Cot. City participates in 2017 Phil. Travel Mart

TOURISM PROMOTION --- Visitors flocked at the section of Cotabato City during the three-day 28th Philippine Travel Mart held last September 1-3 at the SMX, Mall of Asia. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city, together with the rest of SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) thru the leadership of Department of Tourism (DOT) 12, joined the 28th Philippine Travel Mart held last September 1-3 at the SMX, Mall of Asia.

Gurlie Frondoza, City Tourism Officer, said hundreds of exhibitors coming from cities, municipalities, provinces, region, accommodation establishments, food businesses, travel agencies, transportation service providers and other tourism related establishments gathered together for three days to highlight the various tourism and trade products that our country offers.

“Cotabato City, on its part, highlighted its culture and tradition thru the inauls, brasswares, water hyacinth, Maguindeli and handcrafted products that are distinctly Cotabato City made,” Frondoza said.

Accordingly, hundreds of people visited the SOX Pavilion and were amazed to have heard about Cotabato City's development and the interesting stories behind its rich heritage.

Ever since, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani - Sayadi has been supportive to the tourism initiatives including participation in travel and trade expos in the country.

“These initiatives will bring Cotabato City closer to the hearts of the public and will encourage them to come and visit our place,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabato City implements new traffic code

UPGRADED TRAFFIC CODE --- The Cotabato City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) spearheaded a “traffic summit” last September 13 held at South Seas Convention Hall as it implements the new traffic code of the city to further cushion traffic congestion. At inset is City Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama (4th from left) who signs MOA with representatives from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 12, Land Transportation Office (LTO) 12, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police, Highway Patrol Group, Rotary Club Cotabato City-South, Radio Mindanao Network (DXMY), ABS-CBN Network, and Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (DXMS). (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The city government of Cotabato has adopted a new traffic code approved to regulate and manage the growing traffic situation here.

Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama, in an interview, said they started with the first day of implementation last Friday, September 15.

Dumama said they have created one-way streets, one of which is the SK Pendatun Avenue from downtown heading to the Super area.

“It is the only way to further cushion traffic congestion,” said Dumama.

Newly opened roads, he added, have also helped ease traffic like the one in front of the City Hall (People’s Palace) going to Notre Dame Village and the diversion road located in Malagapas.

“These definitely helped our motorists,” he said.

Councilor Eduardo Rabago, Jr., who chairs the SP committee on transportation, said they are planning to have an advocacy campaign to fully inform the public about the new traffic code. “Rest assured we will inform the public so they could adopt with our new traffic code.”

As part of the advocacy, the city SP spearheaded a “traffic summit” last September 13 that was held at South Seas Convention Hall.

Further, Dumama said with the 2016 Revised Traffic Code, the city government will be strictly implementing stiffer penalties on violators.  “We came up with this right after we updated the laws so we can be more responsive to the present needs of the city.”

“The 2016 Revised Traffic Code is fully upgraded,” he said.

“Upgrading the traffic code depends on the changing times. This time, we placed higher penalties to violators so there will be discipline from their end. After all, it’s for everybody’s safety,” he added.

In some areas, the city government will be implementing the “no parking” policy.

Meanwhile, the vice mayor also suggested the putting up of at least two integrated terminals, one for the north and one for the south bound passengers.

Earlier, Dumama emphasized that the SP shall not entertain anymore application for franchise of terminals, except when it is favourably endorsed by the city mayor or the executive department.

“In the previous practice, application is done here. But let me tell you, it is purely on the executive level in nature,” he said.

Dumama said it is only appropriate for the franchise applicants to direct their application to the executive department so they will be properly guided with the requirements needed. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Intensified Security Measure

SECURITY PLAN --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi gathers top ranking military and police officers during a recent conference to further assess the security situation in the city and its neighbouring areas after the latest pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa R. Duterte regarding the high level of threat to security for "Cotabato" with no specific place mentioned here in central Mindanao. (CM ATTY. CYN IN ACTION COTABATO CITY - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government is bound to keep its communities safe amidst the growing threat of terrorism and violence after City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi signed the Executive Order no. 222 or the Establishment of Common Boat Docking Areas along Tamontaka River, Rio Grande de Mindanao, and Matampay River.

