” she said. 

[Our great thanks because at least this that was given by them can help the students, especially those who are really poor, and at least, their budget was increased. We are really thankful.]

For her part, parent Sittie Haya Alexander was delighted that her Grade 2 learner in BCES was one of the beneficiaries.

She stated that with the stipend, they could already buy many school supplies which she could not do if there was no help, as she was, accordingly, a single parent with no job and dependent on her parents.

The provision of P1,000-worth of allowance was under the IRW-Philippines’ Sustaining Transformative and Resilient Initiatives in Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in Ranao Philippines Program with funds from IRW-Canada. This is now in its second year of implementation and has covered 600 learners in the municipality. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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600 Lanao Sur town learners receive allowance from Islamic Relief

DITSA-AN RAMAIN, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Continuing its advocacy of making education possible, especially for conflict-affected communities, the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines released the P1,000 stipend of 600 learners here covering the months of May, August, September, and October, this year. 

Such an initiative was pursued through the educational component of the organization's three-year program dubbed Sustaining Transformative and Resilient Initiatives in Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in Ranao Philippines funded by the IRW-Canada. 

Among the 600 learners who received the allowance were those from six barangays of the targeted town and enrollees in three government schools, namely, Barimbingan Central Elementary School (BCES), Gandamato Primary School, and Sultan Alauya Alonto Central Elementary School, and four madrasahs namely, Lumbac Ramain Al-Islamiyah, Al Rashida Al-Islamiyah, Mahad Nasser Al-Islamiyah and Shamsiya Al Islamiya.

Underscoring the positive impacts of their effort, IRW-Philippines Area Programme Manager Sittie Jamairah Disomimba conveyed that she was happy to learn that the number of enrollees in their covered schools has increased while the number of drop-outs has decreased due to the provision of support to learners which, accordingly, motivated the children to go to school.

However, with their current undertaking intended to be implemented for only three years, she looked forward to pushing for more interventions in the next years to come.

Disomimba further stated that at the moment, they aim to strengthen their promotion of the welfare of the children in every society. 

“It is just sad that this is only for three years, and hopefully, we can come up with another program afterward. Now, we are improving it in a way that we are improving child protection kasi karamihan dito sa atin ay walang alam about children’s rights,” she said.

Disomimba told their beneficiaries that her organization would not be staying forever and their program was just to motivate the recipients of their aid. 

As such, she remained optimistic that people, especially children, would realize the value of education.

Meanwhile, Junaid Cadalay of the Schools Division of Lanao del Sur-I expressed his gratitude to the IRW-Philippines for extending support to learners under their jurisdiction. 

He affirmed that this was indeed a big help, especially since most of their students struggle with their survival as their parents only earn below the minimum or standard income, such as being tricycle drivers and fishermen, among others.

Seeing the significant efforts extended by their partners, Cadalay encouraged the learners  to study harder and claim the success of their lives despite all odds.

“Huwag nilang gawing sagabal ang kawalan sa buhay basta kumayod at magsacrifice lang sila, lalo na na may tulong galing sa NGOs na tumutulong sa inyong mga pangangailangan,” he said. 

[Do not let poverty be a hindrance, as long as they just strive and sacrifice, especially since NGOs are helping them with their needs.] 

The STRIVEC program is now in the second year of implementation, and apart from the allowance, school beneficiaries also received school supplies, equipment and furniture, as well as training for teachers. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Stitched back together

Sorayma Batuas had her life ripped apart the moment the siege hit. From owning and running a glassware store in Ground Zero, her family was forced to evacuate to Balo-i, seeking refuge within their relatives’ homes. Before too long, her older sister in Cagayan de Oro City took them in and provided for them but a single low-income earner could not provide for an entire family without a few setbacks. 

During their time in Cagayan de Oro City, neither Sorayma nor any of her family members received relief packages, leaving the burden of caring for the family solely up to her sister. A few relatives advised them to return to Balo-i where relief goods were given regularly but were met with hesitation from her father. 

Balo-i would be a dead end, he argued. In Cagayan de Oro, they had her sister to provide for them whereas they had no livelihood in Balo-i. What would await them there should they decide to return? But Sorayma was having none of it. The relief packages under their name would just go to waste, she argued. It was their right as former residents of Ground Zero, and it wasn’t like they could live off her sister forever.

Eventually, her father gave in.

So they returned to Balo-i and stayed at her uncle’s house. Because the siege was still fresh, there was no shortage of relief goods that came their way but as time passed, supplies dwindled until they were right back where they started - barely having enough to get by. Eventually, however, her parents managed to establish a small sari-sari store by the roadside where her mother sold street foods like tempura and kwek kwek next to an elementary school.

Some time along the way, they applied for the National Housing Authority (NHA)’s temporary housing program. They weren’t sure if they stood a chance, but on the chance that they didn’t get it, then it wouldn’t be for the lack of trying. It wasn’t until a year later that they heard back.

They got the housing program.

The family wasted no time and immediately went to check it out, and before too long, Sorayma moved into the house with her now-husband and her sister. Despite her father’s initial hesitation, he decided to stay in Balo-i along with his wife and they continued to keep their little sari-sari store open.

Unfortunately, he died a few years later.

His death was rough on the family, but after a couple of tries, they managed to convince her mother to move in with them in their new home in Sagonsongan transitory shelter. But just because they were together again didn’t mean that their financial troubles just magically disappeared. They still had no stable source of income, and while Sorayma’s husband worked, it wasn’t near enough to provide for their family. 

But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. In the same year that she lost her father, Sorayma received a call from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) telling her that she was one of the lucky recipients of their livelihood program. They asked her which skill she would like to learn and she told them she already knew the basics of dressmaking and that she’d like to build on that. It took a little over a month after the initial interview before she got the call that they were finally going to start their training.

Sorayma Batuas, now living in Sagonsongan Temporary Shelter, shows one of the sewing equipment she got from IOM-KOICA after completing the dressmaking skills training they offered for IDPs. (Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Their program in partnership with TESDA lasted for almost another month at MH4 Marawi and once they graduated, they expected that they were going to receive a starter pack with one sewing machine. Little did they know that the IOM had more in mind for them. From threads, needles, sewing tables - they even got two sewing machines! - IOM had them fully equipped and ready to start their business the moment they stepped out of their graduation ceremony.

Now Sorayma has her own little dressmaking shop in Sagonsongan in their temporary shelter where she makes and sells bedsheets and traditional malongs which provide for her child and her family. Thanks to IOM-KoICA, her life is back on track and she’s finally patching up loose threads. She admits that she has not quite mastered making actual clothes and dresses yet, but she’s getting there, and with each improvement she makes, that holds the promise of a brighter future for her family. (PJF/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Sorayma Batuas is thankful for the dressmaking training and starter kits she received from IOM and KOICA under the "Driving Marawi’s Rehabilitation through IDP support, Community Development and Peaceful Transitional Action.” Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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From Zero to Hero

It was a hard slap to the face for Samsia Abedin when her cooperative members withdrew their investments in lack of faith. But she proved them all wrong when their business not only prospered but became a breeding ground for altruism within the community and old members came crawling back.

15 Squad Consumer Cooperative was originally founded in Iligan City where Samsia and their members relocated after the siege. They decided to return to Marawi after a few weeks but upon seeing their home run to the ground – not even the Lake could save them at the time – doubt started to settle in and members started withdrawing their initial investments.

It won't work, they said. We're just wasting our money.

What originally started as a 62-person cooperative dwindled down to 25. But as the saying goes, it's about the quality, not the quantity. With the faith of the few who stayed, 15 Squad started their mission of helping the community back on its feet just as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) started entering their lives. After interviewing cooperatives all over the city, they were one of the lucky few who were chosen by the IOM for their livelihood program.

Living in a far-flung area meant that transportation always was and always will be an issue. Prior to the siege, a good number of citizens in Ambolong village in Marawi City were tricycle drivers and because of their location near Lanao Lake, the other half were fishermen. Both livelihoods were completely eradicated after the siege – no one wanted to go out of their way to visit the barangay and the siege had left anything caught in the lake inedible. The cooperative entered the rice trading industry with the mission of providing the community with basic necessities that would aid their 'pagbangon'. Their choice proved to be right not only for the citizens of Ambolong but also for neighboring communities who no longer had to descend to Mindanao State University to purchase their basic needs, saving both their time and their money. 

However, as time went on, it became more and more apparent that the people needed more than rice to survive and 15 Squad took it upon themselves to diversify their products to include groceries and other household items to cater to their community’s needs.

But their social service does not end there. The cooperative is going the extra mile in its pursuit of a stronger and more inclusive community rebuilding by taking one of their members’ children along with another unnamed orphan as scholars under their wing. The former is currently a student of Mindanao State University while the latter is a Toril student without any financial or familial support aside from the cooperative.

It might come as a surprise to some and hold a semblance of poetic justice for others, but before they became 15 Squad, named after Samsia’s fifteen children, the cooperative was originally going to be named Survivor. The change in branding was brought about by a few other siege survivors from other communities who had some choice words on the matter. Although their name may have changed, it is as clear as day that everything they are doing follows the mandate of one survivor helping out another.

From being shunned by her own members, Samsia and her cooperative are a testament to how far a little faith and a whole lot of hard work can go. They encourage others to help out when they can, to keep moving forward, and most importantly, to not give up. With faith, hard work, and a little timing, they can attest that truly anything is possible. (PJF/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Some members of the 15 Squad Consumers Cooperative posed in front of their store used originally for their rice trading business but expanded, later on, to include groceries and other household items to cater to their community’s needs. (Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Ditsa-an Ramain town’s BHWs savor stress-free day with CFSI

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Barangay health workers (BHWs) from the municipality of Ditsa-an Ramain in the province of Lanao del Sur were grateful to have one unforgettable day of seizing their personal time away from their usual daily routine and most of all, the stress brought about by their tasks as frontliners. 

This, as the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) spearheaded a stress management training under its Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP) that taught its participants how to de-stress after a straining day of work. 

BHW Baimah Lucman expressed her happiness as her stress was at least addressed, and she was given ample time to just look after herself and rest for a while. 

She shared that being a 12-year health worker is not easy as perceived by others, considering that they take a lot of workloads and the constituents of their barangay rely much on them. 

Apart from the relaxation, Lucman added that they also learned important lessons such as how to breathe out when already overwhelmed by stress. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa CFSI na medyo nakalimutan muna namin in one day ang trabaho namin as BHW. Marami rin kaming natunan. Nalaman namin kung ano nasa deep inside ng mga kasamahan namin na hindi nila mailabas because of this program. Sana maulit pa ang ganitong program nila,” said Lucman.

[We are thankful to CFSI because we somehow forgot one day our work as BHWs. We also learned a lot. We learned what is deep inside our colleagues that they could not share, but now shared because of this program. I hope this kind of program will happen again.]

BHW Amerah Baraontong, who has been in service for 51 years already, also attested that CFSI indeed gave them a wonderful chance to have a break from their work. 

She assured that all the learning she gained from the training would be passed on to another set of the populace.

“Ang CFSI, marami na silang natulong sa amin. Sa training na ito, nawala ang stress ko. Malaki ang natunan ko dito. Pag-uwi ko sa aming barangay ay maituturo ko rin ang naituro sa akin ng CFSI,” said Baraontong.

[The CFSI has already helped us a lot. With this training, my stress vanished. I also learned a lot here. When I go back to my barangay, I can teach what has been taught to me by CFSI.]

For her part, Naima Saripada who is a 36-year BHW highlighted how she was relaxed by the host organization and that she was gratified to have a refresher on the things needed to do to defy stress.  

“Naituro ang mga gawain na makakarelax kasi napapagod kami sa barangay namin. Enjoy na enjoy naman kami ngayon. Happy na happy kami sa tulong na ibinigay ng CFSI ngayon,” she said.

[We were taught things that can make us relax because we get tired in our barangay. We really enjoyed this day. We are really happy with the help given by CFSI now.]

The municipality of Ditsan-an is one of the covered areas of the CFSI along with Marawi City and the towns of Piagapo, Masiu, Marantao, Lumbayanague, and Butig. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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CFSI eases job strain of BHWs in Lanao Sur towns thru stress mgmt training

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Recognizing the vital need of every service provider to de-stress once in a while, the non-government organization Community and Family Services International (CFSI) pursued the conduct of its stress management training, targeting barangay health workers (BHWs) in various municipalities in the province of Lanao del Sur who are deemed to be one of those most stressed in this era of a global health crisis. 

Under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP), five batches were accordingly accommodated which were composed of participants coming from Marawi City and towns of Piagapo, Masiu, Marantao, Ditsa-an Ramain, Lumbayanague and Butig. 

CFSI Psychosocial Support Officer Amal Edres shared that this is according to their main purpose which is to provide a comfort zone for the strained frontliners on the ground, believing that allowing them to unwind would enhance their productivity and service to their constituents.

She stated that they aimed to lead psychosocial processing of the struggles of their partakers to deliver relaxation for their well-being.

“Kinonduct itong activity natin para magsilbi itong safe space para sa kanila na magbreathe-out, pansamantalang magrest mula sa kanilang activity for one day, and makaventilate sila para kung anuman ang naexperience nila sa baba ay mashare nila at pati na ang positive coping mechanism nila na pwede maadopt rin ng ibang BHWs natin,” said Edres. 

[We are conducting this activity to serve as a safe space for them to breathe out, temporarily rest from their activity for one day, and allow them to ventilate so that they can share whatever stress they had, and even the positive coping mechanism that can be adopted also by our BHWs.]

 Citing their noble intention, the CFSI looked forward to having been able to aid the BHWs and that every matter discussed would be spread out to more locals in their respective places. 

“Sinabi namin na sana pagbalik nila sa kanilang bahay ay mabawasan ang mga problema nila. Sana, kung anuman ang natunan nila dito ay hindi lamang hanggang dito. Maiapply sana nila sa kanilang work para magbenefit din pati ang people with special needs sa baba na kailangan din ng kanilang tulong,” said Edres. 

[We told them we hope that when they go back to their houses, their problems are lessened. I hope that whatever they learned here will not end here. I hope they can apply this in their work so that people with special needs who need their help would also benefit.] (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Malaysian bizman inspires Marawi locals to start as small entreps

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Realizing what little steps can do, a successful Malaysian businessman hearted the citizenry here to kick-start their journey towards the realm of business by emerging first as small entrepreneurs. 

Tengku Hawadi Tengku Hazil who owns a big store in Malaysia shared that just like any other traders, they started with a small business and went with the risk until they grew.

He stressed that it only took them to discover their capacity and utilize potential linkages to improve little by little, and eventually build a community and business network. 

However, among all the experiences they had to undergo, Hazil bared that it was their faith in their Almighty God that paved the way for their huge success.

“We also have great faith in Allah because if Allah does not say that gives a chance to do those things, this would not happen,” he said.

Hazil made it clear that Marawi has plenty of resources, hence, it is only fitting for the residents to begin a small industry, especially since stakeholders like them are supporting as well by giving free education on how to build a significant community beneficial in improving the economy. 

“It is very good to start with small [businesses]. We try to bring more traders to Malaysia because it is one of the common needs. We are now successful in Malaysia and we came here to help the Philippine community, specifically Marawi City. We hope that in the future, we will have a strong partnership,” he said. 

Hazil conveyed his optimism that with proper strategies and unceasing faith, the Islamic city would likewise attain its longed economic betterment.

“Just look forward. We need to see a brighter future and we can then give back,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi citizens happy to complete MBHTE-TESD’s emergency medical services program

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Some residents here were joyous to have completely undergone the emergency medical services (EMS) course offered by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD).

Completer Asliah Taurac expressed how happy she was for undergoing medical service training from November to December 2021 which gave her sufficient time to learn how to respond in case of urgent situations. 

She added that what made her even more grateful was the allowance amounting to P6,600 she received for joining the program. 

Taurac stated that she would use the stipend to pay for the tuition fee and school supplies of her children.

“Sa pamunuan ng MBHTE-TESD, maraming maraming salamat sa pagbibigay ng ganito na nakakatulong sa mga kabataan, mga hindi pa nag-aaral, mga nanay at tatay. Marami talaga kaming natunan sa MBHTE-TESD,” she said.

[To the management of MBHTE-TESD, thank you very very much for giving this kind of help to the youth, out-of-school people, mothers and fathers. We really learned a lot with MBHTE-TESD.]

Salahoden Macapaar who also completed the same TESD course likewise conveyed his delightfulness, especially for the allowance he got which, accordingly, would be beneficial as he is already proceeding to college. 

Maraming salamat kasi may natunan din ako. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming mga estudyante. Maraming salamat sa tulong na ibinigay niyo at I really appreciate it,” he said. 

[Thank you so much because I learned something. This is a big help to us, students. Thank you so much for the help you gave and I really appreciate it.]

Another completer Aimah Mitonong was also grateful to reap the benefits of attending the EMS course. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami kasi isang malaking tulong sa amin itong natanggap namin. Ang naituro rin sa amin ay isang malaking tulong na sa amin. Kasi nag-aaral na ako, ibibili ko ito ng gagamitin sa pag-aaral ko sa college,” she said. 

[We are thankful because what we received is a big help. What they also taught us is also a big help to us. Since I am studying, I will use this to buy things for my college studies.] (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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[LIMELIGHT] CFSI holds stress management training for BHWs

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Dev't partners, TFBM unveil two-storey school building in Marawi

The two-storey classroom building in Angoyao National High School in Brgy. Paridi, Marawi City. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As part of its effort to improve access to quality education, Save the Children Philippine led on Friday, Oct. 21, the inauguration and turnover of a two-storey, four-classroom building in Angoyao National High School, this city.

The construction of the P9.8 million school building was realized through Save the Children's Restoring Livelihoods and Learning Project in Marawi, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.

Accessible to children with disability, the school building project was implemented in collaboration with Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), City Schools Division of Marawi (CSDM) and Angoyao National High School (NHS).

Lawyer Alberto Muyot, Save the Children Philippines CEO, said the construction of classrooms is an important step forward in bringing peace not only to Marawi and Lanao del Sur but also to the Bangsamoro region and the world.

"We are doing this as part of our belief that indeed the right to education of children is the way to attain a just and lasting peace," he said.

The inauguration and turnover ceremony was attended by Sho Tabata of the Japan Embassy, Rikard Elfving of ADB, CSDM Superintendent Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto, Department of Education (DepEd) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service Director Ronilda Co-Bacomo, Angoyao NHS Principal Daud Lala, and TFBM Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr., among others.

Meanwhile, Director Bacomo conveyed the gratefulness of the education department to Save the Children and ADB for helping in the delivery of quality education.

She said ADB and Save the Children are doing more than just constructing a building for learners. They also have conflict-sensitive education, trainings for teachers, and providing mental health and psychosocial support. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Gandamra: Torogan crucial to social recovery of IDPs

The Task Force Bangon Marawi, the city government of Marawi, and the Marawi Sultanate League inaugurate the Torogan House that will serve as the office of traditional leaders of Marawi. (Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--City Mayor Majul Gandamra underscored again the importance of the newly-inaugurated Torogan to the social recovery of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Located in Barangay Sagonsongan, the Marawi's Torogan was unveiled Friday, Oct. 21, by the city government of Marawi, Marawi Sultanate League (MSL), and Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) as one of the activities to commemorate the liberation of the city from the clutch of terror groups.

"Such structure is necessary for our city because we also need to recognize that there are social aspects in our road to recovery that need to be attended to. Hopefully, this Torogan will serve to remind us, young and old and to those who will be born generations later, of the need to preserve our identity as Meranaw, as lovers of peace while at the same time rising higher to keep up to the world," said Gandamra.

The mayor said the traditional leaders and Council of Elders who will be managing the Torogan will be using the space to promote peace, harmony, and understanding.

