ARMM, Moro leaders grieve death of Simeon Datumanong

Officials and employees of the ARMM government led by Governor MujivHataman (in black shirt) join the burial rites for former Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong in ShariffAguak on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Datumanong, also a former DPWH secretary, died on Feburary 28 at the Philippine Heart Center due to cardiac arrest. (OMAR MANGORSI / BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in Maguindanao grieved on the demise of Representative Simeon AmpatuanDatumanong last Wednesday, who is considered a great Muslim leader. He was 81 years old.

Regional Governor MujivHataman said the entire ARMM leadership grieved with the family of Datumanong, who he described as an honest politician, great statesman, public servant and lawmaker.

"The whole Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has lost a great leader. Hon. Simeon Datumanong embodied the high ideals of an honest politician, a patriot who believed in the Bangsamoro cause to which he devoted his life," Hataman said in a statement.

"He will forever stay in the hearts of the people of the ARMM in general and Maguindanao in particular as a deeply respected and loved leader. He will be missed not only by his constituents but also by the august halls of Congress, and the various offices he served with distinction and respect," Hataman added.

The regional governor said, "On a personal note, being part of the family, I extend my deepest sympathy and utmost support to all members of the clan in this mournful hour, as I wish them strength and courage on the loss of a revered patriarch," Hataman said.

Mayor ZamsaminAmpatuan of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao first broke the news of Datumanong's death at about 9:45 Tuesday. Ampatuan is one of Datumanong's relatives in government service.

Ampatuan said the Muslim leader was confined in the Philippine Heart Center for about two weeks before he passed away due to cardiac arrest at 9:25 p.m.

"He (Rep. Datumanong) will be laid to his final resting place at Maganoy (Poblacion Sharif Aguak, Maguindanao), at about 2 p.m. today," Mayor Ampatuan said on his FB page.

"We will miss him so much as an epitome of good leadership, calm, simple and effective. For me, he is an elder who is my idol. Kaka Sim, May Allah bless your soul," the mayor of Raja Buayan said.

Rep. Bai Sandra Sema of Maguindanao's first congressional district and Datumanong'srelative, was also saddened by his demise.

"Tonight, we've lost a great leader. One who has served well his people. Who has inspired many to strive for their dreams and succeed. His track record is very hard to duplicate," Rep. Sema said late Tuesday.

"Thank you for inspiring me to reach my dream of becoming a congresswoman. Thank you for mentoring me when I was a neophyte legislator. Thank you for the example of being humble, patient and competent public servant," she added.

Datumanong was born on June 17, 1935 in ShariffAguak (formerly Maganoy) in Maguindanao. He is Moro politician and one of the recipients in 1974 TOYM Awardees for Public Administration.

Known among Moro people as "BapaSim," he was married to Sigrid de Guzman with whom he had four children named BorgivaTasmi, MerinisaAnisalam, Soraya Julie, and Rahma Anna Liza. He has 13 grandchildren.

He finished his elementary education at the Cotabato Elementary School (1951) and secondary education at the Cotabato High School (1955). He obtained his Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines (1959).

He was a representative of the 2nd District of Maguindanao from 1992 to 2001. In 2001, he was appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In 2003, he served as Secretary of Justice until he resigned in the same year. He was re-elected to the House of Representatives in 2007.

The late Datumanong also served as: Member, Board United Coconut Planters Bank (1986-1992); Member, Board Philippine Amanah Bank (1985-1986, Representative BatasangPambansa (1984-1986); Minister of Muslim Affairs and Cultural Committees (1984-1986); Chairperson Executive Council of Autonomous Region XII (1980-1984).

He was also served as member of the Board of Regents Mindanao State University; University of Southern Mindanao (1980-1984); Regional assemblyman, Autonomous Regional Government of Western Mindanao (1979-1984); Regional commissioner, Region XII (1975-1979); Provincial governor, Maguindanao (1973-1975); Provincial governor, Cotabato (1968-1971); Provincial board member Cotabato (1963-1967);Co-chairperson Provisional government in Southern Philippines, 1977; Member, Philippine negotiation panel for the Tripoli Agreement 1976; Provincial vice governor, Cotabato 1967.

His awards and recognition include TOYM awardee recipient, Community Service Award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA); Three-time citation, Kagitingan Award by the Philippine Constabulary, Philippine Army, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (PNA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

TRANSPARENCY

TRANSPARENCY ---City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi sits with the government's department heads during the exit conference with the Commission on Audit, headed by Regional Director Virginia Datukon.Mayor Guiani-Sayadi is always hands on when it comes to the city's budget and ensures the soundness and accuracy of the utilization of funds of the city government. (COURTESY OF CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

HALAL

HALAL ---Members of the ARMM's Halal Industry Development Technical Working Group (HID TWG) convened on Friday, March 3 to deliberate and discuss the project proposal 'Joint Halal Production and Promotion Project. The meeting was held at the Science and Technology-ARMM Conference Room in Cotabato City.The said project was proposed by Dr. NorodinKuit (right), Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM focal person on HID TWG. The project was aimed at ensuring sustainable supply of halal compliant meat in the region by increasing halal meat production, and by providing halal, affordable, nutritious and healthy food in the region.Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible based on Islamic Sharia law and the term can cover both goods – such as foods, drinks, medicines, clothing and cosmetics – and services as well as places. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CHAMPION

CHAMPION --- FUTSAL players from different schools in the city visited recently Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumamaand shared their award to Cotabateños. Coach MoraimaKanebpalsaid the team shall once again undergo intensive training in preparation to compete on the upcoming PalarongPambansa. (COURTESY OF COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Multi-million worth of investments

SEAL THE DEAL --- City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi shares traditional toast with the Chinese investors during a meeting in Manila. This signifies the beginning of a compact and fruitful relationship between the Shanghai Construction Group Company and the City Government of Cotabato. (COURTESY OF COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city is seemingly one of the cities that benefit from the blossoming relationship between the Philippine government and the People's Republic of China.

Chinese investors have been in constant communication recently with City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi, soliciting information regarding the development thrusts of the city.

Last February, 3 companies from China went to the city to erect samples of solar and wind powered street lamps. In adherence to the city government's aim to make Cotabato City an eco-friendly city, an estimated 4000 environment-friendly streetlamps will be erected in the main and sub streets of the city.

City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, together with her technical team, is now studying each of the three companies' profile.

Last week, executives from the Shanghai Construction Group Co., the leading construction company in China, had a meeting with City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi in Manila. The company is interested in investing on low to mid cost housing. They are planning to partner with the city government in establishing houses for resettlement purposes and also for the government employees village, a project of the city LGU.

Together with her technical team, City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Adela Fiesta, CENRO Engr. Crisanto Saavedra, and Engr. Domingo Guariño, Jr., one of the city government's consultants, the mayor has presented several other projects including the establishment of the city airport and seaport, and the proposed special economic zone for Cotabato City.

Guiani-Sayadi said SCG is interested in partnering with the city government in all these projects but they are most interested in the housing project. After the meeting, the city's technical team immediately formulated a plan of action so they will be able to finish their proposal the soonest possible time.

"Our meeting has ended with the commitment of the Shanghai Construction Group to help the city in implementing these major infrastructure projects and once finish, and I am positive that we will, then I can say that Cotabato City has truly achieved all its goals", Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Within the next few weeks, when the proposal is finished, the lady mayor shall once again meet with the Chinese investors to "seal the deal".

"We are looking at entering into a private-public partnership or PPP. It will depend on the agreement between the parties and the counterpart of each. But I am sure that the city government can comply", the mayor further added.

The Shanghai Construction Group Co. has already built hundreds of various infrastructure projects not just in China but in countries such as Russia, the USA, Egypt, Cambodia and many others. The company is the one that built the Shanghai Tower and the Guangzhou TV Tower, two of the tallest towers in the world. They have also built power plants, airports, recreational facilities, and landmarks. With a history of over 60 years, it is generating up to Chinese RMB 114 billion or more than USD 16 billion every year.

The city mayor was able to engage this company with the help of her family and friends in China, as her roots can be traced in Xiamen, like many of the Chinese descents here in the Philippines.

The better peace and order situation experienced by Cotabato City right now has also brought back the confidence of companies to invest here. Both local and foreign investors are interested in putting up infrastructure and commercial projects in the city within the next two years. (ROHAIMA S. ESMAEL, BACOM 3, NDU – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM offers 3,115 slots for two scholarship programs

SCHOLARSHIP --- ARMM's partner line agencies convened for the orientation of the ARMM's Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholarship programs. ORG Chief of Staff Atty. RasolMitmug Jr. (left) said the application for the two scholarship and student assistance programs which include Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and Training for Work Scholarship (TWSP) are now open to the public. A total of 2,325 slots has been allocated under TWSP and 790 slots for PESFA. To avail themselves of the scholarship programs, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --– The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (TESDA-ARMM) has officially announced the availability of 3,115 slots under two scholarship programs of the agency.

Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Office of the Regional Governor’s chief of staff and concurrent TESDA-ARMM officer-in-charge, said applications for the two programs, specifically the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and Training for Work Scholarship (TWSP), are now open to the public.

The scholarship programs are aimed at addressing equity and access by providing direct financial assistance to deserving enrollees. A total of 2,325 slots have been allocated under TWSP and 790 slots for PESFA.

The TESDA central office has earmarked P25 million for the two scholarship programs in the region.

The TWSP provides immediate interventions to meet the need for highly critical skills. It has two objectives:to purposively drive TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) provision to available jobs through incentives and appropriate training programs that are directly connected to existing jobs for immediate employment, both locally and overseas; and to build and strengthen the capacity and capability of TVET institutions in expanding and improving the delivery of quality, efficient and relevant training programs that meet job requirements, including programs for higher levels of technology.

Target beneficiaries under this program include but not limited to the following: drug dependent surrenderees; out-of-school youths; those who are unemployed and underemployed; industry workers obtaining skills upgrading training programs; overseas Filipino workers and their dependents; basic and marginalized sectors; TVET trainers; and other targeted special groups.

PESFA, on the other hand, offers educational grants to qualified and deserving college freshmen both in degree and non-degree courses. The program seeks to; extend financial assistance to marginalized but deserving students in post-secondary non-degree courses; promote TVET; contribute to the development of a competent skilled workforce; and assist private institutions in their development efforts by assuring a steady supply of enrollees to their course offerings.

Under the program, beneficiaries must have completed at least 10 years of basic education; at least 15 years old at the start of the training; have taken the NCAE (National Career Assessment Examination); have an annual family income of not more than P300,000; must not be a recipient of any post-Grade 10 scholarship program; and must not have attended any post-secondary/college education program.

In October 2016, during the launching of the anti-poverty agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong said out-of-school youths and drug surrenderees are given priority in training courses offered by the agency.

“We are confident that these programs will help empower our people to become more productive members of society. These will give them opportunities through skills training that can either help them start a career, or a new business venture,” said the TESDA chief.

To avail themselves of the scholarship programs, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak LGU conducts night patrol

Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao--- This local government maintains nightly ronda patrol to make sure that everything is in order and in accordance with the law for the safety of the populace.

Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan, said the municipal government has been implementing the “night patrol” wherein elements of the police, barangays officials and tanods, and other security staff of the local government are moving along the national highway of the town every night to ensure the strict implementation of the curfew for minors and to increase police visibility in strategic areas.

“We’ve been doing such endeavour for months now because we believe peace and order is a shared responsibility of everyone,” said Mayor Ampatuan.

Mayor Ampatuan saidthe night patrol also involves the active participation of Vice-Mayor DatuAkmadAmpatuan who regularly joins the team to personally witness the operation of various law enforcers.

