Antipas villagers leave homes

FLEEING FOLKS --- Residents from Barangay Camutan in Antipas, North Cotabato evacuated to safer areas after communist rebels occupied their villages and forced them to leave. (Contributed by media partner – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

NORTH COTABATO ---Communist rebels occupied an upland barangay in Antipas town of North Cotabato on Thursday last week and forced hundreds of villagers to leave at gunpoint.

Provincial and municipal education officials immediately decided to shut down all schools in Barangay Camutan in Antipas and evacuated school children to safer areas.

Antipas Mayor EgidioCadungon confirmed the occupation of Barangay Camutan by hundreds of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas who arrived there at past 6:00 a.m. that Thursday.

Barangay officials said the NPAs immediately looted houses, collected money from villagers, and took their farm animals.

Army and police intelligence units have to validate reports purporting that the NPAs are holding 70 residents captive, to be used as “human shields” if the military will drive them away.

Barangay Camutan is a hinterland barangay close to mountain ranges where there is heavy NPA presence.

The first to evacuate immediately after the NPAs arrived in Barangay Camutan were 47 families driven away at gunpoint after having been robbed of their money, wristwatches, farm tools, clothes, and livestock in their yards.

The rebels also ransacked and took goods for sale in sari-sari stores abandoned by owners.

Cadungon said the attack also caused panic in neighboring barangays.

Barangay officials sent emissaries to the rebels to convince their commanders to set their hostages free.

Clearing operation

As of Friday last week, government troops have been clearing a village of Antipas town in Cotabato province that communist rebels had occupied and where they supposedly held civilians hostage.

Senior Inspector Rolando Dillera, police chief of Antipas, said the military “is pushing away the rebels and clearing the area (of) landmines” the New People’s Army guerrillas may have planted as they withdrew.

Dillera said a total of 181 families from SitiosMalapangi, Embagan, and Matias in Barangay Camutan and SitioPatot, Barangay DatuAgod have fled to evacuation sites in the center of Antipas.

There was no word on whether this number included the estimated 100 residents of Malapangi authorities earlier accused the rebels of holding as “human shields.”

Nevertheless, he said no civilian or government casualties have been reported since the rebels occupied Camutan at dawn Thursday.

Dillera said fighting marked by grenade explosions broke out around 7 p.m. Thursday after what he described as failed efforts by local government officials to secure the alleged hostages’ release.

Mayor EquidioCadungon, who temporarily suspended classes in the affected communities, said he was still awaiting clearance from security officials before sending the evacuees home.

A military report said a Commander Joel of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 53 led the occupation of Camutan. (Media partner & PNA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Top 3 most inspiring teacher from Cot. City

INSPIRATION ---Gomersendo P. Carcueva shows to Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi his Plaque of Recognition from Saceda Youth Lead as an “Inspiring Teacher” 2017. Accompanying the awardee is Johnny Balawag (3^rd from left), administrative officer of the Cotabato City Schools Division. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

The city government of Cotabato has congratulatedGomersendo P. Carcueva for being adjudged as the Top 3 “Most Inspiring Teacher” in the Philippines.

The award was given by the Saceda Youth Lead, a private youth institution under the auspices of the National Youth Commission of the Philippines,that provides leadership trainings, community service, education, and many others to the youths and professionals and helps in shaping them to becoming effective citizens of the country.

Carcueva was among the dozens of teachers across the country who aspired for the award. Among the top 16 who passed the evaluation, only 10 of them were given recognition.

In his life as a teacher, Carcueva has initiated several leadership trainings for students in both public and private schools in Cotabato City.

Aiming to help the youths in the city to hone their leadership skills to its full extent through the conduct of tranining, Carcueva uses his connections with  private institutions for the students join the program undertakings for free.

He said this initiative is out of his love for education and service.

"I have been in a Marist institution for a long period in my career as an educator and I think it has inculcated in me the sincere commitment to public service,"Carcueva said.

Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi expressed her pride and joy upon learning about the recognition that Carcueva has brought the city.

She said that not only are the students the ones who excel in the field of education but the teachers themselves, as well.

"We are very proud of Mr.Carcueva's achievement. I hope other teachers will be inspired by this to be more dedicated to their job as they are the ones who play the most vital role in shaping the future of our youths," Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Carcueva is currently connected with the Department of Education (City Schools Division) and still continues to train students to becoming good leaders someday.(HALIMA K. SATOL-IBRAHIM– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Women’s Month accentsgender service potentials

ICONIC WOMEN --- Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi (center) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia as guest of honor and speaker during the conduct of the Women’s Month symposium at the ORG Compound (Photo by BPI-ARMM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

The Office of the Regional Governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) organized a symposium as part of the annual celebration of the Women’s Month last March 22 at the ShariffKabunsuan Cultural Complex at the ORG Compound in Cotabato City.

The symposium, entitled “What Makes Her a Woman?” gathered both men and women employees of the different ARMM agencies as well as college students to hear talks from present iconic women in the Bangsamoro arena. These included the first female mayor of Cotabato City, Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. LaisaMasuhud-Alamia, and Regional Commission on the Bangsamoro Women Chairperson JehanMutin.

Mayor Sayadi, the guest of honor at the activity, delivered a powerful and extensive message on the role and status of women, especially in the Bangsamoro.

The city mayor said that the Bangsamoro women should not be insecure even if they do not have the highest possible educational attainment. This, according to her, should not be something that should hamper them from being of service to their communities or for fulfilling their highest potentials.

“What the world needs significantly are individuals with commitment and a genuine heart, ” she said.

“Women’s political perception and leadership are necessary for democracy to function effectively. We must be very serious of the sample we set and the legacy we leave” the city mayor added.

The 2017 Women’s Month celebration in the Philippines carries the theme “We Make Change Work for Women.” The annual celebration aims to inspire and empower women and girls to achieve gender equality. (Bureau of Public Information– ARMM/ MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

FORGIVE AND FORGET

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DSA shares victory of women

COMPETENCE --- As part of Women’s Month Celebration, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai Anida U. Diumakom shares the victory of the women sector after winning first place in the “Fastest Weaver Tubao Category of the Kapaginaul Competition in the “2017 Inaul Festival sa Maguindanao.” (ANNE B. ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN --- The local government of this town is one with the nation in observing the Women's Month celebration with the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women.”

Mayor BaiAnida U. Dimaukomsaid during a simple culmination program ofthe  celebrationheld at the municipal grounds that women have been one of their priorities through the years.

“We have various women groups in the town and it is our goal to empower them. We acknowledge women participation in building a better Datu Saudi Ampatuan,” said Dimaukom.

Mayor Diumakomcited “competency” as one asset of the women inDatu Saudi Ampatuanwhen the group won first place in the “Fastest Weaver Tubao Category” of the recently concluded Kapaginaul competition of the “2017 Inaul Festival sa Magundanao.”

“This is truly a milestone to the women sector of the town,” Dimaukom hailed.

Dimaukom added that they would want to include women’s issues and concerns in the development agenda of the municipality to ensure that theirrights are protected.

“Our theme for this year’s observance, ‘We Make Change Work for Women,”is timely and relevant,’ said Dimukom.

Further, Dimaukomsaid it is their mission to create an environment that would enable women to pursue their passion and interest to become productive individuals of society.

“As part of our commitment, we extend our full support to women empowerment and gender equality through the fullest implementation of the Magna Carta of Women down to the grassroots level. I believe it is the responsibility of the local government to advocate women’s rights and their voices must be heard,” said Dimaukom.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MUNTREAL to establish SEAL program

SEAL PROGRAM --- Municipal Treasurer’s League of Maguindanao president Engr. Tokan Brahim (seated 2^nd from left) presides over a regular monthly meeting of fellow municiapl treasures held at the MUNTREAL office in Cotabato City. The discussion centered on the upcoming implementation of the SEAL program. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---- The Municipal Treasurer’s League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao is scheduled to implement the Department of Finance (DOF) Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Department Order No. 053. 2016 (dated October 20, 2016) or the Establishment of Standardized Examination and Assessment for Local Treasury Service (SEAL) program.

