PGMA releases P50 M for Mindanao River Basin rehab’s master plan

ALABEL, Sarangani – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo handed over Tuesday a 50 million check to the Mindanao River Basin Task Force for the completion of the comprehensive master plan that will thoroughly control the recurrent flooding in Cotabato City, Maguindanao and neighboring areas in Region 12.
Task Force Chairman Bishop Orlando Quevedo received the check during the joint meeting of the Cabinet and Presidential Task Force Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development here.

According to Bishop Quevedo, the President gave “short and long term responses” to the problem.

The short-term solution is the continuous dredging of the silted Rio Grande de Mindnaao (Pulangi) and re-channelling of Simuay River, all in Maguindanao, while the long-term solution entails a master plan that includes the establishment of a hydropower system and flood control structures.

In his briefing, Bishop Quevedo said the recent typhoon Jolina affected nearly 200 thousand families in Cotabato City and provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani. As of August 20, this year, damage on agricultural products and livestock reached P824 million while destruction to agriculture infrastructure totaled P1.2 billion.

Quevedo lauded the immediate response of the President but appeals to all government agencies and officials involved in the implementation, “we all need a sense of urgency and drive of immediate action.”

Earlier, the Task Force has laid down nine priority flood control rehabilitation projects in the Mindanao River Basin. These are the dredging of the Mindanao River Phase 1 and 2, dredging of the Tamontaka River, Simuay Flood Control Project, construction of access road from Quirino Bridge to Delta Bridge, repair and rehabilitation of Ala River Flood Control Project, channelization and bank protection and the Sultan Barongis Flood Control Project.

The Mindanao River Basin project covers 20,398 square kilometers which includes the marshlands of Liguasan, Libungan, and Ebpanan as well as the provinces of Bukidnon, Maguindanao, North Cotabato and South Cotabato.

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, also the Co-Chairman of Mindanao River Basin Task Force, extends gratitude to President Arroyo for the uninterrupted assistance to flooding problem in Southern Mindanao particularly to areas of the autonomous region.

“The regional government is helpful to the Task Force and exhausting all means to fully implement the necessary schemes to finally resolve the flooding, which brought too much destruction not only to our vital structures and livelihood but to several lives,” Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM*)

Japanese Amabassador Turn-over 5 - Classroom School Building

August 26, 2009


Cotabato City-Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Makoto Katsura turned-over yesterday, August 25, 2009, a 5-classroom school-building, fully furnished with tables and chairs worth 8,848,917 Japanese Yen (US $78,309) to the Bai Hanina Sinsuat National High School in Barangay Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Province of Maguindanao.

The project funded through the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for the Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) and implemented by the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) will benefit 210 high school students in the community composed of 80% indigenous peoples (IPs) and 20% Muslims and Christians.

The Japanese government had launched J-BIRD in December of 2006 as part of its commitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao. The program has been providing assistance in construction and rehabilitation of school-buildings, training centers and water supply systems through the GGP program.

Ambassador Katsura was joined by DOS Municipal Mayor Datu Ombra Q. Sinsuat, Sr., who donated the 500 sq. meter lot used for the building, in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and unveiling of the building marker. Also present during the event are Japanese embassy officials, Bai Alibai Benito Aliuden, Al-Haj, Maguindanao Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Datu Ibrahim B. Gulan, the school’s founding principal, DSWD-ARMM officials and staff, and the school’s students and their parents.

The Japanese ambassador also personally donated notebooks to the students saying that he was deeply touched when he heard that the school used only four makeshift classrooms and understood how difficult it was for the students and the mentors alike.

“I can just imagine the challenges that the school management had to go through just to provide the student with high quality of education,” Katsura said.

Katsura expressed high hopes that the students will study harder to develop their potentials in a better and more comfortable learning environment.

DOS Municipal Mayor Sinsuat expressed deep gratitude for the very big help and convenience the Japanese government has extended to the people in his municipality.

“We deeply thank the Japanese people for their enormous help to our people especially our students. This time the Japanese landed for peace and not for war,” Sinsuat jokingly said.

