More Marawi siege victims receive compensation

MARAWI CITY (PIA) –The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) compensated 52 more Marawi siege victims for a total of P74,346,397.60 on October 22, 2024. It brings the total compensation given by the MCB to P767,600,335.20 since its creation.

Rohanie, a claimant from West Marinaut, expressed her gratitude for the compensation received. She stated, “I am thankful to Allah for blessing us through the MCB. I plan to utilize the funds to support my son working in Qatar and to rebuild our home.” She urged fellow claimants to remain patient as they await their compensation.

Johayah, 38, was relieved to get compensation for the damage to her home and valuables. Initially skeptical of the MCB, she now appreciates the board’s work and advises other claimants to be patient.

Asniah, a resident of Sagonsongan, claimed death benefits for her mother. While grieving her loss, she expressed gratitude for the financial assistance. “I plan to start a business after paying off debts,” she said. 

Asniah encouraged her fellow claimants to stay patient, assuring them that persistence would bring rewards.

The 2017 Marawi siege caused enormous property destruction and a substantial loss of lives. The ongoing reparation efforts are vital steps towards justice and reconciliation for the Marawi people. To date, the MCB has granted claims worth P1,448,260,594.47, indicating its commitment to meeting the needs of individuals affected by the war. (APB based on reports from MCB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Brgy communicators grateful for insights gained at LDS Info Summit

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Barangay information officers in Lanao del Sur shared their insights on the valuable knowledge gained during the 1st Lanao del Sur Information and Communication Summit, emphasizing its importance in today’s media landscape.

Fairuds Montaner Camid from Brgy. Manggahan in the municipality of Malabang expressed surprise at the scale of the event, saying, “Akala ko na simpleng summit lang, marami palang audience! Inexpect ko na simple training on communication kasi communication is very imporatnt, lalo na ngayong panahon na marami nang fake news, hindi natin alam kung ano ang totoong balita. Malapit na rin yung election kaya maraming lumalabas na issue na hindi ko alam kung totoo o hindi.”

(I thought it was just a simple summit, but there were a lot of participants! I expected basic communication training, which is essential, especially now with so much fake news. It’s hard to know what the real news is. The upcoming elections raise many issues. I’m unsure about whether they are true.)

Camid said the summit gave her significant insights into assuring the relevance of the information she collects. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate, as it has expanded her understanding of communication.

Rohanisah Taratingan from Brgy. Minanga in Tamparan town mirrored Camid’s perspective, stating that she learned to provide accurate information about real occurrences and identify bogus news. She also underlined the necessity of not believing everything at once and trusting barangay authorities over random Facebook posts.

“Maraming salamat sa provincial government sa programang ganito na marami ang natututunan,” she further said.

(Thank you to the provincial government for this program; it has been very educational for many of us.)

The Provincial Information Office organized the summit to provide the necessary skills for effective information dissemination. It covered topics such as the role of communication in governance and nation-building, effective communication, and gender-sensitive reporting.

Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong, who attended the conference, advised participants to put their newfound knowledge to use. He urged them to focus on factual information about government programs and activities rather than spreading false information.

“We should focus on communicating the programs offered by our government, the local government units, and non-government organizations that benefit the residents,” he stated. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur gov’t rolls out cash aid for Arabic teachers

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, led by Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. and Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong rolled out a cash assistance program for Arabic teachers in the province.

The cash aid program aims to uplift the socio-economic status of these educators, allowing them to dedicate more time and resources to their teaching responsibilities. It recognizes the essential role of Arabic teachers and fosters a supportive educational environment, creating more learning opportunities across the province.

A total of 9,665 Arabic teachers from the province’s 39 municipalities received P2,000 each in cash aid as of October 31.

In his message, Governor Adiong emphasized the administration’s focus on improving educational standards, particularly religion and culture.

For his part, Vice Governor Raki-in Adiong expressed appreciation for the Arabic teachers’ dedication to developing the next generation and promoting shared values. 

Together, we can ensure that our Morits receive the quality education they deserve,” he said. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur) 

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Gandamra highlights community’s role in Marawi’s rehabilitation

MARAWI CITY (PIA) —  Mayor Majul Gandamra emphasized the critical role of the local community in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts of Marawi.

“Ang pagbangon ng Marawi ay nakasalalay sa constituents ng Marawi City. Kami ang dapat magtutulungan upang ito ay lubusan nang bumangon,” he stated during the commemoration program marking the liberation of Marawi City on October 23, urging collaboration among residents to ensure the city’s full recovery.

(Marawi’s recovery depends on the people of Marawi City. We must work together so that it can fully rise again.)

Gandamra said that the rehabilitation efforts for Marawi are now under the reign of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation (OPAMR). Led by Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr., the OPAMR is expediting the rehabilitation, particularly in restoring essential services such as electricity and water.

As to the stability of peace and order, Gandamra said with the creation of Task Force Marawi and the support of the city’s constituents, “the peace and order in the city is relatively peaceful.” He also noted positive signs of recovery, with many local businesses re-establishing themselves outside of ground zero.

“So far bumabalik na ang sigla ng lungsod. Different establishments are being put in place and our local investors are returning to the city,” he added.

The mayor expressed optimism about fully rehabilitating the ‘ground zero,’ citing substantial progress, including new home construction permits.

However, Gandamra acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, particularly regarding compensation for lost properties under the Marawi Compensation Law. While some individuals have received compensation, he emphasized that many still await assistance. 

“We are very thankful to the national government and the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) for the ongoing process. But we are not yet content with that. We are still appealing to the national government to infuse more funds, especially about the compensation that should be given to our constituents affected by the Marawi siege,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the MCB reaffirmed its dedication to processing all compensation claims under Republic Act No. 11696, acknowledging the deep-seated concerns and aspirations of the affected residents.

In a statement, the MCB said it supports calls for legislative amendments to streamline the compensation process. “The Board submitted a resolution to Congress recommending the removal of Fair Market Value as a valuation method. We believe that using only the cost outlined in our Implementing Rules and Regulations, without the Fair Market Value component, better supports displaced residents and aligns with our commitment to fair compensation.” 

While awaiting legislative progress, the MCB assures that it is open to constructive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the compensation program.

To date, the MCB has resolved 1,111 claims amounting to P1,539,694,919.28 out of the P2 billion budget allocated for 2023-2024. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur PDRRMC heightens alert amid typhoon Kristine

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council of Lanao del Sur convened a special meeting on Wednesday, October 23, to prepare and address the possible effects of typhoon Kristine in the province.

Provincial Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid R. Adiong led the meeting, directing the PDRRM Office to closely monitor the area and ensure the province is ready for any eventuality.

Although the tropical storm’s main impact is in the north, Lanao del Sur continues to experience scattered rain showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds from its trough.

Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden M. Sambitory reported that an uprooted tree in Barangay Lumbac Engud, Madamba, and another fallen tree in Barangay Balindong, Masiu, damaged a house and injured a senior citizen, who was quickly taken to the nearest hospital.

Crews have begun clearing operations, removing uprooted trees from affected areas.

The provincial government activated its Emergency Operations Center and implemented the Bravo emergency response protocol. The Provincial DRRM Operations Center is now on blue alert, and local government units and DRRM offices are on standby for emergencies.

Due to the inclement weather, some schools have suspended classes. On the other hand, the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in the city has confirmed its readiness to handle any medical emergencies.

Although the impact in the area is less severe than in other parts of the country, Sambitory urged residents to remain at home for safety, as moderate to heavy rains and strong winds are expected until Friday.

He advised the public to take safety precautions at home. Seal windows and doors, clear drains and gutters, and stock essential supplies like water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.

Sambitory further assured that there will be continuous 24/7 monitoring, with updates and advisories provided to the public through various channels. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur) 

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Village leaders in Lanao del Sur express support for PIA’s info needs survey

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Village leaders in Lanao del Sur have expressed their support for the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) ongoing survey to assess the information and communication needs of their communities.

The survey, which includes responses from two barangays in Saguiaran and two barangays in Marantao, seeks to gather insights into the information sources, habits, and literacy of residents.

Local officials emphasized the importance of this study in understanding the information gaps and challenges faced by their constituents. They believe that the survey results will provide valuable data to guide the government and PIA’s efforts in improving information dissemination and communication to enhance public service delivery.

“We support the Philippine Information Agency’s initiative to survey our community. This study will provide valuable insights into the information needs of our residents. We hope that the results will lead to more targeted and relevant information dissemination,” said Punong barangay Taher Macabago of Pindolonan in the municipality of Saguiaran.

Punong Barangay Alimoding Landua of Limogao from the same municipality said the survey conducted by PIA is a crucial step in ensuring that their constituents have access to accurate and timely information from the national government.

“By understanding their needs, the government can better tailor its programs and services to meet their expectations,” he further said.

The study targeted 1,200 households, equally distributed between rural and urban areas, as respondents. For Lanao del Sur, 25 respondents were randomly selected from Barangays Pindolonan and Limogao in Saguiaran, and Barangays Poona Marantao and Maul Ilian in Marantao and interviewed in person. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Compensation Board disburses over P562 million to affected Marawi IDPs

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has successfully distributed over P562 million in compensation to individuals whose properties were damaged during the 2017 Marawi siege and subsequently impacted by public construction projects under the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program (MRRRP).

A recent payout of P25,178,966.82 distributed to 14 claimants represents a portion of the total compensation disbursed. This specific disbursement focused on individuals affected by the MRRRP demonstrates the MCB’s commitment to addressing the needs of residents affected by the reconstruction efforts. Areas impacted by the MRRP include Sabala a Manao, Dansalan, Datu sa Dansalan, and Datu Naga, among others.

One claimant, Sahanie, expressed gratitude for the financial support, noting it would help reunite her family, displaced since the siege.

“Alhamdulillah, we are thankful the government recognized our plight and worked tirelessly to assist us. I will use this compensation to rebuild our home, which will greatly contribute to bringing our family back together,” she said.

Another claimant, Hassan, shared his appreciation for the compensation, explaining that it would enable him to restart his business disrupted by ongoing recovery efforts. “I’m thankful to have finally received compensation for my property,” he said.

To date, the MCB has approved claims amounting to P1,257,821,053.75, demonstrating the significant progress made in addressing the needs of the affected community.

The ongoing compensation process represents a vital step towards providing justice to those affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege and facilitating their healing and recovery.

This effort of the MCB to address the long-term needs of Marawi residents and ensure a sustainable recovery aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The President recently directed the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation (OPAMR) to expedite the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City, focusing on electricity, water, and housing.

During a sectoral meeting at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized the need for a more systematic approach to the city’s rehabilitation following the issuance of Administrative Order 14, series of 2023. (APB/PIA 10, with reports from MCB).

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