Editorial

Behind the gift: 2018 budget & TRAIN

President Duterte signed and offered the 2018 P3.77 trillion budget and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN as gifts for the Filipino people. These we hope would reach the intended parties through proper management and utilization of funds which are people’s money.

What are in store for us? The budget includes additional remunerations for the men in uniform: the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. We pray that they continue to be our defenders and keepers of the peace with vowed professionalism. Other civil personnel would get a pay hike by tranches. This also covers free tuition for students in state universities and colleges and we pray they become more scholarly and committed to their respective careers. Here’s hoping that those in the private sector will also get their corresponding pay increases.

The budget also covers widened infrastructure projects, era of golden infrastructures, and social services to mention health and economic upliftment plus additives to the Conditional Cash Transfer program, one of which is the 4Ps for indigent families so they can go through their lives and be better off in the long run.

One package under the TRAIN is exempting from taxation for those earning not more than P250,000 a year. We hope that income earners would use the huge savings for good --- emergency fund and future investment. But we have to brace for higher price ceilings following added excise taxes on commodities such as sweetened beverages and petroleum products. This would affect sales and consumption. Never mind those addicted to cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and sweets whose prices will further spiral up but health is wealth guys. Transport groups are now asking for higher pay hike and motorists will carry the brunt of higher fuel prices. These added excise taxes will earn for us the necessary revenues essential for public services. This means responsible spending and wise and practicable use of earnings.

If the 2018 budget is meant for better public service, then it is a gift. Of course, we desist imposition of more taxes but revenues have to be raised to further fill the coffer for expenditures in public service. So be prudent in spending and check if revenues land to their intended destinations. Life is full of adjustments and we have to give meaning to these changes, adjustments, or alterations.

Are the 2018 budget and TRAIN really pro-people and pro-poor? Let’s see when we cruise another year.

Police watchful on 2018 revelry

Agustin J. Tello

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- The Maguindanao Police Provincial Office (PPO) assured the public of widened police visibility until the New Year’s eve to further ensure peace and order in the entire province, most especially within the SPMS box areas.

Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said during a recent interview of Mindanao Expose' that the PNP is committed in dealing with indiscriminate firing of guns on New Year’s eve to protect innocent lives of potential victims.

“Rest assured that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be on the streets of the province’s 36 towns during the New Year ’seveto patrol and arrest those who will be caught using their firearms,”  Tello said.

He appealed to the public to help the police in their campaign against indiscriminate firing of guns to prevent fatal accidents.

“You may report those individuals who use their firearms on New Year’s celebration,” he added.

Tello encouraged the public to peacefully welcome 2018 and greet everyone with a “prosperous new year.” (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Kabuntalan holds peace and order council meeting

Mayor Salaban Diocolano

KABUNTALAN, Maguindanao --- The local chief executive and other municipal government officials here expressed confidence in saying that Kabuntalan is “generally peaceful.”

This they stated during the conduct of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting last December 18 held at the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) session hall.

Mayor Salaban Diocolano led the meeting with the presence of municipal and barangay officials together with other authorities

Mayor Diocolano emphasized that they have listed zero crime incidence for the Calendar Year 2017.

“We would want to maintain that in the coming year,” the mayor stressed.

Mayor Dicoloano added that they have 24/7 open line communication with all the barangays for the purpose of safeguarding the communities.

“We have issued hand-held radios to our 17 barangays to ensure the safety of our populace,” he added.

Kabuntalan chief of police Senior Inspector Harold Manamapan said he credits the outcome of a peaceful community with the cooperation of the town constituents.

“We always emphasize our intent to have increased awareness and participation of communities to maintain a peaceful community,” he said.

Kabuntalan is politically subdivided into 17 barangays --- Bagumbayan, Buterin, Dadtumog (Dadtumeg), Gambar, Ganta, Katidtuan, Langeban, Liong, Lower Taviran, Maitong, Matilak, Pagalungan, Payan, Pedtad, Pened, Poblacion, and Upper Taviran.

(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Upi LGU aims to attain drug-cleared barangays

Ramon A. Piang, Sr.

UPI, Maguindanao --- This municipal government is committed to eradicate the proliferation of illegal drugs within their community.

Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr. said during interview that the municipal government has previously listed at least one drug-cleared barangay.

“Borongotan was already declared drug-cleared but all remaining barangays are now subject for drug clearing,” Mayor Piang said.

The mayor said they are closely monitoring 24/7 the situation in the barangays through the barangay leaders and other sectors as he emphasized the importance of  cooperation with the authorities to ensure the safety of their communities.

“We are targeting that these barangays will be drug-cleared by early first quarter of 2018,” Mayor Piang said.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a village can be declared “drug-cleared” or free from illegal drug activities if it meets these six requirements: non-availability of drug supply; absence of drug den, pusher, and user; absence of clandestine drug laboratory; active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information; and existence of voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk. The requirements are mandated under Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 3 series of 2017.

The DDB regulation prescribes three phases of clearing drug-affected barangays. The “pre-operation phase” starts with the laying of groundwork and bases for effective and sustainable clearing operations. House clusters are to be organized with designated cluster leader in each barangay, who will directly report to the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council chairperson all essential facts of any illegal drug activities within his/her cluster such as names of pushers or users, marijuana cultivation activities, clandestine laboratory operations, and other drug-related data. City or Municipal Anti-drug Abuse Council and local police unit will then formulate and validate a watch list of drug personalities in every barangay.

The “operation phase” is the actual implementation of drug supply and demand reduction strategies in priority drug-affected barangays, while “post-operation phase” aims to maintain the “drug-cleared” status of barangays, through support activities to be funded from the general fund of a barangay.

In the issuance of drug-clear certificate, the DDB Regulation further directs the establishment of oversight committees which is responsible in declaring a barangay as drug-free after satisfying all parameters.       

Upi is a first class municipality in Maguindanao. It is politically subdivided into 23 barangays:Bantek, Bayabas, Blensong, Borongotan, Bugabungan, Bungcog, Darugao, Ganasi, Kabakaba, Kibleg, Kibucay, Kiga, Kinitaan, Mirab, Nangi/ Kamonsawi, Nuro (Poblacion), RanaoPilayan, Rente,Rifao, Rempes, Renede, Sefegefen, andTinungkaan. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA -MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Alliance Center inaugurated

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT --- ARMM Governor MujivHataman led the inauguration of the Central Maguindanao Development Cooperation Alliance Center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. At inset is Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom (seated, 1^st from right) together with the ARMM officials. (Anne Acosta -MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Central Maguindanao Development Cooperation (CMDC) Alliance Center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao was inaugurated last December 19 in a ceremony led by Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The center would cater to the needs of 15 conflict-affected municipalities in Maguindanao.

Governor Hataman said the P30-million center will serve as the office of the executive body of the CMDC, an alliance of 15 municipalities in Maguindanao that are beneficiaries of the Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program (HDAP) of the regional government.

Central Maguindanao has been the center of encounters between government forces and lawless elements in the past.

“Forming an alliance among local officials will help restore normalcy and facilitate development efforts among the communities in Maguindanao,” Governor Hataman said.

The construction of the center was implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

A portion of the building will house the office of law enforcement and elders for the planning and implementation of the CMDC program for peace and development. The ARMM has earmarked P2.23 billion for the implementation of projects under the ARMM-HDAP.

The program aims to address the immediate needs of the affected families as well as in providing follow-through interventions in 15 affected municipalities in Maguindanao. These municipalities are Datu Piang, Talitay, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, Guindulungan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Datu Salibo, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, and Shariff Aguak.

The HDAP provides various interventions such as health, education, social welfare, infrastructure, livelihood, community development, and peace and governance. It will also help transform the better socio-economic situation in the 2nd District of Maguindanao.

To provide safe and clean water to the residents, DILG-ARMM Secretary Atty. Noorhafizullah Abdullah said Level II water supply systems, or communal faucets, will be completed this year in areas covered by the alliance. The new municipal halls of Datu Salibo, Datu Anggal, and Shariff Saydona are now completed while the municipal halls of Datu Piang and Talitay have been rehabilitated.

Also, hundreds of residents of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao availed themselves of free services from the ARMM government and its line-agencies during the 22nd ARMM People’s Day.

Governor Hataman and other officials led the People’s Day held at Dapiawan Elementary School in Barangay Dapiawan.

The social services included dental and medical services and supplemental feeding and distribution of hygiene kits, relief goods, fish corals, and tree seedlings, among others. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MUNTREAL on its fourth anniversary

DIRECTION --- New set of officers of the Municipal Treasurers’ League of Maguindanao for CY 2018 take oath last December 21. Sponsored by the local government of Upi, they were inducted by Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr. At inset is the group photo of MUNTREAL during its 4^th anniversary last December 19 held at the municipal gymnasium of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao. (GILMHAR A. LAO/ MARK EDUARD LIM - MINDANAO EXPOSE’ )

COTABATO CITY --- The Municipal Treasurers’ League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao observed its 4^th anniversary last December 19 held at the municipal gymnasium of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

In his message, MUNTREAL president Engr. Tokan Brahim said how he was moved after he recalling the humble beginnings of the organization in its early years.

“I can still remember how we started from scratch.Despite our ups and downs, we have remained strong enough to fight and surpass any circumstance that hinder our progress as an organization.Thank you for the hard work all these years, fellow MUNTREAL members,” Brahim said.

Brahim narrated that ever since as an organization, they have fostered closer and more mutual understanding, relationship, and cooperation among the municipal treasurers and since then has continuously committed with “our goal of improving the social and economic well-being in our respective localities.”

“This is more than a commitment,” he further added.

For one thing, he said, he had seen each and everyone’s commitment to operate with the Bureau of Local Government Finance and the Department of Finance in the Implementation of its fiscal and national policies.

“Through the years, we have also extended cooperation to the various municipalities in the province in terms of implementation, furtherance, and fulfillment of the tax campaign activities to bring about the successful achievement of the aims, objectives, and goals prescribed and enunciated by the Department of Finance and the Philippine Government.

In addition, Brahim said they always been committed in extending aid, protection, and promotion for the prosperity, welfare, and well-being of all their members.

“Two good practices of MUNTREAL are the documented monthly meetings and on time submission of reports,” Brahim said.

He likewise took special mention of their parent association, the “Municipal Treasurers’ and Assessors’ Association of the Philippines.

“We are their partner in presenting a strong and unified 0front on its stand on all matters affecting local and national taxation for the benefit of our nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the new set of officers for CY 2018 were also inducted in Upi, Maguindanao last December 21. Sponsored by the local government of Upi, they were inducted by Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr.

MUNTREAL’s new set of officers are  Engr. Tokan M. Brahim (president),  Nicanor S. Garrigues, Jr. (vice president), Juliet V. Mariscal (secretary), Misuari S. Guialudin (treasurer), and Elizabeth Estrella (auditor).

Members of the Board of Directors are Hamida A. Adzal, Carmen M. Escritor, Lorlene D. Nepomuceno, Norodin K. Samaon, Sambrano T. Mantawel, Sailani K. Pendong, Mama San Diego, Kusain Masurong, Roxas G. Adza Al-Hajj, and Nawawi T. Esmael.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA)

DepEd holds Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City

SCHOOL REHAB MOVEMENT --- DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones and DepEd-ARMM Secretary Dr. John Magno (center) lead the convergent Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City which started last December 13. (PHOTO BY BPI-ARMM - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---The Department of Education (DepEd) brought together volunteers and resources from its offices nation-wide as it launched Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City last December 13.

