Lanao del Sur enhances disaster resilience thru training, technology, and community engagement

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Lanao del Sur is adopting a holistic approach to enhance disaster resilience across the province by integrating innovative training programs, advanced technology, and active community participation.

To empower local government units (LGUs) and residents to prepare for and respond to emergencies effectively, the PDRRMO is actively engaging communities, students, and youth in disaster preparedness activities.

Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory said they are training LGUs so they can, in turn, provide training to the province’s 1,159 barangays. Key training programs include defensive driving for ambulance operators, high-angle rescue techniques, Incident Command System (ICS) training, ambulance operation management, basic life support, and Basic Occupational Safety and Health, among others.

The PDRRMO has partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard, to provide comprehensive training in areas like fire suppression and water search and rescue.

It also collaborated with UNICEF for emergency preparedness and response training. To date, six batches have completed the program, with an additional session scheduled for October. Sambitory said these training modules focus on developing essential skills for disaster management and enhancing local disaster risk management (DRRM) plans to align with national and regional strategies.

The PDRRMO is likewise leveraging technology with Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) training designed to teach LGUs how to create hazard maps that identify areas at risk of disasters, while early warning systems, including rain gauges and tsunami alerts, are being installed in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

“Hazard map is very important for our LGUs for them to be able to identify the areas that are prone to landslide or areas that are prone to flash floods. An early warning system also gives our LGUs and communities time to prepare before the onset of a disaster or an emergency,” Sambitory said.

Recognizing the importance of climate change awareness as a critical component in DRRM, Sambitory further underscored that all stakeholders, including schools, must be involved in these efforts. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

Lanao del Sur DRRMO highlights need for preparedness as typhoon season nears

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Lanao del Sur Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office reminded members of the Provincial DRRM Council to be vigilant and prepared as the ‘Ber’ months signal the onset of the tropical cyclone season.

During the council’s third quarter meeting on September 25, Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory explained the weather forecast for the last quarter of the year, noting that many destructive typhoons have historically impacted Mindanao during this time, including Sendong in 2011, Pablo in 2012, Vinta in 2017 and Odette in 2021.

Sambitory stated that the province could face stronger and more destructive storms due to post-El Niño conditions, which elevated ocean temperatures. He said recent weather events have already demonstrated the potential for severe local impacts, such as the flash floods triggered by the Southwest Monsoon.

To address these concerns, the PDRRMO is implementing three-tiered preparedness measures. The first layer focuses on the provincial level, the second on the component local government units (LGUs), including the 39 municipalities and the city of Marawi, and the third layer targets the barangays or communities.

Sambitory underscored the importance of PDRRMO’s capacity-building initiatives, stating, “What we are doing is more focus on capacity-building activities because that’s what we need. We must equip or enhance the capacities of each office, agency, LGU, and barangay or community in Lanao del Sur with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies.”

To support these efforts, the provincial response cluster brought together various agencies with relevant expertise. The Emergency Operations Center was established to enhance local response capabilities.

Training programs are likewise conducted to equip target individuals with essential skills such as first aid, basic life support, water search and rescue, high-angle rescue, and fire suppression, among others.

Sambitory, however, acknowledged the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, which can disrupt training schedules. “When there is a weather disturbance, we have to stop the training because we have to prioritize the monitoring and response to emergencies,” he explained.

As Lanao del Sur prepares for the season, the PDRRMC also urges residents to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

DOLE Lanao del Norte extends TUPAD program to FVEs in Marawi

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte has extended its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to former violent extremists (FVEs) in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, providing much-needed support for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Criste O. Perfecto, the provincial head of DOLE Lanao del Norte, said the TUPAD program was launched in Lanao del Sur after an agreement between the DOLE Secretary and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to assist the FVEs and former rebels (FRs).

She said the program has 293 FVE beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur who have already received the payout for the first 10 work days.

“Twenty days ang ginawa nilang trabaho, then we will have another payout for that another 10 days, roughly amounting to P5 million,” she said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on September 17.

In addition to financial aid, the DOLE is actively working to help FVEs establish sustainable livelihoods.

“We also help them in their livelihood because the 103rd Infantry Brigade of Marawi is also helping those FVEs to be in a cooperative. And these cooperatives submitted livelihood proposals to the office, which we are evaluating,” she added.

Perfecto reiterated the commitment of DOLE to fostering strong partnerships with OPAPRU and the people of Lanao del Sur to help FVEs and FRs rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

Lanao del Sur crafts Tourism Development Plan

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur is actively enhancing its tourism industry by developing a Provincial Tourism Development Plan.

The initiative, led by the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office (PTCAO), aims to capitalize on the growing number of visitors to the province and enhance local economic development.

Yusup Saaban, Tourism Operations Officer at the (PTCAO), said the first of the series of workshops, held in Iligan City on September 11-14, 2024, focused on analyzing the current state of the tourism industry in Lanao del Sur.

He stated that the insights from the workshop will serve as the foundation for creating a comprehensive and inclusive provincial tourism development plan.

Members of the Executive Planning Committee participated in the four-day activity. The committee conducted a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis and utilized various tools to ensure the plan is grounded in real-world data.

“Following the workshop, we plan to conduct benchmarking to integrate the insights gained from previous site validations. This will help us craft a realistic tourism development plan for the province,” Saaban further said.

Officials conducted actual site visits from August 6 to 8, 2024, to assess and validate key and emerging tourist destinations in the province.

“While we had limited time to cover all the planned sites, we managed to visit several attractions, some of which are close to being ready for public opening. The findings from these visits will help shape the tourism development plan by determining which sites to include and identifying any additional improvements needed,” he explained.

Saaban said the community had expressed positive reactions to the tourism development initiative. While time constraints limited direct engagement with all local government units, those involved were supportive and enthusiastic about the planning process.

The provincial government has also sought the assistance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to ensure the plan is inclusive and effective. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

BARMM gov’t strives for unity despite Sulu’s exclusion

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim reiterated the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to exploring all possible avenues to maintain the vision of a united Bangsamoro, even in the face of the Supreme Court’s recent decision excluding the Province of Sulu from BARMM.

“We will carefully study the Supreme Court’s decision on Sulu’s exclusion with the commitment to explore all avenues to hold fast to the dream of a united Bangsamoro as well as ensure that the commitments enshrined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be fully realized,” Ebrahim stressed.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Sulu is not only an essential part of the Bangsamoro but also holds deep historical and cultural significance to the region’s identity and struggle. He stated that the Bangsamoro would be incomplete without Sulu and its people.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, issued on September 9, declared Sulu as not part of BARMM due to the outcome of the 2019 plebiscite, where 54 percent of Sulu’s voters rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

While the court upheld the validity of the BOL, it ruled that Sulu’s exclusion was following the result of the plebiscite. However, the Bangsamoro Government remains committed to inclusivity, understanding that the unity of the Bangsamoro people is vital to the region’s peace and progress.

“We remain hopeful that in time, the unity that binds the Bangsamoro people through history, struggle, and shared aspirations will prevail,” Ebrahim said.

Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Lawyer Pangalian Balindong echoed Ebrahim’s sentiment, emphasizing Sulu’s irreplaceable role in the Bangsamoro narrative. He said that the exclusion of Sulu would significantly impact the region’s projects, plans, and people.

“As we face the reality of this ruling, we are disheartened to see our progress set back. With the 2025 elections approaching and critical legislation yet to be finalized, this decision forces us to confront the challenge of reassessing and redrafting our laws. This is no small challenge, but it is one that we must confront with courage and resolve,” he said.

Balindong assured the people of Sulu that they would work closely with local leaders to address their concerns and create a thriving environment for all Bangsamoro. He also emphasized their solidarity with the people of Sulu during this difficult time, reaffirming their shared identity as one Bangsamoro community. (APB/with reports from BIO and BTA Parliament)

0

BARMM, Lanao del Sur inflation rate eases in August 2024

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The inflation rate in both the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Lanao del Sur decelerated in August 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – BARMM.

