BARMM’s proposed administrative code demonstrates potential, experts say

 Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament (MP) Atty. Raissa Jajurie (right) leads the panel Wednesday, August 19,  during continuation of the 'public consultation' on the proposed "Bangsamoro Administrative Code" or the BTA Cabinet Bill No. 60 held at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.The panel was constituted by the Committee on Rules. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTO BY ZULHAMIN S. DIOLANAN, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

COTABATO CITY ---According to experts, the Bangsamoro Administrative Code shows potential as it clarified the relationship of different entities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the parliamentary structure of government.

During a series of consultations conducted by a panel, constituted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Committee on Rules, selected law and governance experts were invited last August 17, to discuss their opinions and positions regarding the Cabinet Bill No. 60, filed in the plenary late July.

Atty. Michael Henry Yusingco, a Senior Research fellow at the Ateneo School of Governance, suggested stringency in following the parliament system of government, as mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“As a rule, it should not simply repeat the provisions of the BOL, but it certainly cannot go beyond the spirit and letter of the organic law,” he stated. “The code must exhibit specific mechanisms and principles mandated by the BOL.”

Furthermore, Yusingco stressed the separation of powers and system of responsible government between the Government of the Day and the Bangsamoro parliament. He then provided examples from different countries that follow the parliamentary structure.

Meanwhile, Atty. Randolph Parcasio, the Chief-of-Staff of Member of Parliament (MP) Al-Syed Sali and an instrument in drafting the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Administrative Code, focused on services in the Bangsamoro Government, including the functions and structure of the different ministries.

“These are necessary for more effective delivery of services,” he said, citing examples on the local government, health, and social services sector.

Moreover, Maricris Valte, former Senior Project Officer at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), stepped on the distinction between the executive and legislative branches of the Bangsamoro Government.

She also lauded the articulation of the mandates, functions, authorities, and procedures of the governing bodies of the Bangsamoro Government, as stated in the draft code.

“We should treat this code as the core document,” Valte said, while noting the importance of providing more details on government functions, including the framework and mechanisms of the Bangsamoro Government. 

Such suggestions were echoed by MPs Atty. Maisara Latiph, Atty. Nabil Tan, and Atty. Jose Lorena. “This is to ensure all the elements of a parliamentary government is incorporated in the Bangsamoro Administrative Code,” Latiph stressed.

A committee report will be presented to the plenary during the second stage of the bill, after the panel submits their findings to the Committee on Rules. 

Meanwhile, the panel also conducted two more consultations with the provincial and municipal offices of the ministries and the public sector on Wednesday August 19, and Friday, August 21. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

Editorial

3 million Covid-19 cases?

A non-peer-reviewed academic paper published on the website of Ateneo de Manila University states that there are close to three million coronavirus cases in the Philippines that may have gone undetected.

Accordingly, researcher Jan Frederick Cruz found out using epidemiological and statistical modeling to estimate underreporting in the Philippines that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines from April to June may have been 2,812,891 instead of the reported 34,354. Cruz said this means that only 1.22 percent of the infections were detected during that time.  

Cruz said they looked at a methodology from an established paper, trying to compute for underreporting in industrial economies that became major epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic. His paper also looked into the COVID-19 situation in four other Southeast Asian states using the same computations and methodology employed to determine the prevalence of the coronavirus in the Philippines.

The analysis revealed that 96 to 99 percent of infections in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore in the second quarter of the year may have been unconfirmed, with his calculations suggesting that Indonesia missed the most cases among the five Southeast Asian countries.

However, he pointed out that the high ballpark figure for Indonesia may be due to its high population, which is more than double than that of the Philippines.

Cruz claim there was a delay in government intervention that led to the outcome the Philippines is facing.

For the record, travel restrictions were first placed in Metro Manila midnight of March 15, and travel ban was first imposed in February for people coming from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Cruz pointed out that in the Philippines, an estimated 98 percent of the infections were not discovered during the second quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Thailand may have had 89,357 infections instead of the reported 1,520, and Malaysia’s estimated cases may have reached 158,237, contrary to the official tally of 6,011.

The research paper shows that the five economies in Southeast Asia are collectively referred to as “ASEAN-5”.

Ligtas Covid 19 isolation center establish in Shariff Saydona

COMMITMENT--- Vice Mayor and concurrent  OIC Mayor Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan (Center) led the inauguration and ribbon cutting of Shariff Saydona Mustapha Ligtas COVID-19 Isolation Center. She is joined here by Datu Andal Sajid S.Ampatuan (left), Integated Provincial Heath Coordinator Sherwin Peter Gerona and PHN Officer-in-Charge Annah Maleiha Bago. (Anne Acosta)

SHARIFF SAYDONAMUSTAPHA, Maguindanao --- In response to the national government’s call to ensure the health and safety of its constituents from Covid 19 pandemic that struck economies and claimed thousands of lives, this local government unit in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has established a 20-bed isolation facility which was formally inaugurated and opened on Friday, August 14.

OIC Mayor Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan led the inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony assisted by Sherwin Peter Gerona and Annah Maleiha Bago, integrated provincial hospital coordinator and municipal head nurse, respectively.

During the inauguration, Ampatuan said that they have renovated a former Day Care center at Barangay Nabundas to serve as Ligtas Covid 19 isolation center. It is fully ventilated,   equipped with medical supplies, hygiene kits, and now ready to receive and house incoming Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) in the locality.

 mpatuan expressed her gratitude to the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local, regional and national government officials for their unending support extended to the municipality in ensuring the safety of its constituents by strictly implementing measures that can contain the spread of the deadly virus.

As of date, The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Maguindanao has declared the municipality as Covid-19 zero positive cases. (Anne Acosta)

Ebrahim urges parentsto enroll their children

 Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim

COTABATO CITY ---Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim is urging parents across the region to enroll their children for the incoming school year 2020-2021 despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

“Sa gitna ng pandemyang ating kinakaharap, ramdam ko ang pagkabahala ng marami sa ating mga magulang tungkol sa pagbabalik-eskwela ng kanilang mga anak,” Ebrahim said in a video message.

[In the midst of the pandemic we are facing, I feel the concerns of many of our parents about the reopening of classes.]

“Bilang inyong mga opisyal, masusi po naming pinaghandaan, at ginagarantiya ng ating education partners, sa pamumuno ni Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, (na ligtas) ang home learning delivery modality,” Ebrahim said

[As your leaders, we have thoroughly prepared for this, and our education partners, led by Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, guarantees that the home learning modality is safe.]

Ebrahim said the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) will use the home learning modality where the children will study in their respective homes with their parents or guardians.

“Ang home learning modality sa BARMM ay lalo pang pinagtitibay at pinahuhusay ng MBHTE upang tuloy-tuloy at ligtas ang pag-aaral ng mga kabataang Bangsamoro,” he said.

[The MBHTE is further strengthening and enhancing the learning modality in the BARMM to ensure the continuous and safe learning of the Bangsamoro children.]

Ebrahim also said by the time the schools physically reopen, the children will be trained to practice the health standards to ensure their safety. “Sinisiguro namin na magiging ligtas ang ating kabataan – titiyakin nating ligtas ang kabuuan ng paaralan—sa loob ng classroom at labas nito, sunod sa mga alituntunin ng sektor ng kalusugan sa new normal,” he said.

[We assure you that our children will be safe – we will make sure that the whole school is safe – inside and outside the classrooms, in line with the protocols on the ‘new normal’ set by the health sector.]

“Ang edukasyon ng kabataang Bangsamo ay gawin natin isang halimbawa ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa. Lahat tayo ay may tungkuling maaringgampanan para itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa buong region,” Ebrahim said.

[Let the education of the Bangsamoro youth be an example of cooperation and unity. We all have a role to play in raising the quality of education throughout the region.]

The Department of Education has set the opening of classes for school year 2020-2021 on August 24. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

Datu Saudi launches ‘isolation center’

 COMPLIANCE --- Mayor Edris “Resty” Sindatok, (2nd from left) leads the inauguration and ribbon cutting of ‘Ligtas Covid-19 Isolation Center’. He was assisted by IPHO – Maguindanao Chief Dra. Elizabeth A. Samama (center) and Dr. Mohammad AriffBaguindali (2^ndfrom right). Alsoin photo are municipal administrator Musib U. Tan, (1^stfrom right) andPDRRMO Nasrullah A. Imam (far left). (Anne B. Acosta)

 DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao ---This local government officially opened on Thursday, August 13, its 18-bed capacity ‘Ligtas Covid-19 Isolation Center’, located at Barangay Kabinge.

In an interview, Mayor Edris “Resty” Sindatok said almost a million pesos of fund has been utilized for the renovation of the building which he said, was an abandoned ARMM HELPS building.

“Due to the ongoing pandemic this building was renovated and turned into Ligtas Covid-19 Isolation center. The facility is fully ventilated and complete with hygiene kits, vitamins and sets of beddings. Now, we are ready to accept  our locally stranded individuals (LSI’s) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs),” Mayor Sindatok said.

Mayor Sindatok also took the opportunity to thank all government line agencies, municipal government, department heads and staff for their untiring and unconditional support for the realization of this isolation facility.

“I would like also to take special mention of our frontliners, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Barangay Chairmen and officials and our Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPATS) for their indefatigable support,” the mayor added.

Mayor Sindatok also extended his gratitude to Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu for her support in these trying times.

In her message, Integrated Provincial Hospital (IPHO) Maguindanao Chief Dra. Elizabeth A. Samama, expressed her thankfulness since most of the 36 municipalities in the province of Maguindanao have already had their own isolation center.

Other attendees during the inauguration and ribbon cutting were  Dr. Mohammad AriffBaguindali of IPHO, PDRRMO Nasrullah A. Imam, Vice-Mayor Zaiton U. Dimaukom and municipal administrator Musib U. Tan. (Anne B. Acosta)

DSA conducts joint MPOC, MADACmeetings

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao --- “Monitoring crime index is the prime concernof this town,” this was relayed by Mayor Edris ‘Resty” Sindatok as he presided over Wednesday, August 12, 2020 the joint municipal peace and order council (MPOC) and municipal anti-drug abuse council (MADAC) meetings heldat the Gender and Development center.

“Feedbacks as gathered through our monitoring scheme would give us a leverage in taking action motion in further improving and sustaining our peace keeping efforts, including the status on the drive against illegal drug activities,” he emphasized before the stakeholders present in the joint meeting.

Attendees during the activity were Intelligence AgentFim Anthony P. Naive of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-BARMM, Municipal Chief of PolicePLt. Melvin D. Laguting, 57th Infantry Battalion CommanderLtCol. Jonathan Pondanera,Municipal Local Government Operation OfficerAnisa Abdulkarim, barangaychairmen and officials, and Liga ng mga Barangay president Anwar Q. Kedtag. 

Mayor Sindatok said the barangays should have monthly reports on peace and order as well as incidents of calamities either man-made or natural.

“They should have an update too on the status of the drive against illegal drugs and their accomplishment records,” Mayor Sindatok said.

As reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), for the month of August, at least three (3) shooting incidents were logged in the locality. 

“All incidents recorded were already considered as cased closed and solved. The gunmen had been arrested and put to jail and the case was already filed in court,” Mayor Sindatok said.

Following the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), Laguting said they are still implementing the guidelines and closely monitor the wearing of surgical and or washable masks and wearing of face shields to all commuters and  privatevehicles.

“Mass gatherings are strictly prohibited by our Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF),” Laguting said.

Furthermore, Pondanera said there were proliferation of loose firearms and illegal drugs and also noted some of the residents are not still aware of the curfew hours and the municipal ordinance imposed by the local government. 

“We will recommend to the barangay chairmen and officials to encourage residents to turn overtheir loose firearms (if they have) to the proper authority. We willcontinue to support and provide security assistance,” Pondaneraadded. 

Meanwhile, Naive gave an update on the new guidelines for the barangay drug clearing program. 

“Per record, Barangays Kitango, Kabinge, Salbo, Dapiawan, Elian and Barangay Gawangwere declared as drug free barangays by PDEA,” Naïve said. (Anne B. Acosta)

Balabagan LGU denies Covid-19 local transmission

Mayor Edna Ogka Benito 

 BALABAGAN, Lanao del Sur --- Mayor Edna Ogka Benito denied on Monday, August 10, the  allegation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Lanao del Sur, that this town had a local transmission  on Covid-19.

In a recent public statement posted by IATF Lanao del Sur, it was stated that Balabagan was one of the municipalities in the province of Lanao del Sur which had a local or community transmission of the Covid-19 Virus.

In an exclusive, Mayor Edna Ogka Benito strongly denied the allegation. 

“We were never contaminated with the virus. In fact, out of the 100 locally stranded individuals (LSI’s) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), only one of them tested positive thru rapid test. After they under went a 14-day quarantine in an isolation center, all of them tested negative by our health officer,” Mayor Benito said. 

Mayor Benito stressed they were definitely wrong in their public statement.

“Accordingly, their basis was because of a three-year-old baby boy. He was an LSI from General Santos City and a resident of Malabang Lanao del Sur. It was learned that the boy was sickly and suffered from a complicated illness. He had also an open wound in his leg, that caused his high fever,” Mayor Benito said.

The lady mayor added that the parents of the child rushed and brought him to Dr. Serapio Montañer Memorial Hospital in Malabang Lanao del Sur.

“But the attending physician of the hospital advised the parents to rush the patient to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for proper treatment. Unfortunately, a day after his admission, the patient was died. It’s so sad to hear that the boy died due to contamination of Covid-19 virus, as per result made by his attending physician at CRMC, Mayor Benito said.

After the incident, the parents brought the body of their child back to his grandparent’s home place at Barangay Lalabuanin the munici[pality of Balabagan, where the child was buried. 

“Let me clear for once, the three-year-old baby boy and his family were not residing nor a resident of this locality, only the grandparents of the late boy, ”Mayor Benito stressed.

Accordingly, the patient’s parent was a resident of Malabang, Lanao de Sur before they migrated to General Santos City. When the pandemic erupted, they decided to go back to Malabang as LSI’s with their sickly baby boy. 

After the burial, the local government of Balabagan directed the entire family left by the child to submit themselves to the local health officers for rapid testing and to follow mandatory protocols by undergoing the 14 days quarantine. 

“After the 14 days quarantine of the entire family of the late three-year-old boy, family members were tested negative of Covid-19,” Mayor Benito said. (Anne B. Acosta)

NoCotdev’t body approves 2021 P26-B annual investment plan

 BOUNCING BACK --- North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco presides over the Provincial Development Council meeting on Thursday, August 13that approved the PHP26.6-billion annual development plan of the province for 2021. The governor said the biggest chunk of the budget would go to economic programs stymied by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COTABATO PIO, MINDANAO EXPOSE') 

 COTABATO CITY --- Governor Nancy Catamco said Thursday, August 13, 2020 the Provincial Development Council (PDC) of North Cotabato has approved over PHP26 billion worth of programs under its annual investment plan for next year.

During a PDC meeting, Catamco said the council has unanimously approved a total of PHP26,646,375,305 budget for next year.

The budget particulars include general public services (PHP2,375,969,324), economic services (PHP20,355,611,657), social services (PHP3,475,028,470) and other services (PHP439,765,944).

Catamco said a bigger chunk of next year’s budget next year will go to programs that will spring back the provincial economy greatly affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and other calamities that hit the province.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, North Cotabato had experienced a series of earthquakes in the latter part of 2019, the presence of the African swine fever (ASF) that affected the local hog industry, and the loss of employment of the province’s working class. 

Lined up under the 2021 economic programs were the establishment of North Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park and Agricultural Services amounting to PHP318,513,420; support to entrepreneurial package for victims of disasters (PHP50,000,000); and veterinary services (PHP144,193,741). 

The budget intended for social services was at PHP3.4 billion to be used for a food security program, health services, curative health services improvement programs, social welfare services, human resource development services, and infrastructure support to ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict)-identified barangay beneficiaries. 

Speaking during the meeting, Catamco said her current focus is on how to rebound from the economic slump due to the pandemic. 

While economists are yet to determine the exact losses of the province due to pandemic, Catamco surmised that it is huge and unprecedented. 

“We do not know when this pandemic would end. We have been hit by earthquakes and other natural calamities triggered by typhoons, ASF, and now the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said. 

Catamco urged constituents to work together in defeating Covid-19 for the province to survive the pandemic. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

Carmen is now a COVID-19 ready municipality - Mayor Arendain

CARMEN, Cotabato Province --- The local governmentof Carmen is strengthening its efforts to contain the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 in the municipality.

Aside from the implementation of minimum health protocols and regular disinfection and decontamination of public places, the LGU recently dedicated its Ligtas COVID-19 Isolation Unit. The fullyequipped facility can cater up to eight COVID-19 asymptomatic patients 

The fenced isolation unit is located beside the municipal hospital in Barangay Poblacion.

In his message, Mayor Moises Arendain emphasized that with the facility, the municipality is now COVID-19 ready. He noted, the said structure amounting to  some P7 million was realized through the Bayanihan Grant of the national government. Arendain noted the isolation unit is a big help to prevent local transmission.

Aside from the facility, the municipality also has a quarantine facility that can accommodate up to 70 returning Overseas Filipinos and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs). Further, each barangay in the town has its own quarantine facility  for LSIs and ROFs once the municipal quarantine facility reaches its maximum capacity 

To date, Carmen recorded four COVID-19 patients that have already recovered from the said disease. (WITH REPORTS FROM LGU-CARMEN, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

BARMM gives rice aid to Poona Piagapo

POONA PIAGAPO, Lanao del Norte --- At least 3,600 individuals received last August 10, 2020 one half sack (25 kilograms) of rice from the Bangsamoro Government during the conduct of Project TABANG relief operation in this town. 

Attendees during simple ceremonial turn-over ceremony wereseveral Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Members of Parliament (MP), Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders and other local officials includingJamaelIlupa of the Office of the Chief Minister, Municipal Councilor Alibasher Mustapha, MILF Provincial Chairman Ibrahim Digl, MILF Municipal Chairpersons AlibasherMaganuna and H.AnsaryMacapodi, United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) Municipal Chairman MusliminBangon, Commanding Officer of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Lt.Col. Domingo Dulay, barangay officials, staff and volunteers of MPs Said Shiek, Abdullah Macapaar, MarjanieMimbantas and Mohammad Zainoden Bato.

In his message, MP Shiek encouraged the youth to continue their good deeds through helping their fellow Bangsamoros.