The volunteers repaired, painted, and cleaned some of the schools that were damaged by the five-month fighting in the war-torn city.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones and DepEd-ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) Secretary Dr. John Magno led the Brigada Eskwela covering 16 schools in the city.

Volunteers came from various DepEd offices across the country. The activity is a joint effort among DepEd offices nation-wide, with the regional offices in Mindanao providing the manpower and the Visayas and Luzon regional offices providing the resources.

Marawi City has a total of 69 schools, 22 of which were totally damaged in the war affecting more than 62,000 students who were enrolled in public and private schools as well as in state universities and colleges.

In November, the DepEd-ARMM started to repair seven damaged schools in Marawi City and 54 others in various parts of Lanao del Sur. “The (initial) budget for the repair, which is over P34 million, came from the regular program of the DepEd,” said AlfhadarPajiji, DepEd-ARMM assistant secretary.

Schools where Brigada Eskwela was launched last December 13 were:Bito Elementary School; Rorogagus Elementary School; Mipagaga Elementary School; Pendolonan Elementary School; Abdulazis Elementary School;Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School; Sugod Central Elementary School; Sultan Conding Elementary School; Sikap Elementary School;

Banga Primary School; Cabingan Primary School; Datu Tambak Primary School; Basak Elementary School; Pandi Elementary School; Marawi City National High School; and Amai Pakpak Elementary School.

“Education must continue. Let’s all give quality education to the learners. The Department of Education will help rebuild damaged schools here in Marawi City,” Secretary Briones said.

She also underscored the need to provide psycho-social assistance not just for the students but also for displaced teachers.

“Di naming pababayaan ang Marawi City. Umpisa lamang ito. Hindi natin ititigil ang Brigada Eskwela hanggang hindi natin matapos maayos ang lahat ng paaralan sa Marawi,” she added.

Jomairah Noor, 5^th grade student of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak, said: “Nagpapasalamat po kami, dahil nakikita naming na hindi kami pinapabayaan. Marami po tumutulong sa amin.”

“Sana po hindi na ulit magkagulo dito sa Marawi paratuluy-tuloy na pag-aaral namin at para maging Masaya nakaming lahat dito,” she added.

Tanjirea Mascara, Grade 6 teacher in Amai Pakpak Elementary School, reiterated the challenge of teaching students who are victims of the siege.

"Ang challenge para sa amin ngayon ay kami mismo mga teacher ay biktima din ng kaguluhan. Imbes na umiyak ako at magmukmok, kailangan ipakita sa mga estudyante naming namatatag kami. Kailangan turuan at tulungan yung mga bata na maging matatag sa kabila ng mga nangyari,” Mascara said.

“At kailangan naming gawin ang lahat ng aming makakaya para tulungan ang mga bata na ipagpatuloy ang pagaaral dahil napakahalaga ito para makamit ang kanilang pangarap sa buhay,”she added.

Meanwhile, the DepEd-ARMM said it is continuously monitoring the situation of students and teachers affected by the Marawi crisis. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

TRIBUTE

TRIBUTE --- The municipal government of Pagalungan gathered some 180 persons with disabilities last December 14 at the municipal gymnasium in observance of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities.” The program highlighted the contribution of PWDs in the society. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA holds interfaith security, economic summit

VIGILANCE MOVEMENT --- Local officials, authorities, religious leaders, and populace joined the one-day Interfaith Security and Economic Summit last December 14 held at the municipal gymnasium of Datu Saudi Ampatuan with the aim to address the emergence of violent extremism and terrorism. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTOS BY ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao --- Hundreds of local officials and Moro religious leaders in this townand nearby municipalities gathered last December 14 for a one-day Interfaith Security and Economic Summit held at the municipal gymnasium of this town.

Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom said the activity aims at addressing the emergence of violent extremism and terrorism.

She said the theme of the summit is “Correct Understanding of Respective Faith: A Key against Extremism, Terrorism and Illegal Drugs for Peace and Progress.”

Brig. Gen.Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 601^st Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the stakeholders’ participation in the government’s campaign against terrorism is important to save the less educated people from various communities.

“We are open to the opinions and suggestions of Moro elders and religious leaders on how to effectively address the issue,” Brig. Gen.Carreon said.

“The safety of every Maguindanaon is our utmost priority,” he further said.

Vice-Mayor Bailon S. Dimaukom said they have also sought the opinion of religious leaders on matters directly affecting public security.

Further, also discussed during the summit was the current war on illegal drugs by the Duterte administration, which, according to Mayor Dimaukom, has been producing good results in the municipality.

Mayor Dimaukom said their aim is to spread the true teachings of Islam.

Aso in attendance during the event were DarulIfta Grand Mufti Sheikh Abo Huraira Udasan, Lt. Col.Markton G. Abu of the 6^thID, Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr., OMI, Lt. Col. Alvin G. Iyog of the 2^ndMechanical Battalion, Datu  Salibo Mayor Norodin Salasal, a representative from the local government of Datu Piang, Ustadz Mohammad Said Akmad, Eduardo Diestro, Pastor Juvinal Tenorio, and Ustadz Zainudin Mento. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabato City celebrates Shariff Kabunsuan 2017

“THE COMING” is one of the highlights in the celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2017, a musical theatre play that portrays the arrival of Johorian missionary Shariff Kabunsuan to the island of Mindanao to spread the religion of Islam. The play, under the direction of local genius artist, Datu Omar Sharief Patadon, was staged last December 16at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government is on high spirits as it celebrates once more the annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival every December 15 to 19, which features the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan in Mindanao.

Upon his arrival from Johore, Malaysia to Cotabato, Kabunsuan had nothing but wanted to achieve his goal and that was to perform his vocation: to introduce and spread Islamic faith.

Natives during those times, who happened to be of royal descent, welcomed the missionary and served as key players in the spread of Islam and establishment of the sultanate.

During opening of the week-long Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the event is all about faith anchored on unity, respect, love, and peaceful co-existence among people.

In a simple yet colorful, joyful, and meaningful opening ceremony of the yearly festival held at the ground of the People’s Palace, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi called on  Cotabateños to renew and further strengthen their bond as a people who are united to attain a common dream of a progressive, peaceful, and vibrant Cotabato City.

“The Coming,” a theatre play that portrayed the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan to the island of Mindanao to spread the religion of Islam was one of the highlights of the festival.

This play featured the talented young Cotabateños who underwent an audition sometime last September. This activity was made possible through the initiative of the city’s Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) with the support of the city government of Cotabato.

Datu Omar Sharief Patadon, TPB Board of Director on socio-cultural committee and director of the theatre play, said the TPB was tasked by the city government of Cotabato to be the specific in-charge of this significant activity.

“It is not a usual play, but a musical play with a touch of artistry in it. The play feature the rich culture --- heritage, traditions, and values --- of our forefathers during the era,” Patadon said.

Apart from “The Coming,” other activities include the ShariffKabunsuan Bazaar, ASEAN Culinary Competition, Mini-Guinakit Competition, Kulintang Awards, Halal Forum, Kuyog Streetdancing and Showcase Competition, Inaul Cultural Weaves, Quar’An Reading, Colors of Cotabato, Grand Cultural Parade, Guinakit Fluvial, Grand Pagana, Banggala Fashion Show, and "Pinta" (Two-Men Painting Exhibition).

Further, in the midst of the present security and social problems on violent extremism, Mayor Guiani stressed that Cotabateños should not allow “some wicked elements or groups” to destroy Cotabato City.

“Let us further fortify our unity in defense against wicked elements whose aim is to sow disunity, conflict, fear, and terror,” she said.

She said Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan came to Kutawatu then, now Cotabato City, in the 16th century for the primary purpose of spreading faith “anchored on social and economic development; faith anchored on unity, cooperation, respect, love, and peaceful co-existence.”

She saidt hat Sharif fKabunsuan never taught our forefathers to sow or propagate fear or terror.

“As we celebrate the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, let us not forget the efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers – inspired by the teachings and examples of Shariff Kabunsuan – that eventually led to the transformation of our city into a growing metropolitan area, the lady mayor said, who herself is also a direct descendant of Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan.(GILMHAR A. LAO WITH SAMSON GOGO- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PRO-ACTIVE

PRO-ACTIVE and vigilant, city government officials and employees, religious sector, academe, and other members of the community came together last December 11 for a peace rally to call each and everyone to advocate peace and prevent extremist ideologies.  The rally also served as a place of discourse and awareness building about the real concept of Islamic religion, the root cause of terrorism, and terrorism itself.  (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SSB holds joint MPOC,MADAC, MDRRMC meetings

COUNCIL MEETINGS --- Sultan Sa Barongis Mayor Ramdatu Angas leads the joint Municipal Peace and Order Council, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meetings last December 4. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao --- This municipal government  conducted last December 4 its joint Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MRRMC) meetings at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall in a bid to further ensure the security and stability of the municipality.

Mayor RamdatuAngas led the meeting with the presence of municipal and barangay officials together with other local authorities.

“We are that happy that Sultan Sa Barongis is generally peaceful,” the mayor said.

OIC Chief of Police PO1 Reynante Quinilayo reported on the peace and order situation of the town, revealing that the municipal government has prepared a Peace and Order and Public Safety plan for FY 2017-2019.

“Included in the plan is to address pressing issues such as the presence of threat groups and family feuds,” Quinilayo said.

The police officer emphasized their intent to have increased awareness and participation of communities to maintain a peaceful community.

40th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu presented an update on peace and security.

Assistant Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Sittie Jay Amnah D. Baraguir reported about the MADAC while MDRRMO Paisal A. Maulana updated the body on  the DRRM situation.

As to the DRRM, the town continues to experience recurring flood problem.

“Sultan SaBarongis is situated along the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and is at the direct path of Ala River, a major tributary coming from South Cotabato. Therefore, it is not only a concern of the town but also of the provincial and regional governments,” he said.

Mayor Angas said the flood water easily rise in the town,most especially in the five low-lying barangays of Paldong, Barurao, Gadungan, Papakan, and Kulambog.

“This is what usually happens when Ala River rises due to the torrential rain in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. Should it rain up there in the mountains of these provinces, we will be flooded for sure,” he said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM holds MSME summit

CULTURAL ITEMS have been in display during the conduct of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Summit held December 12 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City. (BPI-ARMM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC) held last December 12 its first ARMM MSME Summit.

The event was intended to help advance the promotion and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region by empowering local entrepreneurs and providing them with information on the latest trends in the local and global markets.

The DTI-ARMM also aims at assisting the MSMEs in overcoming issues and challenges they face in the region through the summit.

The 10 most promising MSMEs in the ARMM were awarded with plaques of recognition during the program.

Regional governor MujivHataman said one of the major economic strategies in the ARMM’s Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 is the promotion and development of MSMEs.

“Handa po ang regional government na tumulong sa inyong mga maliliit na negosyo, pero ang pakiusap namin, gawin natin itong negosyo hindi lamang para sa ating mga sarili, kundi pantulong narin sa ating komunidad, lipunan, sa ating rehiyon at sa buong bansa,” he said.

The summit carried the theme: “Moving Forward through PESO-PRIDE, or People Empowerment through Social Enterprise – Poverty Reduction by Industry Development and Entrepreneurship.”

The summit gathered hundreds of delegates from the ARMM’s five provinces — Maguindanao, Lanaodel Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi — and other neighboring areas.

The summit’s participants come from MSMEs, local government units, the academe, business support organizations, partner government agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and MSMED councils.

