SERVICE VOLUNTEERISM

SERVICE VOLUNTEERISM --- The Cotabato Eagles Club paid their first courtesy visit to Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi  to express their intent of partnering with the local government in its projects that concentrates on giving humanitarian aid to the less fortunate.

Headed by its club president Datu Arif A. Baraguir (EY 2017), who is seated right, and its charter president Ramil L. Masukat (EY 2015), seated 2nd from right, the Eagles informed the city mayor of the existing programs and projects of the fraternity in Cotabato City. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is the first born fraternal socio-civic organization in the country and believes in the principle of "Service through Strong Brotherhood." It has already implemented several livelihood programs in partnership with partner government agencies and has also joined relief operations in conflict-affected areas in the country. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

STRONG YOUTHFULNESS

STRONG YOUTHFULNESS --- Cotabato City National High School - Main Campus students, the champion in  the Puma SC7 Soccer Tournament (women category), visited the Office of City Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama last January 10 and personally thanked Cotabato City’s Sanggunaiang Panlungsod  for the support given by the city government to the team.

In congratulating them and calling for the active partipation of the youths in development endeavours, the vice mayor said: "These are just evidences that the youths in Cotabato City are becoming more active and participative whether it is in sports or academe...  As the saying goes: “Ang Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan.”   (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PRAYERFULNESS

PRAYERFULNESS --- The city government of Cotabato is very grateful for having Cardinal Orlando Quevedo as the officiating priest of the First Friday Mass for the year 2017 at the People’s Palace. He has conveyed the message of love, peace, and resiliency to the employees and has inspired them to work harder and never give up on their goals. It is truly an honor, Cardinal Quevedo. Maraming salamat po. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PEACE ADVOCACY

PEACE ADVOCACY --- ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman (right) was invited to talk in a meeting of Friends of Peace, an organization of peace organizations and advocates with His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo (center table) as head convenor. RG Hataman was asked to share his insights on various issues related to the ongoing Peace Initiatives and Federalism. In his sharing, the governor put emphasis on the need for the Bangsamoro forces to have a united position regarding peace and on Federalism. He even offered the ARMM as a venue for Bangsamoro talks for unity. He also shared the Autonomous Regional Government's experience in governance. Atty. Rasol Mitmug, ARMM chief of staff, also attended the meeting at the Archbishop's Palace in Cotabato City. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Poverty alleviation is ARMM's top priority this year – Hataman

COTABATO CITY --- Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) underscored that poverty alleviation is his administration’s top priority this year. 

This objective was discussed last January 11, at the Tapatan sa ARMM, a regular media forum, held at the Bajau Hall, Office of the Regional Governor compound in this city.

During the event, Governor Hataman covered various issues affecting the ARMM as well as the policies of President Rodrigo Duterte, specifically the war against illegal drugs and criminality and its effects in the region.

He noted that around 95 percent of the ARMM’s 116 municipal mayors and two city mayors  confirmed their attendance to an invitation for a meeting with the President in Malacañang scheduled last January 11.

The governor has expressed full support to the President’s initiative to eliminate illegal drugs and criminality in the country. “Tama naman talaga na matapos na ang problema sa droga,” he said.

As to poverty alleviation -- the regional government’s prime focus for the year -- Governor Hataman said there is a P4-billion allocation for various programs and projects aimed at eliminating hunger and malnutrition in the region.

He also answered the long-standing question on the cause of delay in the release of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) pay-outs that sometimes take as long as five months.

“Ang control ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare of Development)-ARMM at regional government ay monitoring lamang,” the governor said, adding: “Kahit mag huhumiyaw ang DSWD-ARMM at ang regional government nabayaran na, kung walang paper for the contractor to pay it, walang mangyayari.”

The DSWD-ARMM has already scheduled a meeting with the DSWD central office to discuss about the technical problems the program is facing and to clear out issues on inconsistencies.

The regional governor also answered questions on terror threats and drug-related violence. The 6th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police, he said, have intensified security measures and will definitely be on top of the situation, along with the regional government’s support, to ensure peace and order stability in the region.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in the ARMM at the provincial levels are also on high alert after the recent jailbreak in North Cotabato involving high-profile inmates, the regional governor said.

The local government units of areas where the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operates, said Governor Hataman, have created teams led by the Cooperative Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture to implement productivity activities aimed at helping local communities, including families of ASG members.

As to the economy, the regional government is expecting this year around the same level as 2016’s investment inflow.

Governor Hataman said his administration is looking at inviting more job-generating investments this year to provide more opportunities to his constituents. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DEDICATION --- OBYA Executive Director Salic A. Sharief, Jr. (2nd from left) reaps the result of selfless dedication to serve the Bangsamoro youths after being awarded “Outstanding Public Servant” in the recently concluded 13th Sultan Kudarat (SK) Awards held at Veranza Mall in General Santos City. Also in photo are (L-R) Concerned Muslim Individuals, Inc. adviser Ting Kusain, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, and Over-all Chairman of the SK Awards Kaharudin Delaten. (I. HUSSIN/ INFORMATION UNIT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

OBYA exec awarded outstanding public servant

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) steps another milestone as its head, Executive Director Salic Exan A. Sharief, Jr. was recognized in the 13th Sultan Kudarat (SK) Awards on December 30, 2016 at the Veranza Atrium, this city.

Sharief placed under the Public Service/ Government Employee category, was awarded alongside outstanding Muslim individuals who exceled in their respective fields of endeavors in recognition for their efforts that contributed to peace and development of the Bangsamoro people and communities.

“This is truly a milestone. Our efforts are not only limited in the region because we are also recognized outside the ARMM,” said Sharief.

Sharief was elated when he expressed optimism on this newest achievement not only for him, but also of the OBYA.

“I am humbled to receive this award. This is due to the collaborative endeavors of our office and the Bangsamoro youths from all over the ARMM. Indeed, it only manifests that we are living up in strengthening the implementation of our mandate pertaining to youth affairs programs, issues, and concerns,” he said.

Sharief added that the award recognizes the vital role of the youth in the task of regional development towards nation building.

“Our youths are now connected and linked with our various line-agencies in the ARMM. We would want to showcase relevant programs to empower the Bangsamoro youths, most especially in the aspect of livelihood,” said Sharief.

Further, Sharief called on the participation of the ARMM populace towards achieving his vision of building a just, peaceful, and humane society for the youths. “Let us uphold the rights and enhance the capacity of the Bangsamoro youths to live their lives at the fullest according to the well-set morals and traditions. They are the product of our continuing quest for freedom and a just society.”

Other categories in the SK Awards included Academic Excellence, Student Leadership, Community Service and Volunteerism, Community Development, Education, Culture and the Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Da’wah and Peace Propagation, Medical Practitioners, and Journalism and Mass Media.

Organized by the Concerned Muslim Individuals and Federation of Muslim Students Association, the event is supported by the Asia Foundation, AFAD Min, Inc., Mindanao State University-General Santos, Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs of the ARMM, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon of Sarangani, Governor Sultan PaxMangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, the city government of General Santos, and Mayor Bairihan Sakaluran.

Other supporters were the Young Moro Professionals Council, Alkubz Cakes and Pastries, Dulaw Cuisine, and RD Foundation.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal was the keynote speaker during the affair, where he updated the crowd on the current status of the Bangsamoro peace process and the direction of the Duterte administration.

“I urge the delegates and the awardees to sustain their efforts and initiatives that help the Bangsamoro people,” he said. (GILMHAR LAO/ INFORMATION UNIT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CDA Jalad visits ARMM

 

COURTESY --- Civil Defense Administrator and Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad (2nd from right) right) in a meeting with ARMM Governor and Chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Mujiv S. Hataman, OCD-ARMM Officer-in-Charge Myrna J. Angot, 6th ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. Carlito G Galvez (right), and other officials last January 4.

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao --- Civil Defense Administrator and Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad visited the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) last January 4-5 for discussion and assessment of concerns related to the government’s disaster preparedness and response program.