Engr. Tokan Brahim, MUNTREAL of Maguindanao president, said the DOF through the BLGF aims to develop and institute continuing competency and professional development mechanisms for local treasurers and assistant treasurers pursuant to the mandated functions under Section 470 and Section 471 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

“With the goal to further develop competent and qualified local treasury officials who demonstrate and perform their functions with the highest degree of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and ethic orientation, the SEAL program was established and institutionalized by the DOF,” he said.

The SEAL program is a three-level competency certification program intended to measure the following: SEAL 1 Certification - Tactical-Operational Competencies. This is applicable to all provincial, city, and municipal treasurers and assistant treasurers regardless of LGU income classification. This is also open to any interested applicant who intends to join local treasury service and the qualifications set under Section 470 and 471 of the LGU shall not be a requirement in applying for the said examination.

SEAL 2 Certification - Strategic-Managerial Competencies. This is primarily intended for local treasurers and assistant treasurers in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Income Class Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. Seal 1 Certification shall be a pre-requisite in taking up SEAL 2.

SEAL 3 Certification - Leading for Innovation Competencies.Brahim explained that this is suited for treasurers and assistant treasurers of Special, 1st Class and Highly Urbanized Cities, and 1st Income Class provinces. This program shall only be open to those certified under SEAL 2.

Further, he said the SEAL certification/s shall form part of the criteria in evaluating and selecting recommendees for appointment and designation and the corresponding weights are given for each level.

“We were informed that effective June 2018, all designations and extension thereof shall only be issued to SEAL 1 Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE)-certified personnel who will be recommended by the local chief executive. Those non-SEAL 1 (BCLTE)-certified designees who will be affected after June 2018 are thus encouraged to obtain said certification to be considered for extension,” he said.

The examinations required for SEAL 1, BCLTE, and for SEAL 2, through the Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination, shall be directly handled by the Civil Service Commission. Examination fees and collecting shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the CSC.

“Examination fees shall be done by the concerned applicants. Instructions and advisories from the CSC and the BLGF regarding the venue of examinations and other administrative matters will be communicated accordingly. On the other hand, the SEAL 3 Certification, through the Advance Competency for Local Treasury Examination (ACLTE), shall be administered directly by the DOF and the BLGF,” said Brahim.

Meanwhile, Brahim said the MUNTREAL has been conducting regular meetings to further dicuss and complement various issues of different localities.

“We do this in order to make our every move right and that we are properly guided,” said Brahim. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

City LGU pushes socio-econ dev’t.

DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi is determined to push socio economic development agenda to further boost the economy and the lives of local residents with the implementation of various programs and projects of the city government. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’) 

COTABATO CITY --- The city government of Cotabato continues to push itsdevelopment agenda to further boost the economy and improve the lives of the residents.

City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said they conducted recently a meeting with theSangguniangPanlungsodmembers for an exchanged discussion on the development thrusts of the local government.

“We talked about certain programs of the city government and presented our direction in the next two years. We will also give them updates once our various projects will be completed,” she said.

The mayor has also revealed that a new road network will be implementedby a foreign investor. Aside from this, she added, there will also be improvement in the economic zone, specifically on the seaport and airport.

“We prefer Cotabato City as an alternative of the airport’s Terminal 2 and it will be in Kalanganan 2. For all we know, the current airport situated in Awang isn’t ideal for expansion,” she said.

Guiani-Sayadi explained that they hired urban planners and experts in that field to prepare the feasibility study for submission to the foreign investors.

On traffic issue, the local chief executive said that since the Traffic Consciousness Month is fast approaching, there will be major transformation as they are about to implement the upgraded traffic code.

“We have a new Traffic Management Unit head in the person of Amil Ismael. I already gave him proper instructions. We believe that with the new traffic code, our traffic situation shall further improve. Let us observe within a month on the effects of our new scheme. If the situation does not improve, then let’s amend the law. Therefore, we are asking on the full cooperation not only of our drivers but also of our commuters,” said Guiani-Sayadi.

Aside from the one-way traffic scheme, the city government shall also implement the “no parking” policy in some areas, most especially in the highway area.

“With the ongoing road widening project along Governor Gutierrez Avenue, we would like to thank the local residents for being cooperative,” she said.

In addition, Guiani-Sayadi said a housing project is also one big priority of the city government.

The mayor said she is currently on talks with some potential investors who are willing help solve the housing problem of the residents.“I am more concerned about low cost housing.Our urban poor should have decent homes. While we are attracting investors inviting them to come to Cotabato city, we should not also forget that people should have permanent homes.”

Meanwhile, the city government is still on massive campaign against illegal drugs.

“We seek help not only from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine Army, but also from the reservists and barangay tanods. In addition, we also seek the aid of our constituents to be vigilant in their communities,” said Guiani-Sayadi.

As part of community awareness, the mayor said they have been conducting series of drug awareness trainings among elementary pupils.

“We are seeing here long-term plan. With proper education against the dangers of illegal drugs, it can be of help to these kids,” she said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SSB supportsnational leadership

SUPPORT --- Members of the League of Mayors of the Philippines flanked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a gathering in Malacañang Palace where the Chief Executive called on the support of the mayors, most especially the local chief executives from Mindanao, in the government’s fight against criminality, illegal drugs, and terrorism. Sultan Sa Barongis Mayor RamdatuAngas (2^nd row, 11^th from left) reaffirmed his support on the call of the President. (SULTAN SA BARONGIS MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT -– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The local government of Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao supports the anti-drug war, corruption, and criminality campaign of the national leadership as its representative, the municipal mayor, gracedtheGeneral Assembly (GA) of the country’s 1,400 municipal mayors last March 13-15 in Manila.

Sulta Sa Barongis Mayor RamdatuAngassaid the local government units have a big role to play in fighting the drug menace.

“We strongly extend our support to the Duterte administration’s sustained efforts to put an end to this crisis. I call on my fellow local chief executives to continue supporting President Duterte’s anti-drug campaign,” said Angas.

“As the chief executives of our respective localities, we play an important role in eliminating this crisis. It is a must that we extend our full effort to jail all drug traffickers and drug lords and destroy their evil ends,” he said.

Angas stressed that local leaders should stand behind Duterte, who has made his foremost mission to get rid the nation out of drugs.

The theme for the first GA of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) under the Duterte administration is “Pagkakaisa ng LMP Laban saDroga, Korapsyon at Kriminalidad.”

“It is a war we must all fight to win, so a support system is a must,” Angas emphasized.

Also at the same assembly, President Rodrigo Duterte, who was the guest speaker, received the commitment of mayors from all over the country to finish their respective Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) within the year.

The local chief executives put their commitment in a signed pledge which was presented to President Duterte by Local Government Secretary Ismael D. Sueno, LMP President Maria Fe Brondial, and Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Secretary VerniceVictorio.

The crafting of the LCCAP by the local government units is mandated by Republic Act 9729, a law created to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change, while simultaneously highlighting the benefits available.

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change and experiences the most intense tropical cyclones known to man, when typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas and other parts of the country in 2013.

Accordingly, many LGUs encounter difficulties in mainstreaming the concept of climate change in their development plans. This is due either to lack of technical capacity on the part of the local planners or funds to undertake the required studies.