Under the executive order, it will regulate the entry of boats and other small water vessels to the city and prevent the possible smuggling of contrabands and other illegal items. Because a group of lawless elements are also known to travel by water, only a few number of areas are identified to be the docking areas of boats entering the city.

“These are Sitio Biniruan, Poblacion 9, Sitio Bucana, Kalanganan Mother, Purok 4, Tamontaka 3, Barangay Kalanganan 2 (300 meters before Grand Mosque), and Timako Hill,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Accordingly, the order states that all boats owned by residents of the city must register to the Public Safety Office located at the ground floor of the city hall while non-resident boat owners must log in and record their entry with the 5th Special Forces who has jurisdiction over the security of the said areas.

Further, the barangays where the designated docking areas are located will be responsible for collecting necessary minimal fees from the boat operators as and providing facilities for the boats and their passengers.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said authorities are implementing all forms of counter measures in order to ensure the safety and security of all Cotabateños.

"We have the full backing of the police and the military in keeping the peaceful and orderly situation in Cotabato City and I would like to assure my fellow Cotabateños that everything is under control so there is nothing to worry about", the city mayor said.

Previously, Mayor Guiani- Sayadi called an urgent conference with top ranking military and police officers to further assess the security situation in the city and its neighbouring areas after the pronouncement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte regarding the high level of threat to security for "Cotabato" with no specific place mentioned here in central Mindanao.

Present during the urgent conference were 603rd Brigade Commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat who is also the head of the Task Force Kutawato, Police Regional Office-12 Deputy Regional Director for Operation CSupt. Jose Arnaldo Briones, Cotabato City Police Director SSupt. Victor Valencia, 5th Special Forces Battalion Commander Lt. Col. James Uri, North Cotabato Police Provincial Director SSupt. Jonathan Tangonan, other unit commanders, and some city and barangay officials.

“We enjoin our fellow Cotabateños to be very vigilant and to report to the authorities any unusual occurence in their barangay. Amidst all speculations, please be informed that our authorities are still on top of the situation and we assure the public that we are doing everything to ensure the safety of everyone in the city,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi together with the military and police commanders urged the public for their cooperation and called upon them to report any activities of strangers in their respective communities.

Meanwhile, the order will take effect immediately and all boat owners and operators are expected to follow the laws that Cotabato City is implementing. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

FORUM ON TOBACCO - FREE ENVIRONMENT

FORUM ON TOBACCO - FREE ENVIRONMENT --- To strengthen the campaign on a smoke-free environment, the region’s Health department conducted last September 14 a forum for ARMM Partnership on Tobacco Free-Environment (APTFRE). Aisha Aloha S. Enampadan, one of the resource speakers, said a 100% smoke-free policy is needed in government offices in order to promote safe and healthy workplaces and to protect government workers from second-hand smoke which can cause life threatening diseases. Also discussed during the forum were the updates on the implementation of Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2017, which provides for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places. The activity was attended by APTFRE focal persons of ARMM’s different line agencies. (Bureau of Public Information – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Mayor Guiani is finalist for Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

COMPETENCE --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani- Sayadi receives the award as “Presidential Lingkod Bayan” regional finalist in the Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees under the Honor and Award Program (HAP) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The award was given last September 11 by CSC-12 Regional Director Grace R. Belgado-Saqueton during a simple ceremony at the People’s Palace. Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is the highest category of the search program. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The city government of Cotabato steps another milestone after Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani- Sayadi received an award last September 11 as “Presidential Lingkod Bayan” regional finalist in the Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees under the Honor and Award Program (HAP) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Grace R. Belgado-Saqueton, CSC-12 Regional Director, handed over to Mayor Guiani-Sayadi a plaque stating that she is a regional finalist for the award, from among 58,000 nominees from across the region. The awarding ceremony took place at the People’s Palace and witnessed by the employees of the city government and various sectors.

It was learned that the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is the highest category of the search program. Other categories include Dangal ng Bayan Award and Pag-asa Award.

Saqueton said Mayor Guiani-Sayadi was chosen after she vigorously pursued drastic forms to improve Cotabato City’s peace and order condition. She believed that any economic development initiate will never prosper or materialize if the situation remains the same.

Referred to as the city’s “Architect of Development”, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi led various peace and development initiatives and one of these is the “Joint Task Force Kutawato”. The Task Force aims to secure the city from criminal groups especially the kidnappers, extortionists and other organized and unorganized lawless elements.

She also worked closely with military, police and other security sectors as well as the barangay officials to secure the city from possible threat. This effort has gained back the confidence of the business/investors as well as the local and foreign tourists.

Further, it was her leadership in 2016 that recorded Cotabato City with a total new investment of P275.84 Million Pesos. With this, the city government registered total gross sales of investments of P6.018 Billion.

In addition, foreign investors also became interested to put up capital in Cotabato City. More than 20 high ranking businessmen executives from leading business groups and government officials from different countries visited Cotabato City for more viable business ventures.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi also intensified campaign against illegal drugs trade and other forms of criminalities. She organized the Joint Ronda Patrol in cooperation with the Cotabato City Police where she would lead in the roaming/patrolling around to every corner and streets of the city’s 37 barangays every night. The team also strictly implements the ordinance on curfew hours for minors.

As a City Administrator, she assisted the then Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. in the eventual elevation of the status of Cotabato City from a “Third Class” into a “First Class” city in just about one year’s time.

The search is an annual activity of CSC, meant to honor government workers with accomplishments worthy of recognition by the government. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Pigcawayan continues to tighten security measure

MAYOR ELISEO D. GARCESA, JR.

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato --- This town continues to tighten its watch through   checkpoint operations along major roads to further strengthen its security capability.

Mayor Eliseo D. Garcesa, Jr. said it has been their number one priority to safeguard the town from any form of threats.

“We do by all possible means to ensure the safety of our populace following reports of sightings of ISIS inspired Maute group in a nearby town,” Garcesa said.

Previously, authorities searched for Islamic militants at the border of Buldon town and Mount Cararao in Lanao del Sur after President Rodrigo Duterte announced in Davao City the possible spread of the conflict in Marawi City into the municipality due to the presence there of Maute terrorists, but they found none.

Accordingly, members of the Buldon municipal peace and order council said it is impossible for them not to detect the presence of any militant group now that all “rido” (clan wars) involving Iranun families had been settled amicably.

Chief Supt, Reuben Theodore Sindac, director of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said “all clans hostile to each other before are now cooperating in maintaining law and order in the municipality.”

Despite the report, Garcesa still called upon the attention of his constituents to always be watchful and report to their barangay chairmen should there be sightings of unusual activities within their communities.

“Let us continue to fight for a safe and secured Pigcawayan,” Mayor Garcesa said.

Pigcawayan is a first class municipality in the province of Cotabato. It  is politically subdivided into 40 barangays: Anick (Upper Balogo), Upper Baguer (Baguer), Balacayon, Balogo, Banucagon, Bulucaon, Buluan, Buricain, Capayuran, Central Panatan, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadingilan, Kimarayag, LibunganTorreta, Lower Baguer, Lower Pangangkalan, Malagakit, Maluao, North Manuangan, Matilac, Midpapan I, Mulok, New Culasi, New Igbaras, New Panay, Upper Pangangkalan, Patot, Payong-payong, Poblacion I, Poblacion II, Poblacion III, Poblacion IV, Presbitero, Renibon, Simsiman, South Manuangan, Tigbawan, Tubon, Midpapan II, and Cabpangi. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

6IB hands over relief goods to IDPs

MATLING, Malabang, Lanao Del Sur --- The 6th Infantry (REDSKIN) Battalion, 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, Philippine Army stationed successfully facilitated the hand-over of relief goods from Kapamagayun Inter-Agency Task Force to Ranao-Ragat Inter-Agency Task Force held last September 09 at the 6th Infantry (REDSKIN) Battalion headquarters.