PSA-BARMM Regional Director Akan Tula said the region’s inflation rate dropped to 3.7 percent in August from 5.7 percent in July. Lanao del Sur also experienced a slowdown in the rise in the prices of goods from 4.7 percent in July to 3.3 percent in August. Both declarations align with the national trend of easing inflation.

According to him, the primary factors contributing to the deceleration in inflation in the region were lower prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Transport, Restaurants, and Accommodation Services.

“The main reason for the lower inflation rate in August compared to July 2024 is the slower increase in the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 4.1 percent. This has a 66.7 percent share in lowering the average inflation rate in the region,” he said in a press conference on Monday, September 9.

Tula stated the primary factor behind the decreased inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages is the slower rise in the price of cereals and cereal products, particularly rice, which experienced a 9.2 percent inflation rate.

Additionally, fish and other seafood prices declined by 0.6 percent, compared to a 1.2 percent increase the previous month. Vegetables, cucumbers, plantains, cooked bananas, and pulses also saw a negative 2.0 percent inflation rate.

On the other hand, the decline in Lanao del Sur’s inflation rate was mainly brought about by the slower inflation for Restaurants and Accommodation Services at 4.4 percent; Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages at 3.9 percent; Furnishing; and Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House at 3.3 percent.

Tula highlighted the significant impact of inflation on the region’s economy. He emphasized that both increases and decreases in the inflation rate can affect the purchasing power of the peso, leading to changes in the prices of essential goods and services.

“Ang mataas na inflation rate ay nagpapataas ng presyo ng bilihin, tumataas ang antas, tumataas yung mga presyo ng bilihin at basic services sa ating rehiyon na maaring magdulot ng paghina ng purchasing power ng mga tao sa rehiyon. Maaring bumaba ang kalidad ng pamumuhay at lalong mahirapan ang mga negosyo at consumer. On the other hand, pag-bumaba naman, its the other way around,” he explained.

When asked about PSA-BARMM’s proposed interventions, Tula emphasized that their role is only to monitor the fluctuations in prices to ensure the accuracy of the data and provide evidence-based information to planners or concerned agencies in the region. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

1st Bangsamoro DRRM Plan earns praises, support from dev’t partners, stakeholders

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) newly launched Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Plan has garnered praise and support from development partners and stakeholders.

The plan, a critical governance instrument that will guide the region’s actions on disaster risk reduction until 2028, has been lauded for its comprehensive approach and commitment to building resilience.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez commended the BARMM government for the achievement, calling the BDRRM Plan a testament to the region’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient future. He emphasized the importance of DRR as a whole-of-society investment and highlighted the plan’s role in prevention and preparedness.

Gonzalez also assured that the UN Country team in the Philippines remains committed to supporting BARMM in turning its vision for peace and stability into actionable, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines, Lionel Dabbadie, praised the effort in creating a comprehensive approach to managing disaster risks and protecting livelihoods in the region. He expressed support for the plan, emphasizing its potential to promote humanitarian response, development, and peace.

The FAO, with the support of the European Union and in partnership with BARMM READi, has also pledged its continued support for the plan’s implementation.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Joel Q. Mamon also lauded the plan, noting that it represents a crucial milestone in the region’s efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. He emphasized that ongoing support and collaboration from all stakeholders is crucial for the project’s successful implementation.

Mamon further pledged the commitment of the OCD to provide technical assistance, including training and other technical expertise, to support the Bangsamoro DRRM Council’s initiatives. He stressed the importance of enhancing the capabilities of local government units in evaluating their plans and achieving compliance with the Gawad Kalasag standards. Additionally, OCD will continue to augment disaster response efforts, including the provision of non-food items.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory expressed his delight at the BDRRMP launching. He highlighted the plan’s significance as a crucial milestone for the Bangsamoro government and underscored the importance of local DRRM plans aligning with the regional plan.

“This plan is important to us because we cannot avoid the onset of an emergency or disaster,” Sambitory said. He also shared the move to enhance the Lanao del Sur DRRM plan aligning it with the regional plan. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

Galvez urges FVEs to strive for better life, pledges gov’t support

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has called on former violent extremists (FVEs) in Lanao del Sur to actively participate in the transformation program, assuring them of the government’s unwavering support.

