Mamasapano advocates disaster mitigation

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao --- The local government of this town under the leadership of Mayor Tahirodin Benzar A. Ampatuan is strongly advocating the program related to disaster prevention and mitigation.

Ampatuan said that  Mamasapano currently maintains a protection dike as flood prevention mechanism in the town’s low-lying barangays which extends to three to four kilometers.

“The previous administration of my father, who was the former mayor, built the protection dike in year 2007 which benefited our farmers here,” he said.

Ampatuan said the project is locally funded and at present they are just busy on the maintenance of the dike.

“We are currently repairing some parts of the dike so it won’t collapse,”
he said.

Ampatuan added that they often clean the surroundings of the dike and they always see to it that it is being regularly monitored by the responsible personnel of the municipal government.

“We are in fact targeting a total of eight kilometers of protection dike and we’ve only  built almost four kilometers so far, so there’s long way to go. We hope that the local government with the help of funding donors from the Congress and the Senate, we could soon complete the remaining kilometres to be constructed,” he said.

As part of disaster prevention and mitigation, Ampatuan said they will be planting “bamboo trees” along the river banks. “Bamboo trees prevent flooding by holding on to the soil.”

As heavy rains continue the past weeks and are contributory to flooding, most especially to the low-lying areas in this part of Mindanao, the mayor believes that planting bamboo trees could help reduce the number and severity of flash floods.

For us to determine whether the trees really can provide such robust defence, we first need to understand the role they play in soaking up excess rain water.

“Floods occur because the rain cannot soak into the soil fast enough. Instead, it runs rapidly over the surface of the land. Bamboo trees can be of help in this manner,” he said.

Ampatuan reiterated that while climate change is causing bigger and bigger storms, alterations to the environment, most especially to the ground surface, have been one of the major causes of the increased frequency of flooding incidents. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak calls the attention of NIA

Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- The local government of Shariff Aguak has called on the management of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) - Maguindanao to reoccupy its office site in Barangay Satan of this town.

The NIA office, accordingly, left its previous location when the local government unit of Shariff Saydona Mustapha held its office at the very same area.  At present, the municipal government is no longer holding office on the site.

“We want them to hold office beside the old capitol, their original address, to cater to the concerns of our farmers,” the mayor said.

Ampatuan reiterated that there are certain issues and concerns raised by the farmers related to irrigation that need clarification.

“Some parts of the irrigation have holes and are unmaintained and not all farmers who are supposed to be benefitting could not avail the equal share of water irrigation,” he pointed out.

In a separate statement, NIA Maguindanao Division Manager Engr. Akas A. Basilan, said they still hold office in Barangay Satan because it is their permanent office address in the area.

“We could not afford to abandon the office situated in Shariff Aguak because it is our permanent office address,” he said.

On the issue of irrigation, Basilan said Shariff Aguak is located upstream.

“If we try to look at the situation, they are considered to be the first beneficiary of the irrigation. When they truly follow our policies, it is impossible that they could not benefit from the irrigation,” said Basilan.

Although Basilan said they acknowledge the irrigators’ association in the area, the system and policies must be thoroughly discussed with them.

Basilan added that the NIA-MIMO has a total service area of 27,687.39 hectares as of December 31, 2016. One of the NIS that constitutes the large service area in Maguindanao is the Kabulnan River Irrigation System. It covers the municipalities of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Unsay, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Datu Abdullah Sangki with a total service area of 12,063.84 hectares as of December 31, 2016.

“It’s irrigated area for dry season is 7,210.09 hectares and 7,215.82 hectares for wet season as of December 31, 2016. Presently, it has 16 irrigators’ associations with a total of 5,596 farmer-beneficiaries, all registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),” he said.

Basilan explained that in every crop, the irrigation system has an average yield of 76 percent (dry season) and 71 percent (wet season). For the past decade, the Kabulnan RIS had gone through various rehabilitation, repair, and expansion and these activities were being funded and implemented by the NIA upon the request of the irrigators’ associations and/or as the needs arise.

One of the programs of the NIA is the Irrigation Management Transfer contract under the Institutional Development Program. The IMT is the gradual transfer of management and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the National Irrigation System to the IAs depending on the size of the NIS and capacity of the IAs.