Vice Mayor Ampatuan in his desire to maintain peace and order in the community and as father of the mayor, personally patrols at night with the members of the Philippine National Police and the BPAT.

This endeavour reaps positive impression from the people that the good Vice Mayor is really determined to make ShariffAguak a haven of peace. As a result of this initiative, not a single report of crime or theft is registered the past months in the blotter of the municipal police station.

“Through this campaign, we make sure that everything is in order and in accordance with the law,” said Vice-Mayor Ampatuan.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ampatuan said their move is in accordance to strengthening the MamayangAyawsaAnomalya, MamayangAyaw sa IlligalnaDroga or MASA MASID program of the government.

“MASA MASID is a collaborative effort of the local PNP, barangay leaders, religious sectors, civil society groups, and non-government organizations, and our populace,” said Mayor Ampatuan.

The local government now focuses on the fight against illegal gambling after eradicating the problem on illegal drugs. The tandem vows to eliminate any form of criminalities in the town.

“It is now the high time that we encourage our constituents to take action against all forms of irregularities and illegal activities,” Mayor Ampatuan said.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

VM Dumamareveals focus of Sangguniang Panlungsod

COTABATO CITY --- Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama has revealed the ongoing focus of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the benefit of Cotabateños.

Dumama said the city council’s latest accomplishment for the past two weeks was the “economic zone declaration”, where the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has requested the city planning office to identify potential areas.

“We submitted a resolution addressed to PEZA, wherein they will select areas to be declared economic zone for economic progress. One potential area is located in Kalanganan Dos.We are targeting all for economic progress, measures and ordinances,” he said.

Dumama said they also submitted ordinances regarding tourism most especiallythe tourism code.

“We would want toregulateplacing of streamers and billboards for tourism beautification. It is not appropriate that they place these tarpaulins and streamers anywhere. Sometimes in places at high risk like electric posts,” he said.

Further, he said Councilor Bruce Matabalao’s focus which is Disaster Preparedness in every school is now on its third and final reading.

“Every school here in Cotabato City should have disaster preparedness plan,” he said.

With regards to the traffic problem, he said the city currently implements rerouting scheme.

“We created one way streets and updated our ordinances. We updated several laws that are still being implemented and followed in Cotabato City up to this day despite being crafted more than a decade ago,” he said.

It was learned that these outdated laws must already be amended or repealed in order to be more responsive to the present needs of the city.Considering that the city’s population is getting bigger by the day, Dumama said that in one to two weeks time, the executive department shall be implementing the new traffic code.

In addition, he said there will be “no parking” policy in some areas mostly in the highway. In SK Pendatun Avenue, it will be one way road.

“We will be strictly implementing and stiff penalties will be charged to violators. Just like other leading cities in the country, we need to pass local ordinances that are more relevant to the needs of the changing times", said Dumama.

In the midst of rapid development that Cotabato City is now experiencing, the city council copes and gears towards enacting laws that will be conducive to the growth of the city's economy.

Meanwhile, since we are observing fire prevention month, the good Vice-Mayor supports the campaign of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council shall join the BFP in the campaign in all barangays to ensure safety of every establishment and household,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DepEd Maguindanao prepares for ARMAA 2017

BaiMeriam A. Kawit

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- ThePalarong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) for the year 2017 officially begins on March 6 in Upi, Maguindanao.

Hadja Bai Meriam A. Kawit, Maguindanao Schools Division Superintendent said they have been preparing their athletes who are going to compete in the week-long activity.

“We have at least 500 players who are going to participate in this year’s Palarong ARMAA,” she said.

Kawits aid the Palaro would want to promote not only physical education specifically a well-rounded development of the youth in the region, but also for them to be responsible advocates of sports instead of focusing to other invaluable doings.

“Palarong ARMMAA intends to develop physical skills, self-discipline and sportsmanship among the athletes. It could also boost their confidence,” said Kawit.

The Athletes, both from elementary and secondary levels, are competing in sports like basketball, volleyball, football, athletics, boxing, wushu, arnis, wrestling, taekwondo, and archery.

In addition, Kawit said they also solicited support from Maguindanao’s 2^nd District Representative Zajid Mangudadatu who gave 500 sports bags for the athletes.

“From the end of the DepEd, we have also provided them with shoes and uniforms which they will use in the week-long competition,” said Kawit.

But apart from this, we would also soclicit support from the LGUs to support their athletes.

Expectedly, participants of the Palarong ARMAA would be from nine schools divisions, namely Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi – all under the regional Department of Education (DepEd-ARMM). (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BFP OBSERVES FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

FIRE PREVENTION --- Bureau of Fire Protection Cotabato City Spokesperson FO2 Hexter John Cadavero discussed the importance of having fire-free and fire-safe communities in the midst of observing fire prevention month. (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city is in full swing with the various activities on the month-long observance of this year’s Fire Prevention Month with the theme, "Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, IbayongPag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa SarilingPamamahaySimulan.”

FO2 Hexter Jan Cadavero, BFP Cotabato City spokesperson, said they conducted last March 01the activity “Walk for a Fire-Free and Fire-Safe Nation” from their station in Tabunaway Boulevard where they revolved along Quezon Avenue before going back to station.

“The activity was participated by BFP personnel, students, Karancho members, Chinese volunteer brigade, and local government agencies,” he said.

Cadavero added they are bound to strengthen the campaign on fire prevention as per Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A declaring the month of March as Fire Prevention Month.

“We are doing this to properly educate the public on how to prevent fires at whatever circumstance,” Cadavero added.

Cadavero said on March 4, 18 and 25, they are set to conduct house to house fire safety awareness campaign at clustered areas in the city.

“We are going house to house to conduct inspection in Barangays Kalanganan 1, 2 Rosary Heights 9, and Bagua 2,” said Cadavero.

Fire Safety Awareness Campaign includes the Ugnayan sa Barangay and visibility image building campaign which must constitute the following: distribution of information materials; lectures on fire prevention; inspection of all establishments; familiarization of their Area of responsibility (AOR); testing of fire hydrants; fire disaster emergency planning; fire drill; monitoring of all hazard operations; and identification of fire-prone areas and conduct of fire pre-planning to areas identified.

House to house fire safety information campaign and fire safety awareness/ education shall be conducted also during the inspection to include the following topics: safety measures of the home; fire escape plan; EDITH, Exit Drill in the Home and how to use the fire extinguisher (PASS).

Cadavero said there will also be Fire Truck Visibility, wherein their six (6) serviceable fire trucks shall be utilized.

Starting March 1 until March 31, 2017, through its built-in public address system, the BFP personnel shall broadcast fire safety reminders to the community. It shall be done every day. Placement to heightened alert status and intensive monitoring of fire-prone areas, starting March 1-31, 2017, all BFP stations and personnel shall be placed on heightened alert status; a no leave policy shall be applied to all personnel.

Further, it was learned that the city fire marshall shall identify prone areas within AOR based on the frequency of occurrence of fire and the type of materials the structures is made. Those identified areas shall be subjected to constant monitoring, ocular inspections and fire safety inspection campaign.

Following is the list of fire prone areas within Cotabato City: Tukananes (Poblacion VII), PurokBulliao (Mother Poblacion), PurokMalipayon (Poblacion 4), PurokDapdap (Rosary Heights 2), Surrounding Mega Market (Mother Poblacion), Interior Mabini (Bagua 3), Manday Area (Bagua 3), Lugay-Lugay (Bagua 1), PC Hill (Rosary Heights 1), Macapagal Subdivision (Rosary Heights Mother), EsterosArea (Tamontaka Mother), Malagapas (Rosary Heights 10), Arong Village (Rosary Heights 4), Back of MC Square &Canizares School (Rosary Heights 10), Campo Muslim (Mother Barangay Bagua), and Inner Guittierez (Rosary Heights 9).

Together with these, there are another set of activities on the pipeline. “Takbo Laban saSunog” shall be held together with refresher training course to all volunteer fire brigades and Barangay Disaster Control Brigade within the AOR.

SInsp Nestor D. Bade, Acting City Fire Marshall, said the Culminating Ceremony to mark the end of the month-long activity is set on March 31 and will be held at the Peoples Palace in Cotabato City.

       

“The commitment of the agency to save lives and properties is the topmost concern of the Bureau of Fire Protection,” said Bade.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BCYD partners with NYC, OPAPP

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT ---BCYD Executive Director Salic ExanSharief, Jr. (2nd from right) flanks with NYC Chairperson USecAizaSeguerra (2nd from left) and OPAPP UnderSecretary Dickson Hermoso (right) during the “7th Consultation on Youth Management in Public and Civic Affairs” last March 02, 2017 held at the MSU Charm Pavilion, Mindanao State University in Marawi City. Inset - NYC Chair USecAizaSeguerra speaks before youth participants. (BCYD – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsamoro Center for Youth Development (BCYD)continues to enhance and empower the youth through responsive and quality-driven programs with its recent partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) during the conduct of the “7th Consultation on Youth Management in Public and Civic Affairs” last March 02, 2017 held at the MSU Charm Pavilion, Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Salic Exan Sharief, Jr., Executive Director of BCYD, said the consultation mainlyfocused on the youths of Lanao del Sur through the consolidated efforts of the Lanao Youth Council and BCYD.

“It was attended by more than 200 participants from various schools in Lanao,” said Sharief.

Sharief said speakers and lecturers included former Marawi City Mayor Omar Solitario Ali where he discussed youth and federalism together with MSU Vice-President for Administration and Finance Atty. Jamaloden Basar, Arriza Nucom of the KRIS Library, former Mayor of Iligan city Atty. Franklin Quijano, Under Secretary Dickson Hermoso of OPAPP and NYC Chairperson Under Secretary Aisa Seguerra.

In her message, Seguerra reiterated the NYC continues to provide the youth sector with opportunities so they become active partners in nation-building through youth programs and projects that will develop and harness their potentials and enable them to be of great service to their country and community.

“Dir. Sharief and I have recently visited some provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and our main objective is to inform our communities of our various programs for the youths most especially in the aspect of peace,” said Seguerra.

Sharief added there was also a sharing session on youth issues during the workshop facilitated by LYC and BCYD.

“The youth participants were able to share their sentiments on the current issuers affecting our society nowadays,” said Sharief.

Further, Usec Hermoso stressed the youth should haveactive participation in the discussion of the peace process.

“They play a major role in realizing true lasting peace here in Mindanao,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sharief said they are doing such endeavour given the factthat it was not long ago, youth sector was neglected in almost all basic services provided by both the government and the private corporate world.

“It was only this time when regional bodies came to realize setting up their respective youth offices,” he said.

Sharief added that notwithstanding the fact that the Bangsamoro population is highly concentrated in the Mindanao archipelago, it is also a public knowledge that a certain percentage of the multi-tribal composition of the Bangsamoro is spread out in various parts of the country.

“The creation of the BCYD comes as a response to the challenge of disconnected individual efforts of the existing Moro youth offices and youth organizations in the different regions of the country,” he added.

In this regard, components of BCYD mainly focused on education and intergenerational relations, environment and climate change, research and data management, juvenile justice and electoral reform, entrepreneurship, and livelihood and financial inclusion.

“BCYD intends to be the intergenerational domain of the Bangsamoro populace where efforts and programs for the Bangsamoro can be consolidated in a unified manner,” he said.

Sharief said they would want to invest in the capability expansion and upskill of the young children and young generation.  It is devoted to a systematic monitoring of the application and execution of its learned principles by the stakeholder clientele in the diversity of life disciplines.

“We are going to conduct research studies on issues and concerns of the youth, provide team-building and synergy workshops to beneficiary communities, devise training modules on leadership, peace building, project management and socio-economic empowerment on the youth, and establish and create linkages between and among youth organizations within and outside Mindanao archipelago,” said Sharief. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)