Editorial

Pope at Audience: Christmas, the surprises that God

At his General Audience last December 19, Pope Francis reflected on the upcoming feast of Christmas, which is filled with “the surprises of Jesus.”

Pope Francis’ catechesis on Christmas was focused on the idea of “surprises.” While the world insists on exchanging presents, the Holy Father asked: “What gifts and surprises would God want?”

Looking back at the first Christmas, the Pope said it was “full of surprises,” for Mary, for Joseph. From the Angel’s announcement of Mary’s pregnancy, to the Flight into Egypt, that first Christmas “brought unexpected changes” to their lives. 

“But it was in the middle of the night of Christmas,” Pope Francis said, “that the biggest surprise of all arrived: The Most High isa little baby.” Christmas, he said, means celebrating the “unprecedented things of God,” or rather, “the unprecedented God.”

Editorial

2 Decemberfest events bindCotabateños as one

For us Cotabateños, we celebrate the month of December doably --- Shariff Kabunsuan Day every 19th and Christmas Day every 25th. Both believers of Islam and Christianity partake of these significant events. Both dates have historical and cultural significance affecting people’s lives.

        It was Shariff Kabunsuan who implanted Islam in Mindanao, in south of the Philippines, and with it the way of life among followers of the faith. Corollary, Christmas Day reminds the Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Islam, is also a Prophet. Historically, Christ founded Catholicism. Both events reaffirm one’s faith. The two imprint one common message --- LOVE for one another in peace and unity… Hence, the call of one carol song: “Good tidings we bring for you and for me…”

        The two historical and cultural events bind Cotabateños together in festive manner as we share pleasantries with each other. The fluvial parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao reminisces the arrival of ShariffKabunsuan when his sail anchored at the mouth of the river while the night-lighted “belen” in the homes and public places depicts the “manger” where Christ was laid upon birth by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is also recognized in Islam. Shariff Kabunsuan and Jesus Christ, in modern parlance, are both “high celebrities.”

        We have to comprehend that Islam and Christianity know not religious and cultural discrimination but respect on one’s faith or belief. Through the years, both Muslims and Christians in our region have co-existed with each other and we mean to further strengthen this bond for the sake of peace and development as we are both stakeholders in the advancement of our city, our region, and our country altogether.

        May these two commemorative events further bind us toward lasting co-existence where love and peace always reverberate in our lives and come together for a dialogue if ever destructive difference(s) arise.Sociologically, when diverse cultures meet, there is always cultural borrowing, those that can blend with one’s distinct culture… there is even religious conversion when two cultures meet. Cultural borrowing somehow in the long process lead to one distinct culture --- oneness as a people.

        Let us be reminded of these two celebrative events that we, Cotabateños, are always one as a people in this part of the country. Happy feast days on these double affairs as we reaffirm our togetherness in peace, unity, and cultural understanding.

NorCot alliance towns continue sharing facilities

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato --- Seven towns of this province continually strengthen their alliance and intensify their "bayanihan" spirit through implementation of infrastructures in underdeveloped areas.

Mayor Eliso Garcesa, Jr. said Kabalikat PALMA+PB --- which stands for the initial letters of the towns of Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap, and Alamada plus Pikit and Banisilan --- has pulled its resources and equipment to complement the needs of each member-municipality.

“It is already a practice that heavy equipment and construction facilities of alliance-member towns would lend each other’s equipment should the need arises,” Mayor Garcesa said.

He said these include dump trucks, road roller, road grader, backhoe, bulldozer, self-loading, and pay loader.

“We usually help each other for the road rehabilitation and maintenance,” he said.

The Kabalikat PALMA+PB has been moving from one municipality of the district to another for years now doing repair works on roads, rehabilitation of bridges, road concreting, and construction of farm-to-market roads, among others. (Gilmhar A. Lao with Anne Acosta)

Tawi-Tawi flick wins Moro Film Fest

BEST MORO FLICK. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman (extreme left) and actor Robin Padilla (extreme right) flank the people behind the featured film 'Manis Ma Pikilan' that emerged as the grand winner in the Moro Film Festival held last  December 6 at Shariff Kabunsuan Complex in Cotabato City. (PHOTO BY BPI-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- A short feature film from Tawi-tawi bested 10 other finalists and won as best short film for the 2018 Moro Film Festival at the Sharif Kabunsuan Complex here Thursday (December 6) night.

