DepEd-ARMM launches grant facility to fund ‘innovations in education’

 Davao City – The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) launched here today, July 9, a grant facility that will fund innovations in education.

The grant facility, dubbed Responsive Innovation Fund (RIF), provides opportunities for all education stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of quality education in the ARMM. Atty. RasolMitmug, Jr., regional secretary of ARMM’s Education department, said education is everybody’s business.

“We want everyone to contribute brilliant ideas, or innovations, that will result in improved learning outcomes of our schoolchildren or strengthen education governance in the region,” said Sec. Mitmug.

RIF, he said, is one of the key features of DepEd-ARMM’s Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao (Pathways), an program funded by the Australian Government.

Sec. Mitmug added that among the priorities of RIF are providing primary education to children and youth that have no access to schools, bringing out-of-school children and youth back to school, embedding ARMM’s rich cultural heritage in learning, and promoting peace-building through education.

“The RIF grants range from P500,000 to P4 million,” said Sec. Mitmug. DepEd-ARMM welcomes proposals from parents, teachers, and local government units in ARMM as well as from civil society organizations, local, and international development organizations.

 He said projects funded by RIF would run for six months to one year, or longer, especially for longitudinal studies. Applicants may visit www.pathways.ph/rif to know more of the facility and to download the application form.

Applications can be sent through rif@pathways.ph or to the Pathways Program Management Office located at DepEd-ARMM, ORG Compound in Cotabato City. (Mindanao Expose’/Bureau of Public Information - ARMM.)

Editorial

Cost cutting measuresvis-à-vis inflation rate

How long is your belt for the tightening of family budget amid the current, record-high  5.2 percent inflation rate? Government economic managers  say the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion  Law is not to be blamed for the high inflation rate but the weakening of the peso and spiraling cost of petroleum products which industries rely on heavily for production. But some economists say the TRAIN Law is partly to be blamed, with one saying that excise tax on fuel under the first tranche of TRAIN should have not sailed through.If fuel price soars high, so do other commodities.

The Department of Industry admitted that the cost of consumption goods have already jacked up, if we compute it by the inflation rate or lesser.

Because of upswing fuel cost, public transport groups are asking anew for a P2 fare increase to compensate for the losses. Again, the employee sector demands for a P50 to P100 increase of daily wage but the employer groups could only give P15 as much, which by the count would only go to fare cost, if not hardly. The poor sector also want higher fund subsidy to help incruisingthrough the cost of consumption burdenand for educational support. This goes on and on for other things such as the favorite ‘pan de sal.’

     

AID COMES

AID COMES --- William Baang, head of the Action Against Hunger, distributes hygiene kits and plastic water containers to families in Pagalungan town affected by the recent armed skirmishes between the government’s military forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at splash points in Maguindanao province. At right is MDRRMO Benjamin Alip. (Anne Acosta)

DSA receives potablewater pump system

WATER SERVICE ---Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor BaiAnida A. Dimaukom (5th from left) leads stakeholders in the turn-over of the water system project in Barangay Salbu of her town. With her are DAR Undersecretary Sylvia F. Mallari for FASPO (6th from left) and DAR-ARMM Secretary DayangCarlsumSangkula-Jumaide. (Anne Acosta)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao ---BarangaySalbu of this town is one of the beneficiaries of the Hydraulic Ram Pump Level-II Potable Water System funded by the Italian government through the Italy for Mindanao Rural Development or the IARCDSP down-loaded to the Department of Agrarian Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAR-ARMM).

       

Other towns in Maguindanaoprovince are also beneficiaries of the partnership project   in Mindanao aimed at providing residents with potable water service as well as support to the farmers’ agricultural productivities.

DAR-ARMM Secretary DayangCarlsumSangkula-Jumaidewith Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Project Officer II Tommy M. Biruar of DAR-Maguindanaoturned over last July 4 thesub-project to the local government  of Datu Saudi Ampatuan through Mayor BaiAnida A. Dimaukom who signed the certificate for project acceptance together with Barangay Water System Administration  president Zaiton U. Dimaukom,  chairman of Barangay Salbu and also president of the town’s Ligangmga Barangay.

Barangay Salbu, as one agrarian reform community, has seven sitios which will be served by the potable water system. Some 150 households will be initially served by the sub-project.

Total approved project cost is P36,669,856 which includes hydraulic ram pump (P7,088,523.34), construction of 600-meter farm-to-market road in SitioTaguan (P9,141,333.34), rehabilitation of 2.8-kilometer Panang-Taguan farm-to-market road (P12-M), and construction of small water impounding project (P8,440,000).

