Harnessing the power of two-way radio in communication

The realm of communication is filled with complexity but no matter how people would perceive it, it remains imbued in the day-to-day survival of mankind and keeps the social structure alive. 

However, with each second ticking, this field is confined with struggles, especially with the uncertainty of circumstances, and sprouting fake news. Here lies the challenge to beat these obstacles, and instead, magnify the great power it holds.

Like other localities in the country, the province of Lanao del Sur is not new to instances of disinformation, especially that this has been repetitively witnessed and viewed as bothersome. Thus, officials are persevering to finally overcome this concern with the emergence of dependable peddlers of true and accurate information. 

Determined to shape reliable journalists and communicators in this province, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur has partnered with the Bangsamoro Watch Initiative, Inc. (BMWI) to lead a seminar and orientation on peace journalism, and strategic planning for Ranaw media and radio frequencies which delved into responsible journalism, and media following ethics and cultural sensitivity.

Here, BMWI President Abulkhair Alibasa stressed that fake news has often been fabricated to mislead, malign the public's confidence in the government, and cause widespread confusion on crucial matters. 

While fake news has not been a new phenomenon, he underscored that this has posed a threat and risk as it intensifies conflict, and distrust people so that issues remain misconstrued. 

With this, Alibasa emphasized that it would only be vital for the local media from different platforms, especially the two-way radio frequencies, to know and understand the principles of responsible reporting. 

“This (seminar) will equip us with the necessary skills on how to effectively deliver information through two-way radio, incorporating the guidelines of clarity, brevity and structure,” he said. 

Various two-way radio groups in the province of Lanao del Sur attend the seminar and orientation on peace journalism, and strategic planning for Ranaw media and radio frequencies wherein they are taught with ethical reporting. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Keeping up with the trend of responsible journalism

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 Deputy Regional Director Apipa Bagumbaran explained that journalism means gathering and organizing factual information to make it into sensible news. She stated that journalists are indeed vital, especially since the public cannot be in the same place at the same time. 

Following this, Bagumbaran highlighted the strong necessity to be reliable in every action carried out, particularly in crafting news, so as not to bring harm or chaos.

Expounding further, she mentioned that this is ethical reporting without manipulation and biases, and true and fair presentation of information, geared towards delivering a positive effect to the public.. 

Bagumbaran also underlined that any journalist or communicator should make sure that what is publicized is guaranteed to be accurate. 

“Ang responsible sharing of information ay nagsisimula sa ating lahat. Before tayo magshare ng information, iverify muna natin ito,” she said.

(The responsible sharing of information starts with us. Before we share any information, let us verify it first.)

Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus Meranaw Cultural Heritage Director Dr. Sorhaila Latiph-Yusoph, on the other hand, stressed that the media can make and unmake a man. 

She conveyed that to be a responsible journalist, one should be meticulous in the choice of words to avoid stereotyping, check for blindspots that skew the truth, and most of all, lift all voices by contextualizing the story fully. 

“We should remember that as creators of information, we shape media narratives. We are still a work in progress,” said Yusoph. 

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 Deputy Regional Director Apipa Bagumbaran details the acts following responsible journalism. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Responsible journalism making headway 

The move for responsible journalism has fortunately gained grounds, garnering support from both the government and private stakeholders. 

Inspiring all communicators and two-way radio groups in her province to continue countering disinformation and fighting for the truth, Lanao del Sur Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano assured that the provincial government would keep on backing timely initiatives and fulfilling all relevant plans for next year. 

This was attested by Public Information Officer Zhayra Ampuan who has detailed how the same matter was given importance by Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr.

She relayed that the governor has been desiring to strengthen the Lanao federation and two-way radio groups, seeing them beneficial for residents in their province. 

“Napakaimportante ng ating two-way radio groups dahil kayo ang pinapakinggan ng karamihan dito sa Lanao del Sur,” said Ampuan. 

(Two-way radio groups are important because they are the ones being listened to by most here in Lanao del Sur.)

After the program on responsible journalism has kicked off, optimism reigns for Lanao del Sur province as it looks forward to a warm future where ethical reporting is nurtured, and disinformation is left with no room. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Two-way radio groups in Lanao del Sur province show positivity that they can be responsible reporters, and defeat disinformation. This, following their attendance in the seminar and orientation on peace journalism, and strategic planning for Ranaw media and radio frequencies. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Paving way to game-changers: SK federation sets limelight on ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’

Every nation will always be necessitated to heed the youth ideas because perfusing a society with qualities of game-changers like them will surely never go wrong. 

This has been emanating since then, particularly in the province of Lanao del Sur, which ensured that not only adults but also the young populace take the lead.

True to this, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in this place has become a platform for the youths to be capacitated and emerge as competent leaders, ready to steer their respective localities into the light of advancement through the potent branding ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’ (Voice of Meranaw Youth). 

Such a crusade commenced five years ago when Jamil Faisal Adiong was seated as the SK Federation president with nothing in mind but to amplify the voice of his fellow Meranaw youths to secure a bright future and embrace inclusivity so everyone could take part in the decision-making process. 

From 2018 to 2023, this young executive, with his co-officers and youth groups, championed the significance of unity, especially amidst unraveling crises and challenges concerning the entire constituency. 

“Kagaya nga ng isang komunidad, kapag isa lang ang sumasagot sa bawat problema na mayroon tayo, parang mahina. Hindi gaanong lumalakas at empowered ang ating community. Because of that, hindi nasosolve ang ating mga problema sa community,” he said. 

Continuing his advocacy, Adiong set the tone of young voices so they could be listened to in any way they were and should be essential. 

The birth of ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’ 

When Adiong assumed office after winning the local polls in 2018, he took on tough challenges with the primary purpose of changing the citizens' viewpoint about SK and the kind of service it could offer. 

He confirmed that they kept their promise of not politicizing their actions, instead delivering what the locals deserved.

Adiong emphasized that they embraced the responsibility that came with the power given to them, recognizing the weighty task of ensuring that the authority would benefit the people. 

Installed as the SK president, he recalled being determined to be the voice of Meranaw youths. However, this changed upon realizing a pool of diverse youths bearing different needs and perspectives from their lived realities. 

From this, turning up the volume of voices of youths became one of the priority agenda of Adiong

.

“Hindi pwedeng ako lang ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (It is not proper that I alone would be the voice of Meranaw youth). Believing in the concept of Mashuara (consultation) and democracy, we should be able to allow people to speak and stand for themselves. Collectively, we could do more if we are together,” he said. 

Innovating transformative youth programs

Adiong's administration became an era that highlighted and brought young voices into the spotlight.

This, as numerous programs and activities were conducted and participated by thousands of youths. 

Among these were youth conversations, Mindanao International Studies Society Convention, skills development training for young women, SK presidents’ continuing mandatory training and enrichment program, Young Women Empowerment Summit, Datu a Bantogen sa Ranaw, Ranaw Young Leaders Academy, advocacy for peace, annual celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week) and Lanao del Sur Youth Volunteers’ Day, and the separate gathering of Lanao volunteers, young women and youth organizations.

Additional initiatives were also materialized under the helm of Adiong Ranaw, such as the Project Grant Program (RPGP) and Ranaw Youth Parliament, where youths grabbed the opportunity to pursue their project proposals with the funding of the local government and its sponsors and serve as local legislators during a period.

Adiong likewise helped answer the clamor for insufficient attention to some aspects to satisfy the desire for complete social protection.

He secured approval for the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 while representing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and successfully passing several bills he authored, ensuring the continuous implementation of his youth programs.

Youth partners of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Lanao del Sur gather during the organized convergence. As manifested, this sector receives enough interventions, especially pushed by outgoing Lanao del Sur SK Federation President Jamil Faisal Adiong. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Keeping the momentum of Adiong’s legacy

For the past five years of heading the SK Federation, the constituents of Lanao del Sur province cannot deny nor contend that Adiong had set the bar high for public servants and officials in the government. 

He stood as a testament that despite the little connections from the beginning of his term and groping how to have a remarkable kick-off of programs, at the end of his stint, a stellar service could be proffered that would leave anyone in awe and look up to it as worthy of emulation. 

Although Adiong has already made his graceful exit, his legacy would be preserved and sustained with the usurping leader expressing his commitment. 

“Lahat ng ating sinimulan ay confident ako na magpapatuloy. Hindi lang ang aming opisina o mga kabataan kung hindi tayong lahat ang magpapalakas sa boses ng kabataang Meranaw,” he said. 

(I am confident that we will continue all that we have started. It's not just our office or the youth; all of us will strengthen the voice of Meranaw youth).

During the Convergence of Ranaw Youth Partners on November 30, the outgoing SK Federation president handed over his gavel and the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 to his successor, Abdulmalik Adiong III, to signal the unfolding of a new administration sharing the same mission.

The latter ensured that the inspiring and invaluable legacy of his predecessor would continue to live on in the spirits of every Meranaw youth.

“I believe this opportunity brings me not only privileges but a great responsibility as well. I pledge to ensure the implementation of the Ranaw Youth Development Plan 2023-2025 with the help of my fellow SKs,” he said. 

Outgoing Lanao del Sur Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Jamil Faisal Adiong (left) hands over his gavel and the Ranaw Youth Development Plan 2023-2025 to incoming SK President Abdulmalik Adiong III (center) as a sign of new governance for the youth council. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Now more than ever, the youth council of Lanao del Sur is confident that although they have never perfected their mandated jobs, the current situation of their sector is better than before.

With this, the call of the young game-changers continues, but this time, louder and clearer. Collectively, they echo, “Patuloy nating palakasin ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (let us continue amplifying the voice of Meranaw youths).” (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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TFBM completes restoration of two more mosques in Marawi’s MAA

White Mosque in Brgy. Lumbaca Madaya, Marawi City

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–In response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to prioritize the restoration of the damaged mosques in the City, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) inaugurated two additional mosques that were repaired inside the most affected area (MAA) of the Islamic City.

TFBM Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario led the inauguration rites for Masjid Marinaut in Brgy. East Marinaut and White Mosque in Brgy. Lumbaca Madaya on Thursday, September 16, signaling the completion of the rehabilitation of the two religious sites which were damaged during the five-month siege in 2017.

Del Rosario was joined by City Mayor Majul Gandamra, TFBM Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr., and the respective administrators of the two mosques.

Del Rosario said the President has instructed that the first structures that should be completed in the war-torn city should be the mosques taking note of the importance of these religious structures to Muslims.

According to the TFBM chief, a total of 11 mosques are in the pipeline for repair and reconstruction this year. These mosques, he said, will be completed by TFBM.

“Labing-isa ang nasa pipeline; of that 11 ang natapos ay apat na, lima ang ongoing construction, at dalawa ay ipapagawa ng Indonesia government, magprovide sila ng grant for the construction of two mosques. Then within the month, we are requesting the mayor to identify five more mosques para isama natin, so a total of 16 masjids to be reconstructed,” he said.

(Eleven are in the pipeline; of that 11, four have been completed, five are under ongoing construction, and two will be constructed by the Indonesian government, they will provide a grant for the construction of two mosques. Then within the month, we are requesting the mayor to identify five more mosques for us to include, so a total of 16 masjids are to be reconstructed.)

TFBM has already inaugurated Disomangcop Mosque and Masjid Darussalam earlier this year.

The reconstruction of the Dansalan Bato Mosque, one of the oldest and well-known places of Islamic worship not only in Mindanao but in the entire country, is ongoing while the repair of the Grand Mosque is nearing completion.

Del Rosario said they expect the completion of the Grand Mosque in October which will coincide with the fourth anniversary of Marawi liberation.

The rehabilitation of all these mosques was funded through donations from private developers involved in the housing sector nationwide.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gandamra expressed anew his gratitude to TFBM for its efforts in restoring the places of Islamic worship in the city as this ensures the holistic development of Marawi. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Beadweaving Maranao’s identity, livelihood opportunities

Beadweaving has been known as the embodiment of the luxuriant culture of Maranao which carries vibrant stories of their identity. 

Attaching seed beads or sequins together using thread, beadworks manifest the sophistication and hard work of Maranaos. 

 

Beadworks are used as a design for ampas (tray cloths) and mamandiang (a special Maranao wedding fabric), some of the well-known Maranao decorations.

 

Bridging livelihood opportunities

 

With the langkit (handloom) equipment and sewing machine starter kit from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Bangon Marawi Project, a cooperative in Marawi City has started to help unemployed women by giving a livelihood opportunity through beadworks.

Named Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative, it facilitates opportunities to vulnerable women and youth to pave the way towards peace in the conflict-affected areas in the city and Lanao del Sur.

 

Due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, Raheemah shifted to another strategy that will give economic activities to its target beneficiaries. Raheemah coordinated with women who are engaged in producing Maranao decorations in Barangay Rogiro, Municipality of Bubong; Municipality of Tugaya; and Caloocan East in Marawi City.

 

Beadworks towards success

 

Omerah Dadayan of Barangay Calocan East, one of the women beneficiaries producing beadworks, shared that she used to sell street food in the market before the siege broke out on May 23, 2017.

 

She also said that after the siege, they started farming. However, she shared that it cannot sustain their necessities. 

 

“If we do not have work in our garden, this is what we do for us to get out of poverty because there is no assurance in working as a farmer. This is an addition to our source of income,” said Omerah. 

Omerah Dadayan of Barangay Calocan East

 

She thanked DTI and Raheema for giving them something to do during their free time.

 

“We are thankful to DTI and Raheema because we were given a livelihood opportunity since we don’t have something to do at home. We now have a job so that we will not be stressed out. During our free time, we have something productive to do and that our time will not be put into waste,” she added.

Meanwhile, Saraminah Macapanton Tawakal, leader of Women’s Rogiro Ladies Mamandiang in Bubong, Lanao del Sur, shared how DTI helped them.

 

“During the Marawi siege, DTI tended to help out organizations or cooperatives; that is where we started as a cooperative. We were then linked to Raheemah. Then we received the materials,” she said. 

 

Saraminah paved the way for building an opportunity for her fellow women. 

 

“I talked to women who are unemployed. I do this to help. I help those who do not do anything, those who are unemployed, solo parents who have no one to depend on, those separated,” she said.

Normala Ali Akbar also shared how Saraminah coordinated with them.

 

“Alhamdulillah because Saraminah saw us gossiping, having no job so she called us. We then decided that we are willing to do the work as she planned. We somehow had a source of income even though we are just at home,” she said.

Normala Ali Akbar

Weaving beads of perseverance towards success

 

The women beneficiaries emphasized the significance of persistence and perseverance to become successful.

 

“To those women who do not have a job, and to those whose livelihood has been affected due to the Marawi siege, you should find ways so that you will have another source of income for your family,” said Omerah.

 

“You must find ways so that you will have your own livelihood because there are so many kinds of livelihood that are not difficult,” she added.

 

Meanwhile, Saraminah cited how persistence can pave the way for success.

 

“When you are persistent, you will achieve all of your wants and of your children’s. Do well in your job, do it properly so that it will be helpful for you and your family,” she said. 

 

Protecting Maranao’s identity

 

Normala shared that she hopes that their business will expand and grow. She also said that the beadworks symbolize the identity of Maranao which carries vibrant stories.

 

“This kind of production symbolizes the identity of Maranao so this should not vanish. Because if it will vanish, the culture will also be gone. One will not be called a Maranao without this. Thus, we have to preserve it and develop it,” said Normala. 

 

Indeed, the bead production does not only provide livelihood opportunities to the women but also contributes to the promotion of the tradition and culture of Maranao. (LELA/PIA ICIC)

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Weaving Project

Did you know that Langkit is a tapestry which distinguishes Maranao landap from other tubular garments or malong. What makes the langkit stand out are the distinctive geometric designs or okir. These loom weavers are from Brgy. Dayawan in Marawi City, recipients of the Sustainable Livelihood Program of Task Force Bangon Marawi.

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Pagana Maranao—fostering culture of peace

Mindanao is home to a wide diversity of religions and cultures. Therefore, one can find great variations in traditional feasts.

In the luxuriant homeland of Maranao tribe in Lanao provinces of Mindanao, the “Pagana Maranao” is given utmost significance because it fosters peace and unity; hence Pagana is inscribed on the lined-up activities of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) as it holds the grandest launch of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao on 26-29 July 2018 in Iligan City, in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao is designed to create a massive and intensive cultural dissemination and promotions program on the diverse Mindanao cultures through various media platforms. It features a collaboration of different institutions from the government and civil society organizations.

Nurturing sense of unity and peace through Pagana  

Talking on the sidelines during Pagana feast at the Ethnic Center in Iligan City, a Maranao community leader Farmida Macabando said the Maranaos are best known for their love of beauty as shown in their art, poetry, the epic, and the royal type of Philippine architecture.

This penchant for beauty and grandeur is revealed in the warmth of their hospitality shown in their prestige feast called Pagana.

“When guests walk through our doors, we don’t take this lightly. Maranao people know that true hospitality takes heart. It means much more than just greeting guests with warmth and a smile. It often means going to extraordinary lengths to ensure that our guests have surprising experiences and regaled with sumptuous foods—to even creating a sense of belonging with a friendly spell of our hospitality,” Macabando said.

She described Pagana as the traditional feast of Maranao. It is the tribe’s way of welcoming special guests and visitors. It means treating visitors and very important guests with the highest form of hospitality, symbolizing the host’s level of civility and indicates the degree of the host’s grace.

Pagana is afforded to guests during special occasions such as enthronements, weddings, graduations, engagements, merrymaking, and homecoming of people who had gone to the “Hajj” or Islamic pilgrimage—and during the two religious feasts, Eid’l Adha and Eid’l Fitr.

The occasion begins with a solemn prayer. After which, guests are lavishly welcomed with a sumptuous banquet, marked with vibrant native attire, traditional dances, and pleasant company.

“As wise old saying on culture says ‘Peace is in our hands,’ we trust that this (Pagana) builds a culture of peace because the Pagana reception is carried out in festivity and gaiety where we share stories over sumptuous dishes and pray together,” Macabando explained.

Savoring moments in the ‘Pagana Maranaw’ dinner

In the grandest launch of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao graced by Undersecretary Harold Clavite of PIA and Dr. Pilar Banaag of NCCA, a Pagana dinner was afforded to the guests.

It is an occasion where the Kalinaw Kultura guests and advocates witnessed and experienced the Pagana revelry.

Professor Christian Aguado, Cultural Anthropologist of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology explained every detail of the occasion while guests savour the Pagana Maranao dishes.

The dining set is called ‘dulang’. It is an arrangement of native cuisines showcased on brass food trays known as ‘tabak’ where four guests sit on cushions. The food trays are covered with tray cloths called ‘ampas’. Also included in the dulang is water container for drinking water. Utensils and plates are put upside down that implies sanitation.

The whole display in the dining hall is decorated with accents of gold and silver, symbolizing the colors of prestige and nobility.

“Since Maranaos are Muslims, food should be ‘Halal’ or permissible by Islamic law. Pork is strictly prohibited in the dulang. The banquet of exquisite cuisine served to the guests features a unique blend of flavors and spices,” Prof. Aguado continues describing every detail.

The yellow tint of Maranao cuisine, which can be seen in many dishes including kuning or yellow rice, comes from turmeric powder known as “kalawag”, which is construed to have medicinal properties that keep the body healthy.

Some of the main dishes served include beef, chicken, and fowl. Professor Aguado, however, said “occasionally, venison and chevon (deer and goat meat) are served. These foods are cooked and served with coconut shavings as the main ingredient, fried with vegetables or cooked in other ways.”

Aguado further explained that one popular spice included in the Maranao dish is “palapa,” which is made from onion bulbs, ginger, and chilli pepper simmered in coconut oil.

Pagana’s festive air

To give a festive air on the occasion, traditional dancers perform the kapamalong-malong, which shows ‘101 ways’ of wearing a tubular piece of cloth called malong.

The performers also do the ‘singkil’, where dancers step through clashing bamboo poles in gracious and intricate moves accompanied by the music of ‘kulintang,’ a brass gong ensemble.      

The spirit of hospitality is highly valued by the Maranao seeing that it fosters a sense of belongingness, peace, unity, and harmony in their society.

The Pagana remains a signature of the timeless beauty of Maranao culture. (RLRB/PIA-10)

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