"Manis Ma Pikilan," which in Samal dialect means “Beauty in My Mind,” romped with P300,000 as the grand prize winner. The film captures the personal struggles of Pahad, a boy from a small coastal community in Tawi-tawi.

“This film would like to tell the people, especially those people outside the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), that Mindanao is not just about war and that people have their own personal struggles in life,” said Bhas Abdulsamad, director of the film.

“White Flag,” a short film that depicts the story of Omaimah, a young lady who faced great challenges at an evacuation center in Marawi during the siege, bagged the Grand Jury Prize, walking away with a P150,000 cash prize.

“White Flag” director Najib Alyhar Zacaria was emotional during the awards night.

“I could not explain how I feel but I know I am happy. This is for my Princess,” he said.

Princess was Zacaria's daughter who expired due to a disease while staying inside an evacuation center during the Marawi City siege last year.

Other short film finalists were “Identity,” “Kyuga,” “Battle of Tampakan,” “Inged,” “The Last Kill,” “Juramentado,” “Khalil at Manuelito,” and “Sarimanok.”

Extra winners with their corresponding prizes are Audience Choice Award – Inged (Php100,000); Best Director – Najib Alyhar Zacaria for White Flag (Php50,000); Best Screenplay – White Flag (Php30,000); Best Cinematography – Manis Ma Pikilan (Php30,000); Best Editing – Manis Ma Pikilan (P30,000); Best Actor – Abraham Nupuran for Manis Ma Pikilan (Php15,000); and Special Citation for Ensemble Acting – The Last Kill (Php15,000).


The films were critiqued and judged by renowned filmmakers led by award-winning Moro filmmaker and author Gutierrez "Teng" Mangansakan II with Bagane Fiola and Xeph Suarez as members.

“A good story is something that comes from within, and these two movies, ‘Manis Ma Pikilan’ and ‘White Flag,’ were really able to surface this type of films,” Mangansakan said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, who graced the event together with wife Anak Mindanao Executive Director Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman and actor Robin Padilla, congratulated the winners as he encouraged them to make more Moro films in the future.

“This is for all the Bangsamoro people,” Hataman said.

The competition, the first-ever for the ARMM, forms part of the region’s year-long celebration of Pakaradjaan 2018. Public screenings of the top-10 films have been scheduled at the Al Nor Cinema 2 in this city last December 7-9. (NOEL PUNZALAN / PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

Gift-giving is LOVE

Many youths would prefer “material items” as gifts for Christmas as shown in a survey by the Social Weather Station. This preference was nearly 50 percent of the respondents’ choice compared to a measly two percent for “family togetherness” as a gift.

        But to qualify qualitatively, material items decay but not familial togetherness or affirming family bond which goes generation by generation. A gadget like cellphones can be bought anytime but not one cannot just throw family union outdoors. From the family we get belongingness, affection, protection, and survival. Of course, we need material items but these could only be temporal unlike social bonding which is more lasting. 

        People give material gifts to make us happy of our wants or needs but the non-material aspect , which is family togetherness, is far more reaching in social relationship. Better in togetherness we extend material gifts out of love. Of course, the youths or the kids would want material items, including cash, as gifts during Christmas Day but these are given out of love. If it is out of love and it will further strengthen social bonding, then the material and non-material aspects are fine blending… but not as an obsession to acquire the material things to selfishly satisfy oneself.

        There are wonders in giving material items as gifts. For one, it must be usable. If one can afford,, a computer set or laptop unit with internet connection is functional, especially for studies and research and as a communication tool, and that could also be used by the whole family. But of course, there must be a fund sourcing for maintenance and operation of such device. What we mean is a gift that is long lasting and very useful and functional. Of course, this depends on affordability.

        There are choices in giving material items as gifts so long as these are meant to be useful. Surely, kids love toys but these items can be bought with a learning process in it. These items would make the receivers think that they are loved and are given attention by the givers. Loving is non-material and giving can come in the form of material aspect and could be reciprocated by non-material gesture such as respect and appreciation borne out of gift-giving.

        So folks, this Christmas season learn how to blend the material and non-material nature of the occasion. Giving material items is a token of love and the receiver is reminded that they are being loved and not just for the sake of tradition of buying gifts.

        Remember, the greatest gift of all is always LOVE. This is especially true among families of close-knit relationship. Enjoy the season folks!

S. Upi SB undergoes performance assessment

OUTPUT PERFORMANCE --- Provincial Assessment and Evaluation on Local Legislative Award 2018 team in a pictorial pose with UpiSangguniang Bayan members headed by Vice Mayor Abdullah “Bedz” Campong. (Anne Acosta)

SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao ---The Sangguniang Bayan members of this town  headed by Vice Mayor Abdullah ‘Bedz” Campong has undergone the first ever Provincial Assessment and Evaluation on Local Legisative held at the Legislative Hall last November 27.

        The Provincial Assessment and Evaluation Committee 2018 was headed by Focal Person and Local Legislation Specialist Tarhata L. Balading of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Maguindanao.

        With the committee are Torombai M. Ambolodto of DILG-Maguindanao, Ampatuan Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Nuhad Kamaong Kadil, Salama G. Kadon of the Provincial Agriculture Office, those from the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Maguindanao and Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and other composite team.

In their opening statements, both Mayor Reynalbert Insular and Vice Mayor Campong expressed their thankfulness to the assessment and evaluation team for choosing their locality as part of the program.

RSCWC holds culmination program of 26th Children's Month celebration

CHILDREN'S WELFARE --- Hundreds of children joined the culmination program of the 26th Children's Month celebration last November 28 held at Golden Lace Resto in Cotabato City. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) held last November 28 the culmination program of the 26th Children's Month 2018 celebration held at Golden Lace Resto, this city.

Hadja Emma Ali, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (DSWD) - Maguindanao, said they were lucky since Maguindanao was chosen as their area of implementation.

Ali said, as part of the various activities, a community session on “positive parenting” was conducted in the municipalities of Parang and Sultan Kudarat last November 26-27 participated by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries as part of their family development session.

"We are glad on the positive outcome of the activity," Ali said.

Highlights during the culmination program were the Presentation and Rationale of Positive Discipline Bill by the Save the Children Foundation, Signature Campaign on Positive Discipline Bill spearheaded by 2nd District Board Member King Jazzer Mangudadatu, and the Presentation of Panatang Makabata. Hundreds of children joined the activity.

"For the very first time, we also had the Day Care Children Got Talent and OSY Theater Arts competitions participated by various LGUs in Maguindanao," Ali said.

Ali said they would like to thank all partners who contributed on the success of the month-long celebration.

"Thank you to all RSCWC member-agencies, DSWD-ARMM Secretary Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia, Asst. Sec. Hadja Pombaen Karon Kader, Governor EsmailMangudadatu, Board Member King Jazzer Mangudadatu, and the UNICEF," she said. (GILMHAR A. LAO)

Relatives seek justice on death of one LGU employee, 3 others

CRYING FOR JUSTICE --- Shown (L-R) are Bai Norhanie Edzla, wife of the victim Bohari Edzla;  Atty. Ronald Torres, legal counsel of the victims; Samsudin Kusain, brother of  Esmael “Kokoy” Kusain; and  mother of Badruddin Singgon. (Anne Acosta)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- Relatives have cried for justice when they faced the local media last November 30 following the death of one employee of the Shariff Aguak municipal government and three others found dead in two separate areas.

Earlier, local authorities said two of them were killed in an encounter with policemen in Tacurong City while the two others were shot dead and left along a road in Banga, South Cotabato.

They were identified as Faizal Ampatuan, Bohari Uday Edzla,  Esmael "Kokoy" Kusain Datumanong, and Badruddin Singgon.

Singgonwas an employee of the Shariff Aguak municipal government.

Atty. Ronald Torres, who acts as legal counsel of the group, stressed that they are not members of any local Islamic State-inspired group.

"We are just waiting for the documents to be completed so we can formally file a case," Atty. Torres said.

Previously, the Regional Police Office-12 has released a statement that Edzla and Datumanong were Islamic militants killed in a gunfight with a police team before in Tacurong City when they were about to transport an improvised explosive device somewhere in the city and were intercepted by police personnel.

Later that day, their companions, Singgon and Ampatuan, were found dead, with gunshot wounds, along a highway in Banga town in South Cotabato.

Accordingly, a black Islamic State flag was also recovered from their possession.

Relatives of the four have denied such allegation and said they will seek help from the Commission on Human Rights to act on the case. (Gilmhar A. Lao and Anne Acosta

Kabuntalan marks 12th founding anniversary

SURELY, the constituents of Northern Kabuntalan are the prime guests and stakeholders in the celebration of the municipality’s 12th Founding Anniversary as they partake of the festive program. (Anne Acosta)

NORTHERN KABUNTALAN ---  Created on November  29, 2006 but without endowment of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), this municipality continues  to celebrate its foundation anniversary, its 12th last November 29 with a program at the town’s municipal gymnasium.

        Maguindanao Deputy Governor and founding mayor, Datu Umbra “Ramil” Dilangalen, greeted the crowd in the foundation day gathering as he extended his gratitude to all development stakeholders and townfolks for their support to the municipal government endeavours.

“The 12 years of existence without receiving any IRA from the national government is not a hindrance for a performing leader to implement more projects sponsored by our national leaders and those channeled to us by different line-agencies,” he said.

“As what you can see and observe,  our municipality right now boasts ofa lot of development and improvements such as concreting of farm-to-market roads, and stable peace and order condition. You see, we continue to be progressive and we can say that we are living in a very peaceful community with unity among our constituents,” he further said.

"Maliwanag ang Pasko sa Cotabato" launched

Cotabateños can now enjoy a more colorful Christmas season as the city government of Cotabato launched last November 29 the "Maliwanag ang Pasko sa Cotabato" at the City Plaza. (Gilmhar A. Lao)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government launched last November 29the “Maliwanagang Paskosa Cotabato,” which marks the beginning of the celebration of the festive month of December.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, in her message during the launching program at the city plaza, said  the event is one of the city government’s ways of celebrating the festive month of December whenthe ShariffKabunsuan Festival and the Christmas season are being celebrated.

“It only shows that Cotabateños are truly united. Here in Cotabato City, the Christmas season is recognized as one of our biggest celebrations," Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

The lady mayor emphasized that Christmas is being openly celebrated by the Christians here and is being highly respected by the Muslims.

"Christmas time is significant not only among the Christian brethren since it is the time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is also the Prophet Isha of the Muslims,” Guiani-Sayadi stressed.

City Tourism Officer GurlieFrondoza was delighted to announce that Cotabateños can now enjoy the colorful and more spacious city plaza.

"This is what everyone love about our city, what we love about us. We are inclusive, not exclusive. We are a uniting people, never divisive. This is where we are now, who we are at present. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that what we want is a continuity of respect and admiration for each other," Frondoza said. 

Frondoza added that what they want is a community liveable among Christians, Muslims, and Lumads. 

"What we constantly hope for is freedom for everyone to practice each other’s beliefs, tradition, and religion. I am truly proud of Mayor Cyn for championing always the welfare of our city and always thinking about making us happy to be Cotabateños," Frondoza said.

Other atendees during the activity were local government officials, city council members, department heads, division chiefs, civil society organizations, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Office, partner line-agencies, business groups, and employees of the city government. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Army joins ARMM Outreach

HEALTH MISSION --- An Army dentist attends to a patient during the November 26-28 outreach program of the ARMM-HEART in Maguindanao. (PHOTO BY 6^TH ID – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Government forces are not only for armed conflicts, but they primarily help the government save lives by participating in medical missions for indigent residents, an Army official here said last November 29.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said that with major armed conflicts declining due to the improved peace and order situation, soldiers under the division have joined medical and dental outreach programs of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“Army doctors and nurses joined the ARMM People’s Day activities for the past three days that ended Wednesday (November 28) in Maguindanao,” he said.

The soldiers, equipped with medical equipment and led by 40th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Edgar Catu spearheaded the medical mission in partnership with the ARMM-Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).

They served more than 500 indigent residents of Raja Buayan and its near environs in Maguindanao in the health services conducted at the municipal gymnasium on November 26-28.

Myrna Jo Henry, ARMM HEART spokesperson, said the outreach program served 250 residents who availed of medical check-ups, 150 tooth extractions, 50 circumcisions, and 50 free haircuts.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6thID, said the Army's participation in the outreach activity seeks to strengthen its alliance among the different stakeholders of the government and the communities.

Sobejana said it also aims to strengthen stakeholder’s relationship where trust and confidence are built among the populace and the military as partners for peace and development. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ / PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Editorial

The worth of Christmas

Christmas Day (December 25) is nearing with the traditional “Dawn Mass” to start December 16. There are “panatas” to complete the “Misa de Gallo” out of religious devotion and strengthening of faith, especially among Christians. But the yuletide season is not only for the Christians but for everyone since all partake of the holidays and share with the merriment… a sign of oneness amid diverse religious affiliations.

        Christmas season has a duality --- Love and Peace. Hence the Christmas carol “Peace on Earth.” The two concepts intertwine with each other… without one, the isgone. 

        The Department of Education has ordered the longer celebration of Christmas break to start December 15 instead of December 22 so children and parents can have longer bonding moments and further strengthen familization; that is if the family stays together during the season.

        During this moment, children expect gifts from parents and other loved ones. Of course, adult children also give gifts to parents as a sign of love, affection, and thankfulness. Exchange gifts would be wonderful to show our thoughtfulness and belongingness. Really, Christmas is a family affair…making us closer to one another.

        Better for those who can afford to extend gifts to the indigents. A program for this gift-giving and merriment can be arranged on the neighborhood level. This will fill our heart’s joy from a beloved community member(s)… it’s Christmas and we make the spirit liven.

        It’s also the moment when we pause or reflect on life existence… our birth on earth and why we exist and how we make worth our individual life with others. Human beings are social and we interact with others for our needs, not using each other but complementing each other’s needs. It’s time again to say thanks to the “significant others,” not necessarily our parents but somebody else who are important to us --- a close relative, a teacher, a friend, or whoever they are near to your heart. Yes, thereare “significant others” we can reach to give us solace, inspiration, encouragement, and the needed help.

        Each one needs each other. This season is one moment to cherish the human longingness and closeness. Let’s make the Christmas season another meaningful month --- giving gratitude.  This is the message of Christmas or Yuletide Season.

DAM observes 12th founding day

Mayor Mary Joy Uy Midtimbang

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG (DAM), Maguindanao --- This municipal government has stepped up another milestone as it celebrated its 12th Foundation Anniversary last November 22.

Mayor Mary Joy Uy Midtimbang said the town’s populace flocked  the municipal ground during the three-day outdoor activities prior to the culmination program.

"Local residents have enjoyed outdoor games such as volleyball, badminton, tug-of-war, sipa sa mangkis, and singing contest," Mayor Midtimbang said.

The mayor said the 'zumba' session was also staged with participation by the drug surrenderees together with the local government unit personnel,  and members of the Philippine National Police  and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"The participation of our drug surrenderees is one testament that they are committed to really turn their backs out of drugs. We are glad to announce that the recent results of the drug test administered to all our surrenderees have been negative," the mayor added.

Further, Mayor Midtimbang said there were activities intended for the women sector “as they   enjoyed various parlor games.”

"We also had a feeding program benefited by hundreds of children as part of the activities of the Children’s Month celebration," Mayor Midtimbang said. (Gilmhar A. Lao with Anne Acosta)

DSA spearheads tree planting

LET THE SEEDLINGS GROW --- Shown planting a Mahogany tree seedling (R-L) are Civil-Military Officerr Lt. Glenn Paul Foronda of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, DSA Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom, Liga ng mga Barangay president and Barangay Elian chair Anwar Kedtag, and MSWO Naphisa Pangandaman. (DSA-LGU)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao ---  The municipal government of this town led a tree planting activity last November 23  in Barangay Salbu, particularly around the  municipal compound, to further push the government’s program of caring and preserving the country’s ecosystem in this part of Mindanao.

Mayor Hadja Bai Anida A. Dimaukom said the environmental care project is a joint partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through representation of the  Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed  by Naphisa Pangandaman.

The tree planting activity, the mayor said, is tuning up the advocacy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as lead agency under the program “Save Our Mother Earth” with the local government unit as support agency in the community level.

Further, she said, the activity as is a way of illuminating the symbol of peace and unity in the fight against  threats and destabilization.

Mayor Dimaukom emphasized that  the greening program is a mitigating measure against soil erosion and the subsequent heavy flooding and global warming in general, thus,  “reducing high heat index in the long run.”

She further said the tree planting would also protect the watershed area.  “Aside from that, trees provide  an additional attraction and bring us fresh air in the community… This  is also for our future generation for them to realize the importance of trees in our life.”

She said the tree planting activity in the town is also a collaboration among different line- agencies: Philippine National Police  led by DSA chief of police InspectorAbdulbasit Kulod, Armed Forces of the Philippine  led by Lt. Col. James Fernando of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, and Lt. Col. Robert Gener of the 57th Infantry Battalion together with the LGU staff and employees, and barangay chairmen and officials headed by Liga ng mga Barangay  pesident Anwar Q.Kedtag.

 Municipal Assistant Social Welfare Officer Jojo Durado said they planted  some 150 mahogany seedlings around the municipal compound, adding: “This is the first time that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has initiated the tree planting activity and this locality has been chosen as its pilot project.”

He said the second batch of tree planting activity will follow in other barangays.

Durado further said they have set the second and third  week of December for their clean-up drive against  dengue-carrier mosquitoes  and other harmful insects on susceptible areas to protect the town folks from insect-borne diseases. This is supportive to the anti-dengue drive of the Department of Health. (Anne Acosta)

Editorial

DO IT – Academic honours

If they can do it, so do you dear students. All pupils in one Grade 6 section in a school at Bangkal in Davao City have entered the “honor roll.” Exceptional indeed and the section has become an elite class, the “pambato” for scholastic and extra-curricular competitions. Of course, we have others who are academic honors but all in one section is different, but not at all impossible.

        Reports indicated that pupils in this section are fast learners and very diligent in doing their academic homeworks and don’t waste time lingering around. I surmise that these diligent pupils are very focused on their studies and one  should be if they aim  for high achievement.  Honor students, you know, are cream of the crops  and can easily land jobs as they are sought after by employers. Graduates of mathematics and statistics or number subjects, few as they are, are sellables in the economic markets, especially in academic institutions. 

        Behind this all-honor phenomenon are the mentors who dedicate their profession for the intellectual growth of the youths. We salute you mam, sir for steering the faculties of the youths.

        Remembering my dean of studies, he said academics can be looked at as an avenue for entertainment. Why so? Learning is entertaining and builds up wisdom… it should not be considered as mental punishment with all those memorizing terms or concepts. Achieving and mastering the five levels of learning, other than recall process, is already a big achievement.

          Other than dependent on schools, parents have a big role to play in monitoring and supervising the academic status of their children, especially on their tender age --- the development of study habits be in school or at home. Parents, too, have to encourage their sibs to be achievement-oriented. Parents have to mind the weak points of their kids so proper intervention could be instituted… some resort to further tutoring to master one or two subjects, especially the so-called “waterloos” such as mathematics and sciences.

        Going back to the all-honor section, I can surmise they have mustered subjects on communication, sciences, and numbers. Reports had it that many Filipinos are poor in mathematics and this should be overcome. Surely, overcoming loopholes is a challenge and it can be done if one wants it to be done.

        Remembering our dean of studies, he said: “Don’t just try, DO IT” in wanting to excel. The culture of the “need for high achievement” is a mission which can be done “if you want it to be done.” This is a real challenge and one is a winner in the end. 

Maguindanao, Lanao Sur mayors attend 3-day executive course

DRIVING FORCE --- Local chief executives from Maguindanao in a pictorial with DILG Secretary Eduardo Año at the Peace and Security Development Course in Davao City. (Anne Acosta)

COTABATO CITY --- Local chief executives in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, all in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, hurdled a seminar-training on Peace and Security Development Course held at the Pinnacle Hotel in Davao City last November 7 to 9.

The three-day executive training course is a program of the Department of National Defence (DND) led by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the Department of the Interior and Local Government  (DILG) under Secretary Eduardo Año.                                                                                                                        DILG Secretary Año, in his closing statement for the three-day seminar and training, said he  “feels happy” seeing the faces of all the mayors from the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao Sur in attendance and participation for  the executives course.

Hundred percent of the mayors attended the course whose subjects include conflict-resolution strategies and framework intervention on localization of peace negotiation, among others.

He emphasized the importance of the course so the local chief executives may further infuse the mandates of the national government.

Año also recognized the presence of the 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Cerelito Sobejana; Brigade Commanders  Col. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. and Brig. Gen. Jesus Saragat of the  602nd and 603rd  Brigade, respectively; Lt. Col. Edgar Catu of the 40th IB; 57th IB commander Lt. Col. Ernesto Gener; 1st Mechanized Battalion Commander Col. James Fernando;  and PNP-ARMM  Director Graciano  Mijares;  and DILG-11  Director Alex Roldan .

 Año gave special mention of the 23 municipal governments that have been recipients of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awards with cash incentives which can be utilized for their respective development programs or projects.

The SGLG awardees passed the performance criteria-compliance from the previous 4+1  to the current seven (good financial housekeeping, social protection, disaster preparedness, business friendliness, competitiveness, peace and order, and environmental management)

“If you have qualified on and passed these sets of criteria, you become somebody and you earn the trust and appreciation in governance with the people as the end-beneficiaries, the very constituents you, local chief executives, serve. That means you are good performing  leaders,” Año said.

“But, mind you people, these criteria are not easy to comply with, it’s so hard. And for the first time since I started two years ago in this agency, there was no qualifier among  you. But this time, it’s amazing because 23 municipalities  from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have passed the SGLG,” Año further said.

The SGLG passers from Maguindanao  are  Matanog, Barira, Buldon, Parang, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Kudarat, Upi, South Upi, Guindulungan, Shariff  Aguak, Datu Paglas, and Datu Abdullah Sangki.

In Basilan, the SGLG awardees are the municipal governments of Maluso and Sumisip while in Tawi-tawi are Sibuto and Simunol. The municipality of Talipao in Sulu is the awardee while in Lanao del Sur, these are Buadiposo-Buntong, Kapatagan, Piagapo, Taraka and Wao.

He expressed hope that there will be more SGLG qualifiers and winners in the ensuing year.

He said the award system will be institutionalized through the passage of the SGLG law with cash incentives increasing from one to three million pesos.

“Now, if the cash awards are higher than today, I am sure that our SGLG passers and even those wanting to become qualifiers would work harder and look forward to their plans and programs to hit their goals of winning the competition among other local government units,” Año said of the recognition and fiscal incentives.

Año said the three-day executives course for local chief executives is a learning session to enhance the knowledge and abilities of political leaders to work and plan for development and settle problems besetting the communities as well as engrain the know-how in the proper handling and distribution of projects coming from the national government to the intended beneficiaries.

The activity, he further said, is a way of determining “if a local chief executive is really performing in his locality though his/her reports on the on goings in their respective area,” the DILG Secretary said.  (Anne Acosta)  

Editorial

Bonuses for spending WHAT?

Another spending spree this yuletide season or the coming year-end. By tradition, this happens but let us put rationale in spending. Spending for what and then lose the dime.

For government employees, they started to receive their 14th month pay since November 15. The 14th month pay and other benefits are exempted from taxation, provided they do not exceed P90,000. All government employees will also receive P5,000 cash bonus. Those in the private sector usually receive their counterpart sometime the middle of December or before Christmas day.

December is month of merriments, it’s in the family and closest of relatives. There will be gift giving, special celebrations, and special purchases of whatever desire and want that are afforable. It is also moment for class reunions, hence, additional expenses. All these spendings come from the bonuses and when January comes there could be no dime to keep. 

Spendings are associated with celebrations we so cherish out of tradition, some of these have binding on the families. We relate with each other more during this festive occasions, reminding each other of our ties and social attachment. Families and close relatives come together to renew the social bonding. Spending, therefore, is a means of reaching out to each other and reminding each other that “we are still here.” This is worth spending but not really that lavish so we still have tomorrow.

But how much do we have to spend for the yuletide season? For wage earners whose income are fixed rather than progressive, we have to put rationale on expenditures. There are days we need cash for emergencies.

Bonuses are extra sums for the pocket and it is best we take spare for the eventualities… meaning we have to keep an amount as savings. In monthly budgeting, putting a sum as savings is a rationale move. In receiving bonuses, savings are spare when the dry days come.

Yes, we spend for the holidays but we have also to spend for emergencies. Bonuses serve as extras for special spending and consider savings as deposit for future spending… for dire needs. It would be a sigh of relief to know we have a sum for the coming days we need it most. Make savings be your own bonus for certainly the necessity will come.

A friendly reminder --- don’t waste bonuses.

ARMM peace and order council discusses region’s security status

Cotabato City (November 9, 2018) – Members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) held a meeting on Friday, November 9, at the Office of the Regional Governor here to discuss the status of peace, order, and security in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

ARMM Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman, who presided over the meeting, said the key in achieving public safety is to have a discourse about it. “And this is the essence of the RPOC, nagkakaroon ng coordination ang mga civilian and military authorities in working together to address security threats,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Noor Hafizullah Abdullah, regional secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said his office has been giving directives, thru policy issuance, to local government units (LGUs) in the region to strengthen peace and order council at their levels.

“And they are very cooperative, examples are Basilan and Maguindanao. Napakaganda ng collaboration ng local government, as well as the military and the PNP (Philippine National Police),” he said, noting close cooperation among these institutions have resulted in the reduced number of crimes and armed groups in their respective provinces.

In solving issues like terrorism, Sec. Abdullah said the military and the police cannot do it alone; so, there must be a convergence not only of all groups in the security sector, but also the LGUs and the communities themselves.

“Kasi if the LGU can convince the community to participate in solving these crimes, madali lang actually ma-resolve because the province of Basilan has shown it. Na-resolve yung mga problema nila thru people’s participation,” he said, “If you look at Basilan, yung mga Abu Sayyaf Group almost wiped out na.”

Also discussed during the meeting was the kidnapping incident in Patikul, Sulu involving teachers. “We cannot allow this to happen. One of the basic services of the government is teaching, educating our youth,” said Vice-Governor Lucman.

“Ang ating Department of Education, thru Sec. Rasol Mitmug Jr., napagkasunduan na mag-sumite sila ng ng mga areas where there are threats of security to our teachers, at ang ating AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP ay mag-a-augment ng pwersa para ma-ensure yung kanilang seguridad,” he said.

“We are calling on the provincial government of Sulu, tumulong naman sila para hindi masyado mahirapan ang ating mga security sectors,” he added, noting the LGUs in Sulu seem to be not making advances in resolving the issue.

During the meeting, the Armed Forces of the Philippines presented updates on the security challenges in ARMM, the Philippine National Police presented security plans for the upcoming Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite and the 2019 midterm elections, and the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency)-ARMM presented the status of the campaign against illegal drugs in the region. (Bureau of Public Information/ Mindanao Expose’)

Visit the official website of the Bureau of Public Information here.