Last week, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan gathered together the prime movers of basic education in the Autonomous Region in the first-ever ARMM Basic Education Donors Forum where the Japanese government represented by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) took part as one of the international donor institutions instrumental in the implementation of key programs to improve the quality of education in the region.

Ampatuan underscored the importance to synchronize efforts in improving the education sector and to maximize the impact of the development assistance from donor institutions such as the government of Japan. (bpi-armm)

ARMM Crafts Regional Gender and Development Code

25 August 2009
ARMM Crafts Regional Gender and Development Code
Cotabato City - The Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Regional Sub-Committee on Gender and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RSCGAD-ARMM) has recently conducted a writeshop on the formulation of a regional Gender and Development (GAD) Code in the ARMM held in Davao City.
The writeshop was aimed to provide knowledge and understanding of the situation of women in the region and learn some techniques on policy development, legislative research and writing as guide in the formulation and crafting of the GAD Code.
RSCGAD intends to craft a substantive regional GAD code that will address the pressing GAD issues and concerns such as violence against women and children, reproductive health, marginalization and exploitation of women, misconceptions on and abuse of polygyny and divorce, issues on early/forced marriages, low level of literacy rate among women, exercise of political rights among women, women’s economic rights, children’s rights and other gender biases.
Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO-ARMM) Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay encouraged the members of the RSCGAD-TWG during the opening program of the three-day writeshop to be conscious and be realistic in considering the condition confronting women and children in the region.
The ARMM GAD Code is one of the identified priority bills of the present 6th Regional Assembly of the ARMM, added Dumagay.
As sub-committee of the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) of the Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB), the highest policy-making body of the Autonomous Regional Government, the RSCGAD was established in 2007 to intensify the regional government’s efforts in mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) in the region.
The said writeshop was initiated by the RSCGAD in partnership with RPDO-ARMM, the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (bpi-armm)

UNICEF beefs up assistance for Maguindanao children

COTABATO CITY – The United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) assured that they will continue extending assistance to children affected in armed conflict in Maguindanao province. This was announced by Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative in the Philippines, during her visit here on August 19.

Tobin talked with the representatives of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), all of Maguindanao, and different non-government organizations (NGOs) operating in the province.

The DepEd-Maguindanao documented, in Datu Piang town alone, almost 3,000 school children who were affected in the recent sporadic clashes between government troops and elements of Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF).

The PPDO also recorded 18,546 children-turned-Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in Maguindanao who were compelled to stop schooling due to continuous massive evacuation.
School children currently have classes under the trees, vacant buildings or houses and even in damaged classrooms. Most school buildings were devastated. Other schools have their tables, chairs and blackboards also damaged.

Further, Emma Ali of DSWD-Maguindanao laid out their plans of putting up Temporary Learning Centers (TLC) in evacuation centers for the children to resume schooling, “but the problem is we don’t have records on who are returning homes and who are staying.”

However, Ali noted that they have already identified two (2) resettlement areas in Datu Piang and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns for families who could not able to go back anymore to their respective places of origin “because their houses were already burned.”

Community and Family Services International (CFSI), an NGO based here, also established Child Friendly Spaces in some areas in the province.

The DSWD has proposed 20 TLCs for Datu Piang alone – the most affected municipality in the province since war broke in July, last year.

In response, Tobin said that an interacted plan for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and primary education should be put in place. Also, the setting up of a structured cluster that would ensure child protection is immediate.

ECCD through Republic Act 8980 is a comprehensive policy and national system that seeks to provide the basic holistic needs of children in the country.

“As vanguard for children’s rights, we must guarantee support to children and refuge for children. Let us provide support for early learning. I will be here frequently to help you in this effort,” Tobin said.

Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan thanked the UNICEF for the incessant support to Maguindanao particularly in the case of children affected in war while ensuring cooperation for a genuine implementation of its programs. (BPI-ARMM*)

ARMM holds first ever basic education donors forum

Davao City - Prime movers of basic education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) pooled together today in the first ever ARMM Basic Education Donors Forum this city.

