58th Araw ng Cotabato festive

CULINARY SESSION ---- Contestants bested each other in a gastronomic and mouth-watering cooking challenge during the Mayor Cynthia Culinary Cup 2017 Iron Chef-Cotabato City last June 15 held at the lobby of the People's Palace. (Photo courtesy of Cotabato City Government - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Cotabato City marks today, June 20, its 58^th Araw ng Kutabato or charterhood with festivities lined up by the local government and its development partners on occasion of the week-long celebration.

The city government kicked off this year’s cityhood festivities last June 12.And together with its partners in the government, private sector, and law enforcement agencies, it also celebrated the 119th year of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines.

During a simple celebration at the city plaza, City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi led the flower offering at the foot of the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. She was joined by Vice Mayor Graham Dumama, City Administrator Dr.DandaJuanday, and other officials of the city government.

In her message, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said the crisis in Marawi City is not just a simple fight against terrorism.

“It is a threat to the country's sovereignty, security, and economic development. Hopefully, these people will educate themselves and realize that what they are doing is not sanctioned by the holy book and should just stop the fight,” the mayor said.

Guiani-Sayadi appealed to the people of Cotabato City to remain united in combatting terrorism and all other forms of crimes as these undermine the maintenance of peace and security and endangers the efforts of the city government in strengthening the city's economy.

The same was also conveyed by Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana, who was not able to attend the occasion, in his message delivered by Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega.

"It is our responsibility as a people to ensure that peace and security are maintained in our country. Samasama nating balikatin ang tungkuling ito upang makamit natin ang pagbabago sa ating bansa," the defense secretary said.

In addition, Guiani-Sayadi also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Bangsamoro Rescue Team (BARET) for future cooperation in times of crisis and disaster.

“It can be of help in our rescue efforts, most especially during crisis and disasters,” she said.

Further, the eight candidates for the Search of the 2017 Mutya ng Cotabato were formally presented to the public.

From June 12 to June 20, there were socio-cultural related activities, invitational sports exhibitions, health and wellness programs, pageantry, and other first-time events.

A two-day Business Forum was held last June 15-16 which were participated by various sectors within the city.

“The forum aims to launch Islamic Financing in Cotabato City and to solicit support from the people of Cotabato City and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” said Guiani-Sayadi.

Last June 13, some 1,500 Cotabateños have become beneficiaries of scholarship program granted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-12 in a program held at the lobby of the People’s Palace.

The city government, through the Office of the City Mayor - PESO received P7 million downloaded by TESDA-12 for a scholarship program to be granted to all qualified Cotabateños and be enrolled on different skills development trainings.

This is the first free enrolment for skills development facilitated by the city government in line with the celebration of the 58th Araw ng Cotabato.

Last June 14,the Mayor Cynthia Culinary Cup 2017 Iron Chef-Cotabato City was held at People's Palace Lobby.

Eleven sets of contestants, consisting of students, professionals, and owners of small restaurants, participated and bested each other out in a gastronomic and mouth-watering cooking challenge. They prepared and served traditional cuisines and dishes with twists to sizzle up the competition.

After all the participants pleased the taste of the adjudicators, three sets of contestants were hailed winners in the competition. Evangeline Crujido and Pilaring Alumisin bagged the 1st place with their delicious beef caldereta. Following them were Paulo Uson and Ma. Rowena Garcia (2nd place) with their creamy garlic shrimps and Romeo Diamond Suarez and Jericho Corpuz (3rd place) for their sweet and sour pineapple twist.

Aside from the Mutya ng Cotabato 2017, other activities included the DepEd Cultural Show at the City Plaza, Banko Sentral Road Show, 2nd Cotabato Fair, 10 Balls Billiard Tournament at Mabini Billiard Palace, Chess Tournament at the People’s Palace, Ultimate Frisbee Game at the People’s Palace, Invitational Taekwando Competition at the City Mall, 2nd Cotabato Toy Fair, Table Tennis Competition, Zumba Marathon at the People’s Palace, Invitational Boxing Tournament City Plaza, Inter-Agency Basketball Tournament at the NDSAC Gym, Lawn Tennis, 1st Brazillian iujitsu Invitational Open Tournament City Mall, Skydiving, and Socio-Civic-Military Parade at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College.

In spite of the fun and excitement brought about by the festivities, the city government still observed the nightly curfew and respect for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The authorities remainon full alert and ready to protect the city's residents and tourists safe from any forms of violence.(GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Villages support fight vs. terrorism

FIGHTING TERRORISM --- Village officials and peace-keeping forces from the city’s 37 barangays pledge to defend their communities against lawless elements during a gathering last June 14 at the People’s Palace grounds. At inset is Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi urging Cotabateños to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcers at all times. (Anne Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The 37 barangays of this city have strengthened their support to the local government’s fight against terrorism.

In a gathering last June 14 at the People’s Palace grounds, City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) of the city’s 37 barangays should be pro-active and help the law enforcers in securing the city and at all times “be ready to defend it.”

Each barangay has BPATs or Tanods as well as Civilian Voluntary Organizations who are willing to defend their respective area of responsibility.

“I urge everyone to fight if we must. We must not be scared because there is nothing to fear,” said Guiani-Sayadi.

Anthony Ross, president of the Ligang mga Barangay, expressed the commitment of every barangay to guard the various communities of the city.

“Our barangay officials are doing the necessary actions to secure the safety of our populace. We have been patrolling day and night and we work on a 24/7 basis,’ he said.

In the midst of terrorism threat, the mayor has also made sure that it is business as usual in Cotabato City.

“The curfew that is being implemented is in compliance with the guidance of the Martial Law,” she emphasized.

Guiani-Sayadi said there is nothing to fear and Cotabateños are advised not to panic and continue with their daily activities.

“Remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcers at all times. Each and every Cotabateño should have a watchful eye. The LGU, the PNP, and the Army shall protect the people but we should all cooperate and discipline our ranks, too. Fight if we must. This is our place," the mayor said.

With the full backing of all the BPAT members who have pledged to defend their communities against lawless elements, the city government is confident in safeguarding the city.

Just last June 14, Police Regional Office-12 Director Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, together with Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Chief Superintendent Manuel Felix, visited the city mayor.

In a brief meeting with the city's chief executive, Train expressed how proud he was of the performance of the local government in helping attain the zero crime rate since the declaration of Martial Law has been in effect in this part of Mindanao.

He also committed to help and support the city amid the threat of terrorism that has been spreading fear among its citizens.

The city government of Cotabato, the city's local police, and the Army-led Joint Task Force Kutawato, has been working hand in hand in maintaining peace and order in the city and keeping its communities secured.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

FLOOD PROBLEM

FLOOD PROBLEM --- Heavy rains during the past days caused Barangay Poblacion Barurao in the municipality of Sultan Sa Barongis to be under flood waters. The town, as in other places, has continually been experiencing recurring flood problem. (Anne Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Kakawasan Exhibit Gallery Showopens

TREASURES --- The Cotabato City Tourism Promotion Board officially opened Kakawasan (Treasures of Cotabato City) Exhibit Gallery Show last June 15 at the Old City Hall which is part of the 58th Araw Ng Cotabato celebration.  At inset in lower right shows the Grade 6 Sped A pupils of the Cotabato City Central Pilot School who were the visitors during the first day of the gallery show. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Cotabato City Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) officially opened to the public last June 15 its five-day Kakawasan (Treasures of Cotabato City) Exhibit Gallery Show at the old city hall.

The activity is part of the 58^th Araw Ng Cotabato celebration.

Christie Mañara-Guiani, TBP vice chair and exhibit director, said the gallery show was realized after several meetings of the board, including a strategic planning workshop with Department of Tourism (DOT)-12 Director Nelly Dillera.

“We simply talked about how to promote tourism of Cotabato City. We came up to categorizing the multi-dimentional concept of tourism. It can be historical, cultural, ecological, products, food, and others,” Mañara-Guiani said.

Mañara-Guiani said the word Kakawasan is a Moro word for treasures.

“Every item we see inside the gallery are treasures of different cultures molded by the Cotabateños. The ground floor is the reflection of the culture and arts of Cotabato City people,” she said.

Mañara-Guiani said the gallery show is highlighted with the symbolism of Gong that reflects the majestic culture and arts of the people. At the 2nd floor is assigned for the local officials who have served Cotabato City.

“The Old City Hall was called Bahay Pamahalaan during the 1970’s. From its old name, we derived to conceptualize the theme of the 2nd floor to be a house. Since it was influenced by an architectural classical Filipino house, we used wooden sofa and antique baul and an accent of brass wares to make it authentic Cotabato Art. Simply a mixed of culture with unity,” said Mañara-Guiani.

The following can be seen inside the gallery: different cultural costumes that mold the Cotabateños; art gallery (showcase of paintings and art works by the local artist); the old photo and vintage collections of Cotabateños who have contributed a big part of the history of the city; the brass wares, inaul, and other local products; the Maguindeli products of Cotabato; souvenir and pasalubong booth; and exhibit photos of tourist spots and attractions of the city.

Mañara-Guiani said the board’s mission is to make Cotabato City a tourist destination for the Center of Culture and Arts of Mindanao.

“We have all the materials and the talents. We can start by showing the people who we are and what we are. We want our tourists to experience the sense of belonging in Cotabato City. We hope they would understand that there is unity in our beloved city,” she said.

Meanwhile, TPB executive chairman Bai Sandra Siang said she is proud and excited that finally “we have a venue where we could witness the rich culture and history of Cotabato City through arts and our very own products.”

“This is a venue where we could show our treasures. All the treasures of Cotabato City, be it destination, be it talents, be it products where we can proudly show to the country and to the rest of the world,” said Siang.

Siang explained how important it is for the young ones to know and truly understand the city’s or environ’s rich history and culture.

“This gallery show is also for them so they could appreciate and understand more on our roots,” she said.

Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama, who represented City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia-Guiani Sayadi during the opening of the gallery show, lauded the efforts of the Cotabato City Tourism Promotion Board.

“Despite the fact that the Cotabato City TPB was only organized just a month ago, it is good to know that you have already came up with this very significant activity which depicts the rich culture and heritage of our city,” Vice-Mayor Dumama said. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

LOOK GOOD

LOOK GOOD ---The Pagalamatan Elementary School in Cotabato City took a face-lift, thanks to the recent Brigada Eskwela or National Schools Maintenance Week in preparation for  School Year 2017-18,  ensuring that every public school is safe and free from any risk that could endanger the lives of the learners.

At the Pagalamatan Elementary School, the Brigada Eskwela was spearheaded by the head teacher, Salik A. Sulaiman, with the help of nine mentors. Among the stakeholders joining the clean-up were the Parents-Teachers Association, barangay officials, police personnel from Police Station 3, school alumni, and elements from the Philippine Air Force.

The administration, faculty members, and staff of Pagalamatan Elementary School are optimistic that this best practice be sustained throughout the school year that it will not end up to “ningas kugon” mentality, one of the negative habits of some Filipinos.  (NERISSA T. LAGAMON, Teacher I - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Youth participants pledge stewards of environment

PLEDGE --- Some 130 participants of a recent youth forum organized by the DENR XII pledged to be stewards of environment. (KBBenpolok/RPAO/DENR XII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

KORONADAL CITY---  In an attempt to have a meaningful celebration of Environment Month 2017, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) XII - Youth Desk conducted a Youth Forum on Environmental Awareness with the theme: “Empowering the Youth towards Environmental Stewardship”held lastJune 14 at the SM Mall Activity Center in General Santos City.

A total of one 130 participants composed of Youth for Environment (YES – O) in school organizations, student officers with their science advisers,and youth leaders in the region participated in the forum  aimed at widening the youths’ awareness and strengthening their roles and support on environmental programs as earth stewards.

Regional Public Affairs Office – Senior Comm. Development Officer Concepcion G. Valdez gave the opening remarks, while National Youth Desk Officer (YDO) – Central Office Maria Magnolia Q. Danganan sent a letter of inspirational message read by DENR XII YDO Khadija B. Benpolok.

Various topics were discussed: DENR Youth Desk and 2017 Activities relayed by Ms. Benpolok; Enhanced National Greening Program with Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship discussed by Ms. Valdez followed by an activity on Ecological Solid Waste Management given by YDO – Environmental Management Bureau XII Ruth Jean Y. Maratas.

Department of Education(DepED) XII’s science coordinator, Regional Education Program Supervisor, Josie Teofila N. Quijano, gave a brief message to all the attendees during the first part of the program.

Further, Cirilo A. Lagnason, Jr. of the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section lectured on Coastal and Marine Life Resources, YDO – Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII Marilyn D. Dicierto with John Mikel Ansao who expounded the Importance and Benefits of Mining and Geohazard.

