OBYA conducting prov’l youth summits

OBYA Executive Director Salic Sharief, Jr. (GILMHAR A. LAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Office on the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has conducted series of youth summits in the component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Sulu.

OBYA Executive Director Salic Sharief, Jr. said they have staged these events so the youth sector could have a venue to air out their issues and concerns. Tawi-tawi is set to hold its own summit.

“Last November, we have profiled our youth organizations, youth volunteers, out-of- school youths, special youth groups such as drug dependents and those arrested and have surrendered to authorities arrested, persons with disabilities, as well as extremists,”  authorities,” said Sharief.

He said the profiling of these youth groups is necessary for the matching of  programs most appropriate to their needs and concerns.

Sharief said their office is also conducting series of focus group discussions (FGDs) to deeply interact with the “emerging leaders of this generation.”

“We have conducted at last three to four rounds of FGD in the communities so that during the provincial summit, the issues are already clarified and easily consolidated. We invite the youths from other provinces as we go from one province to another. That way, they interact and better understand each other through communication,” said Sharief.

Sharief shared a few sentiments of the youths in some rounds of the summit, quoting them as saying: “They won’t listen to us, they only use us, and the concerned agencies don’t actually help us.”

“The purpose of this summit is to have a venue to consolidate their concerns, identify their strengths and challenges, and suggest programs they think would suit them,” he added.

Sharief said the OBYA plans to conduct a “regional youth summit” this December in close coordination with the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA)-ARMM.

“Our intention is not to do a standalone program but to recognize the need to coordinate with other concerned agencies. Te RLA has already started this endeavour in the past.
We are more than happy that they are willing to facilitate the upcoming regional youth summit,” he said.

Sharief added that the regional summit would provide them the track in formulating a “Bangsamoro youth development and peace building plan” for the years 2017-2022.

“This would serve as our guide to the different programs we are going to implement in the coming years. We certainly want a clear direction and rest assured we are going to highlight progressive programs for the youths. There must be sense of ownership for them during the formulation of the plan,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

LOVE OF SERVICE

LOVE OF SERVICE --- The city's street educators shared light moments with City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi during their courtesy visit last December 7. The street educators are serving children in a volunteer capacity out of their genuine concern and love for the future generation. Mayor Guiani-Sayadi commended their efforts and expressed her support to the activities of the street educators as they have been very helpful in ensuring that every child in the city receives basic education. "We have always established that education is one of the basic rights of the children that must be provided to them. With the efforts of our street educators, together with our teachers, this right is being enjoyed by every child in Cotabato City," the mayor said. This year, Cotabato City has recorded “zero out-of-school youth” and street children are being rescued and housed at the city's Social Development Center. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cot. City pioneers in septage project

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT --- City Administrator Danda N. Juanday leads the ground breaking ceremonies of the P64-M Septage Management Project together with Assistant City General Services Officer and Interim Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Crisanto B. Saavedra (right) and representatives from the USAID and Metro Cotabato Water District. (GILMHAR A. LAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government, in partnership with the Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) - Be Secure, spearheaded the ground breaking ceremonies of the P64 million “Septage Management Project” last December 5 at the old Malagapas dumpsite in Barangay Rosary Heights X.

Engr. Crisanto B. Saavedra, assistant City General Services officer and Interim Environment and Natural Resources officer, said it all started when the idea of a septage management program was presented to the late City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. and then city administrator Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

“The then city mayor appreciated the idea, so he offered a partnership with the MCWD and invited them for a meeting at the city hall,” said Saavedra.

Saavedra said the city government of Cotabato and the MCWD have agreed to jointly undertake the protection and preservation of the city’s surface water and groundwater to prevent further deterioration of biodiversity and quality of life.

“We express our deepest thanks to the USAID Be Secure Project for extending technical assistance through the conduct of training and study tour at various areas,” he said.

Saavedra said the partners decided to utilize a fully mechanized facility.“It was followed by the drafting of the ordinance and identification of the site,” he said.

Saavedra added that the construction of the facility shall be undertaken by the City Engineering Office of the local government unit.

“A project construction monitoring team shall be established to monitor the progress of the project implementation during the construction phase. This PMT shall be distinct and independent from the regular project monitoring committee of the city government as their task is specifically for and limited to this septage management project only,” he said.

He added that the project implementation monitoring and evaluation team shall be composed of representatives from the City Planning and Development Office, General Services Office, MCWD, Office on Health Services, Environment Management Bureau - Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the USAID – Be Secure.

