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)