Marawi citizenry reviews initial draft of compensation law rules

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Sectoral representatives of residents here have been given the opportunity to run through page by page what the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act would at least provide to the target populace. 

This, following the public hearing with experts on Thursday, April 27, wherein the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) presented its proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR). 

MCB Secretary Lawyer Sittie Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan said the initial draft of IRR states their main purpose which is to ensure the proper, efficient, and effective implementation of the law. 

Accordingly, the law has established the MCB which is an independent quasi-judicial body of nine members. 

Hassan enumerated the board’s scope which includes the power to conduct administrative proceedings. 

Additionally, it will also be the one to receive, evaluate, investigate, process, and approve eligible claims, disburse compensation, issue subpoenas, promulgate rules, and exercise administrative control over the secretariat. 

Hassan further bared that in the IRR, claimants will be allowed to file their applications for compensation within one year, and failure to file will signify the waiver of the right. 

The filing may be done personally, electronically, or through online appointments by eligible claimants who are lawful owners of personal property, residential, cultural and commercial structures, and their legal heirs. 

The MCB stressed that there shall be no fees when filing, however, applicants must bear the costs for photocopying, scanning, or other similar expenses. 

As for the requirements, Hassan detailed that applicants would need to present their application form, sworn statement, and proof of ownership or other competent proof as the IRR emphasizes that substantial evidence is required to prove the eligibility of any compensation claim.

Hassan likewise disclosed the determination of award for the eligible claimants of the compensation. 

She revealed that a minimum of P100,000 shall be paid for the lives lost outside the most affected area (MAA) and a minimum of P350,000 for those who perished inside MAA. 

Meanwhile, reparation for the damaged structures will depend on whichever is the lower amount of either the fair market value or the value of its total area per storey. Other properties will be paid based on the fair market value at the time of loss. 

The MCB underscored that the presented IRR is not final, thus, the public hearing to get and take into account the comments, opinions, and positions of the concerned people and experts from different sectors for the efficient, timely, and effective enforcement of the law. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi Compensation Board hears public, experts’ say on proposed compensation law IRR

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--To finally formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) held a public consultation on Thursday, April 27 which was joined by experts from various community sectors and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were affected by the war in the city in 2017. 

Such an activity intended to present the board’s initial draft and gather significant notes from the participants which would be consolidated and taken into consideration in crafting the final and quality rules. 

MCB Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph stressed that they need to adopt an IRR to enforce the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 efficiently, timely, and effective manner. 

“This public hearing seeks your comments, suggestions, opinions and positions on the proper and effective implementation of the law that will hopefully give much-needed wisdom to the board,” she said. 

Latiph has stressed that no amount of money can compensate for the lost lives, and physical, emotional and psychological destruction caused by the siege that still lingers up to this day. 

She stated that even the city and its nearby municipalities have not yet recovered, however, she underscored that the payment would at least address their concerns and regain a measured amount of dignity and justice. 

“It seeks to compensate all the victims of war. We hope no one will be left behind,” said Latiph.

The MCB chairperson conveyed that this has been one of the events they would pursue in fulfillment of their mandate which is to grant payment to the siege victims. 

She shared that since the establishment of the Board, they have already started working non-stop which resulted in attaining some milestones in accordance with their action plan. 

Latiph reiterated that the Board is an independent quasi-judicial body created pursuant to the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 which was signed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte a year ago, on April 30, 2022. 

Looking back, she underlined that the law was really a fruit of a series of hard work and lobbying to the Congress, Senate and President.

Apart from granting payment to approved claimants, Latiph added that the board is a transitional justice mechanism that promotes healing and reconciliation between the parties, from the national government down to those who were impacted by the conflict. 

“Ang tagal ng paghintay natin para makarating tayo sa punto na ito. Alhamdulillah, nakarating din tayo,” she said.

(We have been waiting for so long to reach this point. Alhamdulillah, we are able to arrive here.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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OPAPRU ends Duyog Ramadan 2023 with over 800 aided Marawi IDPs

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has capped off the implementation of Duyog Ramadan and Eid'l Fitr Solidarity activities this year.

Such a program ran for three days, starting April 18 to 20, wherein some 800 residents of Rorogagus and Dulay Transitory Shelters and Bahay Pag-asa Village received assistance from the said government agency and its partners.

The aid included ten-kilo sacks of rice and moknas, or prayer dresses, while an Iftar was also hosted, which was attended by all target beneficiaries.

OPAPRU Project Development Officer John Rey Catalan stated that this has been their means of expressing their continuous sharing of solidarity with the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He stated that they would always back community tasks, as they would all want to achieve full healing and success in all their endeavors. 

"Marami na tayong nakitang gustong mangyari sa komunidad na ito at bahagi ang OPAPRU sa inyong mga pagsisikap at sa mga naging vision na gustong marating ng komunidad na ito," said Catalan.

(We have seen a lot of desired scenarios in this community, and the OPAPRU has been part of this perseverance and vision that this community wanted to attain)

On the other hand, partners of the government agency have conveyed their respective messages as well, in line with the end of Ramadan.

500th Combat Engineer Battalion Acting Commanding Officer LtCol. Jerome Rodosendo assured the public that the peace and security of the entire city here will always be their top priority with the help of the Philippine National Police.

He said they assist the local government units and non-government organizations in delivering basic services and needs to the people in the city, as they would want to ensure an orderly implementation of humanitarian programs.

"Ito ay para sa kapayapaan. Ito ay isang may kabuluhang laban na hinahangad ng lahat. Tayo ay magtulungan para sa kapayapaan ng Marawi City at ikauunlad ng buong bayan," said Rodosendo.

(This is for peace. This is a meaningful fight that we all look forward to. Let us help each other for peace in Marawi City and the progress of the whole country)

Community and Family Services International Marawi Sub-Office Head Farida Mangcaan also told the IDPs that Ramadan is about healing, gratitude, and forgiveness.

She encouraged the people not to be stressed and anxious because they cannot forgive themselves if they are in that kind of state.

Moreover, Mangcaan emphasized that gratitude is the foundation of forgiveness; thus, her reminder to be always grateful wherever one may be.

For his part, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. has been gratified by the support he has received from the displaced people.

As such, he guaranteed that his office would work hand-in-hand with the Marawi Compensation Board so that IDPs could eventually go back to their places at ground zero.

"Nandito pa rin ang TFBM upang tulungan kayo kasi sa aming puso, hindi makokompleto ang rehabilitation kung hindi kayo makakabalik," said Castro. 

(The TFBM is still here to help you because, in our hearts, the rehabilitation would not be completed if you could not return). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Eid'l Fitr: A Glimpse of the Past, Realization of the Present

Eid'l Fitr or what they call the Feast of Ramadan is one of the most important and special occasions in the Islamic religion. It is celebrated after a month-long of fasting.

When I was young I looked forward to the Eid'l Fitr celebration because there were many foods served during the occasion. I thought of Eid'l Fitr as a festivity where the family gathered and have sumptuous meals which is why it is one of the most anticipated occasions for Muslims.

But with the passage of time and the celebration of Eid'l Fitr year after year, I gradually realized the true essence of Eid'l Fitr. I finally learned that Eid'l Fitr is the day when we return to our origin without sin and dirt. It's like we are back to where we started. We are reborn. Because in the month of Ramadan, we purify ourselves. We ask for forgiveness and guidance from the Lord [Allah]. We also do good things like conducting charity, reading the holy Quran, and giving Zakat (donation of a certain proportion of our wealth to charitable causes), among others.

After 30 days of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan and purifying ourselves, the Almighty Allah gave us this day, Eid'l Fitr, to start a new life, renew ourselves, and become a better version of ourselves as a person and Muslim believers. With the new chance given to us, we enjoy and celebrate the day of Eid'l Fitr.

I finally understand why Muslims look forward to Eid'l Fitr because not everyone gets to celebrate this day. Some go home to their creator in the middle of the month of Ramadan or the end of the month of Ramadan. Others don't even have the opportunity to experience Ramadan. I think that's how happy and excited Muslim believers are when they reach this most special day. Because of that, when Eid'l Fitr arrives, families prepare food, give grace to others, feed the less fortunate, and visit relatives and friends who they haven't seen for a long time.

Now that I am mature, I started evaluating myself and I realize that there is no change in how I greet Eid'l Fitr every time it comes. To this day I greet it with excitement and great joy like when I was a child. The only difference is the perspective I had then and the perspective I have now because now I can finally see the essence and beauty of Eid'l Fitr. (JND/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Grand Mosque admin prays for healing of Marawi siege victims

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Amidst the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, or the feast of breaking the fast, this year, the administration of the Grand Mosque here has also prayed fervently, just like many Muslims all over the globe.

Grand Mosque Chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan wished for the total healing of his fellow internally displaced persons (IDPs) in this city, who have been continuously haunted by the tragic memories of the 2017 siege.

He stated that this would include the immediate restoration of the destroyed private houses, such as his house, which was burned down as well during the same incident.

This, as Pangarungan recognized, means that more than half a decade has already passed and not all the IDPs have yet returned to their homes at ground zero.

He believed that their ultimate desire would only be realized if the Marawi Compensation Board, which was established through the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, took swift action on their concern.

"Ang daming nadislocate na Muslim settlers dito sa Marawi. Sana ang Marawi Compensation Law ay (There were a lot of Muslim settlers in Marawi who were dislocated. I hope the Marawi Compensation Law is) they can act immediately on the claims of all homeowners affected during the siege in Marawi," said Pangarungan.

Apart from ending the agony of the IDPs, the Grand Mosque chairperson likewise shared that he prayed for the recovery of the country from the pandemic so that it could attain an economic boost.

He also desired sturdy support for the programs implemented under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"We should all unite together in the spirit of Eid’l Fitr. Suportahan natin ang administration natin para makarecover tayo sa pandemic at (Let us support our administration so that we can recover from the pandemic and) destruction caused by the siege in Marawi," said Pangarungan. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur

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Grand Mosque in Marawi welcomes Muslim devotees for Eid’l Fitr anew

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As this year’s holy month of Ramadan has come to an end, the Islamic city’s iconic Grand Mosque once again opened its doors to Islam worshippers to celebrate the Eid’l Fitr, or feast of breaking of fast on Saturday, April 22. 

The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) bared that over 20,000 devotees trooped to the Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamic Islamic Center, the formal name of the grandest place of worship here. 

Grand Mosque Chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan expressed his elation after seeing the presence of many Muslim faithful. 

“We are thankful to Allah that we are able to hold this Eid’l Fitr prayer,” he said.

Happy with the success of hosting this year’s Eid’l Fitr, Pangarungan magnified how the security sector toiled to assist civilians for the whole duration of their festivity. 

He publicly acclaimed the police and army troops for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the concerned parameter. 

In their pursuit of realizing this aim, LDSPPO Deputy Provincial Director for Operations PLtCol. Juanito Jamis earlier revealed that at least 100 security personnel were deployed in the most affected area (MAA) to supervise and control the situation, especially since they have already anticipated that worshippers would flock at this moment. 

He noted that since Friday until the awaited time, no untoward incident was reported. 

“Sa ngayon, maganda ang peace and order natin sa buong Lanao [del Sur], lalo na dito sa Marawi City,” said Jamis. 

(For now, our peace and order in the entire Lanao [del Sur], especially in Marawi City, is good.)

Meanwhile, flocking Muslims have conveyed their sincere happiness after having been able to visit and render their Eid’l Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Tugaya residents welcome Eid'l Fitr with gratefulness, blessed heart

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Like other places in the country, the residents of Tugaya town also celebrated Eid'l Fitr or Feast of Ramadan peacefully and happily.

The faces of the residents showed joy and happiness as they went to the masjid to offer their prayers because finally, the day of festivity has arrived.

Like the rest of the residents, Asmar Adapun also celebrated Eid'l Fitr with joy with his family.

"Alhamdulillah it was really great. I was really happy. Somehow naramdaman natin yung essence or yung message ng Ramadhan through celebrating the Eid'l Fitr," he said.

[Alhamdulillah it was really great. I was really happy. Somehow we felt the essence of the message of Ramadhan through celebrating the Eid'l Fitr.]

But Asmar also can't help feeling sad because he knows Muslims have to wait for more months before the next Ramadhan.

"Ramadhan has brought us light and joy. It has taught us so many lessons in life and as Muslim. It's also saddening to us na tapos na yung Ramadhan. So, mahalaga ang Eid'l Fitr kahit papaano natutumbasan yung lungkot. We are able to heal from the sadness na nararamdaman natin sa pagtatapos ng Ramadhan," he added.

[Ramadhan has brought us light and joy. It has taught us so many lessons in life and as Muslims. It's also saddening to us that Ramadhan is over. So, Eid'l Fitr is important because somehow it balances the sadness. We are able to heal from the sadness we feel at the end of Ramadhan.]

According to him, one of the reasons why they are celebrating the Eid'l Fitr is because it is one of the Sunnahs (a term for the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that constitute a model for Muslims to follow.

Some of the activities Muslims do on this day are praying, visiting relatives and friends, family gatherings, and forgiving each other. (JND/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Eid’l Fitr 2023 greets happy, hopeful Muslim faithful

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--This year’s Eid’l Fitr has brought elation to a lot of pious Islam worshipers who took time to render their prayers to Allah at the city’s world-class Grand Mosque, formally known as the Jameo Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamic Islamic Center. 

The Eid’l Fitr, or feast of the breaking of the fast, was celebrated in the Philippines, April 22, following the moon-sighting and official announcement of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta.’

Abdulbayan Shevardnadze Abdullah, a resident of this city, showed his happiness after being able to pray at the Grand Mosque during the aforementioned festivity. 

He was to witness the number of Muslims coming to the same area and how the security forces ensured peace and order.

"Maganda talaga. Alhamdulillah, maraming tao. Talagang overwhelmed ako sa dami ng mga tao at security na dumating," said Abdullah.

(It was really nice. Alhamdulillah, there were a lot of people. I was really overwhelmed that there were a lot of people and security that arrived)

Fatma Zohra Hadjiabdul Malic, who came from the municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur province, shared that it was touching to step foot at the Grand Mosque alongside many Maranaos.

"Heartwarming siya [na makapag-Eid dito sa Grand Mosque]. Ang sarap sa feeling na ang dami ng mga Maranao na nagpunta dito sa ground zero," she said.

(It was heartwarming [to have Eid here at the Grand Mosque]. It is nice to feel that there were a lot of Maranaos who went here on ground zero)

Malic shared that she has been sincerely asking for good health, the realization of her wishes, and forgiveness of her sins.

Saadiyah Manalundong, also a resident of the city, was delighted to be able to pray for Eid this year at the Grand Mosque.

"Masaya ako [na makapagsimba sa Grand Mosque] kasi maraming mga tao. Dito na kasi ako nagsisimba kahit pa man hindi pa ito nasira," she said.

(I was happy that I was able to pray at the Grand Mosque because there were a lot of people. I have really been praying here even since this was destroyed)

According to the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, more than 20,000 Muslims have gathered at the Grand Mosque to perform their Eid’l Fitr prayers. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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OPAPRU carries on Duyog Ramadan, gives relief to IDPs at Rorogagus TS

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--To cause joy to residents impacted by the 2017 siege during this year’s Ramadan season, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) continues to spearhead its three-day Duyog Ramadan which is a regular seasonal program aiming to deliver aid to its target beneficiaries.  

OPAPRU kicked off the program on Tuesday, April 18, by visiting the Dulay Transitory Shelter in Barangay Dulay Proper here to distribute sacks of rice to at least 250 dwellers. 

On its second day, April 19, OPAPRU handed over ten kilos of rice and prayer dress to 305 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living at Rorogagus Transitory Shelter Phase 1 and 2 located in Barangay Rorogagus East.

True to its aim, recipients were relieved by the presence of the OPAPRU in their place.

Rorogagus Transitory Shelter resident Sorayah Sarip thanked the agency for the rice assistance, saying a lot of them needed the rice during this time of Ramadan.

Another Rorogagus Transitory Shelter resident Aslima Hadji Latiph was also happy with the arrival of the OPAPRU. 

She stated that the ten kilos of rice and mokna {praying dress) they received were timely as most of them did not have stable livelihood and income to buy some food. 

Moreover, Jaslia Abbas, the president of Rorogagus Transitory Shelter’s Homeowners Association (HOA), conveyed her appreciation to OPAPRU on behalf of her fellow IDPs as she saw how they were assisted ever since they were still temporarily residing in evacuation centers. 

She stressed that this was already a significant matter for them, taking into account that relief goods nowadays are getting fewer compared to the previous years and that their area is far from the heart of the city, thus, having less access to their necessities.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga kami sa OPAPRU kasi since nasa tent city kami until now, binigyan pa rin kami. Sana laging nandiyan ang OPAPRU na lagi kaming tinutulungan. Masayang masaya ang mga tao dahil pa-Eid na,” said Abbas 

[We are really thankful to OPAPRU because since we were still in the tent city until now, we are still given. I hope OPAPRU will always be there to help us. People here are very happy now that Eid is already coming.]

The HOA president further acknowledged the efforts of the private stakeholders who donated the rice sacks distributed to the residents at their site. 

She prayed that these donors would not cease supporting IDPs living in temporary shelters. 

Amilbangsa Magarang, another resident of Rorogagus Transitory Shelter, expressed his endless gratitude to OPAPRU for providing their current necessity.

Rorogagus Transitory Shelter resident Ansari Mama, on the other hand, was likewise grateful to the government agency, considering that what has been handed over to them was a big advantage, especially since they are in poverty. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong lahat sa pagbisita sa amin dito sa Rorogagus. Malaking bagay ito para sa amin dahil naghihirap kami ngayon. Sana huwag kayong tumigil sa pagsuporta,” he said.

(We are thankful to all of you for visiting us here in Rorogagus. This is a big thing for us because we are struggling right now. I hope you do not stop supporting us.)

The OPAPRU earlier repeated its commitment to maintaining its efforts for IDPs in temporary sites.

The Duyog Ramadan program April 20 giving out more 10 kilos of rice to 130 residents at Bahay Pag-asa II in Barangay Mipaga in the same city. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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OPAPRU: Duyog Ramadan manifests Marawi IDPs not forgotten

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As almost six years have already rolled by since the 2017 warfare marked the history of this city, the government strives to make internally displaced persons (IDPs) feel that they are not left behind.

Amidst the Ramadan season this year, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) enforced once again its regular seasonal program called Duyog Ramadan to extend various initiatives to displaced residents currently residing in temporary sites.

The said program kicked off, April 18, delivering rice aid to a total of 250 dwellers at Dulay Transitory Shelter in Barangay Dulay Proper, here.

OPAPRU Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Focal and Project Development Officer (PDO) Marie Rose Abejuela underscored that aside from joining their Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Ramadan, the activity also manifests that the IDPs are always on the minds of a lot of Filipinos who want to empathize with their tragic experiences.

"We want our IDPs who have been here since the Marawi siege to know that they are not forgotten, and there are definitely people in Manila and other areas in the Philippines who care and think about them," she said.

Abejuela said the private sector always tries to help these needy residents.

This, as she explained, was why the rice sacks distributed to the beneficiaries were donations from companies such as those based in Iligan City, and were collected within just two days.

"We reached out to those who really supported us in the past for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao. When we asked them to donate rice, very good ang answer nila (their answer was very good). The donation was very overwhelming," said Abejuela.

Looking forward to more moments with the IDPs, the OPAPRU echoed its promise to maintain its support so long as it is still needed.

"OPAPRU will continuously care for them, and it is not just OPAPRU. The whole Philippines cares for them, as we can see from this [rice] distribution. We thank them for their courage, and we will continue to pray for them that they will continue to stay strong until they can go back home," said Abejuela.

Apart from rice distribution during the holy month of Ramadan, the OPAPRU is also remembered for having conducted peace conversations with former combatants and children in temporary shelters. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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IDPs from Dulay TS happy for Duyog Ramadan aid

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in Dulay Proper Transitory Shelter are thankful for the aid they received from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) under the Duyog Ramadan Program.

OPAPRU kicked off the three-day distribution of ten kilograms of rice to IDPs in Marawi transitory shelters, April 18.

"Pinakamalaking tulong ito sa amin. Mahirap-hirap dito sa Dulay kasi ang layo namin sa market. Kailangang-kailangan (ang tulong) kasi mga bakwit kami lahat dito. Ang karamihan dito, walang trabaho," said Asnawi Basman.

(This is a big help to us. It's hard here at Dulay because we are far from the market. We also need help because we are all displaced people here. Most people here are unemployed)

Abdulrahman Quisto is also thankful to OPAPRU citing the government office as an instrument for the IDPs to receive blessings from Allah.

For Fahad Sultan, he hopes that they will continue to receive support and help from OPAPRU.

"Sana po ay tuloy-tuloy po yung tulong na nanggagaling sa OPAPRU. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin na nakatira sa shelter (I hope the help from OPAPRU will continue. It is a big help to us who are living in the shelter)," he said.

Duyog Ramadan is a regular program of OPAPRU during the holy month of Ramadan to promote social healing and reconciliation among residents affected by the Marawi siege.

Some 250 dwellers in Dulay Proper TS received the rice aid. They were also treated to an Iftar by the OPAPRU.

Dwellers from other transitory shelters are set to receive their assistance on April 19 and 20.

OPAPRU initially targets 350 IDPs in the Rorogagus Transitory Shelter and 130 in Bahay Pagasa II in Mipaga as recipients for the next two days. (JND/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Bangsamoro Darul Ifta sets moon sighting on April 20

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-- The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta is set to hold its crescent moon sighting activity in strategic points in Mindanao on April 20 to determine the end of Ramadan.

According to Abdulrauf Guialani, the sighting will be held in Parang and Datu Odin Sinsuat towns in Maguindanao; PC Hill and Timako Hills in Cotabato City; Iligan Bay area in Iligan City; Sunkist Seaside Pahut in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Jolo port in Sulu; and Isabela in Basilan.

If the moon is sighted on April 20, Eid'l Fitr will be observed on the following day. If not, the breaking of the month-long fast will be set for Saturday, April 22.

Eid'l Fitr, or the Feast of Ramadhan, is considered one of the festive occasions in Islam. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Hijri calendar. Among the activities that are carried out in this festivity are attending the early morning Eid prayer, visiting relatives and friends, family gatherings, and giving of charity to allow the less fortunate to partake in the festivity as well.

Meanwhile, to promote religious unity and cultural awareness, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared Friday, April 21, a regular non-working holiday in the country in observance of Eid'l Fitr. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Dulay TS residents get rice assistance thru OPAPRU’s Duyog Ramadan

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--With the end of the holy month of Ramadan drawing near, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) ensured that through its seasonal Duyog Ramadan program, it could deliver help to needy communities and keep together citizens who were displaced from their old homes after the eruption of the siege in 2017. 

On Tuesday, April 18, OPAPRU distributed ten kilograms of rice to at least 250 residents at the Dulay Transitory Shelter in Barangay Dulay Proper, here.

Moreover, an Iftar, or breaking of fast, was also hosted for the dwellers therein. 

OPAPRU Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Focal and Project Development Officer (PDO) Marie Rose Abejuela said they intended to observe Ramadan with their Muslim brothers and sisters in the transitory sites to let them know that they are always remembered. 

"We want to share with them that they are not forgotten and we are here to celebrate with them Ramadan and Eid’l Fitr," she said. 

The OPAPRU PCVE focal and PDO further said the beneficiaries were identified by their Northern Mindanao Area Management Unit, which works on the ground to coordinate with the supposed recipients. 

Accordingly, they chose the Dulay Transitory Shelter as one of their targets this year, considering that this is one of the shelters that they have assisted previously. 

Seeing the smiles painted on the faces of the people on the site, Abejuela reiterated their commitment to help the IDPs for as long as their assistance is needed. 

"Anything that they need, we are here to help them," said Abejuela. 

The OPAPRU will continue to hold similar activities at the Rorogus Transitory Shelter in Barangay Rorogagus and Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Mipaga, all in the same city, until it reaches its target of 806 beneficiaries. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Schools in Marawi observe 10-day Ramadan break

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Public and private schools here start the observance of a 10-day break to allow Muslim students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel to religiously observe the last ten days of Ramadan.

The 10-day break complies with City Ordinance No. 24, Series of 2022, which declared the last 10 days of Ramadan as non-working holidays for all public and private schools in the city. 

The said ordinance aims to provide Muslim teachers and students the opportunity to have more time to devote to worship and do good deeds in the last 10 days of Ramadhan and to religiously observe the Laylatul Qadr, or Night of Power, which takes place during these days. 

Laylatul Qadr is one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar, as it is believed to be the night in which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad and the night in which one's fate is decreed. 

Classes are expected to resume, April 24, 2023. 

Newly-appointed City Schools Division Superintendent Anna Zenaida Unte, however, reiterated in her division memorandum that classes will be conducted on other holidays to compensate for the 10-day break. 

Meanwhile, the said city ordinance also allows half-day work for the government and private offices in the city. (JD/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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LDS entrepreneurs glad for addt’l profit from Ramadan trade fair

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Some local enterprises in Lanao del Sur province are grateful to have obtained additional profit after they participated in the Ramadan trade fair set up by the provincial government.

The annual trade fair has a lot of different products, both food and non-food, from 15 different businesses.

Aliah Minsowary, a sales clerk for Mama Sheba Cusina, expressed how thankful they were for the fair.

She stated that people could not easily locate their kitchen and physical store in Marantao town, which is why they brought their products, which are Maranao foods, to the trade fair so that they could still grow their business.

"Maraming naman [bumibisita at bumibili]. Maganda naman ang pwesto dito. Marami namang benta. Nakukuha naman ang capital (Many have visited and bought. The spot is nice. We also had many sales. We were able to get the capital)," said Minsowary.

As for Farhannah Muctar, who is a member of the Gagao Kapdi Business Making Cooperative, she said they decided to join the trade fair to sell more handwoven Maranao garments, accessories, and clothes.

She said their profit would be a big help with their expenses, especially since they are observing the holy month of Marawi.

"Ito ay para pandagdag sa gastos namin, kaya sumali kami ngayon sa trade fair. Sa awa ng Diyos, may kita naman (This is for our extra budget, that is why we are in this trade fair. With God’s mercy, we have sales)," said Muctar.

On the other hand, Tarhattah Macabanding, a member of Unayan HD Farms Business Service Cooperative, shared that they engaged in the trade fair to increase their sales and gain extra income.

She detailed that their group has been personally producing hand-loomed textiles and other linens to be availed by the public. 

As they have displayed their products at the trade fair since last week, Macabanding was elated with the sales that they made. 

"Nagpapasalamat kami dahil binigyan nila kami ng pagkakataon na magkaroon kami ng parang branch dito para iyong iba na hindi makita ang tindahan namin, nakakapasyal dito at nakakabili," she said.

(We are thankful because we were given the chance to have our branch here so that others who did not see our store can go here and buy)

The Ramadan trade fair this year commenced, March 28, and shall go on until April 21. This is held at Lanao People’s Park in Barrio Saber in this city. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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