City Administrator Danda N. Juanday said  the infrastructure components of the project have all the amenities that a septage treatment facility requires.

“These include fence enclosure with steel gates and perimeter lighting system, two units of guardhouse, administration building, garage/motorpool, parking area, treatment plant with laboratory building, mini-fish pond, road network, drainage system, organic garden, material recovery facility with vermi-composting facility, powerhouse, and a stockroom,” Juanday said.

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani- Sayadi expressed her optimism on this newest achievement of the city government.

“This project is the first in Mindanao and also the first in the country using a fully mechanized facility to be operated through  partnership between the local government unit and the local water utility company,” she said.

Elias Salazar, provincial coordinator of the USAID Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project said he is thrilled on the positive response of the city government and its partners on the implementation of the project.

“Indeed, this is a milestone for the city government of Cotabato,” he said.

Accordingly, the project operation includes regular collection of the septage, proper treatment of the septage, and the environmentally acceptable manner of disposal of the septage. The operation will be divided into five sections and septic tanks shall be desludged every five years. (GILMHAR A. LAO& ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Comprehensive program to address flood problem

COTABATO CITY --- Regional Secretary Don Mustapha Loong of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH- ARMM) sees the need for a more comprehensive  program to address the flood problem along the Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao.

Loong said the department has discussed this matter during the recent convergence committee meeting with the municipal planning officers of the affected towns.

“Projects implemented by the DPWH-ARMM are mostly roads, bridges, and river walls. Therefore, we need a comprehensive and holistic program that will address the problem surrounding Liguasan Marsh,” he said.

Loong said this is part of the Mindanao River Basin, so it is not only a concern of the regional government but also of other areas affected by the flooding.

“The provincial government of Maguindanao has quickly responded on the issue by purchasing two dredging machines amounting to P60 million. They have partnered with the affected local government units to dredge the rivers,” he said.

Previously, the municipality of Sultan sa Barongis in the province of Maguindanao has appealed for aid from the provincial and the ARMM governments to solve its recurring flood problem.

Mayor Ramdatu Angas said that Sultan sa Barongis is situated along the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and is at the direct path of Ala River, a major tributary springing from South Cotabato.

“Flood waters easily rise in the town, most especially in the five low-lying barangays --- Paldong, Barurao, Gadungan, Papakan, and Kulambog,” he said.

Angas mentioned the characteristics of flood waters that remain unpredictable as they recede and suddenly rise even if Maguindanao province experiences no rain.

“Even if we don’t experience rain here in the province, we are still prone to flooding should it rain in the nearby provinces. Floods come and go but it’s getting worse every time a situation like this takes place,” he said.

Mayor Angas earlier blamed a flood control dike constructed by a banana plantation company.  “They put up a dike to save their farm site but the flood water from Ala River has been diverted to Sultan sa Barongis.” (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Butig incident affects P50-M infra projects

COTABATO CITY --- The recent armed conflict in the town of Butig in Lanao del Sur has hampered the project implementation of some P50 million worth of infrastructures in the affected areas of the province and elsewhere where confrontations are spilled over.

But despite the situation, Don Mustapha Loong, regional secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the regional government remains positive on the support of the national leadership under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in terms of peace platform and development initiatives.

“We are calling the attention of our local government units to be more pro-active and decisive in ensuring the stability of peace and order in their respective localities,” the regional secretary appealed.

Loong expressed hopefulness on the positive responses of local leaders, saying it is a good start of giving assurance that social services by the government are reaching even the farthest communities of the autonomous region.

“When there is conflict, it does not only affect the rural heal heath workers or the teachers, but also our engineers deployed in the field due to the stand-off. So we call on the active participation of our local leaders because their constituents look up to them in assuring them of stability,” he said.

Loong narrated how it is difficult from their end to implement their projects, most especially in the conflict-affected areas.

“In Butig alone, we have a flagship project there, the Butig to Pigcawayan road and Butig to Barira road. The length of the road extends to at least three kilometers. As a matter of fact, even before the recent conflict perpetuated by terrorist groups sparked in the town, peace and order was already our problem ever since,” he lamented.

He said one national contractor was forced to stop their ongoing project implementation due to the situation.

“We have several projects affected by conflict in nearby municipalities because it’s a common knowledge that when a particular incident erupts, it easily escalates to the nearby communities,” he said.