Organized by the Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM, the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) and the Oversight Committee on Strengthening Development Assistance Coordination (OC-SDAC) in ARMM, the forum was attended by various local and international donor institutions.

In attendance were heads and representatives of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, United Nations Children Fund, Department of Education-National Office, Mindanao Economic Development Council, International Labor Organization, Department of Public Works and Highways, Consulate of Malaysia and ARMM’s key cabinet officials.

The forum was intended to synchronize efforts to improve the region’s education sector and to maximize the impact of official development assistance.

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, in a message read by Executive Sec. Oscar Sampulna, said his administration recognizes the importance of basic education in poverty alleviation and in peace and development in general.

He said 52.8%, or equivalent to P5.2 billion, of the proposed budget of ARMM for 2009 will go to DepEd-ARMM to support urgent needs of the education sector.
Ampatuan lauded the DepEd-ARMM for coming up with a development plan and a six-year strategic plan on basic education.

The ARMM chief likewise requested members of donor institutions to consider the policies and guidelines on official development assistance adopted by the regional government in support to the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

The said policies are designed to make the most of the aids being received by the region.

Ampatuan has already called for the creation of committees to manage the utilization of development assistance including on education such as the OC-SDAC.

DepEd-ARMM Secretary Udtog Kawit said the help from donor institutions has been largely instrumental in the implementation of key programs on improving the quality and access to basic education in the region.

“We were able to undertake innovative programs to improve basic education in the region with the help of our partners in the donor communities,” he said.

Kawit said the department’s budget barely suffices for the salaries of its more than 20,000 teachers and other employees.

The department is still in need of sufficient funds to invest on school infrastructures and other facilities, he said.

Kawit said they are looking forward to the enactment of House Bill 37 otherwise known as the Basic Education Act of ARMM in the Regional Assembly (RA), which is being fully endorsed by the ARMM Governor.

The Basic Education Act of ARMM seeks to strengthen basic education in the region. Its salient features were among the highlights presented during the forum.

DepED Undersecretary Manaros Boransing, who represented Secretary Jesli Lapus, lauded the efforts of the ARMM government in improving the state of education in the region. He noted the close working relationship between the DepEd National and the ARMM regional government under the present administration.

The donor community unanimously responded positively and vowed to continue their assistance to improve the quality of education in ARMM. (bpi-armm)

Ampatuan heads HELP-CM Task Force in ARMM

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Regional Governor Dat Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) lauded the national government’s effort of creating Health, Education, and Livelihood Progress in Central Mindanao Task Force (HELP-CM Task Force) in pursuance to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Administrative Order 267 signed on June 29, this year.

In a consultation held Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol here, the governor said that the Task Force will serve as convergence mechanism for Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) efforts in dealing with the effects of conflict in Central Mindanao particularly in the areas of autonomous region.

“It is a privilege for me to be a member of HELP-CM Task Force. As such, the national government recognizes our value as the ones who knew entirely the real state of the region especially the on-going conflict and the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). We are the key players here,” Ampatuan said.
The governor also derides the claim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that they are the representatives of the Bangsamoro people in region.

He said, “We are the real representatives or spokespersons of the Bangsamoro people here because we are elected by the people. We are not only legally mandated by the Constitution, this is our moral obligation to the people.”

Moreover, Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan, also a member of HELP-CM Task Force, hoped that the war would eventually end as he hails the implementation of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and calls for the resumption of peace talks with the MILF.

“I am praying that the communities are now safe for the IDPs. They should be allowed to return to their places of origin. With SOMO and HELP-CM Task Force, they will finally live normally,” Ampatuan said.

Col. Medardo P. Geslani, 601st Brigade Commander, Philippine Army, responded that “all areas in the province are secured, as long as MILF will not cross the threshold.”