During the recent signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) between OPAPRU and the provincial government of Lanao del Sur for the implementation of a program for the transformation of FVEs and preventing violent extremism, Galvez emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stating that while the government will provide necessary resources, individuals must also strive to improve their lives.

“Bilang tugon ng gobyerno sa ating mga kapatid, simula ngayon ay aalagaan namin kayo pero dapat magsumikap din kayo na ang buhay ninyo ay mapaganda, kasi hindi pwede na hihingi lang tayo ng tulong sa gobyerno,” he stated.

(As a response to our brothers and sisters who have returned to the fold of the law, starting now, we will take care of you. However, you must also strive to improve your lives. You cannot simply rely on government assistance.)

Galvez explained that the government’s support will be two-pronged: financial and human capital.  “Yung human capital ang ibig sabihin ay bibigyan namin kayo ng kapasidad para tumindig kayo sa sarili niyo and at the same time mapabuti ang inyong kabuhayan at pamilya,” he further explained.

(Human capital means we will equip you with the skills and knowledge to stand on your own two feet and improve your livelihood and family’s well-being.)

The MoA involves a comprehensive and inclusive program to reintegrate FVEs into society by offering rehabilitation services, countering extremist ideologies through deradicalization efforts, and engaging communities in preventing violent extremism. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

OPAPRU, PLGU Lanao Sur ink partnership to implement normalization, transformation programs

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Peacebuilding efforts in Lanao del Sur got another major boost, as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Lanao del Sur inked two Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Aug. 22 to further promote peace, development, and stability in the province

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. signed agreements to jointly implement the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) and Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) programs.

During the ceremonial signing, Galvez emphasized the importance of the agreements in bringing lasting peace and development to the province through targeted socioeconomic and security interventions designed to meet the specific needs of the former violent extremists and their communities.

He also highlighted the initial allocation of P17,821,600 for the first 200 former violent extremists and an additional P6,750,000 for 150 more, totaling approximately 350 beneficiaries.

“Ito ay napaka-importanteng memorandum agreement kasi ito, sunod-sunod na ang tulong natin sa ating mga kasamahan through the participation of the local government units,” he said.

[These memorandums of agreement are crucial as they represent the continuous assistance we are providing to our colleagues through the participation of local government units.]

For his part, Adiong expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with OPAPRU in assisting fellow citizens who are committed to promoting peace in the province.

“Kasama ang kanilang pamilya at komunidad, bahagi ng commitment na ating pagkakasunduan ay ang pamimigay ng one-time cash assistance para sa agarang pangangailangan at gastusin habang sila ay nasa transition period ng integration sa lipunan,” he added.

[As part of our agreement, we will provide one-time cash assistance to them and their families to help them during their transition back into society.]

The Governor also assured that the provincial government will do everything to ensure the success of the programs and leave no one behind in every step of development.

Support from Law Enforcement and Government Agencies

The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) and the 103rd (Haribon) Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army have expressed their full support for the MOAs, recognizing their significance in promoting harmony, understanding, and inclusive growth within the community.

“On behalf of the PNP, I would like to convey our full support for this endeavor and rest assured that we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining peace and order in this province. Let us help each other promote understanding, respect, and cooperation in partnership with a responsive community on issues of strategic importance that are considered contributory to peace and order,” said LDSPPO Director PCol. Robert S. Daculan.

Haribon Brigade Commander BGen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr. said their efforts to reintegrate and transform the FRs now have a solid foundation. He stated that previously, the efforts related to rehabilitating and reintegrating former violent extremists into the community were not comprehensive. However, with the MoA between OPAPRU and the province of Lanao del Sur, all branches of government and relevant agencies involved in the reintegration process will contribute towards the same objective, ensuring a more unified and effective approach to helping those who have strayed from the path.

To demonstrate their commitment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte Provincial Office paid 209 beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur for their first 10 days of emergency work under the TUPAD program at a daily rate of P361. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 provided relief supplies to these beneficiaries. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0