Upi takes action plan on climate change adaptation

WORKSHOP --- Upi Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Paulo Cagara (seated) led the formulation of the Upi Municipal Action Plan assisted by (standing left to right) MDRRMO’s representative Jonas Minted, MARPO Abdullah C. Marohom, Municipal Engr. Gerardo Cariño, and DARMO Development Facilitator Lovella Lao (standing left to right), respectively. (DARMO – Upi - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the municipality of Upi, Maguindanao  participated in the three-day training on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) for the local government sponsored by the Italian Assistance to Agrarian Reform Communities Development Support Program (IARCDSP) in coordination with the Maranao People Development Center, Inc. as the service provider.

The event took place last February 7-9 in Cotabato City.

The CCA training for the LGU is in line with the implementation of the Local Capacity Building Support (LCBS) and aims to capacitate and provide the local government unit the understanding on climate change, utilized its frameworks, and as well identify the tools and techniques in facilitating planning and design for community- based adaptation initiatives.  

Abdullah C. Marohom, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program officer, said the training expects to increase the knowledge of participants from the local government unit of Upi in regards to the global issues surrounding climate change. In addition, they could also identify ways on how to reduce the effects of climate change to households, the community, and most especially the farmers who are the most vulnerable sector.

Participants from LGU Upi included Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Paulo Cagara, Municipal Engineer  Gerardo Cariño, and Jonas Minted from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

“Our main goal is for our farmers to be imparted with proper knowledge so they become adaptive to climate change and be disaster resilient. This way we could improve the living conditions of our farmer beneficiaries through stabilizing their income and improving access to services,” Marohom said.

Understanding climate change, its science, concepts, causes and effect, climate change adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and climate scenarios at global and regional levels have been introduced during the training. It particularly emphasized on how climate change is affecting the Bangsamoro Homeland.

Among the topics discussed included: Contextualizing CCA/DRR in the 10 Bangsamoro areas of DAR-IARCDSP; the CCA/DRRM planning process on disaster preparedness and prevention and mitigation.

The DRRM facilitates and supports risk assessment and contingency planning activities at the local level. In addition, it also conducts research and development initiatives.  Its plan, design, and program should be consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s standards and guidelines.

Ma. Easterlina Luz S. Canoy, resource person, stressed it is necessary to formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated local disaster risk reduction and management plan (LDRRMP) in accordance with the national, regional, and provincial framework and policies on DRR in close coordination with the local development council (LDC).

“The LGU may consolidate local disaster risk information which includes natural hazards, vulnerabilities and climate change risks, maintain a local risk map, and as well maintain a database of human resource and their capacities, equipment, directories, and location of critical infrastructures such as hospitals and evacuation centers,” she added.

Meanwhile, the participants from the respective local government units formulated a concrete action plan to mainstream CCA/DRR in their respective development plans and presented it to the plenary. (Lovella Lao, ARPT, Development Facilitator, DARMO – Upi - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Vigilance vs. threats to peace

VANGUARD OF PEACE--- Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi stresses how important it is for Cotabateños to be vigilant at all times to combat threats of crimes and terrorism in order to maintain peace and order. “It is the responsibility of everybody,” she said. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government conducted last February 8 its first  City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting for the year 2017 attended by barangay officials and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, who chairs the CPOC,  emphasized that lots of investors would come in “if we are able to maintain peace and order.”

“The maintenance of peace and order is not the sole responsibility of those who are from the government. We need the help and cooperation of everyone. It is our responsibility to guard our beloved city from threats of crime and terrorism. We can say it is now peaceful in Cotabato City, but I appeal to my fellow Cotabateños to be vigilant at all times,” she said.

Guiani-Sayadi also appealed to the barangay officials to always take a pro-active stance and be of help to authorities in maintaining peace and order.

Police Chief Inspector Efren T. Salazar, Jr., chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cotabato City Police Office, said that as per records from July to December 2015 and from July to December 2016, there were comparative decrease in crime volume and increase in crimes “cleared” and “solved.”

“For the year 2015, there were 987 total crime volume listed with 286 crimes cleared and 279 crimes solved. For the year 2016, there were 979 total crime volume listed with 314 crimes cleared and 309 crimes solved,” said Salazar.

The lady chief executive said that plans are underway for the reactivation of the Joint Task Force Kutawato (JTFK), also known as Task Force Cotabato.