LGUs can use the completed LCCAPs to access funds from the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), which was created by virtue of Republic Act 10174. The law tasked the government to allocate in the national budget P1 billion for the fund, specifically to finance climate change adaptation initiatives of local government units.

Through the assembly, the LMP aims to generate commitment from local chief executives and local planners to complete their Local Climate Change Action Plans within the year and increase information awareness and access of LGUs to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF). Hopefully, local chief executives, as well as key local and national government staff, will be more informed on thedisaster risk reduction initiatives of the Commission, which tackles both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

LMP national president Mayor Maria Fe Brondial of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro said the theme is very important and relevant since they are consistent with the agenda of the Duterte administration.

The LMP is an organization of all the municipalities of the Philippines, mandated by law, with the primary purpose of ventilating, articulating, and crystallizing issues affecting municipal government administration and securing solutions to these issues.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Beware of summer diseases

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) has warned the public on the possible rise of summer diseases as an effect of intense heat and water shortage.

DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. said there are certain diseases common this summer season as he reminds the public that unsafe hygiene practices can promote the spread of boils and even sore eyes.

“Prickly heat (bungangaraw), boils, sore eyes, stomachache, and the deadly heat stroke are some of the common diseases during the summer months,” he said.

Sinolinding said when going out, “we may apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.”

“We should avoid direct exposure to sun,” Sinolinding said.

He added that one must also refrain from doing activities between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as it could lead to heat stroke.Stroke may be felt not only when one is under the sun, but even indoors,most especially when there is not enough ventilation.

“Apparently, heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. Good thing, it can be avoided by drinking plenty of water,” said Sinolinding.

Meanwhile, the DOH has also warned the public about food safety as prepared foods is said to spoil faster during summer season.

“Stomachache and diarrhea may be brought on by spoiled food,“ he said.

As global warming has begun to take its toll in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, Filipinos are starting to experience extreme weather conditions like the El Niño phenomenon.

According to dermatologists, there will also be possible spread of skin issues like xerosis, which is characterized by rough and dry skin, resulting to the loss of our skin's natural moisture and oil.

Symptoms of xerosis are: constant skin irritation, itchiness, scaliness, and presence of fine cracks. To check whether you have dry skin, you can scratch the arm of your skin and if white marks appear, your skin is most likely dry. Also check your elbows, knees, and heels for any signs of dryness as these are area hotspots where dry skin is most commonly evident.

Apart from prolonged sun exposure and dehydration, you can also get dry skin from every day activities such as over-scrubbing of skin, taking long hot showers, and staying in an air-conditioned room all day.

Experts stressed that it can lead to more serious health problems like dermatitis or inflammation of the skin, if left untreated.With the heat expected to worsen in the coming summer months, experts advise using body lotions containing petroleum jelly to heal dry skin and keep it moisturized all day.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

RADIO ASSET

RADIO ASSET --- A total of 503 livestock raisers from Maguindanao were officially confirmed during the mass graduation ceremony of School On-the-Air (SOA) on Halal Production of Small Ruminants last March 15 at the ShariffKabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-12 conducted the SOA program to farmers from 10 towns of Maguindanao. The SOA is a series of radio programs presenting the subject matter systematically and in a progressive manner, which consisted of 18 episodes that aired on November 14, 2016 until March 13, 2017 over DXMS RadyoBida.

Alexander Alonto, Jr., DAF-ARMM secretary, led the graduation. Luz Taposok, Director IV of ATI Central Office, confirmed the graduates and Enrico Garzon, Jr., assistant secretary on Livestock-Department of Agriculture, delivered his message to the graduates. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