Present during the ceremonial hand-over were representatives from the Kapamagayun IATF, Ranao-Ragat IATF, 603rd (Persuader) Brigade, 19th (Commando) Battalion, 6IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ruben G. Aquino, and other officers and enlisted personnel of the unit.

The Kapamagayun IATF and Ranao-Ragat IATF are both chaired by the 603rd Bridage Commander Col Jesus B Sarsagat. One of the areas of concern of both task force is the Disaster Response Operation which gives priority in extending help to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the current Marawi Crisis.

With the theme #TabangMarawi, the Kapamagayun IATF aims to help the IDPs through relief distribution of goods which is one of their necessary needs. The Kapamagayun IATF hand-over the said relief goods to Ranao-Ragat IATF which covers the areas where a number of IDPs were relocated.

The representatives from Ranao-Ragat IATF extended their gratitude to the members of the Kapamagayun IATF and other involved organizations for their genuine support to the Marawi Crisis. They pledged that the relief goods will be received by the IDPs in the area as soon as possible. (6th ID - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Rajah Buayan on its 13th Year

FOUNDING DAY --- Rajah Buayan marks another milestone with the observance of its 13^th foundation anniversary last September 15 held at the municipal grounds. Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan (5^th from left) posed with the respective guests during the conduct of simple celebration. (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao --- This municipal government gears for another year of competence as it observed last September 15, 2017 its 13th foundation anniversary.

Mayor Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan, said the highlight of this year’s simple yet significant celebration was the turn-over of a 20 million farm to market road project from Zapakan to Malibpulok funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM under the Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (HDAP).

“Aside from that, we also had a cultural music show featuring Kulintang, Agung, Kutyapi and Palendag,” Mayor Ampatuan said.

Guest speaker was 2nd District of Maguindanao Representative Zajid Mangudadatu who raffled twenty (20) bicycles to lucky winners.

Mayor Ampatuan said the celebration also highlights the rich culture of Rajah Buayan people as well as the local products of the town.

"This is a great opportunity for us to showcase what we have. We see Bamboo industry as a potential hit in the coming years," Mayor Ampatuan said.

Other personalities present during the celebration include Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Tahirodin Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak Secretary to the Mayor Anwar Emblawa who represented Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan, Sultan Sa Barongis Mayor Ramdatu Angas, Maguindanao Board Member Al Joffner Angas, and Maguindanao 2nd District Assemblyman Khadafe “Toy” Mangudadatu.

Rajah Buayan is a 6th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao. The municipality was created under Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 166 dated October 28, 2002 and was ratified through plebiscite on September 4, 2004. It was carved out of the town of Sultan Sa Barongis.

Rajah Buayan is politically subdivided into 11 barangays: Baital, Bakat. Dapantis, Gaunan, Malibpolok, Mileb, Panadtaban, Pidsandawan, Sampao, Tabungao, and Zapakan (Poblacion). (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

HIGHLIGHT

HIGHLIGHT --- Rajah Buayan marks another milestone with the observance of its 13th foundation anniversary last September 15 held at the municipal grounds. As part of the celebration, Mayor Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan (3^rd from right) led the turn-over of a 20 million farm to market road project from Zapakan to Malibpulok funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM under the Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (HDAP). (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Foundation Anniversary

FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY --- The  two-day “1st Mayor Engr. Marop B. Ampatuan National Invitational Motocross” which featured famous national players led by the 17th time title holder as the Philippine Rider of the Year Glen Policarpio Aguilar of Las Piñas, Metro Manila was one of the highlights during the 54th foundation anniversary of Shariff Aguak. The race track is situated at the Shariff Aguak Municipal Hall Quadrangle and considered to be a world-class race track. Aguilar assures to help in the promotion of Shariff Aguak. “I sincerely thank our people from the municipal government, our town constituents, and our comrades from the various sectors on the success of our foundation anniversary celebration. Mabuhay po ang Shariff Aguak,” Mayor Ampatuan said. (Shariff Aguak Municipal Government - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)