Geslani further justified their continued presence in the area, “There are troop deployments because there are lawless elements, but I can assure the IDPs that we already secured the area and could now return homes safely. (BPI-ARMM*)

ARMM Gov calls Gov’t Peace Panel to slow down; backs SOMO

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) called on the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Negotiation Panel not to rush up in coming with a final peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The ARMM chief executive made his call during the consultation on Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol here conducted by the government peace panel chief Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.

Ampatuan said that there should be a proper consultation with the different stakeholders in Maguindanao including the town mayors and barangay officials to institute a feasible outline that would resolve genuinely the continuing conflict.

“If you [GRP Peace Negotiation Panel] really care for Mindanao, you should consult the mayors, the local government units and even up to the barangay level -- all sectors in the society. This is the only way to attain legitimate peace in ARMM and we are very willing to take part of it,” Ampatuan said.

In response, Seguis assured that the government’s team is exhausting all means to decisively craft the final agreement citing, “I will never allow another TRO [Temporary Restraining Order]. If this would happen, the people will never believe the government again.”

Seguis is referring to the TRO the Supreme Court (SC) issued when the MoA-AD is about to be officially signed in July 2008. In October of the same year, the SC declared MoA-AD unconstitutional.

Further, Seguis laid out the upshot of initial talks with the MILF Negotiating Panel which have just resumed communication in July 28 and 29, this year, after almost a year of stalemate.

Both panels agreed to effort mutually the sustenance of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO)/Suspension of Military Actions (SOMA) in the conflict-affected areas, acknowledge that Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MoA-AD) is an unsigned and initialed document which needs reframing on substantial consensus points, design a mechanism that would protect non-combatants in armed conflict and beefing up International Contact Group.

Governor Ampatuan, on the other hand, gives surety that the regional government is backing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pronouncement of SOMO/ SOMA in the conflict areas.

“The entire ARMM Regional Government supports the strategies to conclusively design the GRP-MILF final compact without jeopardizing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the province,” Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM*)

RG Ampatuan-Ambassador Seguis

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (right) reiterates to government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis his all out support to the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He, however, emphasized the need for a proper consultation with all the stakeholders, especially the local government officials, before any peace agreement will be signed. (bpi-armm)

RG Ampatuan-Senate President Enrile

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (left) in a huddle with Senate President Hon. Juan Ponce Enrile during the wedding of Datu Amir Ampatuan-Macapendeg, grandson of former Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr. with Bai Pangandongan Dilangalen, daughter of Maguindanao First District Rep. Didagen Dilangalen. Regional Governor Ampatuan took time in discussing with the senate president the 2010 ARMM proposed budget amounting to P12.6 Billion where the latter expressed support. (bpi-armm)

GSKP folks benefit ARMM projects

GEN. SALIPADA K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao – The Autonomous Regional Government through the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) has continue to beef up its programs and projects to continuously address the basic needs of poor communities in the five-province autonomous region.

Most recent is Barangay Ramcor here, where ASFP thru Japan International Coordinating Agency (JICA) funds extended P1.5 million-assistance under its Community Development Assistance (CDA) sub-component project for the construction of a two-classroom school building and multi-purpose center.

These projects are included in the 2009 Community Investment Plan realized by People’s Organization (PO) named Ramcor Farmers Association (RFA) and barangay local officials to enhance the delivery of basic education and other social services for the people of Ramcor.

As of 2007 census, Barangay Ramcor has a population of 2,469 with a total land area of 992.64 hectares which depends mostly on farming [rice and corn] as livelihood.

PO President Zaldy Akil said that education in Ramcor is poor due to room scarcity citing “there are only two rooms established for the entire secondary school.”

“That is why; we agreed to first establish the school building for Bai Tambabai National High School. We could no longer endure seeing our children transferring from one place to another, like warehouse [bodega], just to continue learning. We believe that through education, we are building a foundation for further development in our barangay,” Akil said.

Moreover, a third year high school student, Jackyrie Datukan, in high spirit with the on-going construction of two classrooms stressed, “once the construction is completed, we will no longer bicker for space and soon we will be studying quietly.”

“Often, the class is so noisy because of aridness and limited space. We bear all those just to be in school. We are so happy that soon we can concentrate with our lessons,” Datukan said.

The ASFP adapts the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach in initiating projects in the communities. The people’s organization who knew most the needed projects in their communities, are the ones responsible in the implementation. Stakeholders have lauded such method for it established transparency, accountability and unity in the grassroots.

Barangay Chairman Tikboy Kali expressed gratitude to the regional government and the ASFP for giving them an opportunity to become one of the beneficiaries of its flagship projects.

Meanwhile, Atty. Mustapha Sambolawan, ASFP Project Manager, said the community-based infrastructure projects manifest the regional government’s effort to enhance the socio-economic condition of the people.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan is confident that with the ASFP projects, the Autonomous Regional Government will continue to empower communities as well as improve the living conditions of the people, thereby creating sustainable development and peace in the region.

The CDA project component is part of the 2.47 billion yen commitment of Japan government through JICA fund which started in 2005 to support the peace and development program of the Government of the Philippines. (BPI-ARMM)

Marawi firm inks MoU with Bukidnon farmers

COTABATO CITY – The annual business convention in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has envigorated economic activities and is gaining ground as various business sectors are pushing new efforts to increase trade and investments in the region.

The recent 7th ARMM Business Congress paved way for Bukidnon farmers to seal a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a manufacturing company based in Marawi city.

Signed on August 6, this year, the Manobo Tribal Communities Association, Inc. (MATRICA) of Barangay Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon agreed to produce soya beans and other raw materials for Suming Lee Food Processing Plant.

Suming Lee manufactures food energy drink made of soya beans marketed all over the autonomous region and neigboring areas.

The project with an area of 3,000 hectares of land is estimated to cost P800 million or US$20 million, once finalized. The parties settled to study the joint venture and had arranged future discussions and agreements.

Beforehand, La Frutera Inc., based in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao is the biggest investment so far in the autonomous region.

It was in 1997 when Ultrex and Chiquita Unifrutti, major fruit companies in the world, agreed to a 20-year contract with La Frutera Inc. – the first large-scale banana plantation in the ARMM. Chiquita Unifrutti bought La Frutera’s bananas, market them under the Chiquita and Unifrutti brands, and then export them abroad.

La Frutera has continue to provide jobs to Muslim and Christian residents, not only in Datu Paglas, but also in municipalities of nearby Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. It prides itself to have links in Japan, Korea, and China as well as some countries in the Middle East and Europe.

Moreover, ARMM officials are recently stepping up its efforts to make the region the country’s Halal hub by striving Halal Fraud Bill to become a law. The measure will control devious businesses and practices regarding Halal foods as well as protect consumers from products that pose danger to health and safety.

Participants of the two-day congress held in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur have expressed confidence on ARMM's ability to make a major economic turnaround, especially with its participation in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). (BPI-ARMM)

7th ARMM Biz Confab coins Polloc as ‘Peace Zone’

COTABATO CITY – A Resolution declaring Barangay Polloc as a ‘Zone of Peace’ wrapped up the 7th Business Congress in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) held in Marawi City, province of Lanao del Sur on August 5 to 6, this year.

With the theme “Maximizing Investment Gains to Propel Economic Development in ARMM,” more than a hundred entrepreneurs from various business entities around the five-province autonomous region unanimously supported the Resolution pronouncing Polloc as a ‘Peace Zone’ that would serve as gateway to attract and induce local and foreign businessmen to invest in ARMM.

Barangay Polloc in the municipality of Parang, Maguindanao homed the 123 hectare-Polloc Port that has a potential to be transformed into an international seaport and trading center, according to ARMM officials.

The seaport had already started a facelift in December 2008 when ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP), a program funded by the World Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) extended P22.8 million. The concreting of road network within the port zone and installation of rubber fenders in the berthing area was already completed. The rehabilitation decreased rate of accidents and damages to cargoes and port users.