Mayor Dimaukom said the municipal government shares also its counter-part to the foreign-assisted and funded project such as  of 50 percent of the cost but in kind, 10 percent of the total project cash equity, technical and engineering designs, and sustainability and maintenance of the water system through the people’s organization.

The turn-over was witnessed, among others,by guest speaker DAR Undersecretary Sylvia F. Mallariforforeign-assisted projects, Engr. AnuarP.Acop, National Project Coordinator Engr. Anuar P. Acop for the IARCDSP, Renato T. Mocsin of Triple Z/PASALI Philippines, Provincial EngineerAbdulwahabAsim, representing  Provincial GovernorEsmael “Toto’ G. Mangudadatu, Brig. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon of the 601^stBrigade, Vice Mayor Bailon S. Dimaukom, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Esmael M. Sula, representatives from different government line-agencies, and other stakeholders.(Anne Acosta)

NDVNHS joins Army's tree planting

ENVIRONMENT UPKEEP --- NDVNHS teachers and students plant tree seedlings in the stretch of Awang in Datu Odin Sinsuat in collaboration with the Philippine Army unit. (PHOTO SUPPLIED – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---  Some  200 different species of seedlings have been planted during tree planting activities held at the watershed area inSitioLumboy of Barangay AwanginDatu Odin Sinsuat,Maguindanao last June 23. 

The activity was initiated by members of the Philippine Army under the 3rd Light Armored Cavalry headed by Capt. Godfrey Agpawa, 2nd Lt. Gladys Kay Panganiban, S/Sgt. Marvin  Sasi, and teachers and students of Notre Dame Village National High School in Cotabato.

More than a hundred students from the school volunteered to augment the man power of the Army unit.

The tree planting activity is part of the National Greening Project of the government in the entire country to lessen the effectsof  climate change that causes typhoons and floodings and even sever heat in the environment.

Participating students promised to help the government’s campaign in preserving our environment by planting more trees.

They added that tree planting is also part of their lesson in AralingPanlipunan  aboutbiodiversity and its effects in the environment.(GLORIFE D. PINANSILO, TEACHER 3, NOTREDAME VILLAGE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

THE BOAT RACE

THE BOAT RACE, which was part of the 59thAraw ng Cotabato celebration (June 20), reeled off  in the morning last June 18 from Barangay.Kalanganan 2 traversing the Tamontaka River down to Barangay Tamontaka Mother. 30 boats, each with two boatmen, participated in the competition. The contestants were fisher-folks coming from the three coastal baranggays of the city --- Mother BaraggayTamontaka, Tamontaka 1, and Kalanganan Dos.The activity was organized by the City Tourism Office. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BANGSAMORO

BANGSAMORO civil society organizations are appealing to the Congress' bicameral conference committee working on the Bangsmoro Basic Law to restore provisions that have been amended in the original draft submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).The groups expressed their plea during a multi-sectoral forum dubbed “Proposed BBL: Prospects for Inclusive and Lasting Peace in the Bangsamoro” held last June 18, at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City.

"Sabi ng iilanmahina raw ang ikinasang BBL," said ARMM Governor MujivHataman, "Mahalagasayugtongito ang pagkakaisanatinglahat... Sabihinrin natin sa ating mga kongresista at mga mambabatas, wag niyokaming bigyan ng solusyonnaayon sa gusto niyo, dapat ang solusyon ay kung ano ang gusto naming dahil mas alamnamin kung ano ang nararapatpara sa amin," Hataman said.

"Asahanniyopona ang pamunuan ng ARMM ay kaisaninyo, ikakampanyako ang anumangbatasnaalamnating mas mataas sa batas ng ARMM ngayon," he added.

During the event, BTC Commisioner Jose Lorena presented to the public the different BBL versions that were approved by the Senate and the House of Representative on May 30, 2018. (Bureau of Public Information - ARMM)

Pagalungan barangay, SK officials take oath of office

OATH TO SERVE --- The new set of barangay and SangguniangKabataan officials of Pagalungan take their oath of office en masse before Mayor Salik P. Mamasabulod at the municipal gymnasium. (Anne Acosta)

PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao --- The local government of this town conducted the mass oath taking of the newly elected and re-elected barangay

And SangguniangKabataan(SK) officials held at the  municipal gymnasium last June 18.

Mayor DatuSalik P. Mamasabulod administered the oath taking ceremony together with Municipal Local Government Operations (MLGOO) Officer Michael Laguilay.

It was witnessed bymembers of the SangguniangBayan  headed by Vice Mayor AbdillahMamasabulod, department heads and other local officials, families, and friends and relatives of the  elected officials.

Editorial

Income vis-a-vis family size

It appears that a family of five is emerging as an ideal Filipino family size, referring to husband and wife and three children. The figure of five accounts to a nuclear family, otherwise it becomes an extended family if there are additionals, including the hired or employed “kasambahays” or domestic helpers. Is the family of five considered as “small” size by definition in our country? Perhaps so… in some countries, the family of four is considered as small and ideal nuclear size.

        This recent, the National Economic and Development Authority and financial analysts point on the family of five in calculating a decent monthly wage and daily and affordable consumption costs. Accordingly, the daily budget of P1,440 is decent enough for basic consumption expense, excluding those for recreation and savings. So, therefore, the monthly decent wage is P43,200 or say P44,000. But to most daily wage earners, this ceiling is yet to be reachablethrough legislated wage hikes.

        Would-be married couples and the early marriage couples, including live-in partners, then have to plan for the size of their families. A family with two children is already a ideal size, not a family of six considering the low minimum wage the earners nets, not including those non-wage earners. Small size can guarantee a decent cost for defraying the daily needs of members.

        In previous studies, those couples with high educational and income status tend to have small family size; this is inversely related among the low education and low income groups, especially among those gripping the threshold of poverty. Those more learned are conscious of the adverse effects of large family size. Career-orientation is one factor attributed to small family size, especially those in highly urbanized areas. In developed countries, small family size is the trend compared to developing nations. China, for instance, adopted by law on the one-child policy vis-à-vis population explosion, taking into account the economic factor in feeding multiple mouths. In the Philippines, we have the Reproductive Health law in relation to population program, including family planning.

        Economics and family size are correlated. Small size means affordability in meeting expenses compared to large size but with low income. Quality of life is also associated with family size. Conscientious married couples, including live-in partners, have to consider income or financial resources in deciding their family size… or are they that conscious? Marriage life is future planning for one’s family ---  a promising income for a comfortable and secured family life.

Barangay, SK officials in SSB, Mamasapano take office oath

PLEDGE OF SERVICE --- Mayor Tahirudin Benzar A. Ampatuan of Mamasapano leads the mass oath taking of the elected barangay and SangguniangKabataan officials in rites held at the Municipal Hall compound. (Anne Acosta)

ELECTED and proclaimed barangay and SangguniangKabataan (SK) officials in the towns of Sultan Sa Barongis (SSB) and Mamasapano in Maguindanao province had been sworn into office last week in  mass oath taking ceremonies at their respective municipalities.

In Sultan Sa Barongis, Municipal Administrator Danialan B. Utapformally presented the re-elected and newly elected barangay and SK officialsfor theirmass oath taking  at the municipal gymnasium last June 20.

The  oathtaking was administered by Mayor RamdatuMamaloAngas  and witnessed by Municipal Local Government Operations OfficerJabbar Musa, the Philippine National Police headed by SP04 ReynanteQuinalayo, 40th IBcommanding officer Lt. Col. Edgardo Catu,  Board Member Al-Joffner M. Angas of the 2ndDistrict of Maguindanao, Sangguniang Bayan members headed by Vice Mayor Al-FizzarAllandatuAngas, and representatives of different government line-agencies in the municipality.

Of the 12 barangays of the municipality, only those from the nine barangays appeared for the  oath taking ceremony that day. Those from the other three barangays will hold their oath taking rites on another date.

Mayor Angas told the officials to performwell their mandated duties and responsibilities and heed to the directivesof President Rodrigo Duterte, especially in the fight against illegal drugs, terrorism, and extremism “if only to ensure tranquility in our communities,” and to pursue development initiatives for the progression of the barangays.

He reminded them to report regularly in the performance of their duties and ensure that delivery of services are unhampered.

        Those  in the  municipality of Mamasapanotook their oath of office en masse  at the Municipal Hall building last June 21.

Mayor TahirudinBenzar A. Ampatuan administered the oath taking, witnesses by  Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Edgardo Padolina, Sangguniang Bayan members, local government personnel, police personnel,  and representatives from the 40th Infantry Battalion, among others.

Municipal Administrator Bai Rebecca A. Ampatuan, mother of MayorTahirudinBenzarAmpatuan, gave her inspirational message to the stakeholders, giving appreciation to the peaceful conduct of the last barangay and SK elections.

“Today marks another milestone towards service for our constituents. I do hope that the new set of (barangay) officials will perform their duties as mandated by this administration,” she said.

Mayor TahirudinBenzarAmpatuan  congratulatedthe newly elected and re-elected barangay and SK officials with this message: “Before anything else, I want all of you to work with one direction and with one common goal of making  this town into a developed, progressive, and peaceful municipality.  Don’t let any illegal activity like illegal drugs, gambling, terrorism, and extremism come our way and into  yourbarangays.”

“If anybody notices the presence  of any suspiscious looking character  in your barangay, please don’t be afraid or hesitate to report this to us or to the proper authorities so appropriate  and immediate action can be done to thwart the threat to peace and of course to avoid some problems that may occur in our community,” the mayor added.(ANNE ACOSTA/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Villages’ expo showcased

OPENING of the Villages Expo. (BPI-ARMM)

COTABATO CITY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is showcasing and promoting the region’s grandest mock tribal villages narrating the variety of cultures, traditions, history, and oneness of the Bangsamoro people. 

Launched last June 18, the ARMM villages’ expo is held inside the Office of the Regional Governor’s Compound here and is mounted to give the visitors a snapshot of the Moro’s vast cultural heritage.

“People will experience the beauty of the culture of the Bangsamoro people. We will provide them a complete image of what the ARMM has,” ARMM Governor MujivHataman said.

The exhibit focuses on celebrating the diversity of cultures of the region’s five component provinces that will form part of the 29th Founding Anniversary of the region.

The villages will feature a wide array of traditional living, tribal communities, livelihood, heritage, arts, cuisines, and products. Through the villages, people will be able to recognize and appreciate the similarities and differences of the Moro culture.

Atty. RasolMitmug, Jr., Department of Education-ARMM Secretary and a chieftain in a village in Lanaodel Sur, underscored that to capture the feel of his province, the mock village built Plaza Cabili, a landmark at the Islamic City of Marawi, which was ruined during last year’s conflict.

The Lanaodel Sur village, which carries the tagline, “Sarimanok Rising,” also features the Torogan, or House of the Sultan, that displays different artifactsof  theMaranaos.

“We also emphasize the Maranao’s entrepreneurial side that’s why we built a Padian, or market. We will also have the replica of the Bacolod Grande Mosque,” Atty. Mitmug said.

The Tawi-tawi village, or the Island Paradise as described by its chieftain Secretary DyanSangkulaJumaide of the ARMM’s Agrarian Reform department, is the simplest village among the participating provinces.

“We prefer to depict the real life of Tawi-tawians, which is peaceful and simple,” SecretaryJumaide said. 

The village has set up the Sheikh Makhdum mosque and mimics the scenery of the province with its white sand beach – Panampangan, Bud Bongao, and Tabu, or the public market.

Tagged as the Pearl of Sulu Sea, the Sulu Village highlights the AstanahDarulJambangan, a wooden life-size replica of the royal palace of the Sultanate of Sulu.

Don Mustapha Loong, Public Works and Highways-ARMM Secretary and Sulu Village chieftain, said the  AstanaDarulJambangan narrates the fact that the Sulu Sultanate already exists prior to the arrival of the Spaniards and the creation of the Philippine government.

The Sulu Village is the largest structure among the five villages built by far. It features the different cultures, arts, flags, handicrafts, swords, food, and information areas.

For the province of Maguindanao, two of its well-preserved artifacts will be featured in its village — the Lantaka (cannon) and the largest Kampilan (sword). A replica of Tulugan, or the House of the Sultan, was also built as the main attraction inside the village, which symbolizes the government of  theMaguindanaons.

Inside the Tulugan are various ancient instruments of the Maguindanaon tribe, which include Gandigan and Kulintang and the traditional weaves such as Inaul, Tudung, and Galang. Also in the Maguindanao village is a replica of the Quirino Bridge and Padian, or market.

In Basilan’s tribal village, Yakan cloth, or Tennun, is seen all over. “The Basilan village uses the tagline “Weavers of Peace” as the Yakans are basically weavers of peace,” said Executive Secretary and Basilan village chieftain Atty. LaisaAlamia.

A traditional house blessing will be performed in the Basilan village wherein dancers, together with the governor, mayors, and other officials of the province will welcome visitors to the village.

Each village will have its daily activities and is open to the public until the end of December. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

TOURISM AMBASSADORS

TOURISM AMBASSADORS --- Newly crowned Mutya ng Cotabato 2018 Khrizia Villa (center) and her royal court, 2nd runner-up Michelle Glimada (left) and 1st runner-up Justine Ikkah Gonzales. (Yoyong Acosta)