"Mas laloniyo pang pag-igihan. Talagangmakakamitniyorin ang bunga ng mabubutininyonggawa," he said. 

In addition, MP Mimbantas narrated his experiences as a volunteer and conveyed his high hopes for the youths of Lanao.

"Maaaringsangayon ay mgavolunteers kayo. Ngunitsasusunodnahenerasyon, kayo na ang magdadala o mamamahalasa Bangsamoro Government," he added.

Mohammad Pandapatan, the designated team leader of the relief operation of the Office of MP Said Shiek (OMPSS) was elated for the unending support of the various organizations who served as their workforce in the continuous relief operations in Lanao areas.

"Ito ang isasapinakamahirapnalugarnanapuntahannamin. Karamihansamga barangay ay walang signal. Malalayo at maputik ang daanan. Ako ay nagpapasalamatsaatingMILF leaders sa bayan ng Poona Piagapo at saaming volunteers nanangunasapaghahatid ng tag-isangsakong bigas sabawatpamilyasalahat ng sulok ng bayan ng Poona Piagapo. Salamat din saaming boss MPs nadumalo at gumabaysadistribusyon."

MP Macapaar has also expressed his admiration for the dedication and commitment of the MILF to fight and protect the rights of the Bangsamoro in this town.

Meanwhile, the OMPSS spearheaded the relief operation with the assistance of the offices of MPs Abdullah Macapaar and MarjanieMimbantas, volunteers from Momungan Youth Action Network (MYAN), Coalition of Moro Youth Movement (CMYM), Bangsamoro Youth Alliance of Saber saRapadan and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that includes its Political Committee (PolCom), Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and Provincial Police Force.

Furthermore, this town covers 26 barangays in which the relief operation was divided into 32 clustered areas. Simultaneously, the team had also setup the two Volunteer Command Centers in barangays of Pened and Poblacion.

The distribution areas under the Command Center in Poblacion were Tangclao, Nunungan, Pianga-Mangaan, Pantaon, Cablangan, Cadayonan, Cabasaran Main, Cabasaran - BubongaRadapan, Pantao-Raya, Pantao Raya - Lumbacainged, Poblacion Main, PoblacionPunud, PoblacionRadapan, Lupitan, Daramba Main, DarambaLindongan, Nunang, PantarCormatan, BubongCormatan, SundigCormatan, Sulo, Madamba, Lumbatan, BubongDinaig and Dinaig. On the other hand, the distribution areas under the Volunteer Command Center 2 in Pened were Linindingan, Pendolonan, Timbangalan, Tagoranao, Maliwanag, Madaya, Pened and Alowin.

Moreover, MILFPolCom Provincial Chairman Ustad Ibrahim expressed his gratitude for the relief efforts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"Ilangtaonlang ang lumipasnoongtayo'ynasakagubatan at nakikipaglaban, perotingnanniyonamanngayon, nanditonatayo. Hindi natinitomaaabot kung wala ang guidance ng Allah at mgasakripisyoninyo. Mulasataas (MILF Central Committee) hanggangsa ground (Military) ay lubos ang amingpasasalamatsa leadership ni Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim."

A mother beneficiary AclimaCasulog was delighted upon reaching the time of release of rice assistance during the distribution in their barangay, BobungCormatan. While carrying her two months old child, she extended her gratefulness to the volunteers and staff, most especially to the Bangsamoro Government upon receiving one half sack of rice.

"Hindi po nakapunta ang akingasawasapagkatmaagapa ay nasabukidnasiyaupangmagsaka kaya akona ang pumunta para personal natanggapin ang ayuda. Mabuti at nakahabol pa po ako. Napakalakingtulong po nitosaamingpamilya. Nagpapasalamat po akosa BARMM, staff at volunteers napumuntaditosaaminglugar," she said.

Prior to the relief distribution, the OMPSS conducted a coordination meeting with the MILF leaders, courtesy visit to Poona Piagapo Town Mayor Muslima T. Macol and orientation with the identified barangay focal persons last August 6, 7 and 9, respectively. (LOVELLA LASTIMOSA WITH REPORTS FROM MOHAMMAD PANDAPATAN AND HOSNASHIEK, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

Bangsamoro adopts Youth Priority Agenda

 Bangsamoro Youth Commission Chairperson MarjanieMacasalong (left) is joined by Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal (center) and United Nations Youth Technical Working Group in Mindanao Chairperson Andrew Morris (right) during presentation of the Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda (BYTPA) 2020-2022. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

 COTABATO CITY --- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has adopted a priority agenda for 2020-2022 that would guide the regional government in “developing the youth in the region.”

The Bangsamoro Youth Transition Priority Agenda (BYTPA) 2020-2022 is the Bangsamoro Government’s youth development agenda “that addresses the peculiar social context, considerations and conditions as well as the pertinent needs and challenges confronting the Bangsamoro Youth.”

