Abaca farming: Piagapo’s hidden agricultural gem

While farming may be a common livelihood for many, more often than not, the first things that come to mind when we mention the trade are produce like fruits and vegetables, often rice, and less often farm animals like pigs, cows, and goats.

Even though the Philippines is an agricultural country, there are only so many ways to make money in farming. However, farmers from Piagapo seem to have struck gold when they got into the underrated abaca business.

Despite already being registered with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) since 2014, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative’s President, Badria Dimacaling, revealed that they didn’t enter the abaca industry until 2017, when they realized its high demand in the market. 

"Nakita namin kung gaano kahalaga ang abaca hindi (lang) sa buong Pilipinas, (sa) buong daigdig. Demanding talaga yung abaca fiber," Badria said.

(We saw how important abaca was not just to the Philippines but to the whole world. Abaca fibers are really in high demand)

When they first started, it was clear that they had to establish a buying station at Bobo, Piagapo, instead of setting up in their village in Basak. This was because their roads were essentially impassable, and having a buying station closer to the town center and neighboring municipalities made it easier to deliver their products.

At first, they made little income selling to traders in neighboring municipalities, but it all changed when they received P1.7 million worth of equipment from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Now with six decorticating machines, two spindles, one billing press, one weighing scale, and one solar dryer, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative makes over P100,000 a month thanks to DTI’s shared service facilities (SSF), which they divide among their members. 

It was this increase in income that allowed them to broaden their horizons and register with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) in 2019 so they could start dealing with New Tech Pulp in Balo-i. This also paved the way for several opportunities for their members and their families. Some of them successfully put their children through college thanks to abaca farming, while others who were forced to put their education on hold due to financial difficulties were now able to pick right up where they left off in pursuit of their degrees. 

Very few people know of the opportunities that lie in the farming industry, much less in the abaca industry. Currently, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative has 132 hectares of land allocated for abaca farming and 88 members whose lives have forever been changed for the better thanks to the high market demand for abaca fibers. (PJF/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur) 

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Marawi CSWD ensures needy PWDs get financial assistance

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Heeding the monetary concerns of the disabled population, the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) underscored that it is doing its best to provide cash assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

CSWDO Officer-in-Charge Rismirah Adap shared that as they are being directed to serve the Filipino people, they coordinate with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro region, which implements the "Kalinga para sa may mga Kapansanan" program.

 "Ito ang serbisyo at mandato na ibinigay sa amin bilang mga social worker at public servant. Nandito kami lagi para umagapay sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan," she said. 

(This is the service and mandate given to us as social workers and public servants. We are always available to assist in the needs of our fellow citizens.a

Adap stated that for PWDs to get assistance, they have to register themselves first, however, she explained that their office cannot instantly issue PWD identification (ID) cards now, unlike before when they could automatically give IDs with control numbers. 

She explained that this is due to the enforced Philippine Registration for PWD, wherein registration must go through a digital process. 

Adap stated that PWDs can opt to register themselves online, but they suggest letting their office do it as each entry on the registration form cannot already be changed. 

She likewise mentioned that the registration is only valid for three years, thus, PWDs must process their renewal to update their status, specifically those with a physical disability caused by accidents, which can recover after some time of treatment. 

Besides the online registration, Adap further underlined that they see to it that only the indigent can pass the process, as they are the ones needing the help. 

"Hindi naman lahat ng PWDs ay makakatanggap because this is intended for those who are in need. Iyong hindi kaya bumili ng gamot at tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng PWDs natin. Mas napa-priority natin sila. Mas nabibigyan natin sila ng mas malawak na attention para kung may karamdaman sila, mas gagaling sila," she said.

(Not all PWDs can receive because this is intended for those who are in need, those who cannot buy their medicines and address their needs as PWDs. They are more prioritized. We give them broader attention so that if they have an ailment, they will heal)

Recently, the CSWDO and MSSD conducted a payout wherein at least 2,654 PWDs received their annual cash assistance worth P6,000. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur) 

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PWDs elated over monetary support from LGU Marawi, MSSD BARMM

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in this city who received their yearly P6,000 in financial assistance showed their delight, seeing the aid as one that can help them with their needs. 

This effort was realized through the "Kalinga para sa may mga Kapansanan" enforced by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro region in close coordination with the local government unit here through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). 

Monacaya Mama Macarimbang, who became disabled after suffering from a mild stroke, was happy to receive cash assistance from the government. 

She also prayed for additional aid, especially for poor citizens like her. 

"Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa aking pamilya. Ito ay pambili ko ng gamot, lalo na ngayon na mahal na ang gamot… Kung may maitutulong pa sila sa maraming tao ay itulong nila kasi malaki talaga ang maitutulong nila sa mga taong nangangailangan. Kailangan ng maraming tao ang MSSD at CSWD," said Macarimbang.

(This is a big help for my family. I will use this to buy my medicine, especially now that medicines are expensive… If they can still help more people, I hope they can, because they can be a big help to those in need. A lot of people need the MSSD and CSWD)

Jasmin Casim, a parent who claimed cash assistance for her autistic son, was also glad about the help given by the government. 

She planned on buying medicines and other necessities for her child with the money she received. 

For his part, Hussien Dilinogun Malawad, who received the cash assistance on behalf of his mentally disabled brother, expressed her thanks to the government for the aid. 

He said this would be enough to buy the necessities for his brother. 

Meanwhile, Ebrahim Imam Dimaawan, who is physically disabled, said the cash grant he got from MSSD and CSWD would be used for his medicines. 

With this, he was grateful to the government, as this aid was significant for him as a needy person. 

Paridi Barangay Secretary Zendy Palabasan Mustapha likewise expressed her gratitude on behalf of the disabled constituents in her village who received cash assistance from MSSD through the CSWD. 

She stated that her worried citizens were overjoyed to learn that they would be compensated.

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa BARMM at CSWD kasi nabigyan nila ng pagkakataon ang PWDs. Ang mga PWD kasi ay may malaking pangangailangan. Noong narinig nila [PWDs] ang tungkol dito, tuwang-tuwa sila. Makakabili na raw sila ng pagkain at gamot nila. Sana tuloy-tuloy ito," said Mustapha.

(We are thankful to BARMM and CSWD because they gave the PWDs an opportunity. This is because PWDs have many needs. When they [PWDs] heard about this, they were really happy. They can already buy food and their medicines. I hope this is continuous)

In the most recent payout, a total of 2,654 disabled people received financial assistance. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Over 2.6K PWDs receive cash aid from BARMM, Marawi gov’t

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Aiming to extend support to members of the vulnerable group in this city, the local government unit here, through its City Social Development Office (CSWDO), along with the Bangsamoro region’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), granted annual financial assistance amounting to Php6,000 to a total of 2,654 persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Such an initiative is part of the Bangsamoro government's "Kalinga para sa may mga Kapansanan" program.

Officer-in-Charge of the CSWDO Rismirah Adap said that, in addition to helping the elderly, they also make sure to help the PWDs every year so they can pay for their health care and other needs.

"Nagkaroon tayo ng another payout para kahit papaano may pambili sila ng gamot at mga pangangailangan nila, especially those indigent natin na mga benepisyaryo. Dati kasi, senior citizens lang ang may allowance," she said. 

(We conducted another payout so that at least, they could buy their medicines and other necessities, especially those indigent beneficiaries. Before, only senior citizens had an allowance)

To claim their cash aid, Adap detailed that PWDs may only bring with them their PWD identification (ID) card or medical certificate and a valid government ID. 

For parents and guardians getting assistance on behalf of the target beneficiaries, the PWD’s ID and birth certificate, together with the primary government ID of the claimant, must be presented. 

The CSWD emphasized that they check the said documents to prevent other people from getting the grant intended for the rightful recipients.

As they continue to live the duty bestowed upon them, Adap underscored that the Bangsamoro and city government work closely for the benefit of their entire citizenry, including the PWDs.

"Ang binigay na mandato sa atin ng city government, as well as ng regional office is to ensure that no one is left behind. Hindi man natin masaklaw at maabot lahat pero as much as possible, in our daily giving of social services is matrack natin sila," she said. 

(The mandate that has been given to us by the city government, as well as the regional office, is to ensure that no one is left behind. We may not be able to cover and reach everyone, but we can track them as much as possible in our daily provision of social services). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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PH’s Celeste Cortesi shines at Miss U preliminaries, brings LDS kids to runway

By: Entertainment News Portal

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi has set off with a head start after she dazzled the crowd at the 71st Miss Universe preliminary held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States of America, January 12 (Philippine Standard Time).

During the swimwear competition, Cortesi slayed the runway, emanating her noble passion as she wore a two-piece swimsuit with her cape specially patterned with the handprints of children from one of the secluded villages in the province of Lanao del Sur.

The garment was made during her participation in an outreach program of Save the Children Philippines in the said locality.

The 25-year-old Filipina-Italian beauty queen highlighted that walking with this personalized cape was amplifying the voices of children who needed help, recognizing that there are millions of them living in poverty amid a crisis.

Upon conversing with the parents of these kids, she shared that she harkened back to how her own mother struggled to provide for her and her sister.

"The imprints all over the cape remind me that having a title means to have a purpose beyond myself," said Cortesi. 

The pro-kid candidate hoped that this would inspire others to donate to Save the Children Philippines, stressing that there is much work to be done and every single help matters.

Cortesi earlier conveyed that the best way she can support the children and the needy communities is to maintain her collaboration with the forenamed international non-government organization. 

"I think amplifying and sharing information, and really working with the organization, Save the Children Philippines, can really help a lot. This is my duty as the Miss Universe Philippines, and I am very happy and grateful to be working with that," she said during her actual visit in Lanao del Sur province on November 10 last year.

Apart from championing the welfare of children, Cortesi likewise promotes women's empowerment, being a woman who is always for women.

"People don’t really see women as leaders, and that’s because women are always, no matter what, very underestimated by everyone," she said in a video.

Now, people across the globe look forward to the coronation night of the 71st Miss Universe on January 14 this year (the morning of January 15 in the Philippines), wherein Harnaaz Sandhu of India will pass her crown to the new queen. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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BARMM chief acclaims newly appointed defense chief

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim congratulated retired general Carlito Galvez Jr. for assuming a new post in the government and being the head of the Department of National Defense (DND) now. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Galvez as the current secretary of the DND, January 9, following the resignation of former OIC Jose Faustino Jr.

Such was acclaimed by Ebrahim.

He stated that as a tested military official, the new defense chief has held different leadership roles during his stint in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

Ebrahim mentioned that among his achievements was the liberation of the Islamic City of Marawi from the hands of the Dawlah-inspired Maute Group. 

To recall, the city went through a historic firefight that lasted for five months in 2017, and Galvez was seen playing a crucial role in ending this tragedy. 

Now, the most affected area undergoes rehabilitation that is nearly complete. 

Apart from the Marawi liberation, Ebrahim also cited the effort of Galvez in the creation of the Bangsamoro region, and his excellent supervision of the AFP Western Mindanao Command, the 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao, and the Government of the Philippines Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities together with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

With the assumption of Galvez, Ebrahim hoped to continue the begun peace in his region and throughout Mindanao.

"We look forward to continuing our shared work to maintain peace in Mindanao and commit our support to his role," he said. 

Before being appointed as the secretary of the DND, Galvez served as the chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur with reports from BARMM)

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BARMM sends relief to flood-affected towns in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)---The Bangsamoro Government is continuously extending aid to its constituents, who are greatly affected by flooding brought about by heavy rainfall due to the shear line.

Through the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), the regional government delivered 2,000 food packs to the province of Lanao del Sur on Friday, January 6.

Both the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) got the food packs.

Chief Shaminoden Sambitory of the PDRRMO said that the relief packs will be given to families in five municipalities that were affected by the floods.

In Taraka, Tamparan, Maguing, Mulondo, and Bubong, flooding affected more than 2,000 families.

The Bangsamoro READi is an attached office to the Ministry of Interior and Local Government and serves as the executing office and secretariat of the Bangsamoro DRRM Council. (PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Green thumbs and greener grass

MARAWI CITY (PIA)--By now, we’ve all heard of the old nursery rhyme "Magtanim ay Di Biro" (Farming is No Joke), having been taught it in elementary school, and while most of us are not blind to the hardships of our farmer, very few of us have had to go through their lived experience in both the figurative and literal field.

Like many of us, Salapidaw Organization Human Capital Manager Amenodin Gadia also knew little about the craft before he was forced back into his hometown of Balindong after the siege left Marawi and its surrounding municipalities in ruin in 2017.

Having previously worked in the trading industry in Boracay, Aklan, farming was not the sharpest tool in his shed when he returned home, but during a time when everyone was desperately trying to make ends meet, he had little to no choice but to get his hands dirty and learn it the hard way.

When he first started, he shared a small plot of land with his fellow farmers, which they utilized to plant bell peppers. 

After some time, when they had gained some experience and were more confident in their skills, they agreed to start tilling in their own backyards as well to produce more crops and slowly work their way towards their goal of making a name for Balindong as a producer of fresh and high-quality crops.

When USAID and Plan International’s Marawi Response Project (MRP) came into town, Salapidaw immediately caught their attention. 

Seeing their potential and determination to recover from their traumatic experience, they took Salapidaw under their wing and provided them with training seminars to further enhance their knowledge and skills. MRP also gave them a grant for a vegetable farm to help them reach their goal of becoming a well-known provider of high-quality produce. This will give them a better chance of reaching their goal.

With their combined experience and newly developed expertise in farming, members of the Salapidaw Organization set off and began passing on everything they'd learned to farmers from neighboring towns who didn’t have access to the same opportunities they had, and it wasn’t long before a sort of brotherhood began forming among their members.

What started as a simple means of livelihood turned out to be so much more thanks to MRP, but none of it would have ever been possible without Salapidaw’s drive and ambition. Today their crops make it to Cagayan de Oro City, and what only started as a dream for the organization is slowly coming to fruition. (PJF/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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