The last speaker, Professor Harold B. Lipae from the Mindanao State University -- General Santos City discussed Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation.

Towards the end, the participants signed their names on a tarpaulin manifesting their Pledge & Promise for the Environment.

Attendees came from DepED Divisions of South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, Cotabato, and General Santos.(KBBenpolok/RPAO/DENRXII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SP seeks prosecutor for Martial Law cases

REQUEST --- Councilor Abdillah J. Lim, through a resolution, has requested President Duterte, through Defense Secretary Lorenzana, to assign a “special prosecutor” for Martial Law cases in Cotabato City. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city, in its 48th regular session last June 13, has requested in a resolution President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, through Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, who is also the Martial Law administrator, to assign a “special prosecutor” for Martial Law cases in Cotabato City.

Councilor Abdillah J. Lim, who sponsored Resolution No. 6189, series of 2017,  forwarded his manifestations relative to the declaration of Martial Law and suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the whole of Mindanao whereby any suspect involving terroristic activities and rebellion can be searched and arrested without warrant.

Councilor Lim said that in spite of the declaration, the judicial process still functions particularly the right of any suspected individual to be given judicial proceedings.

“There were already persons apprehended in Cotabato City allegedly connected and supporters of the terrorist group. However, the court for Martial Law cases is located in Iligan City and it would be very risky for the city’s law enforcers and apprehended persons to be transported and tried in Lanao del Norte considering the peace and order situation in the Lanao area,” Councilor Lim said.

The motion of Abdillah J. Lim was seconded by Councilors Japal G. Guiani III, Jeanne Anne M. Zoilo, and Christina T. Chua.

“As it is hereby resolved, to request President Duterte through Secretary Lorenzana who is also the Martial Law Administrator, to assign a Special Prosecutor for Martial Law Cases in Cotabato City,” said Councilor Lim. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Datu Montawal holds summit vs. terrorism and illegal drugs

PEACE SUMMIT --- Mayor Vicman K. Montawal (3^rd from left) together with Vice Mayor OhtoMontawal (2^nd from left) cited the importance of proper information being imparted to the constituents so they will not be easily influenced by extremist groups. They were joined by (L-R) PDEA agent Marlon Santos, Capt. BanarinCamsa of the 7^th IB, and DatuMontawal Chief of Police Chief Inspector Sabri J. Lakibul. (Anne Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU MONTAWAL, Maguindanao --- With the end view of safeguarding its populace away from indoctrination of extremists groups and illegal drugs, this local government unit conducted a Peace Summit against Terrorism and Illegal Drugs last June 13 held at the Municipal Hall.

Municipal Mayor Vicman K. Montawal said it is important that at this early stage, the constituents would be properly informed so they will not be influenced by extremist groups. “The same thing with our fight against illegal drugs.”

“We are serious about this advocacy,” said Mayor Montawal.

Municipal Vice Mayor Ohto Montawal said they would not want to reach the point just like the Marawi City Crisis agitated by an extremist plot.

“Our municipality is peaceful and we would not want them (terrorists) to ruin it. By all means, we are ready to safeguard our beloved Datu Montawal with the help of our authorities and barangay officials,” ViceMayor Montawal said.

                                                       

Further, MLGOO Baisa M. Bacar tackled on the role of the LGU in ensuring peaceful and secured communities.

Capt. Banarin Camsa of the 7^thIB, PA discussed the “Understanding 2017 Martial Law Peace and Security Measures.”

Mechanism and strategies in protecting barangays againstterrorism and illegal drug activities were presented by Datu Montawal Chief of Police Chief Inspector Sabri J. Lakibul while Agent Marlon Santos of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency dealt on the policies, parameters, and approaches in sustaining drug free communities/ barangays. Islam as a religion of peace-loving people was also presented.

Various sectors that have committed support include religious, academe (private sector), barangay officials, women, council of elders, municipal officials, youth, Barangay Police Action Teams/Tanod, civil society organizations, themedia, and government line-agencies. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

RELIEF OPERATION

RELIEF OPERATION --- The municipal government of Datu Saudi Ampatuan headed by Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom, together with Municipal Administrator Mastura Tapa and Councilors Datu Moads Alim and Guialaludin Adam, distributes relief packs to some 800 families from Sitios Malngog, Pusaw, and Pekeg who were affected by the recent armed conflict in the area. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)