BYTPA 2020-2022 was drafted by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) along with other regional line agencies and development partners.

Bangsamoro Youth Commission Chairperson MarjanieMacasalong said during his State of Bangsamoro Youth Address (SBYA) on Wednesday, August 12, that the BYTPA adheres to the vision, mission and framework of the National Youth Commission’s Medium-Term Philippine Youth Development Plan.

BYTPA focuses on five agenda centers including Health, Governance, Peacebuilding and Security, Education, and Active Citizenship.

The official launching of BYC was also held on Wednesday’s event.

BARMM Chief Minister AhodBalawag Ebrahim signed on April 14, 2020 the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 10 that officially created and established the BYC in the Bangsamoro Government.

Macasalong added that the BYC is mandated to be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of the Bangsamoro Government in all matters affecting youth.

Macasalong also highlighted BYC’s accomplishments that include a series of consultation with youth on peace and security, youth formations, and the ‘Lingkod Kabataan Bangsamoro’, a humanitarian relief operation that distributes relief goods to Bangsamoro youth across the region, among others.

Different ministries and other development partners also delivered messages of support for the establishment of BYC and the BYTPA 2020-2022.

Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Basic, Higher and Technical Education said Bangsamoro’s development can be credited to the wisdom of its elders, and the strong ideals of its youth.

During Wednesday’s event, Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and Macasalong also inked a Memorandum of Agreement on MILG’s Engaging the Sangguniang Kabataan, Empowering the Youth (ESKEY) Program. ESKEY aims to provide a platform for the SK and other stakeholders where they can engage the regional and local governments in developing the youth sector.

The event forms part of the BARMM celebration of the International Youth Day 2020.

International Youth Day is an international day dedicated by the United Nations to raise awareness on the cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth. This year’s celebration bears the theme “Youth Engagement for Global Action.”

Andrew Morris, Chairperson of the United Nation Youth Technical Working Group in Mindanao, highlighted the importance of youth participation in decision-making. 

“The spirit of the theme for this year is youth engagement. Without the full involvement of young people, a lot of our decision-making may not be the best decision,” Morris said. 

On the same day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), together with Y-PEER Pilipinas launched an online dialogue of the youth and selected officials of the government to discuss the problems and solutions of young people on health, education, livelihood, human rights, and peace issues. (Bureau of Public Information, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

International Youth Day: BARMM recognizes young film makers, photographers

 Bangsamoro Youth Commission Chairperson MarjanieMacasalong (1st from right) awards the 1st Best Photograph to “Ilaw ng Tahanan” by BulawanDizal. The photograph shows a mother helping her child studying in a candle-lit nipa house.(Bureau of the Public Information, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

 COTABATO CITY --- The best film and photograph entries for the Bangsamoro Short Film Peacetival and Photography Contest were awarded during the regional celebration of the International Youth Day 2020 on Wednesday, August 12, this city.  

Wednesday’s awarding ceremony was led by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BYC-BARMM). 

Short film entry “Inged II: Ukha The Story Untold” directed by Hassanodden Hosni Hashim was awarded Best Short Film and received P200,000.00 cash prize.

Inged II is a movie that captures a story of a young breadwinner who joins an insurgent group with the promise of getting an easy way out of hard life to help his sick mother, never expecting to be involved into a much bigger scheme.

The 2nd Best Short Film or the Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Displaced” directed by Aedrian Araujo and received P100,000.00 cash prize, while the 3rd Best Short Film or Jury Prize was awarded to “Mael” directed by Prince Nor-AnzarrihMatalam and received P75,000.00 cash prize.

Other technical and special awardees include:Best Director: AedrianAraojo of “Displaced”

         Best Screenplay: “Mael”

Best Cinematography: “Inged II: Ukha The Story Untold”

Best Editing: “Inged II: Ukha The Story Untold”

Best Poster: “Inged”

People’s Choice Award: “Inged II: Ukha The Story Untold”

Best Performance: Boks Mamadra from “Mael” and Mohammad KouzbaryLucman Dias of “Inged II: Ukha The Story Untold”

The winners each received a cash prize worth P20,000.00, and the other five film entries also received P20,000.00 consolation prize.

Teng Mangansakan, along with Edward Cabagnot and Joe Bacus were the judges for the film festival. “We hope that the Bangsamoro film makers will be instrumental in reshaping the landscape of our national cinema,” Mangsansakan said. 

Meanwhile, winners of the Photography Contest were also awarded. 1st Best Photograph was the “Ilaw ng Tahanan” by BulawanDizal. The photograph shows a mother helping her child studying in a candle-lit nipa house. 