“Currently, 15 of the IAs in Kabulnan RIS are under the IMT Model of which the management of lateral canals are under the responsibilities of the IAs,” he said.

Basilan said the NIA-Maguindanao IMO is trying its best to deliver the services to the people of Maguindanao. It continuously commit to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation services for the Maguindanao farmers. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Farmers launch summit on climate change, DENR XII backs up

KORONADAL CITY --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XII sealed partnership with Demokratikong Magbubukid Sandigan ng Kanayunan sa Pag-unlad (DEMASKU) through a recent launching of an event called “Farmers’ Summit on Climate Change” held at the Spiritual Formation Center, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary of Brgy. Sto.Niño, Koronadal City.

At least thirty (30) participants mostly farmer-leaders attended the said summit coming from the four Provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Sarangani. The Farmer’s Summit tackled situations on the impact of climate change in the region; relayed information, experiences and problems faced on crop productivity, food security and effects of climate change; discussed programs of government agencies of farmers’ concerns such as cross cutting, agriculture development, environmental conservation, human rights and health protection and identified resolution to address the issues and concerns on climate change.

Climate Change Focal Person of Climate Change Services, Benjamin D. Alangca together with Chief – Protected Areas and Wildlife Section, Mangayao C. Macapodi of DENR XII were guest speakers, both made their presentations on the two-day event on topics; “Climate Change and its Impact to Agriculture, Land Water and Food Security and “Status of Watershed/Protected Areas in the region”.

Alangca relayed the consequences of climate change namely, extreme weather conditions, rising of sea levels, poor agricultural crops, tropical cyclones, emerging human health diseases, degradation of forests, biodiversity and coastal & marine ecosystems. He also stated the various strategies, programs, and projects which the DENR is doing to address the problems on climate change.

DENR is currently promoting the ridge-to-reef approach, integrated ecosystems management approach, river basin management approach, and Sustainable Integrated Area Development as strategies to climate change adaptations, Alangca further said.

           

Meanwhile, on the second day, Chief Macapodi conveyed the Protected Areas in South Cotabato, such as the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL). Through a power point presentation,he discussed the importance of biodiversity, geo-physical features, cultural resources, direct benefits, and the role of Protected Areas in the climate regulation.          

“If you know anyone from the said protected areas that violates environmental policies, you can ask assistance from us as well as to DENR XII’s field offices “, Macapodi said.

The summit organizers also invited resource persons from Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII and Environmental Management Bureau XII. Topics on Hazards Areas in Socksargen and Coal Fired Power Plants and Coal Processing Plants in the region were presented.

The activity became an opportunity for the farmers to share their individual experiences on climate change through a workshop.

Farmers’ Summit on Climate Change of DEMASKU ended with high hopes from the participants that their issues and concerns will be given an immediate attention in partnership with line agencies such as DENR XII, looking forward to elevate endeavors toward livelihood and environmental protection. (BDAlangca/KBBenpolok/RSCIS/DENRXII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DepEd-Maguindanao promotes safe environment for students

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Maguindanao continues to promote a safe and happy learning environment in schools under its jurisdiction.

Hadja Bai Meriam A. Kawit, Maguindanao Schools Division superintendent,  said this in the midst of a minor issue concerning some educators under the division.

“We’ve been receiving reports of absences and tardiness among our teachers in some schools, so it is our continuing advocacy to remind all our teachers to be responsible educators so they could act as good role models to our students,” she said.

Kawit said that as an adult educator, she appreciates the role of teachers in molding the behaviour of children to be responsible, productive, empowered, and successful individuals.

“We hope our educators, most especially to the new ones, could cope with the challenges of dealing with young and active students on a daily basis,” said Kawit.

Further, Kawit said it is also important to recognize how the children think and act, citing discipline in helping mold the youths but “it must be done responsibly and non-violently and should be in the best interest of the child.”

“Our teachers should always bear in mind that we play a vital role in shaping the lives of the students. How we treat them in school could have a long-lasting effect, whether it be positive or negative. In this regard, let us perform our duties as teachers with full awareness of the consequences of our acts on the lives of our learners. Let us continue to work together to ensure a nurturing and safe school environment for all children,” she said.

In addition, Kawit said the internet is useful but it can also be harmful to the youths if not used correctly.

“Our teachers have the responsibility to protect their students in the cyberworld through proper education. With positive discipline, we can help children to succeed. As we give them the information they need to learn, it should also support to their development,” she said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

RLA- ARMM confirms 3 cabinet secretarie

Kadil Jojo M. Sinolinding sworn before Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) Speaker right after members of the 9^th RLA confirmed his appointment as Department of Health-ARMM Secretary. Sinolinding was confirmed together with Department of the Interior Local Government- ARMM Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizulla “Kirby” M. Abdullah and Department of Labor and Employment- ARMM Secretary Muslimin A. Jakilan. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-ARMM/ MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Members of the 9th Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) have confirmed three Cabinet Secretaries for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last February 15 at the RLA session hall, ORG compound, Cotabato City.

Following three succeeding hearings for consideration of their nominations, Atty. Noor Hafizulla “Kirby” M. Abdullah of the Department of the Interior Local Government, Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. of the Department of Health (DOH), and Muslimin A. Jakilan of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) were all confirmed as Regional Secretaries of their respective agencies through unanimous votes favoring their nominations.

One of the issues the DILG Secretary had to make a stand was on President Duterte’s decision to detail divergent members of the Philippine National Police to Basilan to augment the number of police in the area in fighting lawless elements.

“I personally don’t agree, but I see an opportunity in this in a sense that we can prove to the Philippines that we can be a region of reformists” said Secretary Abdullah.

Secretary Jakilan, on the other hand, answered issues on summer jobs for students, minimum wage, and the Tulong Alalay para sa Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD projects being implemented through DOLE Regions 9 and 12.

Secretary Sinolinding answered issues surrounding the health spectrum of the region, including unfinished rural health units, inadvertent delivery of equipments in wrong places, expired medicines, use of ambulance, allowance and support to barangay health workers, blood banking, and the Nurse Deployment Project.

As for dengue cases, Secretary Sinolinding said there has been a steady decline on its prevalence as of the third quarter of 2016. According to him, environmental sanitation is the still the most effective remedy for the prevention of the disease.

Secretary Sinolinding was highly commended by the members of the RLA for the reforms he has brought to the health department in the region for seven years now, a complement the Secretary humbly accepted, saying that the success of the DOH is not because of him but because of all the different partners who are very supportive to the health initiatives of the region.

“We shall serve our constituents with our ability and with the best of our capacity,” Sinolinding said. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM/ MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA empowers women in war vs. illegal activities

WOMEN PARTICIPATION --- The women sector in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao takes part in the advocacy of cleansing their community from illegal drugs and gambling. (ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Some four hundred women participated in the recent Seminar- Workshop on Cessation of Illegal Drug Abuse and Illegal Gambling sponsored by the local government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao last February 16 held at the municipal compound.

Municipal Administrator Mastura Tapa said that out of the 400 participants from the women sector, there were at least 20 Indigenous People (Teduray women) who attended the activity.

“We invited resource speakers from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Civil-Military Operations Group of the Philippine Army, Ustadzes from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and those from the 2^nd Mechanized Battalion,” said Tapa.

Aside from the local government officials, Tapa said barangay chairmen of the town were also present as they play a major role in the dissemination of information.

Mayor Bai Anida U. Dimaukom said it is universal for parents, most especially among women, to be the light of the family in the desire for the good future of their children.

“We do this as part of our commitment in the advocacy. With the help of our women, we want our youths to be educated than be involved in dangerous drugs as this is punishable by law and destroys the character and health of a person. The youths have to be guided and educated on the ill-consequences of engaging in illegal drugs and other forms of vices,” the lady chief executive said.

Dimaukom said it is their desire to protect the youths of Datu Saudi Ampatuan against bad influences.

“We want them to comprehend that involvement in illegal drug activities could ruin their chance for a good future. We must infuse to them the intelligent choices, founded on a personal conviction, to stay away from drugs in preparation for the better opportunities that life has to offer,” said Dimaukom.