FSD turns over school bell, replaces bombshell

BOMBSHELL TO BELL --- Fondation Suisse de Deminage (FSD) Mines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Risk Education (MRE) Project Manager Markus Schindler (3^rd from left) turned over a “school bell” as replacement of an old Japanese “bombshell” during the launching of the “Bells for Bombs” hand-over ceremony last March 15 at the Malapag Elementary School in Carmen, North Cotabato. The bell was received by Malapag Elementary School principal Florencio W. Mandaiyas (5^th from right). (MARK NAVALES – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- TheFondation Suisse de Deminage(FSD), or commonly known as the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, has turned over a “school bell” as replacement of an old Japanese “bombshell” during launchingof the “Bells for Bombs” hand-over ceremony last March 15 at the Malapag Elementary School in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Florencio W. Mandaiyas, principal of MalapagElementary School, said the bombshell also known as “Japanese 50 lbs. airdrop weapon”has been used as bell of MalapagElementary School since the school was founded in year 1956.

“We used to believe that this bombshell was part of the Japanese amenities during the 2nd World War and was founded by the first group of people, the Iranon, who occupied Malapagin the early 19th century,” Mandaiyas said.

Mandaiyassaid the bombshell has been part of the MalapagElementary School and it has a priceless sentimental value because it is used as the wake-up call of everybody during class days and even during alert status, especially when peace and order was unstable then.

“This bell can actually be heard as far as the next barangay.And when it is heard ringing, everybody knows the signals we give. It simply unites the whole school and even the community, that we really value its importance,” he said.

But as part of the peace process, Mandaiyas added, their community is positively letting go of this bell to help promote and support Republic Act 9516.

“We hope this will be kept and used in a valuable manner by the proper agency that holds responsible of this,” he said.

Markus Schindler, Mines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Risk Education (MRE) Project Manager, said the FSD is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Here in Mindanao, the FSD has been conducting various humanitarian mine action programmes, which includes Mines and Unexploded Ordnance Risk Education,” said Schindler.

Schindler said the programme is conducted in support of the peace process and the parties’ commitment to clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines, as stated in the Peace Agreement’s Annex on Normalisation.

“We began the programme in 2012 and have been implemented across Mindanao, specifically in areas where the presence of UXO threatens the life and well-being of civilians, said Schindler.

The risk educator also added that the MRE seeks to raise awareness on the hazardous nature of UXO and to promote safe behaviour.

“Aside from conducting MRE sessions in communities and schools in areas affected by armed conflict, the FSD has trained numerous volunteers to conduct the MRE in their communities,” he added.

Just recently, FSD teams visited schools where they received information that disarmed bombs are currently in use as school bells.

“This simply contradicts FSD’s safety message that UXO is dangerous and should not be touched,” he said.

In collaboration with the Department of Education XII office, the FSD offered to replace the bombshell bell in MalapagElementary School with a brass bell.

“Our advocacy would be reinforced effectively with everyone’s participation,” said Schindler.(GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM observes Bangsamoro Week of Peace

REMEMBERING THE STRUGGLES  ---  ARMM Governor MujivHataman (left), along with UN World Food Programme  Country Director Praveen Agrawal and actress KC Concepcion, UN -WFP ambassador for hunger, attended the opening ceremony of the week-long celebration of the annual Bangsamoro Week of Peace in Cotabato City last March 13. The event is a commitment of the ARMM government to raise awareness on Bangsamoro consciousness and identity. (OMAR MANGORSI, BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’ )

COTABATO CITY ---The sixth-year commemoration of the Bangsamoro Week of Peace commenced last March 13 with an opening ceremony held in the ORG compound and led by Regional Governor MujivHataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

This year's theme for the annual event was “Bangsamoro: Revisiting the Past, Continuing the Cause.” 

Governor Hataman said it is only through remembering the previous struggles of the Bangsamoro can today’s generation be empowered to continue the cause and achieve lasting peace in this part of the country.  “Mahalaganaalalahanin natin at ipagpatuloy natin ito hanggang sa magkaroon ng ganap ng kapayapaan,” the ARMM governor said.

Hataman also called for unity and cooperation among the different sectors in the region to continue the reforms and changes that the regional government has introduced and implemented during his years of governance.