Dizal said the photo magnifies importance of education in the lives of the Bangsamoro people. “Kahit lakitayosahirap, nothing is impossible as long as we support education of our children,” Dizal added. 

The 2nd Best Photograph was the “Innocence Pain” by Mohammad KouzbaryLucman Said, and the 3rd Best Photograph is the entry by Aljiber Ismael. Winners received a cash prize amounting to P20,000.00, P15,000.00 and P10,000.00, respectively. The “Yes for Peace” entry of Farida Dizal bagged the Online Choice Award and received P5,000.00 cash prize. 

Ten other photography entries each received P5,000.00 consolation prize. 

Mark Naval, together with BennajarHajan and JoeffreyMaitem, led the jury for the photography contest. 

Executive Secretary AbdulraofMacacua said the Bangsamoro Government needs inspired and positive-thinking youth in order to contribute in nation-building. Cabinet Secretary MohdAsninPendatun also delivered an inspirational message. 

“We have gathered here not just to celebrate the creativity of Young Bangsamoro but also to give due regard to our values and morals which these qualifiers have demonstrated,” said MarjanieMacasalong, chairperson of the BYC and Member of the Parliament of Bangsamoro Transition Authority. 

“The short film peacetival and photography contest mainstream BARMM community-based stories of peace, conflicts, survival, and hopes,” Nass Dunding, chair of programs and operations of BYC-BARMM,” said. 

International Youth Day is an international day dedicated by the United Nations to raise awareness on the cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth. This year’s celebration bears the theme “Youth Engagement for Global Action.” (Bureau of the Public Information, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

3 BARMM areas overshoot anti-polio drive targets

REACHING OUT--- Health workers in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao board a watercraft or walk for hours (inset) to reach more children during the implementation of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio 2020 in Maguindanao. The region’s health ministry recorded a 97.5 percent accomplishment on its anti-polio drive from July 25 to August 9, 2020. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOH-BARMM, MINDANAO EXPOSE') 

COTABATO CITY --- Two provinces and a city in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have overshot their targeted number of children in the implementation of “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio (SPKP)” campaign, the region’s health ministry reported Tuesday, August 11.

The two-week 2020 SPKP ended on Sunday (Aug. 9), with the BARMM registering an overall 95.7 percent accomplishment.

Marawi City had the highest number of vaccinated children at 24,683, or 104.5 percent of its 23,702 target.

Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao have registered 103.5 percent and 101.4 percent, respectively. Maguindanao provincial health chief Dr. Elizabeth Samama said her teams of vaccinators are not stopping.

“Even if the SPKP is over, our ‘bakunadors’ (vaccinators) will continue conducting vaccination to far-flung communities to reach unvaccinated children,” Samama said.

Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, BARMM health minister, said the region has an eligible target of 839,676 children. However, the Ministry of Health-BARMM only managed to serve a total of 803,516 children after two weeks of massive vaccination.

Dipatuan said there are about 44,639 children aged 59 months and below who were not vaccinated due to difficulty in reaching them, refusal of some parents to have their children vaccinated, and for other reasons.

In Maguindanao, some parents refused to have their children given anti-polio vaccines out of fear of possible contamination or infection. 

“After we have carefully and convincingly explained to them that the anti-polio vaccines have no side effects and have the blessings of Muslim religious leaders, they eventually agreed,” Samama said in the vernacular.

Of the 44,639 unvaccinated children, 26,112 are in Basilan, 17,645 in Sulu and 882 in Tawi-Tawi.

 Basilan served 87,536 (77 percent) children out of 113,648 eligible targets while Sulu has reached 243,021 (93.2 percent) children out of 260,666 target children. Tawi-Tawi had 111,221 targets but only served 110,339 children (99.2 percent). 

In areas where the target was surpassed, Marawi City served 24,684 (104.1 percent) out of 23,702 target children; Lanao del Sur, 140,162 (103.5 percent); and Maguindanao, 197,774 (101.4 percent) of 195,068 target number of children. 

The MOH-BARMM also cited the support extended by the United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that helped the regional and national government procure supplies such as vaccines, freezers, ice packs and vaccine carriers. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

Wearing school uniform not required in distance learning: DepEd

MANILA --- Learners need not wear school uniforms in any distance learning approach they would participate in for School Year 2020-2021, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday. 

The department made the statement after a television report said it encourages public school students to wear school uniforms or proper clothing to prevent cases of bullying. 

"Even before the pandemic, it is not a strict requirement for public schools to wear uniform (under) DepEd Order No. 065 series 2010 to avoid incurring additional cost to the families of our learners," the statement read.

It added that with face-to-face classes prohibited, “learners are welcome to wear their most comfortable and appropriate clothes while learning at the safe confines of their homes."