Loong revealed some sentiments of local residents “on the unfair treatment among the Moro people” or ”not feeling the existence of the government.”

“This is the high time that they have to feel there exists a true and working government ready to support them with our various development plans. We would want them to be one with the government,” he said.

Loong cited one significant long-term solution to the problem, which is the continuous implementation of infrastructure projects such as road networks.

“This 2016, as we added another 400 kilometers of road network projects, we have already reached more than a thousand kilometers,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM cited as most improved region in peace and order

COTABATO CITY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has been cited as the most improved region in terms of peace and order as well as financial administration.

On Tuesday, December 6, the national government’s Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), headed by Director Manny Gotis, bestowed awards to regional offices and Seal of Good and Local Governance, or SGLG, to focal persons in a ceremony held in Makati City. BLGS operates under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In the awarding ceremony, the ARMM was cited as the most improved region in the areas of peace and order and financial administration. From being a zero passer in SGLG in 2015, the region also scored six SGLG awardees this year, indicating significant improvement in local governance.

Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero personally conferred the awards to the recipients. Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno delivered his message in the ceremony dubbed “Maaasahang Katuwang sa Pamamalakad.”

Noor Hafizullah Abdullah, DILG-ARMM secretary, noted the citations are in “recognition of the (region’s and local government unit awardees’) good performance.” Last year, not one local government unit (LGU) in the region passed the SGLG requirements. “This year, however, the region has six,” Secretary Abdullah said.

The 2016 SGLG awardees in the ARMM are the province of Maguindanao, the city of Lamitan in Basilan, and the towns of North Upi and Parang in Maguindanao, Wao in Lanao del Sur, and Jolo in Sulu.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said good governance practices should be emulated by other LGUs in the region as he  urged the region’s LGUs to focus on improving their performances and over-all operations in order to the deliver services to their constituents.

The DILG describes the SGLG, also known as “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal,” as the conferment of a seal to LGUs that adhere to performance criteria, namely, improvements on performance, accountability, transparency, and participation.

These requirements encompass three core assessment areas: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas, namely, Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management.

The most prestigious awards to LGUs echo DILG’s mantra “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan.”

Secretary Abdullah expressed the region’s hope to have more awardees in the region as they continue their commitment as partners for change.

DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsia Dans said the region looks forward to double, or even triple, the number of awardees next year. “We cannot thank enough the local chief executives and our provincial, city directors, and other local officials for their unwavering commitment and participation in the success of this program,” she said.

“Let us continue to spread the seeds of good local governance so that the ARMM constituency would benefit from these efforts,” she added. (Bureau of Public Information – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BUILDING UP CHILDREN

BUILDING UP CHILDREN --- The 24th National Children's Month celebration in the ARMM ended November 28 with a Children's Congress at Estosan Garden Hotel in Cotabato City. The Congress gathered more than 40 children ages three to five years old, currently attending Child Development Centers in the six clustered provinces of the region and Marawi City.

Children participants, who emerged as winners from their respective provinces, competed in various creative talent expositions, including singing, poetry recitation, dancing, drawing, and storytelling.

Kay Lintongan, DSWD specialist on child and youth welfare, said  the program was designed for children to practice their right to participation, as well as for them to showcase their talents and creativity and build their self confidence.

The National Children’s Month Celebration happens in November of every year in pursuant to Republic Act 10661, or National Children’s Month Act. The declaration commemorates the adoption of the convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989. It seeks to instill the rights of the child in the Filipino consciousness. This year’s theme is “Isulong: Kalidad na Edukasyon para sa Lahat ng Bata!” (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CLEAN LOOK

CLEAN LOOK --- Personnel of the Cotabato City government, together with the Liga ng mga Baragay, join the 67th Fiesta Celebration of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral (December 8) through a Linis Bayan activity last December 2. Equipped with their cleaning materials, the employees swept the areas in downtown along Quezon Avenue, Sinsuat Avenue, Rajah Tabunaway Boulevard, Makakua Street, in front of the old city hall, and others. It is a way of encouraging fellow Cotabateños to be mindful of the cleanliness of the environment and do their own cleaning. The Linis Bayan is a regular activity for a cleaner and more environment-friendly Cotabato City. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

HOLDING ON TO PEACE

HOLDING ON TO PEACE --- The week-long celebration of this year's Mindanao Week of Peace in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao formally concluded last November 28 inside the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City. With the theme "Healing for Personal and Social Transformation," the officials led the symbolic release of balloons and signing of the Wall of Commitment to Peace. The locally funded agencies in the region headed by the Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs conducted series of activities such as the run for peace, photo exhibit, literary and musical peace concert, Morolympics, and peace forum. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

OBYA lead peace week

Executive Director Salic Sharief, Jr of OBYA leads the “Plant of Peace” at the ORG Compound in Cotabato City during the culmination program of the “Mindanao Week of Peace” last November 28, 2016. (OBYA-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Office on the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) spearheaded the week-long activities of the “Mindanao Week of Peace” from November 24-28, 2016.

OBYA Ececutive Director Salic Sharief, Jr. said the autonomous regional government, being at the forefront of advocating peace and development not only in the region but in Mindanao and the entire country, conducted series of peace activities with the theme, “Healing for Personal and Social Transformation.”

Sharief said the OBYA lad the activities along with the locally funded agencies of the autonomous region, the Regional Sports Coordinating Office-ARMM, Bureau on Cultural Heritage-ARMM, and the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women-ARMM.

“Our peace activities included Run for Peace, Peace Forum, MorOlympics, Futsal (Exhibition Game), Literary & Musical Peace Concert, Museum of Peace, and Photo Exhibit and Video Presentation,” he said.

During the culmination activity last November 28, Sharief said their agency conducted a tree planting activity called “Plant for Peace.”

“Aside from the Plant for Peace, we also did the Message of Peace, Balloon Release, Sign for Peace activities,” he said.

Sharief said the activity is in pursuit to Presidential Proclamation No. 127 where the government recognizes the common aspirations of Mindanaons to live in peace, unity, and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion, or culture.

“In order to raise consciousness for a culture of peace among the constituents of Mindanao, there is a need to provide a venue for expression of peace aspirations in various forms and for convergence of peace initiatives. This is a perfect venue,” he said.

Accordingly, the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter is declared as the Mindanao Week of Peace. All concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and members of the private sector and civil society based in Mindanao are enjoined and encouraged to engage in relevant and meaningful activities in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace in coordination with the Bishops-Ulama Forum. (GILMHAR A. LAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PDU30 receives “Manifesto of Unity” from ARMM leaders

DAVAO CITY ---  President Rodrigo R. Duterte received a “Manifesto of Unity” signed by the local leaders of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the conduct of the “3rd ARMM Local Government Summit” held at SM Lanang Premier SMX Convention Center in Davao City last November 30-December 1.

The manifesto signed by the municipal and city mayors, provincial governors, and members of the 9^th Regional Legislative Assembly signifies their commitment as partners in promoting good governance in the region.

Secretary Ismael Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said the local government units have been the highlight of the summit.

“We have here the governors, mayors, and officials of the ARMM regional government. Let us be united and continue to fight corruption and live with our theme: Pagkamulat, Pagbabago, Pag-unlad,” said Sueno.

Sueno handed over the document to President Rodrigo Duterte right after he presented the highlights of the summit.

“We firmly believe that the local government leaders will be our great partners as we fight corruption through proper spending of resources,” said Sueno.

ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman said the summit is a gesture of their commitment as the government strengthens its fight against terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs.

Stipulated in the manifesto is the important role of local government officials in pushing for good governance and reforms in the region. The officials also stated their commitment to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

Further, they also pledged to ensure quality services to the public and to denounce, in the highest terms, crime and corruption, most especially human rights violations and acts of terrorism.

The local officials likewise expressed support to the initiatives and interventions of the national government towards the cohesion and convergence of national development. (ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Basilan governor upends peace and order agenda

DAVAO CITY --- Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman is much eager to pursue the sustenance of peace and order in the province with the help of local officials, authorities, and his constituents.

In a brief interview during the two-day 3^rd ARMM Local Government Summit held at SM Lanang Premier SMX Convention Center in Davao City from November 30- December 01, 2016, Salliman said “I strongly denounce criminalities and illegal activities which make the province suffer for a long time.”

“We always say no to extortion and we have been fighting kidnappings over the years. There is no other alternative but to fight and enforce the law so peace and order can be maintained,” he said.

Salliman though emphasized one good thing when latest reports revealed that a number of Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to local authorities and chose to live and be one with the call of the government for peace.

“This is certainly a good news. But for those who still resist to surrender, we will not stop our efforts to bring them back to the folds of law,” said Salliman.

Salliman added that, according to his assessment, there is improvement when it comes to good governance, particularly within the level of the local chief executives.

“With the development among our LCEs, we are now strengthening the participation of our barangay leaders so they could not be penetrated by lawless elements. Every now and then, we are having consultations with them together with the military,” he said.

Salliman said the provincial government is keen on its intent to fully develop and explore the agricultural potentials of Basilan.

“In as much as we would want to improve the security condition of our province, agriculture is also one of our top priorities at the moment,” said Salliman. (ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

City department heads, partners discuss establishment of ecozone

The Technical Working Group (TWG) - Ecozone of the Cotabato City government met with the Department of Trade and Industry and consultant Engr. Danilo P. Buenbrazo to further discuss about the feasibility of establishing one or several economic zones in Cotabato City.

In the meeting, the area for the economic zone was presented by City Planning Officer Engr. Adela A. Fiesta. The area is at Barangay Kalanganan 2, near the proposed sea port of Cotabato City.

With the help of consultant Buenbrazo, the TWG and City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday have been oriented on the different types of economic zones and the feasibility of establishing any of these in the city.

Since the city is surrounded by highly agricultural areas and being the home of rich aquaculture, an agro-industrial ecozone is most feasible here. Another type is the ecozone that will boost the city's tourism potentials. Both are seen to have a big impact on the economic growth of Cotabato City.

Further, declaring Cotabato City as a Special Economic Zone is now in the pipeline of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Economic Zones vary depending on the needs of a certain locality and at the same time on what it can offer future investors. But regardless of the type of economic zone that will be established in the city, it is sure to open up huge opportunities to our the Cotabateños and to  the neighboring towns in terms of job openings, supply of resources, and other business ventures. (HALIMA SATOL-IBRAHIM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2016: A celebration of cultural charm

The 2016 Shariff Kabunsuan Festival in Cotabato City is expected to be more reflective of the city’s rich culture and colorful history with the grand activities that are being prepared for the celebration.

The festival will officially kick-off on December 15 with the launching of several activities. First is the Mini Guinakit Competition to be held at the People’s Palace grounds. In this activity, individuals and groups are invited to join and compete for the most decorative and most relevant guinakit.

Guinakit is the local name for the boat in which Muslim missionary Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan was on board when he docked on the shores of this part of Mindanao.  

       

Next is the launching of the Bangala: BIMP-EAGA Exhibit. This is one of the new activities of the festival and will be showcasing the different traditional dresses of the people of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Later on the same day, these costumes will be worn by local models in a fashion fair.

       

The celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival this year will be bigger than the previous years as it will also touch on the cultures of the ASEAN Region. It will jumpstart the commitment of Cotabato City to the ASEAN Integration in the coming years.

       

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said it is timely since the theme of the festival has expanded to the cultures and traditions of  other ASEAN countries because “these nations are being considered by Cotabato City as its brothers in development.”

       

“The BIMP-EAGA is very important for Cotabato City because we have already established a relationship with these countries back in the ancient times. Remember that our forefathers are of Malay blood and Shariff Kabunsuan himself is also a native of Malaysia,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

       

Not only the traditional costumes will include those in the BIMP-EAGA but the annual culinary competition will also feature the diverse flavors from these countries using local products that can be found in the markets of Cotabato City.

       

Another exhibit is the Heritage: Fabric Art and Culture Forum that will showcase the amazing and colorful textile of local Muslims.

Also for the first time, a festival bazaar will be conducted for the duration of the celebration which will feature products from local entrepreneurs. These products range from ready-to-wear items, fashion accessories, skin care products, pastries, and many more.

       

This year’s celebration will also feature a Business Forum that will not only concentrate on the actual products and industries that Cotabato City has to offer but will also emphasize the great potential of the city to become Mindanao’s next tourist destination.

As discussed by City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday during one of the meetings of the city’s department heads, Cotabato City has the potential to become a Tourism Ecozone.

       

City Tourism Officer Norianne Lou Frondoza also said that the Department of Tourism  XII is very supportive of the tourism programs and projects of the city government. One of the most feasible projects seen by the department is the declaration of Timaco Hill as an Eco-Tourism Destination where visitors and tourists can trek and explore the wildlife in this untouched forest by the bay.

       

The regular activities during the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival like the Kuyog Streetdancing and Showdown, the Grand Parade, Guinakit Fluvial Parade, and the Pagana will all be conducted this year.

       

The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is one of the most celebrated occasions in Cotabato City. It is being conducted in honor of Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan, a missionary springing from the native lands of Malaysia, who landed on the shores of this part of the country and propagated the religion of Islam to its native settlers.

       

Brothers Rajah Tabunaway and Rajah Mamalu, who were the reigning datus during that time, were the ones who welcomed Shariff Kabunsuan to the land that is now Cotabato City. His arrival may have caused the separation of the brothers but later on discovered that they (the brothers) and Shariff Kabunsuan are of the same blood.

       

Today, the descendants of Rajah Tabunaway have already spread to different parts of Mindanao but most of them are still in Cotabato City and its nearby towns. The descendants of Rajah Mamalu are now the indigenous people or the “Lumads.”

       

The celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is also one of the times where “we see all of them together and united.”

Cotabato City, despite being a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and tribes, is still flourishing because of the harmonious relationship that the Cotabateños continue to cherish.

       

The festival will be commemorated on December 15-19, 2016. (HALIMA SATOL-IBRAHIM – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

City department heads, partners discuss establishment of ecozone

The Technical Working Group (TWG) - Ecozone of the Cotabato City government met with the Department of Trade and Industry and consultant Engr. Danilo P. Buenbrazo to further discuss about the feasibility of establishing one or several economic zones in Cotabato City.

In the meeting, the area for the economic zone was presented by City Planning Officer Engr. Adela A. Fiesta. The area is at Barangay Kalanganan 2, near the proposed sea port of Cotabato City.

With the help of consultant Buenbrazo, the TWG and City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday have been oriented on the different types of economic zones and the feasibility of establishing any of these in the city.

Since the city is surrounded by highly agricultural areas and being the home of rich aquaculture, an agro-industrial ecozone is most feasible here. Another type is the ecozone that will boost the city's tourism potentials. Both are seen to have a big impact on the economic growth of Cotabato City.

Further, declaring Cotabato City as a Special Economic Zone is now in the pipeline of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Economic Zones vary depending on the needs of a certain locality and at the same time on what it can offer future investors. But regardless of the type of economic zone that will be established in the city, it is sure to open up huge opportunities to our the Cotabateños and to  the neighboring towns in terms of job openings, supply of resources, and other business ventures. (HALIMA SATOL-IBRAHIM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM bats for 30% poverty incidence rate in year 2019

DAVAO CITY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will reduce in three years the region’s poverty incidence to 30 percent, from 53.4 percent in 2015, through a convergence of several government efforts.

The development plans are rooted in regional priorities and full backing from the national government. Another component of the plan hinges on commitments from ARMM local chief executives drafted during the 3rd ARMM Local Government Summit last November 30 held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

“Our target is to improve the living conditions of our households para ma-reduce ang poverty,” ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia told local chief executives and other government officials attending the summit.

In the first quarter of 2015, the ARMM’s poverty incidence was tracked at 53.4 percent with Lanao del Sur and Sulu posting 70.2 percent and 61.8 percent poverty incidence, respectively.

The performance of the regional economy is also on the list for improvement. The growth in gross regional domestic product of the ARMM in 2013 was 3.6 percent, from only 1.1 percent in 2012. The figure is projected to improve to 5.6 percent growth in 2019.

The regional priorities are anchored on six fronts:  agri-fishery development under rural development;  functional LGUs, improved regional government service delivery, and increased people’s participation under good governance at all levels;  anti-terrorism, illegal drugs and crimes under public order and security;  health and nutrition, education, livelihood, water and sanitation, and social welfare and protection under basic services for all;  disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation and environmental protection and management under climate change adaptation, and disaster resiliency; and,  all components are complemented with infrastructure support.

It should be noted that the ARMM is undertaking several programs to combat poverty and these include ‘Apat na Dapat’ initiative at the household level and the ARMM-Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and security and Synergy, or HELPS, at the barangay level.

“These two programs are specifically designed to address the roots of poverty,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said. The Apat na Dapat started in January 2016, with 600 of the region’s families as beneficiaries. In 2017, about 5,000 families will benefit from the program.

At least P240 million was earmarked for the program’s implementation in 2016. The initiative provides the beneficiaries with basic needs such as food and livelihood training, water and sanitation, shelter, and electricity.

Governor Hataman said the absence of even one of these poses risks to a family.

The ARMM-HELPS is the banner program of the Office of the Regional Governor that aims at establishing a peaceful and secure environment in the region by providing basic social services in relation to health, education, livelihood, good governance, and peace at the barangay level. The program was launched in 2013.

The ARMM has allocated a total of P13.7 billion for poverty alleviation since 2014, including a P4 billion budget for 2017.

The national government’s anti-poverty agenda – Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) – also focuses on the improvement of economic condition of ARMM constituents and those in other conflict-affected areas in Regions-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and 12 (Central Mindanao).

Billions of pesos were also allotted by the Duterte administration to the CRDA with projects mostly covering areas in the ARMM.

Rosanna Urdaneta, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority national deputy-director general, said President Duterte wants “to bring the programs and services of the national government to the ARMM and conflict-affected areas.”

The CRDA focuses on the eradication of hunger, establishment of potable water systems, provisions of shelters, free college and technical vocational skills training, electrification, health facilities, agricultural development, and job generation to combat employment and underemployment.

The ARMM leadership noted that the realization of the region’s development vision demands the participation of the LGUs. “Hindi po nakasalalay lang sa regional government ang effort [to reduce poverty], we need your [LGUs] help to lower the poverty incidence rate,” Executive Secretary Alamia added.

The local chief executives across the region, comprising of 116 town mayors, two city mayors, planning officers, and provincial governors, manifested the commitment to reduce poverty incidence.

“Ang dami kong nakuha from the summit, sobrang nakaka-inspire ang pagbabagong naganap sa ARMM. It actually boosted my desire na lalo pang galingan ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa akingbayan,” Mayor ArcamIstarul of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan said, noting he is now working to achieve for his town the Seal of Good Local Governance.

“We must prove to the entire nation that Mindanaons can perform as well, if not better, than our counterparts in Luzon and Visayas,” Secretary Ismael Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DILG Sec. Sueno: ARMM LGU summit to serve as “model” for other regions

DAVAO CITY --- Citing lines from a song, Secretary Ismael Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shared how he used to feel as a government official from Mindanao.

"Kami'y mga Muslim lamang, kami'y mga taga-Mindanao lamang," he said.

When he was faced with the prospect of leading his political party, he initially questioned if he had what it took to lead at the national level.

Much has changed since then.

A challenge

"This same feeling has become a challenge to many of us," Sueno said.

"We must prove to the entire nation that Mindanaons can perform as well, if not better, than our counterparts in Luzon and Visayas," Sueno said as he addressed local executives from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) attending the 3rd ARMM Local Goverment Summit.

The two-day summit was held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

"Pagkamulat... Pagbabago, Pag-unlad" was the theme for the event, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the region.

Sueno noted the negative perception outsiders have regarding the communities in the ARMM. When it comes to discussions about the region, outsiders usually "worry" about governance.

But noting the reforms in the region in recent years, especially the marked absence of ghost projects, he said that "transparent, accountable, and moral governance" are present in the ARMM.

Cooperation, willpower

The secretary said that cooperation of local executives on peace and order initiatives is perceived by people outside the ARMM as a concern, especially with regard to lawless elements.

The national government, however, believes that governors and mayors in the ARMM can face these challenges, Sueno said.

The LGUs, he noted, are strong partners against lawless elements in the region.

The national and local governments’ joint success against lawlessness depends on the "willpower of leaders," Sueno said.

President's plans

Sueno also mentioned that a number of the poorest provinces are found in the ARMM and that the president wants to help uplift the quality of life in these areas.

"If we are to implement projects in the ARMM, I will be the project manager in the ARMM. Let us implement projects there," Sueno quoted Duterte as saying.

The president has even proposed a trip to Jolo, Sulu to his cabinet members, if only to help dispel negative perceptions on the ARMM.

Despite the recent incident in Marawi, Sueno mentioned that the president insists on pushing through with his scheduled visits in Mindanao and that this is a sign of the president's commitment to the region.

Model for other regions

The DILG has earlier hosted a national event tagged as Sulong Pilipinas: LGU Consultations on Peace and Order, and Social Development. However, Sueno intends to conduct LGU consultations at the regional level and to use the ARMM LGU Summit as a model.

"We have seen Governor Hataman's sincerity in his desire to conduct this consultation and how strongly he wants to battle negative perceptions against the ARMM," Sueno said.

"We will also do this for other regions," he added. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)