Further, Tapa said they want to build a community that is self-reliant and self-policing against dangerous drugs.

“To realize this aspiration, we have set on empowering everyone comprising the community with the help of our women sector,” he said.

Tapa said it is still the PDEA which is on the front-line of defense against dangerous drugs in the grassroot level.

“But they cannot do it alone. With the help of the barangay officials and the populace in the communities, they will get familiarized with the indicators that determine if there is presence of illegal drug facilities within their communities and acquaint them with the protocol in reporting such to authorities,” he said.

Tapa said women are the touch base and the very heart of every community. “In this regard, they would want them to build the desire to take part in creating a safe and drug-free environment for them and their children to live in.”

“Our women should understand they have equally critical roles to play in driving away drugs from their communities,” he said.

In another development, after being booted out from President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now be entering the "war against illegal gambling."

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa takes the stance of the national leadership in weeding out the country from all forms of illegal gambling activities that contribute to moral decay and instead provide an economic support system that could offer better economic choices than engaging in illegal activities.

Dela Rosa said that based on his own experience, illegal gambling activities, if left unchecked, could breed corruption and mutate into other forms of organized crime, including drug-trafficking, illegal vices, money laundering, and kidnapping.

Tapa said they support the war against illegal gambling.

“Women play a major role in this advocacy by helping educate the young ones in their household not to engage in illegal gambling activities,” said Tapa. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak calls the attention of NIA

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- The local government of Shariff Aguak has called on the management of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) - Maguindanao to reoccupy its office site in Barangay Satan of this town.

The NIA office, accordingly, left its previous location when the local government unit of Shariff Saydona Mustapha held its office at the very same area.  At present, the municipal government is no longer holding office on the site.

“We want them to hold office beside the old capitol, their original address, to cater to the concerns of our farmers,” the mayor said.

Ampatuan reiterated that there are certain issues and concerns raised by the farmers related to irrigation that need clarification.

“Some parts of the irrigation have holes and are unmaintained and not all farmers who are supposed to be benefitting could not avail the equal share of water irrigation,” he pointed out.

In a separate statement, NIA Maguindanao Division Manager Engr. Akas A. Basilan, said they still hold office in Barangay Satan because it is their permanent office address in the area.

“We could not afford to abandon the office situated in Shariff Aguak because it is our permanent office address,” he said.

On the issue of irrigation, Basilan said Shariff Aguak is located upstream.

“If we try to look at the situation, they are considered to be the first beneficiary of the irrigation. When they truly follow our policies, it is impossible that they could not benefit from the irrigation,” said Basilan.

Although Basilan said they acknowledge the irrigators’ association in the area, the system and policies must be thoroughly discussed with them.

Basilan added that the NIA-MIMO has a total service area of 27,687.39 hectares as of December 31, 2016. One of the NIS that constitutes the large service area in Maguindanao is the Kabulnan River Irrigation System. It covers the municipalities of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Unsay, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Datu Abdullah Sangki with a total service area of 12,063.84 hectares as of December 31, 2016.

“It’s irrigated area for dry season is 7,210.09 hectares and 7,215.82 hectares for wet season as of December 31, 2016. Presently, it has 16 irrigators’ associations with a total of 5,596 farmer-beneficiaries, all registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),” he said.

Basilan explained that in every crop, the irrigation system has an average yield of 76 percent (dry season) and 71 percent (wet season). For the past decade, the Kabulnan RIS had gone through various rehabilitation, repair, and expansion and these activities were being funded and implemented by the NIA upon the request of the irrigators’ associations and/or as the needs arise.

One of the programs of the NIA is the Irrigation Management Transfer  contract under the Institutional Development Program. The IMT is the gradual transfer of management and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the National Irrigation System to the IAs depending on the size of the NIS and capacity of the IAs.

“Currently, 15 of the IAs in Kabulnan RIS are under the IMT Model of which the management of lateral canals are under the responsibilities of the IAs,” he said.

Basilan said the NIA-Maguindanao IMO is trying its best to deliver the services to the people of Maguindanao. It continuously commit to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation services for the Maguindanao farmers. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SERVICE CONTINUANCE

SERVICE CONTINUANCE --- Mayor Engr. Marop B. Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao sworn  in the newly appointed barangay officials of Barangay Poblacion I last February 6, 2017. The elected barangay officials tendered their mass resignation as well as the barangay chairman for failure to perform his duties and functions as head of this smallest government unit. The newly installed officials were nominated by the majority of its populace. Municipal Local Government Officer  Amisa Abdulkarim graced the swearing rites witnessed by Vice Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan and the Sangguniang Bayan members. With the installation of the new barangay officials, its constituents are assured of the delivery of basic services. The vibrant local chief executive and peace builder vice mayor are doing their best part to provide the people good governance. (SHARIFF AGUAK MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Mindanao RPOCs meet

COLLABORATION --- Chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the Regional Peace and Order Councils in Mindanao attended the first cluster meeting for Calendar Year 2017 last February 15 held in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.  DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno  presided over the meeting of the RPOCs. Seen inset is Sultan Kudarat Governor and RPOC XII Chairman Pax S. Mangudadatu. Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi (left) is one of the attendees. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat ---  The Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) of the Mindanao cluster convened last  February 15 in Isulan, the provincial capitol of Sultan Kudarat province, to deal and respond on issues affecting peace and order in the island of Mindanao.

The cluster gathering is considered as the first special meeting this year presided over by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ Sueno for the council chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in the Mindanao area.

“Aside from peace and order, the RPOCs’ meeting intends to strengthen our campaign against all forms of criminality,” said Sueno.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax S. Mangudadatu, who chairs the RPOC XII, said among the discussions  in the cluster meeting were illegal drugs, illegal gambling, terrorism, and insurgency.

“Our counterparts presented the security situation report in their respective regions,” he said.

Mangudadatu said he is elated that the first Peace and Order Council cluster meeting for Mindanao in 2017 finally took place.

As host to the cluster meeting, Mangudadatu said:  “We would want to show them that just like here in Sultan Kudarat, all the people regardless of their culture, tribe, and religion could live in peace and harmony. Good governance is the key. Muslims, Christians, and Lumads here in Sultan Kudarat share the spirit of oneness and I believe it can be of help if other places could replicate what we have done here, then peace can ultimately be achieved,” he said.

Further, representatives from the Philippine National Police  and Armed Forces of the Philippines presented the current peace and order situation within their areas of responsibility.

P/Superintendent Ireneo Dalogdog dealt on the illegal drugs and crime scenario while Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., commanding general  of the Western Mindanao Command, tackled the insurgency problem.

In Cotabato City, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi  convened  last February 8 the   City Peace and Order Council for its first meeting for the year 2017 which was attended by barangay officials and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and sector representatives.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, who also attended the cluster meeting in Isulan, said the maintenance of peace and order is not the sole responsibility of those who are from the government. “It is the responsibility of everybody.”

“Rest assured the city government would help the RPOC and the national leadership in the best way we can to eradicate criminalities and maintain peace and order in Cotabato City,” 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.

In addition, Sayadi reiterated that plans are underway for the reactivation of the Joint Task Force Kutawato (JTFK), also known as Task Force Cotabato.“We are going to reactivate the task group to focus on the growing threats of terrorism aside from our anti-illegal drug campaign."  

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, who was also present during the cluster meeting, said he would want to provide a safe and secure atmosphere that is conducive to the region’s residents and investors.

“More than anything else, our priority is the safety of our populace,” the ARMM governor said.

Last January, Hataman took his oath of office as the RPOC-ARMM  chairperson before President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang.

The RPOC plays a vital role in maintaining peace and order in every region in the country and keeps the members abreast of the prevailing conditions, issues, and concerns affecting the security in  their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Other participating regions in the Mindanao RPOC cluster meeting aside from Cotabato City and the ARMM were Regions IX (Zamboanga Peninsula),  X (Northern Mindanao), XI (Davao Region), XII (SOCSKSARGEN), and XIII (CARAGA). (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Lanao Sur gains P1.2 billion in tourism receipts in 2016

COTABATO CITY ---   Attracting a total of 69,606 visitors in 2016, the province of Lanao del Sur posted P1.2 billion in tourism receipts during the year and was the no.1 tourism destination among the provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Meanwhile, official figures from ARMM’s Tourism department showed 212,649 visited the region’s five provinces in 2016 with roughly P3.7 billion in tourism-related expenditures.