Classes will formally open on August 24 with the implementation of distance learning through modules – printed and digital, online classes, radio, and television. (MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE') 

Manobos decry misrepresentation by Bayan Muna, other groups

 (File photo)

 MANILA --- Leaders of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao on Wednesday, August 12 condemned the alleged misrepresentation, false claims and the use of the indigenous peoples (IPs) by Save our Schools group and Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat.

In a statement, IP Mandatory Representatives of Surigao del Sur, Datu Jomar Bucales and Datu Rico Maca, said Cullamat and Bayan Muna together with other alleged leftist groups like Katribu, PASAKA, and Karapatan are allegedly spreading false reports and disinformation and continue to misrepresent the “true” IPs.

These groups, they said, raise and solicit funds from different international organizations on behalf of the IPs, but these same funds are allegedly being used to buy weapons to kill them 

They said if these groups really wanted to help them, they should talk with them. 

“Kung gusto ninyo mutabang, dinhi mo sa amoa sa ancestral domain. Atubangi mi ug making istorya mo sa amua. Dili mo magbakak sang alan namo ug mangayo ug pondo o  kwarta diha sa laing  mga tawo ug grupo (If you want to help, be with us here in the ancestral domain. Face us and talk to us. Do not deceive people, claiming to speak on our behalf, that this is our situation and then ask for funds from other people or groups),” Maca said. 

He said these groups pass on the blame to the government when it is actually their groups who are killing and suppressing the IPs.

Maca said recently, they were able to talk with the United Nations through UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay and UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales, saying they relayed to them their actual situation, including challenges they face in their ancestral domains. 

“We are happy that the United Nations last week has listened and talked to us about these personalities and groups that continue to kill and abuse the tribes but who are the same people who claim to help us. They use us in asking for funds and support allegedly for us. Do not believe these people. 

Do not listen to them. They are impostors who use and kill us, tribes,” Maca said in their local language. 

Meanwhile, Bucales said they are asking the UN and the public not to listen to these groups who claim to be helping them and speaking on their behalf 

Bucales said they were also deceived and believed them.

“Kami nituo sad sa ilaha. Kami pa nagbuhataning mga Lumad nga eskwelahan. Amo pud gipasara kay ginatudluannila ang mga bata na mag rebel desa mga tawo ug gobyerno ug musapi sa NPA (We also believed them. We even built the Indigenous Peoples 'Lumad' schools. But we also closed these schools because they taught our children to rebel against the people and the government and to join the New People’s Army),” he said. 

The two Datus called on Cullamat and the other groups to stop using IPs and face them instead. (MARITA MOAJE, PNA, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

MGB: Mining can help address PH economic recovery

COTABATO CITY --- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is looking at mining as one of the means to help in the economic recovery of the country.

In the LagingHanda Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar and South Cotabato Mayor Leonard Escobillo, MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano said the mining sector can be a great contributor in recovering economic losses of the country due to the global pandemic brought by COVID-19 

“We are looking into several projects that could generate employment, revenues for the government, create programs, and livelihood samga communities where mining is operating,” he said.

He pointed out they have already submitted a recovery program to the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), including the Department of Finance (DOF).

“I hope makitasana ng atingmgakababayanna ang ating mining sector makakatulong during this time,” added Dir. Moncano.

He admitted there may be adverse environmental effects in mining but these can be mitigated and reduced, if not zeroed-out.

“’Yong trade-off nito is makakatulong sa economic recovery ng ating bansa. Sana masuportahan itong ating mga mining projects.” he concluded. (PIA, MINDANAO EXPOSE')

MILG launches radio program ‘RadyoSindaw’

COTABATO CITY --- To inform the public on the programs and activities it is undertaking, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) launched its radio program last August 06, dubbed as ‘RadyoSindaw’. 

Derived from a Maguindanaoan word which means ‘light’, MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo said, “ang Sindaw ay sumisimbolo ng isangmaliwanag at maayosnagobyerno, dahil ‘yon ang kailangannatin.”

[Sindaw symbolizes a bright and good government, which is what we need.]

Sinarimbo also said that through the program, MILG will provide series of modular lectures on vital topics on local governance such as local legislation, local planning and budgeting, and barangay governance, among others.

“This will enable us to continue to capacitate our LGUs despite the restriction on face to face workshops as a result of the pandemic,” he said, noting that the first series of lectures will focus on barangay governance.

Furthermore, Sinarimbo said the radio program will also “feature some of the excellent local chief executives or good practices of LGUs in the Bangsamoro so that it may be replicated by other LGUs.”

RadyoSindaw, hosted by Ms. Irene Gonzales, airs on DXMS 882 Khz and live on MILG’s official Facebook page every Thursday and Friday at 6:00-7:00 PM. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE')