Celebrating Filipino artistry amidst pandemic

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.

COVID-19 has undeniably put all activities in various fields into a new order including the sphere of arts. Many artists and institutions have suffered from the incapability to hold activities with live audience. From performing arts to visual arts, the pandemic has resulted to significant losses from the creative field. However, the said circumstance has also pushed artists and institutions (e.g., ballet and theatre companies, museums, etc.) to innovate by utilizing digital and social media. Slowly, concerts are being done online, including ballet performances, stage plays, musicals, films, and visual art exhibits.

Every February, under Presidential Proclamation No. 683, the country recognizes its culture and arts through the activities of the annual National Arts Month celebration. This year, the festivities revolve around the “Ani ng Sining” with the theme “Alab-sining, Alay-sigla,” which focuses on providing opportunities for artists to exhibit their creative prowess amidst the ongoing pandemic. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the spearheading agency during said celebration, posted on its official Facebook page, “The National Arts Month 2021 celebration seeks to conserve, promote, and popularize Filipino artistic creations; integrate the arts in the community life; and harness the arts as catalysts for values education.”

Maguindanao town officials turn in 12 loose firearms to Army

 SURRENDERED GUNS. Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, receives a rifle from Mayor Ohto Montawal of Datu Montawal town in Maguindanao during turnover rites held Thursday, February 4, 2021, for unlicensed guns collected from residents. A total of 12 firearms were handed over by the local officials to the military. (Photo courtesy of 602nd Brigade) 

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Local officials of Datu Montawal town in Maguindanao turned over a dozen assorted firearms to the Army here on Thursday, February 4.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, accepted the firearms during a ceremony held at the town’s Sangguniang Bayan session hall.

Datu Montawal Mayor Ohto Montawal led the hand over of the loose firearms to Capulong that included nine Garand rifles, a .30-caliber Muzzle rifle grenade launcher, a .30-caliber homemade sniper rifle, and a Carbine rifle.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, and concurrent Joint Task Force Central chief said only military troopers, police, and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to possess and carry firearms.

“Those people who unlawfully carry or possess firearms will be subjected to law enforcement operations,” Uy said in a statement Friday.

He added though that the government disarmament program remains open to everyone who wishes to turn in their unlicensed guns. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA)

Maguindanao health office gets aid from BARMM, foreign donors

 INCREASING CAPABILITY. Dr. Amirel Usman, BARMM health minister, hands over the keys of two land ambulances and refrigerated vaccine transport car from international donor countries to Dr. Elizabeth Samama (right), chief of Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office, during ceremonies held at Maguindanao provincial hospital compound on Monday, February 1, 2021. The MOH-BARMM also handed over a vaccine refrigerator, generator set, solar panels, and emergency hygiene kits (inset) to the provincial health unit. (Photo courtesy of MOH-BARMM) 

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) turned over on Monday afternoon, February 1, an ambulance and refrigerated vaccine transport vehicle to the Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to improve its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) containment initiatives.

Dr. Amirel Usman, acting BARMM health minister, handed over the equipment to Dr. Elizabeth Samama, IPHO-Maguindanao chief, during ceremonies held at the Provincial Hospital compound in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The health facilities were part of the assistance provided by three transnational donors: the United Kingdom government, the International Organization on Migration (IOM), and the government of Germany.

Aside from ambulance and cold chain refrigerated transport vehicles, the MOH-BARMM and its partner agencies also turned in a vaccine refrigerator, generator set, solar panels, and emergency hygiene kits, among others.

“To control and suppress spread, we must take the fight to the virus. Active case detection, isolation, testing, and contact tracing can control the virus,” Samama said.

She added that IPHO-Maguindanao has been strengthening surveillance and contact tracing to help national and local authorities rapidly adapt to evolving outbreaks, whether moving from one case to a cluster of cases or from a cluster of cases to no case. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA)

Kampilan troopers conduct tree growing efforts in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A tree growing activity was successfully held in Basak Singa, Brgy. Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao on Tuesday, January 26. 

The said activity was enjoined by the 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion led by Lt. Col. Anhouvic B. Atilano; 57th Infantry “Masikap” Battalion led by Lt. Col Jonathan Pondanera of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division; Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces Reserved Suharto M. Ambolodto; and Pauline Avila of Brgy. Mirab, barangay chairperson.

