Appreciations pour in for master artisans as torchbearers of Bangsamoro culture

Appreciations and praises poured in for master artisans during the culmination ceremony of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) skills training program of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage-Lanao del Sur (BCPCH-LDS) due to their contributions in preserving the cultural heritage and traditions.

"It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our cultural masters and trainees that have gone into the skills training program. Both the cultural masters and the trainees have gone countless hours to learn and perfect their craft, and it is only fitting that we celebrate their achievement today," said BCPCH-LDS chairperson Dr. Salem Lingasa.

Mindanao State University Department of History Professor Tirmizy Abdullah said it is only right to be proud of the master artisans because of their contributions to the cultural heritage by making and producing various cultural assets. 

He said it is everyone's responsibility to preserve it and pass it on to the next generation as he believes that the culture of Lanao and the Bangsamoro is rich and deserves to be recognized around the world.

Meanwhile, Marawi Compensation Board Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph commended not only the master artisans but also the learners for their participation and interest in learning the culture. 

"Our learners are the next generation of tradition keepers. Sila ang ating mapagkakatiwalaan na magtuturo sa mga bagong henerasyon(they are the ones we can trust to teach the new generations). To all the learners, congratulations on your hard work. Keep sharing these skills, keep our culture alive," said Latiph. 

After completing the SLT skills training program, trainees expressed their gratitude to BCPCH-LDS for organizing the program and to the master artisans for sharing their knowledge and talent with them.

"Sa una mahirap kasi wala akong idea sa paggawa ng langkit pero napakasaya kasi yung mga trainers namin ay napaka-approachable nila kaya madali rin kami natuto sa paggawa ng langkit," said Ainah Datumanong, langkit-weaving trainee. 

(At first, it was difficult because I had no idea about making a langkit, but we were very happy because our trainers were very approachable, so we learned how to make langkit easily.) 

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa BCPCH-LDS sa pagconduct ng ganitong programa kasi nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon para matutunan at maipromote ang aming kultura," said Amerodin Abdulhamid, baor making trainee.

(We are grateful to BCPCH-LDS for conducting this program because we were allowed to learn and promote our culture.) (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

BCPCH-LDS takes pride in SLT skill training program

The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage-Lanao del Sur (BCPCH-LDS) proudly celebrated the successful completion of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) skill training program at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage, this city, on September 26, 2023.

As part of their mandate to preserve and promote Bangsamoro culture, the BCPCH-LDS conducted the SLT skills training program in langkit-weaving, baor making, and tiyatheg cooking in Marawi City and the municipality of Tugaya.

BCPCH-LDS Commissioner Robert Alonto said they conducted the SLT skills training to prevent the gradual disappearance of culture brought by modernization, globalization, and the influence of foreign cultures. 

He said this is also a strategy of their office to present the culture to the youth of today's generation.

"This [preservation of cultural heritage] is not merely compliance with the mandate of BCPCH-LDS but a tip commitment to it. A commitment inherent in our continuing effort to entrench our Bangsamoro identity and right to self-determination," he said.

Alonto added they will expand the preservation of culture and promotion of Bangsamoro products and traditions, such as traditional Moro metallurgy, traditional arts, sports, music, and traditional literature.

The Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to their partners in conducting the SLT skill training as he believes their program will not be successful without their support.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism Office Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Prince Shoudery Galo conveyed his appreciation not only to the master artisans and the trainees but also to the BCPCH-LDS for initiating the skills training program. He said that conducting the SLT skills training is needed to safeguard the culture of Bangsamoro from the effects of modernization.

"The Schools of Living Tradition is known for safeguarding the skills and knowledge that we have, and BCPCH-LDS makes use of that direction through the conduct of these series of trainings as it would somehow facilitate the transfer of unique skills of knowledge especially to the women and the youth," said Galo. 

He also shared that the Lanao del Sur Tourism Office will continue to support the aspirations and programs of BCPCH-LDS and help to uplift people's socio-economic welfare. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

LTO-BARMM: more collection, more projects

The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-BARMM encouraged public utility vehicle operators and motorists to register and renew their licenses and other documents at their office, as this helps the economy of the province and creates more projects, especially in road construction.

"The more na malaki yung collection ng office namin, the more na malaking possibility na dadami yung projects natin in terms sa mga national roads. Kaya ini-encourage namin kayo na sana ay dito tayo mismo mag-renew [ng license and other documents] sa area natin, especially yung mga public utility vehicles," said LTO-BARMM OIC Alnor Macadato during the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Council 2nd sectoral meeting on September 21, 2023.

(We encourage everyone, especially the public utility vehicles, to renew their licenses and other documentation here in our area since the bigger our collection, the higher the probability of more projects in terms of national roads.)

The meeting, spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Council (PTCAC), gathered transport groups and cooperatives to tackle the transportation needs of the province to amplify its tourism, especially since transportation is among the areas when it comes to tourism matters.

"Ang dating Turismo kung ating titignan (our tourism, if we look at it), we are still in the infancy stage, but we are trying to step up to another level," said Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism Office Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Prince Shoudery Galo.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Lanao del Sur Provincial Head Mohammad Cayongcat shared that their office has already revalidated six priority routes in Lanao del Sur, namely, Saguiaran to Marawi City and vice versa, Marawi City to the Municipality of Balindong and vice versa, Marawi City to the Municipality of Masiu and vice versa, MSU-Main to Marawi City downtown, Marawi City to the Municipality of Madalum, and Marawi City to the Municipality of Malabang.

Additionally, Cayongcat stated that route opening will help to improve the viability of the public utility operators.

"May mga possible din tayong i-open na mga route. Ime-merge natin sila para at least kung ma-open siya maging sustainable naman yung route para sa mga public utility drivers and operators."

(We will also develop potential routes so that, even if they are open, they will be viable for public utility providers and drivers.) (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Lanao Sur boosts tourism by easing transport issues

To finally witness a rising tourism industry, the province of Lanao del Sur has expressed its sincerest motive to pour support in addressing the concerns linked with the transportation sector. 

Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO) Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Prince Shoudery Galo stressed that although they are still in the infancy stage and striving to step to another level, they are determined to heed the calls of concerned groups, such as in the transport aspect, seeing that the tourism dwells with various fields.  

Part of their efforts was meeting with stakeholders involved in the value chain to directly assess the situation on the ground and come up with strategic plans and solutions to address matters. 

“Hindi lang ang turismo ang naapektuhan dito kung hindi maging ang ibang sectors (Tourism is not the only one affected but also other sectors), and even the local citizens. We hope this will be addressed. Kasama ninyo kami (We are with you), the provincial government, in addressing such,” said Galo. 

Lanao del Sur PTCAO Tourism Operations Officer Yusoph Saaban earlier emphasized the essence of tourism in this province, which continuously aims for its overall advancement. 

“Tourism provides both direct and indirect economic benefits. It helps achieve environmental objectives kasi nakakatulong ito na mapansin ng mga turista ang mga environmental problems na kailangan iaddress (because it helps the tourists notice the environmental problems needed to be addressed). It also generates social and cultural benefits,” he said.

Lanao del Sur PTCAO Provincial Tourism Officer Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr. affirmed this, stating that the industry has brought positive progress, especially in the local economy.

As reported, the province recently logged an estimated P17 billion for its gross receipt. 

With this, Tamano stirred the official recognition of their progressing tourism industry.

“Ang tourism sa Lanao del Sur ay important… Gawan natin ng paraan na maging formal ang ating tourism sa province (The tourism in Lanao del Sur is important. Let us make ways that the tourism of the province becomes formal) by meeting the sectoral value chains,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

LTFRB eyes serious fare regulation in Lanao Sur

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has made it clear that it will work to implement fare regulation in Lanao del Sur with sincerity.

Mohammad Cayongcat, the provincial head of LTFRB-Lanao del Sur, has reiterated that they are required to manage the fare matrix in the areas where public land transportation services are provided as well as to enact rules and regulations, such as those governing the public's compliance with land transportation utilities, through the release of franchise and provisional authority.

He explained that they would schedule enforcement actions with trepidation after learning that a significant portion of the population is not following the fare regulation order as part of carrying out this obligation.  

However, Cayongcat pledged that before spearheading this endeavor, they would first conduct a consultative conference with transport organizations in October of this year to address the pertinent pressing issues and their solutions and ultimately win the approval of the community as a whole.   

“Alam naman natin dito sa Lanao del Sur na majority ay hindi talaga compliant kaya we are hoping na makipagcooperate sila sa amin…Tatawagin natin ang mga transport group (para pag-usapan ang) about sa fare kasi magsisimula na kaming magregulate sa fare,” he said.

(We hope they'll work with us because we believe most people in Lanao del Sur are not in conformity.) We will start controlling the fare, so we will call on the transport groups to discuss the cost.

To properly investigate and handle associated issues, Cayongcat argued that it would be essential to hear the opinions of the public utility drivers and other parties.

“Hindi iyan pwede iregulate unless maseek natin ang concern ng transport sector at ibang stakeholders,” he said.

(We cannot regulate without first considering the issues stated by the transportation industry and other stakeholders.)

The LTFRB looked forward to a successful effort, especially since it has previously validated vice versa routes in the province, to wit, from the city here up to the municipalities of Balindong, Masiu, Saguiaran, Madalum and Malabang in Lanao del Sur province, and Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus to the city downtown. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Untroubled lives behind bars: LDS prov’l jail turns into conducive facility for PDLs

When speaking about jails, people typically mutter how disheartening it would be to spend even a second of one’s existence there. The clock would stop ticking, and one would be plunged into a stagnant life. 

However, for Lanao del Sur province, this perception was pictured as an awful illusion as the provincial government, through the leadership of Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. has ensured that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) would not be purposeless while they are still in cells, rather, they would have adequate time to reflect on their past offenses and be fully rehabilitated so that once they would be integrated back to the society, they would be citizens worthy of emulation.

Today, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail stands proud as it showcases the current developments in its vicinity. From being a mere jail for inmates in the previous, the place now is tidy, spacious, and aptly furnished, having a newly built cafeteria, prayer room, visitors lounge, and well-operating office, all designed to allow the PDLs to repent their wrongdoings, and be motivated with the determination to be better when they are released. 

Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail Acting Provincial Warden Wardia Usman attested how their facility has transformed over the past years. 

She recalled that before, various issues would linger in this jail, such as not having an appropriate area where occupants could cook and eat properly. 

At present, Usman was grateful to share that the jail’s concerns have already been addressed.

She detailed that apart from infrastructure efforts, the government has likewise pursued livelihood opportunities for the PDLs, which could serve as their source of income when still being detained and would also be beneficial if odds were in their favor and could already commence a new life outside. 

“Naisip namin iyon para may magawa sila dito sa loob, and at the same time ay hindi sila mabored. Pwede rin nila ito iapply sa labas,” said Usman.

(We thought of this so that they have something to do here inside, and at the same, they would not get bored. They could also apply this outside.)

Among the initiatives pushed were the conduct of skills training such as tile setting, carpentry, auto mechanic, cake making, and baor making, which was realized in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD).

With the recent developments attained by his area of control, Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail Chief Haron Maruhom conveyed his elation, citing that these are products of the provincial government’s dedication to materialize his mission of not leaving anyone behind, regardless of the social status.

“Lahat ng hinihingi namin kay gov ay suportado kami lahat. Kapag alam ko na kailangan ay talagang hinihingi namin iyan kay gov. Gusto ko kasi malinaw lahat,” he said.

(All that we ask from gov is supported. If I know it is needed, I ask for it from gov. I want everything to be arranged.)

To maintain the progress in their place, Maruhom guaranteed that everyone is united, participative, and collaborative. 

He underscored that as jail supervisor, he made it a point that things would be in place, and the premises would be secure, thus, no civilians could go within the parameters without an approved appointment.

PDLs testified of their eased dwelling in the provincial jail.

Alias Sunflower expressed her appreciation for being able to carry on her livelihood while detained. 

She was happy that for two years of staying, she witnessed a great improvement in the facility. 

“Maganda kasi nakakakuha kami ng financial (support) kahit nandito kami sa loob. Nabibigyan kami ng panghanapbuhay, lalo na ako na walang dalaw… Maganda kahit nandito kami kasi malinis at maluwag (ang jail),” said Sunflower.

(It is wonderful because we can get financial (support) although we are here inside. We are given a livelihood, especially since I do not have visitors… It is wonderful although we are here because (the jail is) clean and spacious.) 

Today, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail is a pride of the province not only because of its inspiring workforce but also because of its reputation molded by testimonies of PDLs proving that they have indeed untroubled lives behind bars. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Lanao del Sur PDRRMC levels-up disaster response

To scale up its disaster response efforts, the provincial government here, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), approved the establishment of a cluster to strengthen its system for disaster response.

The PDRRMC, which is still in the infancy stage, deemed it crucial to create the Response Cluster to establish a proper, timely, and effective system for disaster response.

The particular duties and responsibilities of member agencies and institutions that will become the standard operating procedure in disaster response in the province were presented for review and approval during 3rd quarter PDRRMC meeting, September 21.

The disaster response cluster includes health; food and non-food items; search, rescue, and retrieval; logistics; emergency telecommunication; education; law and order; protection, camp coordination and management; and management of the dead and missing.

The said cluster is tasked mainly to establish mechanisms to protect lives and properties and restore the immediate needs of the affected communities during disasters, among others.

Understanding and addressing flood risk

Also presented during the PDRRMC meeting were status reports on the recent incidents in the province brought about by heavy rains, particularly floodings in the towns of Tamparan, Taraka, Kapatagan, and Malabang on September 18.

Accordingly, the flash flood in Taraka affected six barangays with 580 households. The said incident flooded 245 houses and damaged crops and six hectares of rice fields. In Tamparan town, the flash flood affected five barangays with 490 households. It also flooded 210 houses and damaged crops and five hectares of rice fields.

On the other hand, the flooding in Malabang town affected 10 barangays with 518 families affected. It flooded 239 houses and damaged root crops and hectares of rice fields.

There were no reported casualties in the floodings in these three towns. However, in Kapatagan town which also experienced flooding, one casualty was reported. Moreover, it damaged four houses and four hectares of corn fields in one barangay and affected 43 families.

PDRRMO Shaminoden Sambitory said the Ministry of Interior and Local Government through the Bangsamoro READi has previously issued a blue alert status in the region due to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting the area. 

He explained that a blue alert status means that all emergency response units across the province are mandated to stand by, monitor the situation, and be prepared for any eventuality.

"The recent [flooding] incidents were caused by the intertropical convergence zone or ITCZ that we are experiencing. Usually, pag may ITCZ, ang mga effects ay heavy rains at thunderstorms na minsan ay cause ng mga flooding at landslide (when there is an ITCZ, the effects are heavy rains and thunderstorms that sometimes cause flooding and landslides)," he said. With these incidents, the provincial government stressed the need for further study and assessment of the areas prone to flooding to come up with baseline data that will serve as a basis for recommending appropriate projects to mitigate flooding risks.

"Maganda na magconduct ng assessment o study kasi kung respond lang tayo ng respond hindi natin alam kung ano pa yung mga susunod na mga mangyayari. Mag inquire tayo sa DPWH, sa BARMM, sa DENR, sa lahat ng concerned agencies with regard sa mga ganitong pangyayari [pagbaha] lalo na dito sa probinsiya na inevitable ang ulan," said provincial vice governor Mohammad Khalid "Mujam" Rakiin-Adiong.

(It's better to conduct an assessment or study because if we just respond we won't know what will happen next. Let's inquire with the DPWH, the BARMM, the DENR, and all the concerned agencies about such events [flooding], especially here in the province where rain is inevitable.)

Boosting preparedness through hazard mapping

Underscoring the importance of geohazard maps to boost disaster preparedness measures, Sambitory said that his office has already completed geohazard maps for the province.

These included a flood hazard map, landslide hazard map, volcanic hazard map, liquefaction hazard map, fault line map, storm surge hazard map, and tsunami hazard map, among others.

He said the completion was a collaborative effort of PDRRMO and other government agencies, both regional and national.

Sambitory said the maps can be used in vulnerability risk assessment and finalization of the mandated DRRM plans. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

Former insurgents urged to give up armed struggles, embrace peaceful lives

While the campaign to end insurgency in Lanao del Sur province is intensified, the military, government offices, and even private groups have joined forces to iterate a strong call on former local terrorists and other members of lawless organizations to finally put an end to their ideology of misleading stable communities and welcome peace in their lives.

Brigadier General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commanding officer of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, emphasized the importance of rebels surrendering their forbidden aims. It, he explained, would create an environment conducive to unity and development.

He looked forward to seeing the returnees living normally and seizing tranquility in the following years.

With this, Barroquillo likewise stirred them to help persuade their fellows who were still part of the uprising to yield and return to the fold of law after maintaining that going against the government would bring no good.

“Sana ang pagbabalik-loob niyo ay tuloy-tuloy na. Sana tulungan niyo rin kami na maconvince ang iba pa ninyong mga kasama na bumaba na at sumuko na lang. Walang katuturan ang magbarilan tayo sa bundok,” he said.

(I hope your return will be continuous. I hope you can also help us convince your other companions to get down and just quit. There is no point in fighting in the mountains.)

Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project Philippine Coordinator Aliah Adam, on the other hand, lauded the courage of the former insurgents who walked back to customary society. 

She underlined that the act of these individuals who turned their back on their pact was deemed a brave move, especially since this has engraved scars in their lives. 

“Ang landas na inyong pinili ay hindi madali. Ito ay nangangailangan ng pagbabago sa inyong sarili at malalim na pangako na magpagaling ng mga sugat,” said Adam.

(The path that you chose is not easy. It needs a change in yourselves, and a deep promise to heal your wounds.)

In return for their sincere decision to be integrated into a peaceful community, the government and its partners conveyed that they would be more determined to extend necessary assistance to the concerned populace. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Over 100 ex-insurgents in Lanao Sur receive aid from GOs, NGOs

Some 131 former local insurgents in Lanao del Sur received assistance from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and provincial government, along with the Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project. 

The aid distribution highlighted the culmination of a ceremonial program that capped a three-day peacebuilding training organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), the 103rd Infantry Brigade, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, the SCCB Project, and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It allowed former insurgents to interact and mingle with government representatives, allowing them to share their testimonies and express specific concerns.

On the last day, the MPOS-BARMM handed over P10,000 in financial assistance while the SCCB Project and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) distributed relief goods.

MPOS-BARMM Director General Lawyer Al-Rashid Balt shared that the cash they offered was named "bridging fund," which intends to address the urgent necessities and expenses of the covered beneficiaries.

He fervently hoped that the grant would be used appropriately.

“Pwede nila itong gamitin na amount sa immediate (needs). Ito ay maliit na amount pero we are hoping na magamit nila ito sa importanteng bagay,” said Balt.

(They can use this amount for immediate needs. It is only a small amount, but we hope they can use this for important things).

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Johanessa Lucman looked forward to having another meeting with the former local insurgents.

She stated that the provincial government had prepared enough interventions through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to ease the transition of returnees into normal and peaceful living so that they would be encouraged to be peace advocates as well.

“Isa rin sa purpose ng ECLIP ay para marestore at matulungan din namin kayo na makabalik kayo (sa normal na pamumuhay). Inyo ring sikapin na maging instrument kayo ng peace dito sa ating lugar,” said Lucman. 

(One of the purposes of ECLIP is to restore and help you to go back (to normal living). You also strive to be instruments of peace here in our place.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

MCB officials convey appreciation to Sen. Hontiveros

Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) personnel expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Senator Risa Hontiveros for being one of the lawmakers who enacted the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 which aims to compensate the victims of the Marawi Siege in 2017. 

Hontiveros in Marawi City visited the MCB office on Thursday, September 14, to check on the implementation of the said Act.

"Isa rin akong IDP na nagsuffer ng katakot-takot na experience dito sa Marawi at hindi namin makakalimutan ang tulong ninyo (Senator Hontiveros). Ipapasa namin ito sa aming mga anak at apo na huwag kayong kalimutan kasi malaki ang tulong ninyo saamin," said MCB Board Member Dalomabi Bula.

(I am also an IDP who suffered a terrible experience here in Marawi and we will never forget your help Senator Hontiveros. We will pass it on to our children and grandchildren to not forget you as you helped us a lot.)

"Thank you (Senator Hontiveros) for fighting for the victims of the Marawi siege. said 

MCB Board Member Atty. Sittie Aliah Adiong said she is also thankful to the senator for fighting for the victims of the Marawi siege. "Hindi man mababayaran ang sacrifices pero at least, makakapagsimula sila at makaka-create ng (the sacrifices cannot be repaid, but at least, they can start and create) new memories," she said.

Apart from the gratitude conveyed by MCB Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph to Senator Hontiveros for leading and further improving RA No. 11696, she also raised the clamor of the IDPs to expand the coverage of the law.

"Napakarami po ang inamenda at dinagdag. Halos kumpleto na po. May isa lang naiwanan, yung survivors. Nakita rin po natin sa clarificatory hearing ang pait na dinaanan at dinanas ng mga nakasurvive at hindi sila makakuha ng kompensasyon pero hopefully with the coming days, we would be able to file our position paper para mayroon din sakanila," said Latiph. 

(A lot has been amended and added. It's almost complete. There was only one left behind, the survivors. We also saw in the clarificatory hearing the bitterness that the survivors went through and suffered, and they were not able to get compensation but hopefully, in the coming days, we will be able to file our position paper so that they will be compensated too.) (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Hontiveros to lobby more funds to compensate Marawi war victims

As the local government unit (LGU) here and the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) echoed their call for a supplemental budget, Senator Risa Hontiveros came in and expressed her willingness to lobby for additional funding to ensure that all legitimate claimants who filed for appropriate compensation would be covered and provided with due payment.

Such an act was seen as timely, especially after MCB Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dansamun-Latiph detailed that for two months since they commenced the acceptance and processing of applications on July 4 this year, at least 4,630 claims of death, both structural and personal, have already been submitted to their office.

Accordingly, this is equivalent to roughly P17.5 billion, falling short of the initially appropriated P1 billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Hontiveros convened with the MCB executives on September 14 to share her next step in anticipation of a budget debate that would be held soon.

"Ako ang mag-i-sponsor ng budget ng Marawi Compensation Board. Ang mga kaya nating i-explore ngayon sa budget debate ay gawin na natin para hindi umabot sa 2024 dahil alam natin na malayo ang P1 billion sa P17.5 billion doon sa unang batch pa lang na naitala [I will be sponsoring the budget for the Marawi Compensation Board. We will do whatever we can in the budget debate so that it will not reach 2024 because we know that P1 billion is far from P17.5 billion based on the enlisted first batch]," she said.

It could be remembered that Hontiveros was among the lawmakers who backed the enactment of Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, which aimed to provide reparations to residents of the Islamic city whose loved ones passed away and whose properties were disfigured due to the five-month urban warfare in 2017.

With the successful passage of the desired law, the senator expressed her thanks for all the input she garnered from peace advocates when this was still being shaped.

She stressed that this has been significant for her, considering that her office has been engaging with stakeholders when advancing bills to make sure that this would inspire relevant situations and experiences and stir the government to become responsive to the needs of the affected dwellers.

Notwithstanding the laudable intent of the law, Hontiveros noted its shortcomings, saying she would look forward to further improving it through amendment.

One of the concerns raised was the inclusion of the siege survivors and residents of the least affected area (LAA) in the compensation.

Latiph stated that they would submit a position paper to appeal for this subject, more so that they acknowledge the struggles this populace also went through.

Moreover, Hontiveros considered the board’s workforce to be limited to only 92 staff, which she recognized as insufficient to cater to the hundreds of thousands of claims collected and validated over five years.

Despite all the magnified concerns, the senator wished that the crucial mandate bestowed upon the MCB officials would be properly undertaken so that the residents relying on them would attain their longed-for recovery.

"Talagang hinila ninyo ang sarili niyo at ang inyong sambayanan mula sa dulo ng buhay at kamatayan. Napakaimportante ng inyong misyon sa ngayon. Humuhugot din ako ng pag-asa kasi sinasabi ko na ang tao mismo na pinakasugatan ay siya ang nakakaintindi at nakakatulong na humilom ang sugat ng kapwa tao niya [You really pulled yourselves and society from the brink of life and death. Your mission is important. I am also drawing hope because, as I have been telling you, those who are wounded can understand more and help to heal the wounds of those who are also wounded]," she said.

Latiph confirmed this and prayed that the tragedy of six years ago would serve as a reminder to the general public that no one wins in war.

"Lahat ay talo at ang kawawa ay ang mga napag-iwanan [everyone loses, and the most pitiful are those left behind]," she said.

Apart from paying a courtesy visit to the MCB, Hontiveros also toured the most affected area (MAA) to witness the developments and rising infrastructure projects implemented under the rehabilitation program. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

There is no substitute for peace: Gov’t, partners step up campaign vs. insurgency

Firm about realizing its intent to clinch sustainable development in the entire region, the government has intensified further its move to finally put an end to any activity promoting uprising, and instill lasting peace to be relished by the entire constituency.

To materialize this, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) and 103rd Infantry Brigade teamed up with several private organizations, such as the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project, to push for relevant interventions that would help cut the insurgency cases, particularly in Lanao del Sur province.

103rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col Billy Dela Rosa conveyed that he was personally willing to garner support for this selfless aim, especially since he has been witness to the struggles of the province since he was assigned to secure the place in 2014.

He mentioned that he could specifically attest to how the towns of Burig, Madalum, Pagayawan, and Piagapo suffered from pervasive lawlessness.

Dela Rosa stressed that from then on, he became an avid believer to the point that nothing could ever replace peace, thus, the great necessity for the populace to foster it.

“Walang substitute para sa kapayapaan. Hindi mabibili ang katahimikan. Huwag na nating bitawan ito. Ituloy na natin ang kapayapaan na minimithi at tinatamasa natin. With our partners, I am certain na marami tayong mararating,” he said.

(There is no substitute for peace. Tranquility cannot be bought. Let us not let go of this. Let us sustain the peace we have desired and are now enjoying. I am confident that, with our partners, we can achieve much more).

Following this, various efforts were launched, including a recent three-day peacebuilding training held from September 12 to 14 this year and participated by 131 former local insurgents from all over the province. 

MPOS Director General Lawyer Al-Rashid Balt underscored that they have been conducting this so that returnees would have the opportunity to learn that a peaceful environment could lead to the desired progress. 

Accordingly, such activity was piloted in 2021 wherein some 91 surrenderees of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and 293 of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from Sulu and Maguindanao provinces received aid such as the bridging fund currently amounting to P10,000 for each target individual, and relief goods sponsored by other stakeholders. 

Balt further emphasized that they look forward to amplifying this program by venturing into another aspect.

“May continuation ito kung saan mag-iengage kami ng livelihood training at baka pwede naming masuportahan ang communities,” he said.

(This program will continue focusing on providing livelihood training and exploring opportunities to support local communities).

Meanwhile, insurgents have earlier expressed that they were overwhelmed by the government's determination.

“Importante ito kasi para sa amin, ito ay programang pangsuporta para sa aming returnees. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin. (This is important because for us, this is a program supporting us, returnees. We are grateful for this),” said alias Bikoy who was a former Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) member based in Butig town in Lanao del Sur province. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0