The tri-people of the Bangsamoro must continue the fight against poverty and terrorism, GovernorHataman added. “Wala man tayo sa gitna ng giyerangayon, hindi ibigsabihinna hindi na tayo nakikibaka.Patuloy ang ating pakikibakalaban sa kahirapan at terorismo,” he said.

The regional governor also pointed out how technology is a double-edged sword, with the youth becoming more vulnerable to misinformation as they gain access to the internet.

Amir Mawallil, executive director of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (BYA) echoed the government's point and said that ensuring the youth learns about the history of the Bangsamoro is crucial in developing the youth's consciousness. Aside from this, an awareness of Bangsamoro history is also crucial to the success of the long-standing peace efforts involving the Bangsamoro.

This is why, Mawallil said, the regional government will exert efforts on mainstreaming the discussion of Bangsamoro history among the youths in the region through the OBYA. “We have to look at different platforms and exhaust all means. Our approach must succeed in being pervasive, 'yung kahitsaansilalumingonnandoon ang narrative ng Bangsamoro” said Director Mawallil.

He added that the youths can be an instrument of peace simply by knowing their history. “Their every action must be rooted in something bigger than themselves; dapat may hugot, at sananakaugat 'yun sa pagkilalanila sa tunaynakasaysayan ng Bangsamoro,” he said.

Among the activitiesfor the week’s commemoration were a photo exhibit, a stage play, and a range of conferences, and panel discussions, including a forum on the Bangsamoro history conducted simultaneously in all provinces of the ARMM.

The Bangsamoro Week of Peace is celebrated every second week of March to commemorate the Jabidah Massacre which is considered a pivotal point of the Bangsamoro struggle.

“Alamkongmasakit sa ating lahatnaito’yalalahanin, ngunitito ang nag-udyok sa atinnaipaglaban ang ating mga karapatan at ipaglaban ang ating identihiya,” Hataman said, referring to the massacre. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

City SP upgrades traffic code

COTABATO CITY --- The city government of Cotabato is slated to adopt a new traffic code approved recently by the SangguniangPanlungsod (SP) to regulate and manage the growing traffic situation here.

Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama, in an interview, said they are going to implement the new traffic code in two week’s time.

Dumama said they have created one-way streets, one of which is the SK Pendatun Avenue from downtown heading to the Super area.

“It is the only way to further cushion traffic congestion,” said Dumama.

The vice mayor also suggested the putting up of at least two integrated terminals, one for the north and one for the south bound passengers.

Newly opened roads, he added, have also helped  ease traffic like the one in front of the City Hall (People’s Palace) going to Notre Dame Village and the diversion road located in Malagapas.

“These definitely helped our motorists,” he said.

Councilor Eduardo Rabago, Jr., who chairs the SP committee on transportation, said they are planning to have an advocacy campaign to fully inform the public about the new traffic code.“Rest assured we will inform the public so they could adopt with our new traffic code.”

Further, Dumama said with the 2016Revised Traffic Code, the city government will be strictly implementing stiffer penalties on violators. “Wecame up with this right after we updated the laws so we can be more responsive to the present needs of the city.”

“The 2016 Revised Traffic Code is fully upgraded,” he said.

“Upgrading the traffic code depends on the changing times. This time, we placed higher penalties to violators so there will be discipline from their end. After all, it’s for everybody’s safety,” he said.

In some areas, the city government will be implementing the  “no parking” policy.

Dumama said they are currently widening the road along Governor Gutierrez Avenue.“After we’re through with the road widening in the area, our populace would feel the difference.”

Dumama emphasized that the SP shall not entertain anymore application for franchise of terminals, except when it is favourably endorsed by the city mayor or the executive department.

“In the previous practice, application is done here.But let me tell you, it is purely on the executive level in nature,” he said.

Dumama said it is only appropriate for the franchise applicants to direct their application to the executive department so they will be properly guided with the requirements needed. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)