Lanao del Sur mulls over state of calamity declaration due to El Niño

Lanao del Sur DRRM officer Shaminoden Sambitory shared that with dry spell is expected to continue in the province in April and there is a possibility of drought by the end of May.​ (Photo by ZRD/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- The provincial government of Lanao del Sur is considering placing the province under a state of calamity to provide more substantial assistance to the sectors affected by El Niño.

With this in mind, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened on April 24 to evaluate El Niño's impact on agriculture, environment, health, and education across the province.

According to the initial report of the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), 360 farmers in 20 barangays have suffered due to the intense heat. The assessment focused on OPAg program beneficiaries in 11 municipalities, including Marantao, Bubong, Lumba-Bayabao, Poona Bayabao, Ganassi, Ditsaan-Ramain, and Tugaya, among others, along with Marawi City.

It was observed that crop production has been significantly affected, leading to failures and stunted growth in crops such as rice and vegetables. Dry and cracked soil is widespread, with dried-up irrigation canals exacerbating the situation.

"Isang beses lang umulan sa amin kaya't nag-iigib na lang kami ng tubig upang mabuhay ang aming mga panamin. Subalit hindi itosapat kaya namamatay o 'failure' ang ilan sa aming mga tanim ," said vegetable farmer Diara Dipatuan from Ganassi town. 

(It only rained once in our area, so we rely on watering our crops to keep them alive. However, it's not enough, leading to the death or failure of some of our plants)

The OPAg also monitored fishponds in several municipalities, revealing dire conditions with dried-up water sources and the absence of fish, while some ponds suffered from algal blooms.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office highlighted that Lake Lanao's water level was nearing the critical point, potentially affecting generation capacity. As of April 22, the elevation of Lake Lanao was 699.50 meters above sea level, while the critical level is pegged at 699.15 meters above sea level.

Acting Provincial Fire Marshall Ysrael Kamid reported an alarming increase in fire incidents compared to previous years, with grass fires and residential incidents being predominant. He said 35 fire incidents were already recorded from January to April 22, 2024.

Class suspension was also declared in the municipality of Amai Manabilang from April 5 to 9 due to hot weather, prompting recommendations from the Provincial Legal Services Office to adjust class hours for the safety of learners and teachers.

DRRM officer Shaminoden Sambitory emphasized that El Niño aggravated the already hot summer weather, with dry spells expected to continue and the possibility of drought by the end of May.

As of press time, the PDRRMC awaits reports from various concerned agencies, especially from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, to fully grasp the impact of El Niño in the province. (APB, PIA Region 10 - Lanao del Sur)

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OPAPRU emphasizes urgency of paying Marawi claims

Retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano delivered the message of Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. during the ceremonial awarding of structural claims spearheaded by the Marawi Compensation Board on April 17, 2024 at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, MSU Marawi. (Photo by: DCC/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) emphasized the importance of starting payouts for structural and other personal property claims in Marawi City's rehabilitation.

During the ceremonial awarding of structural claims on April 17,  Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., represented by retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano, emphasized the significance of the event in the national government's ongoing efforts to compensate, rehabilitate, and reconstruct Marawi City following the 2017 siege.

Galvez highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to accelerating sustainable development, genuine prosperity, and enduring peace in the country's sole Islamic city.

He stated that this is in line with the president's promise to accelerate the administration's efforts to advance sustainable development, genuine prosperity, and enduring peace for the citizens of the nation's sole Islamic city.

Galvez reiterated the ongoing mission to genuinely emancipate Marawi. "Rest assured that the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity will stand by your side as the government continues to implement and complete all ongoing rehabilitation programs and projects here in the city," he said.

He emphasized that this commitment drives OPAPRU's increased dedication to aiding the Marawi Compensation Board, ensuring the needs of the Meranaw people are addressed and they are supported in their journey of recovery from the adversities of loss, suffering, and trauma caused by the siege.

To tackle these challenges, the peace adviser emphasized the importance of adopting a whole-of-nation or whole-of-society approach. He stressed that the government cannot confront this task in isolation; rather, each individual plays a crucial role in the collective endeavor, contributing to peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and development processes. 

"We must always maximize and leverage one another's resources. Cooperation and complementation should be our driving force," he further emphasized.

Additionally, OPAPRU highlighted the holistic nature of rebuilding Marawi, which encompasses providing socio-economic programs to victims of terrorism, including former violent extremists numbering over 300 individuals across identified municipalities.

In line with this, OPAPRU will be implementing socio-economic programs, particularly assisting communities under the PAMANA program to address the drivers or factors of violent extremism. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano delivered the message of Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. during the ceremonial awarding of structural claims spearheaded by the Marawi Compensation Board on April 17, 2024 at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, MSU Marawi. (Photo by: DCC/PIA-10)

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Marawi Compensation Board begins paying property claims

MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- After months of meticulous review and assessment, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has commenced disbursing payments to claimants for structural and personal property losses incurred during the 2017 Marawi siege. 

MCB Chairperson Maisara Damdamun-Latiph announced that the ceremony awarded 15 claims, amounting to approximately P60 million. This allocation, along with the earlier disbursement of 11 claims totaling P23 million earlier this month, underscores the government's dedication to facilitating recovery efforts. 

"That is for the initial tranche, pa lang ito. Meaning, there are still thousands of claimants awaiting compensation. But ang maganda kasi today, nag-start na 'yung awarding for structural, ibig sabihin nagbabayad na kami. 'Yan ang big news sa mga eligible claimants for Marawi," Latiph said.

(That is for the initial tranche, just yet. Meaning there are still thousands of claimants awaiting compensation. But the good thing is that today, the awarding for structural claims has started, which means we are paying. That's the big news for the eligible claimants in Marawi.)

Furthermore, the MCB has processed 82 death claims, with each recipient receiving P350,000. 

Latiph assured continued momentum in future awards, aiming for weekly distributions to expedite the compensation process. 

The MCB chair also thanked the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and stakeholders for their support throughout the compensation process. 

A recipient, speaking anonymously for security reasons, shared sentiments of gratitude towards the MCB, acknowledging the compensation as a pivotal step towards healing and rebuilding. 

"In this harrowing time, I lost a property that was not just a building but a beacon of hope and healing to many—a business that supported not only my loved ones but also many employees of the hospital who depended on its operation," she said. 

She said her destroyed hospital has played a crucial role in her community for nine years, providing quality healthcare services to the people of Marawi. 

She underscored that the compensation arrived at a crucial juncture, offering them and others impacted by the devastation a chance to rebuild and begin anew. 

"I never believed nor considered that we would be given this blessing of compensating us with the losses of properties. I know most of the victims of the Marawi siege had also been hopeless about the possibility of compensation for our damaged properties," she added. 

One of the structural and property claimants who received compensation expressed gratitude to the Marawi Compensation Board, acknowledging that while the compensation cannot fully replace what was lost, they feel privileged and thankful to reclaim some semblance of what was taken from them. She emphasized that this compensation serves as a crucial step toward healing and rebuilding their lives. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)

As the compensation deadline of July 3 approaches, the MCB urges all eligible individuals to promptly file their claims. Latiph emphasized the importance of timely action, urging claimants to seize this opportunity for compensation before the deadline lapses. 

The MCB, mandated to administer and oversee the compensation provisions outlined in the Marawi Siege Victim’s Compensation Act of 2022, remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating the recovery and rebuilding process for affected individuals and families. (APB/PIA-10)

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BARMM showcases Meranaw 'okir' art, opens doors to cultural dialogue

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), through the Tales of Marawi initiative, launched a three-day Okir Art Exhibit, which features an array of artworks inspired by the “okir” pattern, including paintings, “baor” (wooden box/storage chest), clothing, and accessories, at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City on April 16. 

Ruhollah Alonto, project manager of Tales of Marawi, emphasized the Okir Art Exhibit's crucial role in nurturing community engagement and promoting dialogue on cultural appreciation. He said individuals can have the opportunity to deepen their connection to the cultural significance embedded within each workpiece as they immerse themselves in the intricate designs and motifs of the okir.

Alonto further emphasized that the significance of the okir transcends mere cultural appreciation; it serves as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development, particularly benefiting Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

"By promoting Marawi and Lanao del Sur as cultural tourism destinations, we leverage the exhibit to attract visitors and raise awareness of the unique artistic traditions and the history and philosophy behind every okir artwork. In doing so, we not only bolster the local economy, but we also contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the aftermath of conflict," he said.

Alonto also emphasized the Okir Art Exhibit's vital role in the comprehensive recovery of Marawi City. The community gains resilience, unity, and a renewed identity by incorporating cultural expressions like okir into the recovery efforts. "Through art, we find healing. Through culture, we find strength," he added.

The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism, through the Tales of Marawi, is spearheading a three-day Okir Art Exhibit at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibit, running until April 18, 2024, features okir art lectures, weaving demonstrations, and live cultural performances(DCC/PIA-10)

The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism, through the Tales of Marawi, is spearheading a three-day Okir Art Exhibit at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibit, running until April 18, 2024, features okir art lectures, weaving demonstrations, and live cultural performances(DCC/PIA-10)

MTIT Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the need to re-establish and reinforce the intangible yet crucial cultural connections that anchor the community to its land in every effort to rebuild and reconstruct the buildings and structures in Marawi City.

"Our history and heritage may not take the form of steel and concrete, but they form the foundations of our people’s strength and identity," she said.

MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik conveyed that the Okir Art Exhibit represents a vibrant celebration of Meranaw culture and resilience. He reiterated the importance of providing a platform for Meranaw artists like Edris Tamano and Saadira Basmala to showcase their exceptional talents. 

Taddik expressed hope that through their work, the broader world would come to appreciate and embrace the distinctiveness of this cherished artistic tradition, further enriching the global cultural landscape.

Salem Y. Lingasa, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, provided further insight into the Okir Art exhibit's significance within the context of the Chief Minister's 12-point priority agenda. Lingasa highlighted how initiatives like this align with efforts to mainstream culture, heritage, and identity, fostering greater appreciation and valuation of Meranaw cultural heritage.

He said the three-day exhibit vividly showcases the talents and skills of Meranaw artists and artisans, underscoring their profound contribution. This, he said, serves as a testament to the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of the region.

The exhibit, running until April 18, features okir art lectures, weaving demonstrations, and live cultural performances. Attendees will enjoy performances by the Sining Kambayoka Ensemble of Mindanao State University, bringing to life the timeless tales of Princess Arkat A Lawanen from the Darangen Epic.

Okir is the word for rectilinear and curvilinear plant-based designs and folk motifs. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Officials from BARMM engage with Meranaw okir artist Edris Tamano during the opening of the three-day Okir Art Exhibit at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibit, running until April 18, 2024, features okir art lectures, weaving demonstrations, and live cultural performances(DCC/PIA-10)

One of the features of the three-day Okir Art Exhibit at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City is a weaving demonstration by Bae Saadira Basmala. (DCC/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur inflation up to 4.5% in March 2024

MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Lanao del Sur announced that the province experienced a 4.5 percent headline inflation rate in March 2024, up from the 2.9 percent recorded in the previous month.

Driving this acceleration were significant increases in pivotal key sectors, specifically Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which surged to 6.9 percent from 4.6 percent; Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels to -2.3 percent from -3.7 percent; and Transport from -2.9 percent to 0.5 percent.

In the food sector, inflation continued its upward trajectory, reaching 7.0 percent from 4.6 percent in the previous month. The surge was primarily fueled by increases in the indices for vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses; cereals and cereal products; and meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals.

Further contributing to the overall inflation were higher annual increments in indices across various commodity groups such as Information and Communication, Education Services at 0.6 percent; Clothing and Footwear at 4.7 percent; Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at 3.2 percent; Recreation, Sports, and Culture at 4.0 percent; Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House at 2.7 percent; Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services at 3.4 percent; and Health at 1.8 percent.

Despite the overall inflation surge, the Restaurants and Accommodation Services commodity group experienced a slowdown to 7.3 percent from 9.2 percent.

Education Services and Financial Services retained their previous month's inflation rate.

The province's Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) remained steady at 0.81 in March, the lowest PPP recorded since March 2023.

Meanwhile, the inflation rate in the Bangsamoro region decreased to 5.0 percent compared to 5.3 percent recorded in the previous month.

PSA-BARMM OIC Regional Director Akan Tula attributed the drop in inflation rate to reduced costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages from 6.1 percent to 5.7 percent, accounting for 57 percent of the total deceleration. 

Prices for fish and other seafood, meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals, eggs, milk, and other dairy products all decreased, contributing to this trend.

Other factors contributing to the slowdown included transportation, restaurant, and accommodation services.(APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Army's 103rd Bde celebrates 50 years of valor, partnerships

Dr. Shalimar Rakiin, the chief of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, receives a plaque of recognition during the 103rd Infantry Brigade's golden anniversary celebration, April 5, 20254. (DCC/PIA-10)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The 103rd "Haribon" Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army commemorated its 50th founding anniversary on Friday, April 5, highlighting its achievements in combating insurgency and terrorism over the past years.

With the theme "HARIBON: Soaring High @ 50," the celebration spotlighted the brigade's victories against Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) Maute Group and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), resulting in reductions in the strength and arsenal of these threat groups.

BGen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., the brigade's commander, also articulated the impact of its civil-military operations, which have been instrumental in nurturing peace and fostering community support. 

"Our civil-military operations complement our combat efforts through modified CSP-PCRVE, YLS, and youth symposia, facilitating 'rido' settlement of the local peace mechanisms, and sustainment of peace-building efforts with the MILF to include the MILF Transformation Program and the RISE Madrasa Program dubbed as "Lapis, Hindi Bala," he said.

BGen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, underscored the brigade's commitment to its mission amidst security challenges and highlighted achievements its over the past year. These included successful encounters with threat groups, resulting in significant reductions in manpower and firearms. Additionally, he outlined civil-military operations aimed at fostering peace and supporting communities. (DCC/PIA-10)

Barroquillo also underscored the brigade's involvement in implementing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), constructing a Halfway House in the province, establishing a livelihood cooperative for former rebels and violent extremists, and assisting in the reconstruction and recovery efforts in Marawi City.

The celebration also showcased the commendation of Haribon troopers who exhibited dedication and took the extra mile in performing their duties, alongside civilian stakeholders who contributed to maintaining peace and security across the brigade's jurisdiction.

Awards and citations were conferred by Barroquillo and MGen. Gabriel C. Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, who lauded the 103rd Brigade for its role in combating terrorism and insurgency, including the neutralization of key figures within the DI-Maute and CTG's Sub-Regional Committee 5.

"Your resilience in fighting terrorism and insurgency speaks volumes about your effective efforts in deterring the lawless element of the Dawlah Islamiyah Maute Group and the CTG, specifically the SRC5, for conducting terroristic activities in your area of operations. Noteworthy were your efforts in the neutralization of Abu Zacharia, the Amir of DI Maute, as well as a.k.a. Engineer, the head or the one responsible for MSU bombing," he said.

The 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion receives a plaque of recognition during the 103rd Infantry Brigade's golden anniversary celebration, April 5, 20254. (DCC/PIA-10)

Expressing confidence in the Haribon troopers' commitment to safeguarding communities in Lanao del Sur and upholding peace and stability, Viray urged the soldiers to uphold the noble ideals that have guided them and to continue serving with distinction as Tabak Troopers, ensuring the nation's protection and defense.

Looking ahead, Barroquillo urged his brigade troopers to maintain excellence and professionalism in their duties, emphasizing the importance of sustaining achievements and intensifying efforts to eradicate insurgency within their area of responsibility.

"Let us continue to perform according to the brigade's standard of excellence and professionalism as we vigorously implement the campaign of the Western Mindanao Command and the Joint Task Force of ZAMPELAN in our area of responsibility to finish the insurgency by this year. Through these, we can keep substance to our theme, Haribon: Soaring High @50," he added.(APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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IPHO chief urges health workers to ramp up special vax drive, strengthen surveillance

The Integrated Provincial Health Office convened representatives from rural health units and district hospitals across the province in a conference on April 1, 2024, in Marawi City to assess the special measles vaccination campaign and address emerging issues and concerns. (Photo courtesy of IPHO-Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY -- The chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) - Lanao del Sur urged health workers in the province to intensify efforts in the ongoing campaign on special measles immunization and bolster surveillance measures.

During the second command conference on measles outbreak response immunization held on April 3, 2024, in Marawi City, Dr. Alinader Minalang rallied representatives from rural health units (RHUs) and district hospitals to evaluate the progress of the vaccination campaign and address emerging challenges.

"I recognize our efforts, but there's still more to be done. We need to redouble our efforts to reach the 95 percent target," said Minalang.

Health workers are tasked with administering measles vaccinations to 271,425 children as part of the special immunization campaign, which commenced on April 1. As of April 3, a total of 43,783 children, or approximately 16 percent of the target, received vaccinations.

The IPHO chief emphasized the importance of achieving 95 percent herd immunity, highlighting the risk posed to unvaccinated children who may contract the infection later in life.

"Based on findings on the cases, 70 percent are not vaccinated. And if you look at their age, marami sa kanila ang nasa labas ng age group sa (many of them fall outside the age range covered by) routine measles mass vaccination," he stated.

While routine immunization typically targets children aged nine months to five years, the ongoing campaign extends to children aged six months to 10 years.

Minalang also stressed the need to enhance surveillance efforts, particularly in hospitals and RHUs, to promptly identify measles cases and prevent further transmission.

Since 2023, Lanao del Sur has recorded a total of 1,220 cumulative measles cases, resulting in 13 fatalities. Of these cases, 46 percent originate from Marawi City, while the remaining 54 percent are distributed across various municipalities in the province. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

The Integrated Provincial Health Office convened representatives from rural health units and district hospitals across the province in a conference on April 1, 2024, in Marawi City to assess the special measles vaccination campaign and address emerging issues and concerns. (Photo courtesy of IPHO-Lanao del Sur)

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