Joint Task Force Central commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, said that the Kampilan troopers also venture into greening projects as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines mandate. (DPAO)

BARMM observes World Hijab Day

  Photo shows Bangsamoro women who stand with pride while wearing their hijab in a gathering held on Monday, February 1, 2021, to partake in the global celebration of World Hijab Day. 

COTABATO CITY –The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) led the observance of World Hijab Day in the region to recognize Muslim women who proudly wear hijab around the globe on Monday, February 1.
 
This celebration is in line with House Bill 8249, which declares February 1 of each year as National Hijab Day to promote national awareness of the Muslim tradition of wearing a hijab.
 
Monday's event, which was participated by BARMM key officials and employees from the different ministries, agencies, and offices, carries the theme "Don't let our pride be your prejudice" with the hashtag #EndHijabophobia.
 
BWC chairperson Bainon Karon said the occasion aims to encourage every Bangsamoro women to wear hijab; to end discrimination against women wearing hijab; and to protect freedom and practice of religion.
 
"Let us unite and help each other in advocating the importance of wearing hijab and promote simplicity amongst Bangsamoro women," she added.
 
The Member of Parliament also said that the event is not a celebration, rather an act of acknowledgement to the Muslim women that faces discrimination around the world.
 
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said, "Ang hijab ay hindi lamang isang uri ng kultura ng mga babaeng Muslim, kundi may kasamang obligasyon o pananampalataya sa Islam."
 
"Sa ating pananampalataya, may mas malawak na kahulugan ang hijab – saklaw nito ang kahinhinan, disiplina, at kabuuan ng pagiging isang tunay na Muslim, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pananamit ngunit higit lalo sa gawa at salita," he added.
 
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan addressed some concerns on the observance of World Hijab Day, noting that such occasion is [somewhat] an innovation or bid'ah. 
 
The Mufti responded, “I hope that every day will be hijab day, so that every day, our Muslim women will use [and wear] hijab.”
  
Various women organizations from Maguindanao and Cotabato City also attended the event. Attendees wore black abayas (long dress) and old rose-colored hijabs as symbol of peace, modesty, and unity in the week-long recognition. (Bangsamoro Information Office)

Female drug suspect arrested, P136-K shabu seized

 NABBED. A PDEA-BARMM agent accounts for the suspected shabu seized from drug suspect Joan Abdullah following a buy-bust in Barangay Rosary Heights Mother, Cotabato City on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Among the items found in the suspect’s possession were several packets of shabu with a street value of P136,000. (Photo courtesy of Brigada News FM Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents arrested a female drug suspect and seized some P136,000 worth of shabu during a buy-bust here Thursday, February 4. 

In a statement, Director Juvenal Azurin of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, identified the suspect as Joan Alon Abdullah, 30, of Calle 4, Barangay Rosary Height Mother.

“The suspect has long been on our watchlist,” Azurin said, adding that they have been trying to entrap Abdullah since 2015 until they managed to strike a deal with her through their poseur-buyer.

PDEA agents handcuffed Abdullah after handing out the suspected shabu to a poseur-buyer around 10 a.m. near her home.

Seized from her were eight packets of suspected shabu, three mobile phones, a wallet filled with various identification cards, P1,500 cash, a Honda Accord vehicle, and the P20,000 boodle money.

She will be charged with the violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Noel Punzalan, PNA)

Comelec updates rules, regulations for party-list polls

 MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has updated the implementing rules and regulations on the party-list elections next year.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10690 released on Thursday, February 4, party-list groups have been ordered to file before the poll body a complete list of at least five nominees and other required documents in Section 3 of Resolution No. 10690, within the same period designated for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy under the Calendar of Activities for the 2022 national and local elections. 

As for the substitution of party-list nominees because of withdrawal, the Comelec has set the deadline on November 15, 2021.

“However, if it’s by reason of death or incapacity, substitution is allowed until mid-day of Election Day,” it said. “If a nominee withdraws his acceptance, he is no longer eligible to be re-nominated by the same party or be nominated by other parties."

In the case a nominee dies or becomes incapacitated, based on the resolution, notice and proof of his death must be filed with the Comelec within 10 days.

Only in cases of valid withdrawal and substitution, or death or incapacity, may alteration in the order of nominees still be allowed after filing. The name of the substitute-nominee will also be placed last on the list.

Also, parties are now required to publish, at their own expense, their new list of substitute-nominees, and to subsequently submit proof of publication to the Comelec.

“They have five days from the filing of the list of substitute-nominees to cause its publication and three days from publication to submit proof of said publication. No substitution is valid unless these requirements are complied with,” it said.

Petitions to Deny Due Course and/or Cancellation of Nomination of Party-List Nominees must be submitted within 10 days from publication by the Comelec or within 10 days from the submission of proof of publication of substitute-nominees to the Comelec.

Meanwhile, Petitions for Disqualification of Party-List Nominees must be filed not later than the date of proclamation.

“The Commission now has broader powers to disqualify or cancel the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) of a nominee,” it said.

“At any time before proclamation, any nominee who is disqualified, ineligible, or lacks the qualification provided by law, or whose nomination is contrary to law and the rules, may be motu propio disqualified,” the Comelec added.

The deadline for the filing of Petitions for Registration and Manifestation of Intent to Participate in registering party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions is on March 31, 2021.

The same deadline has been fixed for existing party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions to file their Manifestation of Intent to Participate.

The resolution added that Opposition to Petitions for Registration must be filed not later than the date when the case is submitted for resolution, while Petitions to Deny Due Course to a Manifestation of Intent to Participate must be filed within 10 days from its date of publication. (Ferdinand Patinio, PNA)

STATEMENT ON BTA TERM EXTENSION

It is an incontrovertible fact that the ongoing pandemic has devastated much of the global economies as all available resources are utilized to fight and bring an end to this health scourge. The Philippines, an emerging economy, was not spared from this crisis as our economic gains for the past years have been almost wiped out, and our economy recovery, while gradually picking up, does not look promising at the moment. 

The challenging economic and public health situations have prompted our government to change its priorities such that the implementation of its major plans and programs has either taken a back seat or remained in suspended animation. This is the situation prevailing in the Bangsamoro region, as the autonomous and transitional government itself is doing its best to prevent the escalation of the health crisis. Thus, the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) has suffered an inordinate delay, which now imperatively demands a longer period for completion.

The bills pending in the House of Representatives which seek to extend the term of the BTA from 2022 to 2025 are a welcome development for the Bangsamoro people. Such extension will provide a fresh mandate to BTA members to roll out its plans and programs for the welfare and well-being of our constituents.

In the Bangsamoro Parliament alone, our mandate to enact major legislations has been seriously hampered. Although the major bills were already drafted even before the pandemic, their approval cannot be expedited without the requisite public consultations. The restriction on the people’s movements and poor internet connection among stakeholders have prevented the conduct of hearings and meetings for the deliberations of the pending bills.

The implementation of the normalization track did not also fare well. Out of the target of 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants for decommissioning, only 12,000 fighters were given a cash out of P100,000, which is way below the promised P1,000,000 total economic package for each member.

We should not also lose sight of the fact that the BTA has only become fully operational in August 2019 when funds were allotted to enable the parliament members to acquire their own staff. In addition, the presidential election season will be coming a few months from now. Again, this will possibly cause further delay.

Hence, working a gargantuan task on a shortened period is nearly impossible. Even transitional governments in other countries have been given ample time to fulfil their mandate.

Thus, the snail-paced implementation of the CAB, which is compounded by the lack of adequate financial support from the government, necessitates a revised timeline of accomplishment.

The push for a term extension is also necessary to reaffirm the government’s commitment to give the BTA a full authority to implement its own plans and programs, and enable the “peace dividends” to reach all our stakeholders in the region.

Besides, the CAB’s implementation is not designed to be mutually exclusive. On the contrary, it mandates a shared responsibility for its implementation among its stakeholders, particularly the government and the MILF.

Needless to say, the clamor of our people to immediately achieve economic progress and stable peace and order now lies in the hands of the Congress of the Philippines. We hope and pray that our esteemed legislators will see the merits of our plea and allow us to continue our work for the benefit of our people.

BARMM’s RSCom holds first regular meeting for 2021

PLANNING AHEAD. Bangsamoro Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali together with PSA-BARMM OIC Regional Director Engr. Naser S. Usman (both in the middle) spearheads the Regional Statistics Committee’s first regular meeting for year 2021, held Wednesday, February 3, 2021.  Joining them are the BARMM ministries and offices who are members of the committee. (Mary Lovella L. Lastimosa, BPDA-BARMM)

 COTABATO CITY – The Regional Statistics Committee (RSCom) under the Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council (BEDC) held Wednesday, February 3, its first regular meeting for the calendar year 2021 at Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Conference Hall, Bangsamoro Government Center, this city.

Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, Bangsamoro Director General and Committee chair, was elated for the presence of the member ministries who attended this year’s first regular committee meeting. 

He also encouraged the members to actively participate during the discussions and to cooperate with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-BARMM) in preparation for the celebration of the 31st Civil Registration Month.

Development programs eyed for BARMM's youth

 YOUNG LEADERS. The newly-appointed appointed BARMM youth commissioners for the Bangsamoro Youth Commission took their oath of office: (from left to right) Pratima Samsaraji for Tawi-Tawi, Nasserudin Dunding for Maguindanao and opt-in areas, Marjanie Macasalong for Lanao del Sur, Hamdie Tanjil for Basilan, and Moh. Faizal Alih for Sulu via teleconference before BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Following their oathtaking, the BYC leaders, through its Youth Coordinating Council (inset), had begun strategizing relevant development programs for the region's youth. (Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM) 

COTABATO CITY – Youth leaders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are eyeing development programs for the region that would benefit young constituents.

This came as newly-appointed commissioners of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) gathered on Wednesday afternoon, February 3, at the BARMM center here to discuss programs towards youth development in the region.

The newly-appointed commissioners included Marjanie Macasalong for Lanao del Sur; Nasserudin Dunding for Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and 63 barangays in North Cotabato; Moh. Faizal Alih for Sulu; Hamdie Tanjil for Basilan; and Pratima Samsaraji for Tawi-Tawi.

Spearheaded by the BYC’s Youth Coordinating Council (YCC), the meeting also included representatives of the various BARMM agencies in attendance to avoid duplication of programs for the region’s young people.

“The YCC is the venue for coordination between the BYC and the various BARMM ministries and instrumentalities in the implementation of youth-related projects, programs, and activities,” Macasalong, concurrent BYC chairperson, said.

“The council is also a platform to avoid duplication of projects and programs relating to youth by the different offices,” he added.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim officiated the oath-taking of the new regional youth commissioners online.

“This gathering essentially marks our shared work towards providing safe spaces and involvement of the youth towards building a bureaucracy that is inspired by the long history of the Bangsamoro and the tenets of moral governance,” Ebrahim said in his message.

Endorsed on the BYC’s first-ever YCC meeting were resolutions for the accreditation of youth organizations in the region and the adoption of agreements between the commission and other youth development partners.

Created by the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 10 in April 2019, the BYC is mandated to be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of the BARMM in all matters affecting the youth. (Noel Punzalan, PNA)

Army troops conduct clearing operations in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The troops of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) recovered various components of an improvised explosive device (IED) and uniforms used by Daesh inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Thursday afternoon, February 4. 

The 6th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, Lt. Col. Charlie C. Banaag, conducted combat clearing operation in the barangays of Alonganen and Buayan in the said town to repel the presence of BIFF.

“Our units led by 2Lt. Bryan Arnold T. Beriña conducted combat clearing operations in the two barangays due to the reported presence of the BIFF members planning to conduct terroristic attacks,” according to Lt. Col. Banaag.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, commander of JTFC and 6th Infantry Division, lauded the troops. He said, “Keep up the good work. Do your best and always guard your flanks to ensure success in all your operations.” (DPAO)

Regiment commander visits JTFC

 CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Brig. Gen. Romulo A. Manuel Jr., commander of Army Artillery Regiment responds to a courtesy call to Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Monday, February 1.

Brig. Gen. Manuel was accorded with traditional militart honors during his arrival. He was received by Joint Task Force Kutawato commander, Col. Jose Ambrosio F. Rustia.

On the following day, Brig. Gen. Manuel visited the troops at the headquarters of 6th Field Artillery Battalion at Camp Siongco, Brgy. Awang, DOS, Maguindanao and 7th Field Artillery Battalion Camp Lucero at Brgy. Nasapian, Carmen, Cotabato. (DPAO)

9 nabbed for illegal cockfighting in Maguindanao

 ILLEGAL COCKFIGHT. The nine cockfight aficionados were ordered to drop to the ground following their arrest at an illegal cockfighting den on Monday, February 1, 2021, in Parang, Maguindanao. Nine motorcycles, two fighting cocks, and bet money were seized from the suspects. (Photo courtesy of Brigada News FM Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Nine cockfight aficionados were arrested following a raid at an illegal cockfighting den in Parang, Maguindanao, Monday afternoon, February 1. 

In a report, Police Maj. Esmael Madin, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Maguindanao office, said the raid took place around 3:40 p.m. in Barangay Gadungan following information from a tipster.

He identified those arrested as Badrudin M. Abdullah, Akas A. Naga, Almer A. Cacarao, Omak M. Silongan, Zamir I. Momen, Maky U. Panato, Molin M. Undaki, Abiden M. Esmael, and Amir M. Mokamad – all residents in the area.

“Two other aficionados who are allegedly residents of neighboring Buldon town managed to ran away before the arrival of the raiding team,” he said.

The raiding team managed to seize nine motorcycles, two fighting cocks, and P3,000 worth of bet money from the suspects.

He said charges related to illegal gambling charges and social distancing violation will be filed against the suspects. (Noel Punzalan, PNA)

2 terrorists killed in foiled escape in Maguindanao

 (Photo courtesy of Maguindanao PNP)

MANILA –Two members of a militant extremist group tagged in a series of bombings in Central Mindanao were killed in a foiled escape in Maguindanao on Thursday, February 4. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, citing reports coming from the PNP Command Center said Rasul Dubpaleg and Bhadz K. Dubpaleg, both members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), were earlier arrested by police and military team in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao around 10 a.m.

After securing the two suspects in the police vehicle, the team immediately left to avoid possible confrontation with enemy forces in the area, which is a known stronghold of the BIFF.

While in transit to the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office, a commotion ensued in the passenger cabin of the patrol car as the suspects tried to overpower their guards by wrestling for the cops’ firearms.

Both suspects were wounded in the scuffle and were promptly brought to the Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office for treatment but were later pronounced dead by the attending physician.

Police records identified both suspects as affiliated with the Dawlah Islamiya Hasan Group and are core members of the BIFF Karialan-Bungos Faction.

The suspects were sought by the police for their involvement in four bombing incidents – two in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, one in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and the December 31, 2018 blast outside the Southseas Mall in Cotabato City. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, PNA)

2 murder suspects killed in shootout in Cotabato City

The Cotabato City Police Station 4 Office. (Photo courtesy of DXMY-Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Two wanted persons who resisted arrest by shooting and tossing two hand grenades at lawmen were killed by police here Friday, February 5.

Maj. Elexon Bona, city police station 4 chief, identified the slain wanted men as Ustads Yahya Muntong and Parhan Bacol, both Arabic scholars and residents of Brgy. Kalanganan Mother.

Bona said policemen, backed by soldiers, were armed with arrest warrants against the suspects for murder charges when they entered Sagingan village at 11 a.m.

As soon as the police were knocking on the house of Muntong, he opened fire, hitting one of the police officers.

“The policeman was unharmed because he was wearing a bulletproof vest,” Bona said.

He said Bacol tossed a hand grenade that exploded just outside their home.

“Another grenade Bacol lobbed did not explode,” Bona added.

A shootout then erupted, killing both suspects on the spot.

The two were charged with the murder of a distant relative over a misunderstanding.

“I appeal to lawbreakers to please avoid resisting arrest. They can prove their innocence before the courts than reacting violently to law enforcement operations,” Bona said. (PNA)

1K teachers from BARMM villages in NoCot get first salary

 FIRST SALARY. Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, hands over a check Tuesday, February 2, 2021, to one of the teachers from 63 villages in North Cotabato that are now part of the autonomous government. At least 1,178 teachers and non-teaching personnel from the BARMM’s Special Geographical Area in North Cotabato received their first salaries in a ceremony at the BARMM center in Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of MBHTE-BARMM) 

COTABATO CITY – At least 1,178 teaching and non-teaching personnel in 63 villages of North Cotabato that joined the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received their first salaries on Tuesday, February 2.

Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) handed over the checks to the teachers from BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato during ceremonies held at the BARMM center here.

“The SGA teachers work at public elementary and secondary schools in the villages,” he told reporters here during an interview Wednesday, February 3.

The SGA is composed of 63 barangays from North Cotabato province that opted for inclusion in BARMM during the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite in February 2019.

Of the 1,178 personnel, 1,034 were elementary teachers from the Aleosan schools district, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, and Pikit; the 144 others are secondary level instructors.

Meanwhile, Iqbal said that the MBHTE is also currently working on establishing a division office and selecting personnel to oversee the schools under the SGA in North Cotabato.

“Rest assured that the plans and projects we have for other schools divisions will also be equally implemented and executed in these 63 barangays,” he said. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA)