Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul of Sulu !st DEO, MPw-BARMM - New Year's greetings.

New Year greeting's of Engr. Bensoud A. Ajihil

Wishing you beautiful moments, treasured memories,and all the blessings a heart can know... Happy New year 2020...

Greetings from:

Engr. Bensoud A. Ajihil
Bongao, tawi-Tawi

New Year greetings - Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul, Sulu 1st DEO-MPW-BARMM

Its time to decorate our life with the colors that this New Year has brought for us a good life shine brighter than a thousand lightning stars.

In behalf of Sulu Ist Engineering District  of Ministry of Public Works of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and my family would like greet  a Happy New Year 2020 to everyone…

May the almighty Allah Bless us all…

Happy New Year!...

Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul

OIC-District Engineer , MPW-BARMM

Jolo, Sulu

Atleast 6 identified wounded in simultaneous bombing attacks in Mindanao by unidentified suspects yesterday.

Libungan, North Cotabato – The twin bombing attacks transpired at Poblacion Libungan, North Cotabato at  Remerata Store at Poblacion of the said municipality were left 6 wounded identified as Rolando B. Amistoso, (serious wounded, brought to CRMC, Cotabato City), Ma. Vivian Bulahan (slightly wounded), Ronald Eslit (slightly wounded), Reynante Barbon (slightly wounded), Angelica Cabatingan (slightly wounded) and Melanie  Vilar (slightly wounded) earlier at 6:30 pm yesterday (December 22, 2019).

Military said that after a few minutes secondary explosion transpired at the same area  more or less 15 meters away from the area of the 1st explosion but there was no casualty recorded.

According to EOD team, the explosions are made from 60mm mortar believed to be Explosive Improvised Devise (EID), said military.

Meanwhile, on the same day there was also reported grenade explosion in Cotabato City and  Upi, Maguindanao, One mortar thrown against Municipal Police Station personnel while the said municipality  while they celebrating the highlight of Meguyaya Festival when  the attacks happened and left 6 wounded.

Military and police still  investigating the incidents.

No group have yet  claimed responsibility for the said bombing attacks (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News blogs/Photo credit from facebook)

Engr. Bensoud A. Ajihil greet the people of Tawi-Tawi on the occasion of X'mas and New Year's holiday

The glory and beauty of this wonderful season is something we all can share together, My Family and I, Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and  a prosperous New Year 2020…

May the melody and spirit of holidays fill your home with love and peace...

Happy Holiday to one in all...

Greetings from:

Engr. Bensoud A. Ajihil

Merry X'mas and Happy New Year to all...

BARMM pushes for quality education and advanced skills development in the region

Cotabato City —The Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) is set to create a complete and integrated system of quality education and skills development in the Bangsamoro region.

Mohagher Iqbal, minister of education, announced this in his speech during the graduation ceremony of 993 trainees of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Regional Manpower Development Center (TESDA – RMDC) held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

He stressed that one of the MBHTE's responsibilities is advancing professional education and technical skills development in the Bangsamoro region, and that part of it is to focus on the creation of a system that will help in giving the quality education that every Bangsamoro deserves.

"We shall push for strategies and programs that would create higher esteem for the vocational curriculum and promote professional training as a viable option for potential learner," Iqbal said.

Iqbal also emphasized the MBHTE's efforts which resulted to significant changes in the education sector since its creation.

“We have reshuffled schools division superintendents—a first time in more than 30 years, and increased the salaries of contractual employees (from an average salary of PhP7,000 to PhP10,500),” he said.

He also recalled that BARMM’s delegation in the ‘2019 Palarong Pambansa’ garnered three (3) gold medals, six (6) bronze medals and ten (10) silver medals.

Iqbal expressed optimism that the Bangsamoro Government will eventually meet its goal of producing professionals in every Bangsamoro family, noting "a meaningful change is coming in BARMM. It began when we promised to pursue moral governance in the Bangsamoro."

The MBHTE-BARMM aims to establish an educational system that exemplifies a high standard with a balanced, comprehensive, and inclusive academic program, supported by robust infrastructure, including better school facilities and competent teachers and education managers, as part of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. (Bureau of Public Information)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020 !...

OIC - District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul of Sulu greet the people of BARMM on the occasion of Shariff Kabunsuan Day

BARMM holds 1st food security summit

Cotabato City —The Bangsomoro Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) spearheaded the conduct of the first ‘Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Food Security Summit’ on December 10 to 12, 2019 in Cotabato City.

The summit, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Halal Food Industry Development Program, carries the theme, "Bangsamoro ay Paunlarin: Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita, Halal at Organikong Pagkain ay Siguruhin.”

According to MAFAR minister Mohammad Yacob, the summit aimed to discussed the current challenges affecting food security, presentation of programs and projects that are geared towards addressing the challenges, and bringing together support and agreements to pave way for a profitable agriculture and fishery sector.

“We have carried out the development of the first Bangsamoro security road map - envisioning a self-reliant, food secure and resilient Bangsamoro. […] This will ensure that food is accessible, available, utilized and stable for every Bangsamoro,” Yacob said.

He also said the road map is anchored in three (3) pillars of food security— sustainable, competitive, and accessible food supply chain for the Bangsamoro.
He emphasized that there should be “balanced intake of halal food and adaptive capacity of Bangsamoro communities”.

MAFAR plays the major role in the promotion of sustainable agri-fishery growth and development, equitable land distribution and tenurial security in the Bangsamoro region.
One of the highlights of the activity was the display of thirty-two (32) exhibits that featured various agricultural crops and products from all over the Bangsamoro region.

Gulayan sa Paaralan
During the first day of the summit, MAFAR signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) together with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) for the program called ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’. MAFAR minister Yacob and MBHTE minister Mohagher Iqbal led the MOA signing.

The program, which aims to boost the awareness of the young children on the significance of growing vegetables, is expected to be established in 200 schools in BARMM.

Under this project, vegetables should be organically-grown in plots and in empty containers to minimize expenses. It seeks to supplement the food given to students in the school’s supplemental feeding program.

Meanwhile, MAFAR has given recognition to the outstanding farmers and fisherfolk in the region, who have showed exemplary performance on their respective fields.

2019 Organic Agriculture achievers in BARMM:
•             Pata Municipality of Sulu Province as the outstanding municipality;
•             Hamsa A. Abdul from Maguindanao Province as the outstanding provincial organic agriculture focal person;
•             Virginia P. Arreza from Pata Sulu as the outstanding AEW; and
•             Basher B. Currie as the outstanding small farmer.

There were also special awards given to the focal persons of OA program:
•                Sarha A. Sangkula from Sulu;
•             Engr. Papala F. Lawanza from Lanao del Sur;
•             Ilmie H. Ibama from Basilan;
•             Nixon A. Abdilla from Tawi-tawi; and
•             Olano M. Serad from Marawi City

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Sulu has also awarded Mercyan A. Aspi, Provincial agriculture Officer (PAO), as 'Ulirang Lingkod Bayani 2019'.

The summit was attended by farmers, fisherfolk, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the different provinces of BARMM, and other BARMM officials. (Bureau of Public Information)
 

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival

In behalf of the Ministry of Public Works of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, my family and I, and the entire officials and employees of Sulu Ist Engineering District would like to join the celebration of this annual celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival this coming December 19 in Cotabato City.

We believed that our Arab missionaries  who arrived in the country to introduced Islam has a big contributions to all Islam believers that made us stronger and better followers as what we believed.

Mabuhay Shasriff Kabunsuan Day!...

Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul

OIC- District Engineer

Sulu !st DEO, MPW-BARMM

Performance management training for BTA staff held

Cotabato City  – The Office of the Parliament Speaker organized a three-day ‘Total Performance Management (TPM)’ training for Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) administrative officers on December 6 to 8, 2019 in Cotabato City.

The training, which aimed to further empower BTA staff to level up their organizational skills, was conducted in partnership with the Center for Global Best Practices (CGBP).

Prof. Raby Angkal, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Secretary General, said the government of the day must invest in its people’s capacity, intellect, and responsibility.

“This training serves as an instrument for us to give better and excellent output when we return to our respective workplace,” Angkal said.

Meanwhile, Henry Aquende, founder and president of CGBP, said, “at the end of the training, we will be better at work, be more productive in our initiatives, and will bear better results in working in our offices.”

Core values for performance

Dene Hurtado, managing director of TPM, underscored the four (4) core values practiced by successful businesses and organizations, which are ‘honesty, discipline, fairness and excellence’.

“These core values are also consistent with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) core values: a united, enlightened, self-governing, peaceful, just, morally upright and progressive Bangsamoro Government,” Hurtado added.

The CGBP is an organization that advocates the use of best practices in enhancing global competitiveness of individuals, business organizations, and industries. (Bureau of Public Information)

63 barangays in North Cotabato to be turned over to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

Cotabato City  - The 63 barangays in North Cotabato which voted to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be officially turned over to the regional government on November 20, 2019.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, Bangsamoro Government spokesperson and minister of interior and local government, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of North Cotabato has adopted a resolution indicating the turn over of the 63 barangays to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The 63 barangays are located in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Pikit.

According to Sinarimbo, the decision is to turn over the 63 barangays during the next regular session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

He said he had a meeting with the technical staff of the Provincial Sanggunian on November 05 to discuss the details of the said turn over.

Further, the said barangays will continue to receive their Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) directly from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“Entitlement po nila ‘yon and it will not change. They will receive their IRA from the DBM,” he said.

“The 63 barangays [will] be constituted into a special geographic area where it will be administered by an Administrator. We will have ministries putting their people in the administrative set up so we can continue to deliver services there,” Sinarimbo added.

Sixty three out of the 67 barangays in six municipalities in North Cotabato opted to join the expanded Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in a plebiscite held in February this year. (Bureau of Public Information)

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ebrahim reshuffles regional Cabinet

Cotabato City (November 12, 2019)—A revamp in the Cabinet of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim officially took effect Monday, November 11.

Ebrahim initially made the announcement of minor changes in the setup of regional Cabinet officials in a meeting on November 4, 2019.

In a cabinet meeting on Monday, Ebrahim said former Environment Minister Abdulraof Macacua will now serve as the region’s Executive Secretary while retaining an oversight of the environment ministry, and the former finance minister, Mr. Eduard Guerra, a licensed architect, will take over the Ministry of Public Works.

The Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MBFBM) will be placed under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister.

Minister Guerra has moved for the appointment of lawyer Ubaida Pacasem, member of parliament, as head of the Regional Budget and Management Office (RBMO). (Bureau of Public Information)

SULU 1ST DEO MPW BARMM

Leni's 1st meeting with ICAD

Vice President Leni Robredo, the new drug czar during her  Ist meeting with ICAD was very thankful to Dir. Gen. Aquino and all agencies for their cooperation to combat illegal drugs.

Cockfighting and Hantak still proliferating in Libungan

(Courtesy from Burauen)

Cotabato City -  President Rodrigo Duterte ordered recently to arrest all illegal gambling throughout the country and urged  the people to not engage of any illegal gambling that may sort of their arrests and imprisonment.

The President cited the popular illegal gambling like; Jueting, Hantak, Cockfighting, online games and other illegal gambling  that may caused poverty increased in the country.

Duterte issued Executive  Order  13 in 2017 of  R.A. 1602  to strengthen the fight against illegal gambling in order to reduced poverty conditions  of the country. “.(Please see the attach link for more info.http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno1802.html#.XcZWoNJKiM8””.

Aside the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte against illegal gambling in the country, there are some existing illegal gambling in the municipality of Libungan,  North Cotabato such as cockfighting and hantak that are still proliferating  in Sitio Cue, Cabaruyan of the said Municipality.

The said illegal gambling according to alleged operator that this is for  Patronal Fiesta operation, but the President Duterte did not mention any exemptions  nor occasions  or  activities that this Executive Order  may gave favor to anybody.

The PNP and barangays officials should be responsible about this issue and they should arrests violators and gave teeth the said campaign of the President.  ( By: Becky D. de Asis- The Redline News Blogs)

BARMM pushes for a more child-friendly government

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) stands firm on pushing for a more child-friendly government after 66 Local Government Units (LGU) were conferred the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.

The awarding ceremony was held during the kickoff of the celebration of the 27th National Children’s Month on Monday, November 4, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center in Cotabato City.

“If we are to assure a better future for this region and our people, we need to ensure that institutions of government ensure that the welfare of the children is at the forefront of development,” Ministry of Interior and Local Government Minister and BARMM spokesperson Naguib Sinarimbo said.

“The gradual improvements we are seeing now as well as in the years to come give us inspiration that, together, we can move to a new and greater height of development in the region,” he added.

The number of awardees in the region increased from last year’s five honorees of the mandatory Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim said that “it is important that the Bangsamoro Government is in the same wavelength as that of the local government unit, especially during this transition phase. We need to translate all our efforts into a language that will ultimately benefit our people.”

Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance

The towns of Jolo, Sulu and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao; and the City of Lamitan were honored as regional awardees for the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, while the two former municipalities were among the four national awardees for the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.

“The Seal is a testament that the local governments in the Bangsamoro are doing their job in putting children a priority. The BARMM works with the LGUs in uplifting the welfare of our children and the lives of the Bangsamoro people,” Ministry of Social Services and Development Minister Raissa Jajurie said.

The SCFLG is a recognition system for LGUs nationwide being implemented by the Council for the Welfare of Children based on twelve criteria. It was launched on October 2014.
The SCFLG twelve criteria include 1) percentage reduction in the deaths among children below five years old or under-five mortality rate, 2) percentage reduction in the number of children under-six with below normal weight, and 3) completion rate for elementary schooling, among others.
BARMM has a total of five provinces (Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindnaao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi), three cities (Cotabato City, Lamitan City, and Marawi City), 116 municipalities, and 2,590 barangays including the 63 barangays in North Cotabato.

27th National Children’s Month

The month-long celebration is anchored on the theme: “Karapatang Pambata: Patuloy na Pahalagahan at Gampanan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan.” The MSSD in collaboration with the MILG spearheaded the said month-long celebration pursuant to Republic Act 10661 or “An Act Declaring November of  Every Year as National’s Children’s Month.”

Furthermore, the Bangsamoro Government will lead the conduct of a series of events throughout November in celebration of the National Children’s Month.

These include visits to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centers and Child Development Centers in the evacuation centers in Marawi City on November 12.

“Children’s rights are human rights,” Jajurie said. “It’s high time to instill the significance of children’s rights in the Bangsamoro consciousness. We will reassess the status of child rights in BARMM and beef up measures to strengthen awareness, understanding, and actual realization of children’s rights.”

Other BARMM ministries will also take part in the month-long celebration through the following: the End Polio Campaign of the Ministry of Health and the Laro Tayo event of the Bangsamoro Regional Human Rights Commission, among others. (Bureau of Public Information)

Phaseout of ARMM employees to start November

Cotabato City  – More than 500 permanent employees of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will undergo phasing out starting November this year according to Bangsamoro Government Attorney General Sha Elijah Alba.

The 500 employees belong to the first batch of the 6,000 ARMM permanent personnel who will be phased out before this year ends. Only those in the sectors of education, health, and social services are exempted in the phasing out.

“Ang first batch, ang last day of service nila would be October 31st, second batch is November 30th, and the third and last batch is on December 31st,” said Alba during the regular Kapihan sa Bangsamoro on Tuesday, October 15.

Article XVI Section 10 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) states that the affected personnel who opt to retire or be separated shall be entitled to any of the following applicable incentives:

-    100% of the monthly basic salary for every year of government service computed starting from the first year for those who have rendered 1 year to less than 5 years of service;

-    150% of the actual monthly salary for every year of government service computed starting from the first year for those who have rendered 5 years of service but less than 10 years; or

-    Two months of actual monthly salary for every year of government service computed starting from the first year for those who have rendered 10 years or more of service.

Alba said the first batch can start claiming their separation incentives by November 15 as scheduled by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Cabinet Secretary Asnin Pendatun, and representatives from the different BARMM ministries recently met with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to finalize the timeline for the submission of documents needed for the processing of separation incentives of the employees.

She said the documents were already submitted on Friday, October 11, through the Bangsamoro Government’s Manila Liaison Office (MLO).

“Ang commitment po ng DBM is kapag all the documents are in order, makukuha na ang separation pay nila (1st batch) by November 15, 2019,” Alba said.

Article XVI, Section 10 of the BOL also states that the “affected personnel who are retired or are separated from the service shall not be re-employed in any agency of the Bangsamoro Government of the National government, including government-owned or controlled corporations for a period of (5) five years. The retired or separated personnel who are re-employed during the prohibited period shall refund, on a pro-rated basis, the separation incentives they received under this Section.”

Alba said the hiring for plantilla positions in the BARMM will be opened only when the Bangsamoro Parliament has approved the staffing pattern proposed by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM).

“We need to await the approval of the staffing pattern […] once it is approved by the Parliament, that’s the only time that we can publish the permanent positions for application,” Alba said. (Bureau of Public Information)

MOH-BARMM to conduct mass polio immunization in Marawi City

Cotabato City ( – To prevent the outbreak of the poliovirus in the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) will conduct a mass polio immunization campaign dubbed 'Sabayang Kontra Polio' in Marawi City.

This was following the confirmation of a poliovirus case in a 3-year old girl from the province of Lanao del Sur on September 16 this year, the first polio case since its eradication in the Philippines 19 years ago.

MOH-BARMM Information Officer Saida Diocolano-Ali said on Monday, October 7, that the immunization campaign will be conducted on October 14 – 27, where children aged from zero to five years will be given free vaccination against polio.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease that affects the spinal cord causing muscle weakness and paralysis and can eventually lead to death. It is caused by the poliovirus that spreads from person to person. Though incurable, polio can be prevented through vaccination.

‘Vaccination is Halal’

The MOH-BARMM and the Regional Darul Ifta’ had earlier issued a Fatwa or Islamic ruling on immunization on March 12, 2019 to promote the importance of vaccination as a halal and safe way for Muslims to prevent some common diseases.

Many parents in the region refuse to have their children immunized because “they were unsure if vaccination was consistent with their faith.”

MOH Minister Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan said “immunization prevents deaths and suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, tetanus, polio, pneumonia, hepatitis, diphtheria, rubella and mumps.” (Bureau of Public Information)

During the visit of Minda Secretary Pinol September 17, 2019 in Tawi-Tawi

LMP Pres Abdulhasan I Sali

Traditional Dance in Tausog

Tawi-Tawi PCL President Putli Aisa Matolo

Lepa - the house badjao in Bongao, Tawi - Tawi

Mayor Rhodesia "Odette" Matolo Sali - Sapa2x, Tawi- Tawi

DOTr Sec. Tugade assures full support on BARMM Trans-Sector

The turn-over of the LTFRB facilities inside the BARMM center in Cotabato city last 13 September 2019 was made possible through the endeavor of LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra (2nd left) and LTFRB 12 Regional Director Paterno Reynato Padua (left). The said turn-over was sealed by signing of memorandum of agreement signed by Secretary Tugade himself as expressed his full support to LTFRB-BARMM. (By:Mark Navales)

COTABATO CITY----Two historic events happened in this city, the caravan of modern public utility vehicle (PUV) which was showcased at Camp Siongco and it was followed by another big event at the BARMM compound when the LTFRB 12 facilities was turned-over to BARMM Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on 12 September 2019,

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade graced the two events with LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra as they unveil the modern PUVs for the region’s transport organizations. Two models of modern vehicles were showcased for them to see and decide on what design and model they would prefer to use in the future.

Sec. Tugade emphasizes that the application for franchise of public utility vehicles (PUV) has no franchise fee at all except for the processing fee of 500 pesos.

In another event, the turn-over of LTFRB 12 facilities was opened with the cutting of ribbon by Sec. Tugade and BARMM Interim Chief Minister (ICM) Ahod Balawag Ebrahim,Al-Haj as witnessed by MOTC-BARMM Minister Dickson P. Hermoso, MOTC-BARMM Deputy Minister Von Al Haq and the newly appointed LTFRB-BARMM Head, Akmad Brahim.

 

“I come here to say to BARMM-MOTC Minister Dickson Hermoso and BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ebrahim that the DOTr and LTFRB are in full support in whatever way that we could be of help, we will do it.” Sec. Tugade said

BARMM ICM Ebrahim has greatly appreciated the turn-over of newly refurbished LTFRB 12 building inside the BARMM compound for the use of LTFRB-BARMM.

After series of coordination meetings happened in Davao city and Koronadal city over a couple of months ago, the said turn-over event was made possible through the endeavor of LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra and LTFRB 12 Regional Director Paterno Reynato Padua

MOTC-BARMM Minister Hermoso said, “The office of MOTC is a revenue collection office of BARMM, however, we will not focus on revenue collection alone. Our primary mandate is public service that is what we have to change in our transition period until 2022.”

Finally, after all these years of operation of LTFRB 12 in the Bangsamoro region, the turn-over of LTFRB 12 facilities was opened with the cutting of ribbon and symbolic turn-over of key by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade (3rd from left) and BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim,Al-Haj (2nd from right), witnessed by MOTC-BARMM Minister Dickson P. Hermoso, (center) MOT-BARMM Deputy Minister Von Al Haq, newly appointed LTFRB BARMM Head, Akmad Brahim (2nd left) (Photo by Mark Navales)

“You are our clients and at the same time you are our boss. I will give you the assurance that whenever you visit our office for any transaction, we will be offering you a modernized, A class kind of service in our different sectoral offices.” Hermoso added.

"We are gearing towards modernization of our government service so as to curb corruption through automation. However, we cannot do it all by ourselves, we need your full support and cooperation.” Hermoso conveyed. (Andy Orobia/ With report by Mark Navales)

BARMM's Project TABANG to benefit Marawi's displaced residents

Cotabato City   – Over 1,500 internally displaced persons from Marawi City will benefit from the free basic services the Bangsamoro Government will provide during the conduct of the Project TABANG in the city on October 4, 2019.

“This coming October 4, we are going to bring the project to Marawi City to help our Maranao brothers and sisters, especially those affected by the siege,” Bangsamoro Chief Minister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim said during the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s regular session on Friday, September 27.

The activity will be conducted in the city’s Barangay Boganga starting from 6 o’clock in the morning.

Project TABANG or the ‘Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan’ is an initiative of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) aimed at facilitating the direct and immediate extension of basic services and assistance to the Bangsamoro people, specifically on health and education services.

Ebrahim said Project TABANG is “a consolidated effort of participating ministries and agencies of the BARMM which aims to reach out to the people and bring basic services and assistance that our government can provide such as free medical and dental check-up, free legal counseling and notarization, scholarship opportunities, job fair, livelihood assistance, and many other services that have direct impact to the daily lives of our people.”

Project TABANG will be conducted regularly in the different areas across the Bagnsamoro region, most especially in the poverty/calamity-stricken, and conflict affected communities.

Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro Government is also planning to bring Project TABANG in the island provinces – Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi – and in the 63 barangays of North Cotabato which are now part of the Bangsamoro region.

Project TABANG was officially launched in Cotabato City on September 2, 2019 where thousands of residents have availed themselves the free basic services provided by the Bangsamoro Government. (Bureau of Public Information.)

Mayor Tiblan C. Ahaja of Sitangakai

Maligay and Dulang contest - Tawi - Tawi local foods introduce

Bongao, Tawi - Tawi  - Maligay and Dulang contest participated by different municipalities including any departments and agencies of the said province

Pershing Taiyab of PGO  said, that "Dulang" means Ulam and "Maligay" means pastries or "kakanin", locally made.

The PGO under Governor Yshmael Sali conducted a food and pastries (Maligay and Dulang) contest to highlight local foods  and delicacies that make the province proud. (By: Becky D.)

Chief execs signifies commitment on moral governance

Cotabato City —The signing of the Pledge of Commitment towards Moral Governance capped the 3-day orientation and enhancement training on local legislation conducted by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG-BARMM) today, September 11, 2019 in Cotabato City.

The local chief executives from the different provinces and municipalities of BARMM signified their support in response to the call for moral governance.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim emphasized that there should be assurance that policies created are guided by the principles of moral governance.

“Our main challenge is to be able to attain moral governance. Kailangan makita natin na may pagbabago,” he said.

He further said that legislation is important as it defines the status of the government and the authority to legislate.

"We believe that as front-liners of the government, you are the first-responders to the most basic issues and your role represents the heart of the regional and national government," Ebrahim added.

The training aimed to build the capacities of the local chief executives on the dynamics of local legislation.

MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said the Bangsamoro Government is working on the cascading of legislation from the parliament down to the Local Government Units (LGUs).

“Gusto din natin na yung innovation and excellence in the LGU’s, mga iba-ibang programa na proven to have resulted in positive feedbacks in the communities, are legislated,” he said.

This means, policy environment should be stable to ensure that the LGU’s excellent programs are strengthened and become more sustainable to legislation.

“Hindi kaya na ang rehiyon lang ang mag-ayos, kakailanganin lahat tayo sa gobyerno ay mag-ayos para ang serbisyong nararapat sa mga kababayan natin ay makarating sa kanila ng mas mabilis and efficient para sa mamamayan,” Sinarimbo added. (###)

Duterte re-assures decommissioned MILF combatants: Don’t be afraid

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. (right) showcased to President Rodrigro Duterte (center) on Saturday September 7, 2019, the 920 high-powered firearms including 60mm and 81mm mortars; 7 crew-mounted M2 Browning caliber 50 machineguns; and 500 RPG rocket launchers which were voluntarily turned over 1,060 former MILF combatants to the International Decommissioning Body (IDB). As promised the government handed 100,000 cash to each decommissioned former MILF combatant intended for the scholarships and other socio-economic benefits for their family and community held at Gymnasium old Provincial Capitol compound, Bgy Simuay Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (Photo by Mark Navales)

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao  --- As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) combatants who underwent the process of decommissioning today, he had a clear message for them: do not lose heart and continue the fight.

“Do not be sad na ang armas ninyo, binigay 'nyo sa gobyerno, kasi kayo, gobyerno na,” Duterte told the 1,060 MILF-BIAF members who all wore identical light blue shirts with the word “decommissioned” printed in bold letters at the back side.

(Do not be sad that you turned over your arms to the government because you are now of the government.)

“Inyo na itong gobyerno na ito. Binigay na namin sa inyo,” Duterte said in his keynote address to drive home the point, as the former combatants burst into applause.

(This government is yours. We’ve given it to you.)

 Campaign promise

While he was campaigning for the highest post in the land, then Mayor Duterte shook the status quo and called upon the Filipino nation and the current administration to address the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro.

When he assumed the presidency, his policy team immediately drew up a six-point Peace and Development Agenda which highlighted the need to fulfil all signed agreements with the various Moro fronts.

Duterte then threw his full support behind the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and presided over the official inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Mindanao (BARMM) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

A snappy salute to the President from a member of Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) of the BIAF-MILF on Saturday September 7, 2019. Out of 1,060 decommissioned MILF combatants, there are 106 who were members the BIWAB. As promised the government handed 100,000 cash to each decommissioned former MILF combatant intended for the scholarships and other socio-economic benefits for their family and community held at Gymnasium old Provincial Capitol compound, Bgy Simuay Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (Photo by Mark Navales)

“I take pride in the fact that we have made significant progress in the implementation of the agreements arising from the Comprehensive Agreement on [the] Bangsamoro, including the very important Annex on Normalization that covers the decommissioning process,” the President said.

He also underscored the significance of the decommissioning process in the national government’s overall peace-building efforts in Mindanao.

“As we proceed with the decommissioning process, let me assure our MILF combatants that the government will assist you as you reintegrate into society and enjoy fruitful and productive civilian lives. I look forward to having you as government’s partners as we take further strides in securing lasting peace and order in Mindanao,” the President said.

“Let me also take this opportunity to assure the officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the MILF, and the people of Mindanao that this administration will always listen to your grievances. Let us set aside our differences and avoid further armed conflict,” he added.

Decommissioning: 1,060 stories of love, faith and sacrifice

BARMM Interim Chief Minster Al Haj Murad Ebrahim acknowledged the significant contribution of the President in the Bangsamoro peace process, as he presented the decommissioned combatants to the Chief Executive.

“The 1,060 combatants who are to be decommissioned today here in this place are not ordinary individuals. They are 1,060 individuals whose lives were drastically affected,” Ebrahim said, as he looked at his comrades with great pride.

“These are 1,060 stories of love, faith, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah and for the sake of the aspirations of every Bangsamoro,” he said, admitting that the decommissioning process will be a challenging phase as the former combatants make the transition to civilian life.

“For many years, our training has been grounded on the armed struggle. Ebrahim said. “But now, our brave combatants will face a significantly different form of struggle to transform to civilian lives and embrace a new mindset.”

“That instead of going to the field for conflict, we will now go to the field to harvest our crops; that instead of carrying firearms, we will now carry tools for work and education; that instead of thinking about a possible encounter the next day, we can now think of opportunities that await us, our children, and those who will follow,” he said.

Strong political will

For his part, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. underscored the crucial role of President Duterte in building on and sustaining the gains of peace in Mindanao, particularly for shepherding the Bangsamoro peace process.

“The relative peace we are experiencing now in Mindanao is the product of the President’s strong political will,” Galvez said, who prior to the decommissioning ceremony, accompanied Duterte in viewing the 920 MILF weapons turned-over to the International Decommissioning Body (IDB).

“This was manifested in the unwavering support he gave during the drafting of the BOL’s passage in congress, the campaign for [the law’s] ratification, and finally, the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority,” he said.

Galvez also expressed his gratitude to national government line agencies, local government units, civil society, foreign donor organizations, and the various ceasefire mechanisms and normalization bodies which paved the way for the decommissioning process.

“The strong partnership between the GPH and the MILF has once again proven that nothing is impossible as long, we stand together and work hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder, in our quest for sustainable and enduring peace in Mindanao,” he stressed.

“I urge everyone to continue to put their faith in the peace process. There is no other way but to pursue the path of peace. We shall continue to hold the line so that we will be able to bring enduring peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro,” he concluded..(OPAPP/With report by Mark Navales)

Solons seek to preserve, promote Mindanao traditional arts

By Jose Cielito Reganit  

MANILA -- Two Mindanao legislators have filed a bill pushing for the protection, preservation and promotion of traditional arts in Southern Philippines through the creation of the Institute of Sulu and Mindanao Traditional Arts, or INSUMINTRA.

Noting the island’s cultural diversity, House Bill No. 1580 was filed by House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman of the lone district of Basilan and Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list Rep. Amihilda J. Sangcopan.

Hataman, a former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), pointed out that Mindanao is “also home” to 18 Lumad tribes, 13 different Moro races and more than 64 other ethnic groups who have lived in the island for centuries.

“The effect of this cultural diversity is strongly reflected in Mindanao traditional arts,” the Basilan lawmaker said in a statement Friday.

"Mindanao’s arts such as hand weaving, metallurgy, architecture, music and epic chanting have gained prominence and recognition from government agencies as well as in the private sector. And this holds true especially in the academe. But the chance of these arts surviving popular recognition under an environment of fast-changing technological advances is in question," Hataman said.

He said it is for this reason that he and Sangcopan are pushing for the immediate passage of HB 1580.

“There is a need for a distinct government agency that would conserve, appreciate and protect Mindanao’s arts and treasures, and that it is an urgent measure that Filipinos should support,” the former ARMM governor said.

"The creation of INSUMINTRA is long overdue. Kailangan na natin ng isang institusyon na magbibigay ng ayuda sa ating mga tradisyunal na sining at mga likha (We urgently need an institution that will support our traditional arts and artworks). This is why we are pushing for this bill and asking our colleagues to support Mindanao's traditional arts," Hataman stressed.

In the INSUMINTRA bill's explanatory note, Hataman and Sangcopan stressed that traditional arts in Mindanao and Sulu must be kept alive not only because they provide income for the artisans and their communities but, more importantly, because they are the remaining proof of the pre-colonial identity of the people of Mindanao and Sulu, and of all Filipinos.

If passed into law, INSUMINTRA would be an independent government agency, but it will be actively coordinating with other agencies engaged in similar functions and activities such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The institute will operate through a Board of Trustees reporting to the President and to Congress.

The Board would also have governance and policy-making powers, and will have the following composition: a Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; Chairpersons of the Mindanao Development Authority, the National Council on Indigenous Peoples, and the NCCA; a representative from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); the executive director of the INSUMINTRA; and five (5) members appointed by the President from the private sector who have significant backgrounds on Mindanao’s traditional arts and who are graduates of related fields specifically anthropology, education or social science.

INSUMINTRA’s secretariat will be led by an executive director that would be selected by the Board.

The principal offices of the institute will be located in Zamboanga City and in Maramag, Bukidnon. However, the Board could establish field offices in other areas on the island to ensure that its objectives are met. (PNA)

Duterte signs laws declaring 4 new tourist destinations

NEW TOURIST SPOT. Photo of Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur which was declared new tourist destination under Republic Act No. 11409. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the new law on Aug. 22, 2019. (Contributed photo)

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte has signed four laws declaring new tourist destinations, including three in Ilocos Sur province.

All four laws were signed by Duterte on Aug. 22 and copies of the documents were released to reporters on Thursday (Aug. 29).

Duterte declared Candon city ecotourism zone in Candon City, Ilocos Sur a tourist destination through Republic Act 11407.

He also signed RA 11409, declaring Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur a tourist destination.

Santiago Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur was also declared as another tourist destination of the province under RA 11408.

Duterte signed RA 11406 declaring Mount Bulaylay in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija a tourist destination.

Under the laws, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned agencies of the government will be tasked to prepare a tourism development plan “involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure.”

These facilities and infrastructure must “improve the overall feature of the area” to ensure accessibility and security of tourists.

The said development plan must ensure the "preservation and conservation of the historic significance of the area."

Any activities and developments to be carried out in the area should conform to the concept of ecotourism as provided in the National Ecotourism Strategy jointly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the DOT.

The DOT and its concerned attached agencies are tasked to take immediate steps to implement the tourism development plan and incorporate the same in the National Tourism Development Plan.

The funding from the act will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (PNA / By Azer Parrocha )

DND chief eyes new Navy ship to guard Palawan, Sulu waters

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA -- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday he prefers to deploy the newly-acquired BRP Conrado Yap of the Philippine Navy to guard the country's waters off Palawan or Sulu, once it is ready.

"Kung ako siguro, (As for me) maybe Palawan and the Sulu seas it depends on the Navy how soon they can bring (the ship) to the south," Lorenzana said on the sidelines of the welcoming ceremonies for corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor.

Lorenzana also lauded President Rodrigo R. Duterte's instruction to all foreign vessels to get clearance before passing through the country's waters.

"That is a very good development because now we have some authority to enforce our laws with (in) our territorial waters," he said.

Duterte’s order came after the repeated passing of foreign vessels, particularly Chinese warships, through Philippine waters without notifying the government.

The Western Mindanao Command earlier reported that five Chinese naval vessels passed through Sibutu Strait in the waters of Tawi-Tawi -- four were recorded in July and the last on August 4.

Meanwhile, PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad called the arrival of BRP Conrado Yap a momentous occasion for the seafaring nation of the Philippines.

"We welcome home with pride, our newest and easily the most powerful man-of-war, BRP Conrado Yap, PS-39, manned by 60 well-trained, highly capable, and extremely dedicated officers and crew," he added.

Empedrad also thanked the South Korean government for its donation, adding that the PN will take good care of the ship, considered as its most heavily-armed unit, and hopes that it will get two more "Pohang"-class corvettes in the near future.

The BRP Conrado Yap is the former "Chungju" of the Republic of Korea Navy. Pohang-class corvettes, especially those designated as Flight II, are optimized for anti-submarine warfare missions.

The ship is armed with two 76mm Oto Melara automatic guns, two Oto Breda 40mm light cannons, depth-charge racks, and two triple torpedo tubes and surveillance systems like radar and sonar.

BRP Conrado Yap was formally turned over and commissioned to the PN last August 5 during short ceremonies at Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon City, South Korea. The corvette and her escort, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) departed the South Korean facility last August 12 for their voyage home which ended early morning of August 18. (PNA /By Priam Nepomuceno  )