The task force, together with military and police personnel, had led previous security missions backed by the local government unit. The last was some five years ago in the fight against kidnap-for-ransom groups (KFRG) in this part of Mindanao.

“We are going to reactivate the task group to focus on the growing threats of terrorism aside from our anti-illegal drug campaign," said Guiani-Sayadi.

The JTFK would serve as augmentation force to conduct internal security operations and neutralize all threat groups, including terrorists. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA sponsors forum on federal system of gov’t

FEDERALISM --- MSU - Maguindanao Graduate School Prof. Maguid Macalingkang speaks before participants during a forum on “Federal Form of Government” sponsored by the local government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The local government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao conducted a forum on the Federal Form of Government held at the municipal grounds last February 9.

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa said the forum was attended by the  department heads and local officials of the town.

“It is important that even at this early time, people from the ground would be able to understand what federalism is and what are the inclusive details under a federal form of government,” he said.

Tapa said federalism guarantees expanded powers for LGUs affording them with the authority and resources to enhance local development and efficient delivery of social services.

“We are doing this since federalism is being pushed by our President, Rodrigo Duterte, to address insurgency, inequitable distribution of national wealth, and graft and corruption,” he said.

Maguid Macalingkang, a professor of Mindanao State University - Maguindanao Graduate School, was the forum speaker who discussed the features of a federal form of government which is proposed to replace the unitary system through Constitutional amendmends.

He said that former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. has long been pushing for this type of government.

“We should deeply understand it. In federalism, there will be sharing of power, responsibility, and sovereignty in the two types of government or structure --- the Central Government and the Federal States or Regional States,” he said.

Under the federal system, every state can collect its own taxes, enjoys autonomy, has the power to initiate projects deemed good for the welfare of the people, and has the power to make its own laws. But there will only be one Armed Forces of the Philippines, Central Bank, educational system, foreign policy, monetary system, and Philippine Flag.

Under the proposed system, 12 federal states would be formed which are the former administrative regions. Metro Manila will be the Federal Administrative Region. There will be four federal states in the Visayas and the Federal State of Eastern Visayas with Catbalogan City as its proposed capital.

Here in Mindanao, there will be three federal states. The group of former senator Pimentel and PDP Laban has long been pushing that the president and the vice president be chosen as a team, that  they be elected as tandem.

Further, there will also be a change in the qualifications of the two highest officials, who should be degree holders or  college graduates. In the Federal Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives will remain.

There will also be State Senators who should at least be college graduates. The present sitting 24 senators would become 81. Every federal state will have one governor and vice governor. The state legislators will be unicameral in every federal state.

In the federal system, the Supreme Court and its powers will remain.

The local government units will stand intact and their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) will increase. The revenues earned by the government will be divided --- 20 percvent for the Federal or Central Government and 80 percent for Federal States.

Poor regional states can avail of the so-called equalization fund that will be administered by the Central Government in order to help these states aside from having a Loan Commission.

Even before President Duterte’s directive for the Department of the Interior and Local Government to launch an information drive on federalism, the DILG has already jump started its info campaign with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the People’s National Movement for Federalism, a private sector which advocates the shift to a federal form of government. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSWD to implement “BangUN” program

ELIMINATING MALNUTRITION --- DSWD Undersecretary Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa (3rd from left) graced the opening program of the orientation workshop on Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUN). Others present were Department of Health-ARMM Secretary Kadil Jojo M. Sinolinding, Jr., DSWD-ARMM Assistant Secretary Hadja Pombaen Karon Kader, and DOH Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of National Nutrition Council (NNC) Maria Bernardita T. Flores. (BENJAMIL TIBUMBO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

 COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) conducted last February 6-11 in Cotabato City an orientation workshop to partner agencies on the upcoming implementation of its newest anti-hunger and malnutrition program, the Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUN).

Hadja Pombaen Karon Kader, assistant regional secretary of DSWD-ARMM, said BangUn is slated to be implemented in pilot areas of Maguindanao and Sulu provinces.

“The DSWD together with partner agencies shall target children ages 0-12 years old initially in the towns of Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Shariff Aguak, Guindulungan, and Talayan in Maguindanao. For Sulu, it would be the towns of Jolo, Maimbung, and Patikul,” she said.

BangUN program is a response to the high incidence of hunger and malnutrition among children in the ARMM by harnessing a holistic approach and convergence of the various nutrition-support programs of government agencies.

The prevalence of stunting in the growth of children under five years old in 2015 is highest in the ARMM where poverty is aggravated by its vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters, including armed conflict.

Records of DSWD’s Listahanan show the region has the most number of poor households, or 573,446 out of 925,957 assessed households. The figure is 11.2 percent higher than the rest of the regions. A total of 31,000 child deaths are linked to under-nutrition, representing 45 percent of total child deaths. There are also 3.7 million cases of under-nutrition, including diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, and anemia.

BangUN was initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit in the ARMM on October 29 last year “to forge solidarity among all stakeholders to assist in eliminating the problem of malnutrition and ensure that children in the ARMM grow healthy and strong.”

Earlier, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman pledged P214 million in support of the program. This is in addition to the P48-million budget the DSWD Central Office has allocated to the program for the remaining months of 2016.

Accordingly, the ARMM remains the poorest region in the country with poverty incidence among households rising from 46.9 percent in 2012 to 49.6 percent in the first semester of 2015. One out of two families in the region are living below the poverty line threshold with 44.5 percent food insecurity rate, which means that one out of two families cannot afford to bring basic food on their tables at least three times a day.

Haroun Alrashid Lucman, Jr., regional vice governor and concurrent DSWD-ARMM secretary, said the department is doing everything to address the issues of the poorest of the poor communities in the ARMM.

“This is the reason why we converge all programs to provide holistic support to individual beneficiaries making them the same beneficiaries to various anti-poverty programs,” he said.

In a previous statement, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said Duterte has called their attention to the hunger and malnutrition problem in the ARMM and said the agency should look into it and find solutions.

“This program is the answer,” she said.

BangUN aims at: improving the nutritional status of 0-12 years old children identified as underweight and severely underweight who are residing in priority communities and/or enrolled in Madaris and public elementary schools with no feeding program; empowering parents in the communities to achieve food security and good health for their children and their families in general; and building resilient communities by facilitating their access to convergence of  various nutrition-support programs of government agencies. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA LGU supports MASA MASID program

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa of Datu Saudi Ampatuan

COTABATO CITY --- The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DSA) has placed its mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the community-based program for the prevention of corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality in the barangays --- the “Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga” or MASA MASID.

The municipal government together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) held the organization and orientation of MASA MASID program before barangay officials and police and army personnel at the municipal compound last February 1.

Momina Piang Guialudin, Municipal Local Government Operations officer of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, said the program is aimed at encouraging communities in the town to take a pro-active stance in the government’s fight against corruption and illegal drugs.

“MASA MASID is intended to unite different organizations in creating safer and drug-free communities in the country. Through this program, we bring together barangay officials, religious groups, and other non-government organizations for programs on good governance and community development,” she said.

Municipal Administrator Mastura S. Tapa said the MASA MASID emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral linkages in communities in combatting the spread of illegal drugs and criminality.

“We are doing this in a bid to empower our communities and fortify people’s participation in the war against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality through the spirit of volunteerism,” said Tapa.

Mayor Bai Anida U. Dimaukom expressed her willingness in supporting the newest advocacy of the national leadership.

“We strongly support the DILG and our government so we can preserve and protect our eight barangays --- Dapiawan, Elian, Gawang, Kabengi, Kitango, Kitapok, Madia, and Salbu --- from all forms of criminality,” said Mayor Dimaukom.

Vice-Mayor Bailon Dimaukom has also  encouraged the local populace in every barangay to help report any irregularity from the ground.

“Our people should be more vigilant this time. We believe that peace and order is a shared responsibility of all of us”, said Vice-Mayor Dimaukom.

The MASA MASID shall mobilize and converge the Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) and Barangay Action Teams (BATs) with the civil society organizations and non-government organizations  of barangay-based institutions.

“We task the Barangay Peace and Order Council to advocate crime prevention, peace and order, security, and in enhancing transparency and accountability in the barangay,” said Liga Ng Mga Barangay president Zaiton U. Dimaukom.

The MASA MASID is designed to enhance the conduct of advocacy and education campaigns, information gathering, and reporting to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs and the pursuit of community-based rehabilitation program to address the need for interventions of the surrendering drug personalities.

With such strategy, the BLGUs can get immediate action from the people in the barangays since the program intends to heighten community involvement and mobilizing the support of the stakeholders, volunteers, civic organization, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

The Barangay MASA MASID teams will be composed of representatives of faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the Barangay Peace and Order Council,  and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

In a separate interview, DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno said the program is expected to bring together members of the community against illegal drugs.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main thrusts: information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revive the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wish to be partners for change.

The circular also explains that existing UBAS Technical Working Groups in LGUs shall be expanded and shall be chaired by a city or municipal local government operations officer, with representatives from a faith-based group, Liga ng Mga Barangay, PNP, and City or Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Col. Warlito Limet, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion under the Mechanized Infantry Division, said the move of the department is timely and relevant since the locality has been suffering long-time recurring armed conflicts.

“The role of the barangay officials is significant on the success of the campaign. The constituents play a major role, too. It should be a collaborative effort,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Poverty incidence in ARMM eases in 2015

Cotabato City – Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show poverty incidence in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2015 at 53.7%, or 2.1 percentage points improvement from the 55.8% recorded in 2012.

The PSA report provides estimates of poverty incidence using income data from the first and second visits under the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted in July 2015 and January 2016.

The province of Tawi-Tawi recorded the lowest poverty incidence in the survey among 26 provinces in Mindanao posting 12.6% while Lanao del Sur has the highest at 71.9%.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman underscored that poverty alleviation is his administration's top priority this year. He said P4-billion has been earmarked this year for various programs and projects aimed at eliminating hunger and malnutrition in the region.

Lisa Grace Bernales, PSA’s civil registrar general, said there is a gradual decline in poverty incidence in the region but the figure is lower than what was expected by the ARMM regional government.

“The basis of our poverty statistics is income, and incomes of households respond very slowly to the interventions, but I feel that it’s a good start,” said Bersales.

Subsistence incidence in the region was estimated at 21.1 %. In 2012, it was recorded at 25.1% an improvement of four percentage points. Subsistence incidence among Filipinos refers to as the proportion of Filipinos in extreme or subsistence poverty.

PSA also releases statistics on poverty among families – a crucial social indicator that guides policy makers in efforts to alleviate poverty. Based on the first and second survey visits in 2015 in ARMM, poverty among families was estimated at 48.2% from 49.7% in 2012.

“Poverty statistics is the most controversial because poverty is multi-dimensional, very complex situation, and our official poverty statistics, for now, focuses on one dimension, which is income,” Bersales said.

Atty. Laisa Alamia, ARMM’s Executive Secretary, said the region’s target poverty incidence is to reduce the rate to 30% in three years. “Our target is to improve the living conditions of our households para ma-reduce ang poverty,” Atty. Alamia said. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM eyes at least seven ecozones in 2020

Cotabato City – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is eyeing at least seven fully operational economic zones by 2020.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman made the pronouncement in his speech during the opening ceremonies of the Mindanao Ecozone Summit on Thursday, February 2. The two-day event, held in Davao City, was organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aimed at completing and finalizing the ecozone masterplan in Mindanao.

“Our goal is to establish at least one ecozone in each of the ARMM provinces – Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi – as well as in the cities of Marawi (Lanao del Sur) and Lamitan (Basilan) by the year 2020,” Gov. Hataman said.

The move is designed to attract investments, help generate local jobs and enhance the region’s overall economic performance. The governor said the regional government is institutionalizing the operation of the Regional Economic Zone Authority, which was created by Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 154, as cited in Republic Act 9054 (Art XII, Sec.4).

The ARMM currently has only one operating ecozone, the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone (PFEZ) in Maguindanao, which, as of 2016, has generated an income of P27.9 million and revenues amounting to P134 million for the Bureau of Customs.

Gov. Hataman said his declaration of the PFEZ as “halal hub” is in support to the PEZA’s “mission to expand into new frontiers” and takes advantage of the region’s “potential as a gateway of the Philippines to the multi-trillion dollar halal industry.”

He said the region will focus on economic sectors where it has a competitive advantage and these include agro-industry, tourism, trading, halal investment, and Islamic financing.

The ARMM government, he said, has already established a link with countries in the Middle Eastand in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to explore possible collaborations on economic development projects that will benefit not only the region but the rest of the country as well. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DILG awards top performing LGUS

GOOD GOVERNANCE --- DILG-ARMM Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizullah “Kirby” Abdullah (2^nd from right) awards the “Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping” to the local government unit of Sultan Sa Barongis through Mayor Ramdatu Angas during  awarding ceremony last January 31 in Cotabato City. With Abdullah are DILG Maguindanao Director Amina T. Dalandag (left) and DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsia Dans. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) has awarded the top performing local government units (LGUs) in the province of Maguindanao last January 31 in rites held at the Alnor Convention Center, this city.

Known as the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the awarding is accorded by the department in a bid to further strengthen the accountabilities of LGUs. It is a derivative and an innovative version of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).

The SGH monitors and awards LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping, specifically in areas of local legislation, development planning, resource generation, and resource allocation.

DILG-ARMM Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizullah “Kirby” Abdullah said the SGLG has six basic elements: good financial keeping, disaster preparedness, social protection, business friendliness and competitiveness, environment management, and peace and order.

“Outside housekeeping, the SGLG introduces mechanisms for the LGUs for them to be able to provide services and be responsive to various needs of their constituents at the local level,” he said.

The 2016 SGLG national awardees under good financial housekeeping included the province of Maguindanao together with the municipalities of Upi and Parang.

The 2015 SGLG “Post Compliance” awardees included the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Buluan, Ampatuan, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Pagalungan, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, and Sultan Mastura.

For the 2016 SGLG “Good Financial Housekeeping,” passers included the municipalities of Datu Piang, Paglat, Datu Paglas, Datu Montawal, Sultan Kudarat, Pagalungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Parang, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Sultan Sa Barongis, Ampatuan, Barira, Buluan, South Upi, Matanog, Upi, Guindulungan, Talayan, Buldon, Sultan Mastura, and Kabuntalan and the province of Maguindanao.

Passers of the 2016 SLGLG “Core and Essential Assessment Areas” included the municipalities of Ampatuan, Barira, Buldon, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Montawal, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Paglas, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Pagalungan, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, and Talitay.

Abdullah said the SGLG aims at attaining the condition where LGUs sustain the practice of accountability and transparency and espouse a pro-active financial management (Good Financial Housekeeping); adequately and effectively prepare for the challenges posed by disasters (Disaster Preparedness); are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society (Social Protection); encourage investment and employment (Business-Friendly LGUs); protect the constituents from threats to life and security (Law and Order and Public Safety); and safeguard the integrity of the environment. At the minimum, LGUs comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Environmental Protection).

“To be an SGLG recipient, we adopt 3 plus 1 principle. The LGUs must pass all three of core assessment: good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, and social protection which are priorities for the initial year. They must also pass at least one essential assessment which is supplemental: business friendliness and competitiveness; environmental protection, law and order, and public safety,” he said.

For Good Financial Housekeeping, LGUs should provide unqualified or qualified annual audit report, compliance to full disclosure policy, compliance to PhilGEPS posting, percenrtage of locally-sourced revenue to total LGU revenue, percentage of General Service expenditure to total expenditure, and cost-to-collect revenue.

For Disaster Preparedness, LGUs should have Disaster Risk Reduction Management competencies of LDRRMO, incident commander trained, percentage  of evacuation centers located in safe areas, percentage of barangays with evacuation plan, posting of ‘susceptibility maps’ in every barangays, and presence of external support system.

For Social Protection, LGUs should have express lanes for pregnant women and persons with disabilities; ramps and handrails in public and private buildings for PWDs; maternal health care package, hygiene kits for women, mandatory representation of indigenous people (IP) in the Sanggunian; and Seal of Child-friendly recipient or functionality of local council for the protection of children.

Under business-friendly and competitiveness, LGUs should have streamlined business permit and licensing system (time and steps); year-on-year increase of new and renewal registration for business; establishment of a Local Economic and Investment Promotion officers (LEIPO); year-on-year increase in number of jobs created from new and renewed business; percentage of annual capital expense for local infra to total expenditure; and size of local road network as a share of total land area.

As for Environmental Compliance, LGUs should have mandatory segregated waste collection; presence of operational materials; recovery facility; presence of or access to sanitary landfill through contract or memorandum of agreement with host LGU; and LGU innovations on environmental management.

For the Law and Order and Public Safety, the LGUs should have LGU-accredited maintained youth homes and rehabilitation centers for children-in-conflict with the law; LGU-accredited maintained rehabilitation centers for drug dependents; functional LGU hotline/complaint system; LGU aid to Philippine National Police (cars, equipage, etc.); percentage of CCTV installation in major thoroughfares; designated pyrotechnic zone; percentage of data uploaded in the e-Crime incidence; and reporting system database.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” G. Mangudadatu said he is elated with the newest achievement as he stressed that LGUs, together with the people and other monitoring bodies, the province will be able to perform better in the years to come.

“We would like to thank the DILG, our local chief executives, and partners for this great achievement. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the work force behind the provincial government of Maguindanao. Hindi natin ito magagawa kung wala sila,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ORAL CARE

ORAL CARE --- Cotabato City celebrates February as National Oral Health Month through series of hygienic activities set by the Office on Health Services and its partner, the Philippine Dental Association. Support groups include the Day Care teachers and parents who impart the importance of proper hygiene to the very young. From the words of City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday: “Our mouth is the gateway wherein most of the nutrients that our body needs enter. So we must learn how to take care of it in order for us to stay healthy and strong.” (Cotabato City Government - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

AUGMENTATION FORCE

AUGMENTATION FORCE --- The Police Regional Office XII has deployed 62 new policemen to Cotabato City to augment the police force. These policemen will be deployed in different stations to increase police visibility in strategic areas and help maintain the peaceful environment the city is now experiencing. To further support their services to the city, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi has distributed handheld radios to all 62 policemen. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ANTI-CRIME MOVE

ANTI-CRIME MOVE --- The local government of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao  donates six units of hand-held radios or Icoms to the Philippine National Police (PNP) of this town. The donation is an initiative of Mayor Engr. Marop B. Ampatuan (2^nd from left) and Vice Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan to intensify the campaign against all forms of criminalities, including illegal drug activities. The Icoms was officially received by Chief Inspector Armando Liwan, chief of police of Shariff Aguak MPS, during turn-over ceremony at the Office of the Mayor. (SHARIFF AGUAK MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Usman Sarangani appointed Paramount Sultan of Mindanao

Sultan Usman Tantao Sarangani, Sr.

MARAWI CITY --- Sultan Usman Tantao Sarangani, Sr., a seasoned public official and traditional royal leader from Lanao del Sur, was recently appointed “Paramount Sultan of Mindanao” during a sponsored ceremony conducted by the Royal Sultanate Empire of Kapatagan Valley and Royal House Kingdom Empire of Maharadjah Tabunaway Kinship in cooperation with the Royal Society Groups.

Sarangani was enthroned at the Sultan’s Palace Polanco in Labrador, Zamboanga del Norte during the conduct of the first International Nobility and Royalty Summit.

Sarangani served for three terms as local chief executive of Madalum town in the province of Lanao del Sur and became president of the Lanao del Sur Mayors’ League.

He was also a former legislative representative at the Regional Legislative Assembly of of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and  served as cabinet secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-ARMM.

Sarangani said that among his top priorities as Paramount Sultan of Mindanao include collaborative efforts with other sultanates in the country in pursuit of nation building, peace and order, as well as supporting the Philippine government and the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the fight against corruption and illegal drugs.

“Firstly, it is my goal to cherish our rich culture and heritage for the benefit of our future generation. Secondly, it is of great honor to selflessly help President Duterte in his campaign against corruption and illegal drugs. Dangerous and prohibited drugs have slowly killed the lives of the young ones and have tainted our society,” he said.

Sarangani reiterated it is the noble concern of the traditional leaders and all stakeholders to be united in strengthening and the preservation of the rich culture and history of Mindanao.

“I am going to schedule meetings with other traditional leaders here in Mindanao. I know it is going to be tough, but I hope we will make it as we revisit the present concept of modernization. We will find ways on how to strengthen the functions of the royal houses,” he said.

Hadja Bai Putri Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano, who heads the MaharadjahTabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines (MTDCP), greeted the new Paramount Sultan of Mindanao.

“This is truly a milestone for the Royal House. While promoting peace, we also accelerate the role of the Royal House because achieving peace is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

For one thing, traditional leaders of the Royal Houses have cited the importance of preserving customary laws and enhancing their usage as sources or reference to the administration of justice and promotion of peace and order in the Bangsamoro.

Mindalano said customary laws have been part of the Bangsamoro system of life that provide the maintenance of peace and welfare in communities. They define how traditional cultural heritage is shared, developed, and appropriately sustained within a community. They  also define rights and responsibilities of community members on the important aspects of their life and culture.

The MTDCP is composed of members belonging to the same clan and who trace their descent from Radjah Tabunaway and his brother Radjah Mamalu who led the Rajadom or royal leaders in Mindanao during the pre-colonial period.

Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, who was said to be the third Islamic missionary who came to the Philippines, was welcomed by Radjah Tabunaway, who was then the ruler in Mindanao. With consent, the people converted to Islam and began adopting the sultanate system of leadership. In the process, Tabunaway conferred Shariff Kabunsuan the honorary title of sultan.

Mamalu, on the other hand, chose to practice indigenous beliefs and moved upland. Non-Muslim indigenous people, now called the Lumads, thus, trace their ancestry to Mamalu while the traditional rulers who adopted Islam revere Tabunaway. Both brothers swore to live together in peace and to always help each other, a message that continues to resonate today.

Talking about the greatest challenge at present, Sarangani disclosed that the government is not so much concerned about the predicament of the Royal Houses.

“I appeal that we set a dialogue and discuss about the criteria or the selection process. I hope in the future this can be corrected. It is disappointing that sometimes the traditional way is being tainted by political system,” he said.

Sarangani said the Royal Houses have less power nowadays. He also cited that there were instances when three or more personalities had been enthroned as sultans in some places.

“How can you act nobly in communities with such kind of situation? It’s hard for the people whom to give their respect for they are confused on who is the real sultan,” he said

In this regard, Sarangani has appealed on these traditional leaders to sit down and discuss about the issue.

Moreover, Sarangani stressed he would exert effort to unify the Sultanate and the rest of traditional leaders.

“I have accepted the position, meaning, I am ready to take a big shift in my life with the new set of challenges to work with. I am thanking everyone in one way or another on my successful enthronement. We should always bear in mind that this is the legacy left by our forefathers. History tells us that before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 15th century, the sultanate system has already been established,” he said.

Sarangani was enthroned together with his royal wife, the newly appointed Baelabi of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan and the local chief executive of Madalum municipality in Lanao del Sur, as Baelabi Soraida Mindalano-Sarangani. (Gilmhar A. Lao and Anne B. Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Madalum discloses 2016 achievements

Mayor Soraida Mindalano-Sarangani

MARAWI CITY --- The local government unit of Madalum in Lanao del Sur is determined to push its “pro-poor” development agenda and social services with the disclosure of the municipal government’s accomplishments for Calendar Year 2016.

Mayor Soraida Mindalano-Sarangani, who is also a Baelabi of MINSUPALA (Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan), said the local government has accomplished several projects ranging from infrastructures to socio-economic programs.

Mindalano-Sarangani said a new municipal hall building has been constructed and is now occupied by the municipal employees.

“The new town hall has a budget allocation of P5-M and was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” she said.

In addition, at least 10 kilometers of provincial and barangay road network have been constructed through the initiative of the local government with funding from the DPWH in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Our populace suffered from the previous poor condition of the roads. Their farm products could not be easily transported and we are happy with this newest accomplishment,” she said.

Mindalano-Sarangani added that Madalum is considered one of the most peaceful and developed municipalities in Lanao del Sur.

“We have settled conflicts and conducted seminars on both religious and socio-cultural dimensions. In fact, we are one of the few passers of the Seal of Good Housekeeping,” she said.

Further, she said that livelihood programs are top priorities.

“We have extended aid to cooperatives wherein some of our women are engaged in embroidery. There are specific programs, too, for our fishermen. Just recently, we’ve given 16 fishing boats or bangka to our fisher-folks,” she said.

Since Madalum’s landscape is agricultural, rice and corn production are popular. Other crops produced include ginger, onion, and cassava.

“At least 40 percent of our residents are engaged in farming. The rest are in varied businesses,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Municipal Administrator Usman T. Sarangani, Sr. has revealed that the town is a drug-free community following intensification of their campaign against the menace. “It’s a collaborative effort between our political and religious leaders. Our barangay chairmen play a major role in safeguarding the 37 barangays.”

Sarangani added that the town is generally peaceful because of the unity among the populace and barangay officials in partnership with the Philippine National Police and  Philippine Army.

Madalum is a third class municipality. It is politically subdivided into 37 barangays namely, Abaga, Bago a Ingud, Basak, Bato, Bubong, Kormatan, Dandamun, Diampaca, Dibarosan, Dilausan, Gadongan, Gurain, Cabasaran, Cadayonan, Liangan I, Lilitun, Linao, Linuk, Madaya, Pagayawan, Poblacion, Pokilan, Punud, Raya, Riray, Sabanding, Salongabanding, Sugod, Tamporong, Tongantongan, Udangun, Liangan, Lumbac, Paridi-Kalimodan, Racotan, Bacayawan, PadianTorogan I, and SogodKoloy. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)