The number of visitors in Lanao del Sur in 2016 was 14 percent better compared with the 61,058 registered in 2015.

“Part of Lanao del Sur governor’s agenda is cultural tourism and promotion of tourist destinations in the province that can help generate income and livelihood to the locals,” said Nouraldin Ahmad Tamano, provincial tourism officer.

He added that the province showcases distinct characteristics of the Maranaos way of life, history, and culture. Lanao del Sur is composed of 39 towns with Marawi City as provincial capital.

Tamano said one must-see attraction is Lake Lanao, the largest inland body of water in Mindanao and the second largest lake in the Philippines. Lake Lanao serves as reservoir for the Agus hydro-electric power plants that generate up to 75 percent of Mindanao’s power supply.

The arts and crafts of the Maranao tribe, Polo Barakat Mosque in Binidayan, Kilometer Zero, Mindanao State University, and Daguduban in Marawi City; Lake Dapao in Pualas; and white water rafting in Wao could easily lure tourists to the province.

ARMM Tourism Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen said the influx of tourists in the region falls in the last quarter of the year. Outside of Lanao del Sur, provincial breakdown of the region’s tourism data in 2016 showed the following:

Tawi-Tawi with 63,509 visitors and P1.1 billion in gross receipts;

Maguindanao with  40,981 visitors and P721 million in gross receipts;

Basilan with 24,243 visitors and P424 million in gross receipts; and

Sulu with 13,857 and P242 million in gross receipts.

“Tourist gross receipts cut across other industries like transport, trade, food, and telecommunications, among others,” Secretary Dilangalen explained.

Tourism, she added, can provide direct jobs to the community.

“Visitors' expenditures generate income for the local community and can lead to the alleviation of poverty,” Secretary Dilangalen said. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Tapping solar, wind energy

PANEL-POWER --- Chinese engineers put up an experimental streetlight to operate on renewable energy at the vicinity of the Cotabato City Mayor’s Office. (COURTESY OF HALIMA SATOL, CITY INFORMATION OFFICE - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Local traders welcomed positively the three-day visit here of technocrats from China to disseminate the viability of renewable energy for street lighting and other industrial needs.

Chinese engineers on Tuesday last week installed on three selected spots here streetlights designed to operate only with solar energy using sunlight panels and electricity generated by individual mini-wind turbines.

“Their coming over is something very positive. It will disprove the perception of outsiders that foreign entrepreneurs and capitalists are not safe here in the city,” Sandra Siang, president of the Kutawato Muslim Business Chamber said on Wednesday.

The Chinese technocrats representing the engineering firms Beijing You Sheng, the Shanghai Dianou Industrial Company, and the Sheng Corai Power erected here samples of the streetlights they can produce on large-scale basis for a contract.

Representatives of the three engineering firms arrived here early last week to proceed with their product experiment along with the city government after preliminary discussions with Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi during an official mission to China last year.

Guiani-Sayadi, who is of mixed Maguindanaon-Chinese heritage, was still an appointed city administrator at that time.

“Obviously, she was able to convince them that they are safe here in Cotabato City, unjustly construed as a hostile area,” said merchant Pete Marquez, a member of big business blocs in Central Mindanao, apparently referring to the now mayor Guiani-Sayadi.

Marquez said the initial trade engagement of the three Chinese outfits with the office of the mayor will boost the local investment climate.

Marquez said he is confident the three different types of streetlights erected as a joint experiment will result in a procurement contract.

Halima Satol-Ibrahim, city information officer, said the mayor is planning to procure no fewer than 4,000 units of streetlights if experts in the city government will find the prototypes constructed by Chinese engineers "cost-efficient" and technically durable.

Each of the three model streetlights can be fitted with wireless, transmitter-type surveillance cameras the city government also plans to put up in strategic spots to beef up its domestic security initiatives.

“Engineers in the city government will observe the units erected by our visitors from China and shall come out with recommendations after a certain period of time,” Satol-Ibrahim said. (Contributed by media partner)