In a brief meeting held at the commander’s headquarters of the 6^th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Jalad was elated with the warm welcome of ARMM Governor and Chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Mujiv S. Hataman, OCD-ARMM Officer-in-Charge Myrna J. Angot, 6^th ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. Carlito G Galvez, and other officials.

The meeting revolved around human-induced and natural disasters in the region’s five component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Maj. Gen. Galvez updated Jalad on the security aspect as well as the human-induced disasters related to armed-conflict and bombings, among others.

“We have established communication and coordination with the OCD-ARMM, ARMM-Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) and ARMM in general. We have a very good relationship with agencies concerned in the DRRM,” said Galvez.

Hataman cited other concerns such as the recurring flood problem in the region’s low-lying areas.

“Flooding in some areas of the region is manageable since there are weather forecasts,” said Hataman.

Meanwhile, Angot expressed her optimism on the resilience of the ARMM populace.

“This is due to our countless capacity building and advocacy endeavours on the DRRM. We have zero-casualties in flooding incidents in the ARMM for the Calendar Year 2016,” said Angot.

Jalad, together with Angot, also met with the ARMM-HEART headed by Regional DRRM Officer Ramil Masukat with the presence of DRRM focal persons from various agencies.

“We are pleased with the presence of our Civil Defense administrator. It only proves that the ARMM is being prioritized by the national leadership when it comes to DRRM. ARMM HEART is here and always ready 24/7 to respond come any disaster,” said Masukat. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabato, model city of R-12

PEACE RUNNER --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi was  Guest of Honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Police Regional Office XII Training Center in Tambler, General Santos City last January 2  when the PRO XII awarded  Cotabato City as “Model City” in peacekeeping efforts and initiatives. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

The Police Regional Office XII lauded the efforts of the city government of Cotabato in peacekeeping and named Cotabato City as the “Model City” of Region XII.

       

For the past months, especially during the second semester of 2016, crime rate in Cotabato City has significantly decreased as compared to the crime rate at the same time in 2015. 

The eight focus crimes as identified by the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) such as murder, theft, robbery, carnap, and others had a decline of over 25 percent as of November 2016.

PNP officials said this number is still expected to go down.

One of the indicators or factors attributed by the CCPO to the decline of criminality is the nightly joint “ronda” conducted by the local government unit and the City PNP, headed by City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

The team has apprehended 188 individuals during the conduct of the “Project Double Barrel” of the PNP targeting drug sellers and users in the city. More than P700,000 worth of drugs and drug paraphernalia were also confiscated by the authorities.

Because of this achievement, Cotabato City was recognized by the Regional PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Police Regional Office (PRO) XII Training Center where City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi was guest of honor, PRO XII Director Gen.  Cedrick Train praised the city’s LGU-PNP Joint Ronda for its successful attempts in curbing the crime rate in Cotabato City.

He said other local government units are also encouraged to do the same and take control of their own peacekeeping programs.

“Cotabato City has set the bar for the other cities in Region XII. I feel very proud that Cotabato City was chosen to become the model city among all the other more progressive cities in the region. It only shows that we are the most improved and our joint ronda is truly one of our best practices,” City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

During the traditional courtesy call of the different offices of the city government to the city mayor, she expressed her plans for 2017 with optimism that 2017 will be a better year for Cotabato City with all the remarkable projects that are already in the pipeline.

She enjoined the cooperation of all the departments in the pursuit of a highly urbanized Cotabato City.

The mayor also revealed that several investors — both foreign and local — are set to enter the city this year. The construction of the KCC Mall will commence in the first quarter of 2017. With the rising trend in the global demand for halal products, Cotabato City is seen to be the country’s “halal hub.”

“Cotabato City is now moving forward. We are already thinking global. This may be one giant leap but we are taking it with full confidence and strong will. I know that with the support and cooperation of our people and our partners in the government and private sector, we can achieve all our plans,” the mayor added. (HALIMA SATOL-IBRAHIM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)