"I am glad that they were given an establishment where they, as traditional leaders, could exercise the duties inherent to their positions as keepers of peace and bearers of justice in the community," he further said.

As such, the mayor conveyed his gratitude to the national government for including the construction of Torogan in the rehabilitation program and for supporting the city to stay culturally relevant.

A sultan himself, Gandamra donated the lot where the Torogan office was built. The project was implemented by the National Housing Authority in collaboration with the TFBM, MSL, and city government.

MSL chairman Sultan Nasser Sampaco was also thankful to the government not just for the Torogan but also for other infrastructure projects, particularly in the city's ground zero, that promotes the cultural heritage of Meranaws such as the School of Living Tradition and Sarimanok Sports Stadium, among others.

Sampaco said the Torogan will serve as the office of 11 royal houses of sultanates in Marawi where they could discuss pressing concerns to promote peace and tranquility in the city.

Meanwhile, Gandamra said Sagonsongan was a strategic location for the Torogan since it is where the IDPs have sought and obtained shelter for the past five years forming new communities bound by a shared sense of loss and resilience. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra underlines the importance of the Torogan to the social recovery of the people of Marawi. (Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Bangsamoro gov't supports Raheemah economic hub

Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Commissioner for Lanao del Sur Robert Maulana Alonto expresses support for the opening of Raheemah Economic Hub and Youth Development Center which would help artisans practice their skills and market their products. (Jason Casas/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Bangsamoro government through the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) conveyed support for the opening of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Youth Development Center.

BCPCH Commissioner for Lanao del Sur Robert Maulana Alonto said the commission is the youngest agency of the Bangsamoro government tasked to preserve and promote Bangsamoro's cultural heritage.

This, he said, includes supporting activities that will not only encourage the revival of traditional artisanship but also enable local artisans to be competitive in the modern marketplace. 

Alonto stressed that Bangsamoro artisans, particularly women weavers, can practice their skills as well as display and market their products at the Raheemah hub which makes it a better venue to promote Bangsamoro cultural products.

With that, he gave his assurance that BCPCH will always be ready to partner with the Raheemah Peace Weavers and work with people and institutions toward strengthening the preservation of their cultural heritage. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Japan, ADB boost economic opportunities for Marawi women, youth

Sho Tabata (center) of the Japan Embassy and Rikard Elfving (right) of the Asian Development Bank attend the inauguration and turnover of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Youth Development Center, a project implemented by Save the Children Philippines with the support of the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), administered by ADB. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan continue to provide support to Marawi to increase economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, especially women and youth.

Through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), administered by the ADB, a women's economic hub and youth center was constructed inside the Mindanao State University Marawi campus to serve as the trading hub of products made by women and youth.

"On top of emergency employment, we also did our best to restore sustainable livelihood and quality education opportunities. This is in recognition of the fact that in the process of rehabilitation, in hope of recovery, we needed to make sure that the people of Marawi stand as one, neglecting no one from affected communities, especially women and children," said Sho Tabata who represented the Japan Embassy during the inauguration and turnover of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Youth Development Center.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic posed some challenges to the swift implementation of Marawi rehabilitation, Tabata conveyed that they are still thankful that their partners from the Philippine government and other organizations remain steadfast in bringing the project to fruition. 

"With our combined efforts, we are beyond positive that the JFPR will continue to serve its purpose in this country and make a lasting impact on the lives of many," he added.

ADB's Rikard Elfving, on the other hand, was proud of the completed hub and looks forward to its impact on the lives of the women and youth who will be using the said facility.

He said ADB usually works with big infrastructure projects that cost a lot, but in Marawi, they have shown that they can do so much with lesser funds.

"I will bring the message back home to my leaders, my Director General, and my country, and tell them about this enormous and powerful project that we have on the ground. It’s not always the volume that counts, it’s the impact that you can have on the community. For me, this sends a very strong signal that you can do a lot with little funds," he further said.

Aside from the Raheemah economic hub, the two foreign visitors also joined the inauguration of the two-storey classroom building in Angoyao National Highschool likewise funded by JFPR and ADB with Save the Children Philippines as its implementing partner. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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