Also present during the program were ARMM Regional Vice-Governor HarounAlrashidLucman, Office of the Regional Governor ARMM Chief-of-Staff Atty. RasolMitmug, Jr., DTI-ARMM Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang, and Director Jerry Clavesillas of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

The summit was one of the programs organized by the DTI-ARMM before the year ends. Other events conducted were the Agro-Industrial Forum and the Halal Chevon Stakeholders Workshop set December 13 and 18, respectively.

Recently, the department has granted P100,000 seed funding and mentoring support to each of the five winners of its first Social Enterprise Ideation Camp. The five winners are Langkit Weaving, Halal Organic Agricrops Production, and Anaya Solutions, all from the province of Lanao del Sur; Center for Integrated Organic Farming System from Maguindanao; and There is Hope in Daing from Basilan province.

The ideation camp was held in partnership with the Strengthening Civil Society Participation in Social Enterprise Education Development. (Bureau of Public Information– ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

The challenge behind SGLG

A number of local government units in Region XII bagged the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance or SGLG. Cotabato City is one of the awardees as it exceeded the core and essential areas of governance, which are the criteria for the citation. The award system helps push people or organization to excel in performance because of incentives and prestige. It draws attraction for social and economic development because governance is at best which developers and investors find wanting.

We give credit to whom it is due --- our local government officials and people behind governance and the support of the various sectors who would not settle for less we could have. We want our city to make a mark and most liveable. Look for yourselves. The core areas are peace and order, financial administration, social protection, and disaster preparedness. Other than these are the essential areas: environmental management; business friendliness and competitiveness; and tourism, culture, and arts. We touched these marks… we did it.

Services are in place as we feel secure, our coffer is safe and sound, the care for the vulnerable sectors are attended to, and disaster program is at readiness but hoping disaster would not dampen us when it comes but always responsive for the worst. Our city has also been cited as child friendly besides being business friendly and competitive. For these feats, we have received the awards and made a name for our city. Now, the support institutions and sectors and we ourselves have to manage and sustain such core and essential areas; not because there are awards but because we want our city to flourish and fully develop. The SGLG marker and financial award attest to the growing performance of our local government and responsive communities. As our mayor, Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, has said, these feats are of the people and for the people… our support, cooperation, and enthusiasm must be full and given. After all, Cotabato City is the place we live, our own habitat, our own pride.

As we continually grow, challenges further lie ahead and we must readily be abreast with the challenges of social and cultural change. We have to be adaptive or responsive to situations as mere contentment, apathy, or indifference would only leave ushelpless or fall prey to the effects of culture lag. We have to move in the momentum of change as the world hurdles the demands of time and to solve social problems. A change in one necessitates a change in another. We have to be part of the chain of change if we want our lots sustainable and manageable.

The core and essential areas of governance is on our hands as we are all social, cultural, political, economic, and religious human beings. We are the institutions ourselves and we make them that dynamic for our sake.

Be proud and be part of the award system our city can get and achieve. Let’s celebrate the feat.

City zero in maternal, neonatal tetanus

Cotabato City is once again recognized in the health field as it receives an award from the Department of Health because of its attainment of zero maternal and neonatal tetanus.

The only local government unit given this recognition in the whole Region XII, Cotabato City has successfully eliminated the cases of mothers and new born babies being infected by tetanus, according to the DOH.

The city LGU, through the efforts of its Office on Health Services, has achieved this goal through its intensive information dissemination and thorough care for pregnant women in the city.

This year, it has also opened several state-of-the-art birthing facilities in different parts of the city. These clinics receive patients on a daily basis, decongesting the hospitals in the city.

More are expected to open next year (2018).

The Cotabato City LGU implements inclusive programs that take care of every citizen's needs. Aside from constant development in infrastructure and other government facilities, it also aims to deliver top-notch social and economic services to every Cotabateño.

Due to its performance, the city government has received many recognitions,  the Seal of Good Local Governance being the latest.

With the continuous support that received from the national line-agencies and with the concerted effort of every official and employee of the local government, it can truly achieve more.

The promise of glory and progress for Cotabato City is now within reach. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO -MINDANAO EXPOSE’)