The resolution stressed that Polloc’s declaration as ‘Peace Zone’ is imperative “to create an environment where development can overcome insurgency, restore economic setbacks and create jobs.”

ARMM Business Council (ABC) Chairperson Haron Bandila said that the move will persuade investors both local and foreign to dedicate their capital investments and locate their business enterprises in the ARMM economic zone in Barangay Polloc.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also made share in the effort on Polloc as ‘Peace Zone’ by establishing a peace landmark that will serve as significant marker on its economic importance.

Earlier, ARMM officials is expecting Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan to declare Polloc as its first economic zone before the year ends – a vital strategy to make ARMM in a competitive position in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

ARMM Deputy Executive Secretary, Atty. Ishak Mastura, also the chair of Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) said that the idea to develop Polloc as ecozone is consistent with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s goals and objectives in creating an era of peace and development in the country.

“The ARMM regional govenrment is optimistic that the attempt would promote permanent solution to secessionist problem,” Mastura said.

The resolution was signed August 6 by ABC Chairperson Bandila, Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-ARMM), City Government of Marawi and Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur.

Governor Ampatuan foresees making Polloc Port a premier gateway of trade and commerce not just in mainland ARMM and Central Mindanao but throughout the BIMP-EAGA. (BPI-ARMM)

2nd REGULAR BOARD MEETING

2nd REGULAR BOARD MEETING- (inset photo) ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (3rd from left) presides the 2nd Regular Meeting of Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB) held at the Office of the Regional Governor, Cotabato City on August 3, 2009. With the regional governor are (left to right) ARMM Regional Assembly Speaker Rejie Sahali-Generale, RPDO Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay, ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, Sr, ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Maguindanao Provincial Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan. (bpi-armm)

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (center) listens while PC/Supt Felicisimo Villamor Khu, Jr. (left) Commander of Joint Task Force on Anti Terrorism in Region 12, briefs him on the status of the peace and order and peace efforts of the task force. With Governor Ampatuan is Maguindanao Provincial Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan (right). (bpi-armm)

New Member of REDPB

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (2nd front left) administers the oath-taking of Maguindanao Provincial Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan as new member of the Regional Economic Development Planning Board (REDPB) during the 2nd regular meeting of the REDPB on August 3, 2009 at the Office of the Regional Governor, Cotabato City. Witnessing the oath-taking ceremony are ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, Sr.(left), ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi (right) and RPDO Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay (center). (bpi-armm)

ARMM declares Aug. 6 holiday; observes Nisfu Sha’ban

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region Government declares Thursday, August 6, as Special Non-Working Holiday in the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in observance of Nisfu Sha’ban.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan appeals to all government employees and constituents of ARMM to “commemorate this religious event in a manner appropriate for the said occasion.”

Nisfu Sha’ban is a religious and historical day in the Muslim world which is observed every 15th of Sha’ban, the eight month of the Hijrah calendar. This year, Nisfu Sha’ban, falls on August 6.

The occasion gathers all Muslims in the world on a night of worship and salvation. Some view it as special night of seeking forgiveness and repentance to Allah. (BPI-ARMM)

ARMM bares sympathy on Aquino’s death; extends condolences

COTABATO CITY – The regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed sympathy over the passing away of an “icon of democracy” on the dawn of August 1. Former President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino, passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle of colon cancer.

Earlier, in his message, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan said that the people of the autonomous region are forever grateful to President Aquino for her role in restoring democracy in the country and for being the “Mother of the ARMM.”
President Cory signed into law on August 1, 1989 Republic Act 6734, an act creating the ARMM.

“President Aquino shall forever be an inspiration to every Filipino, especially to the people of ARMM,” he said.

Furthermore, the 2nd Regular Board Meeting of Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB) has approved today [August 3] a board resolution expressing condolence to the Aquino Family.

The Resolution stated that during President Aquino’s administration, “she manifested sincerity and courage in finding a peaceful political settlement to the Mindanao problem” and “contributed tremendously to the socio-economic development of the ARMM.”

In sympathy, the ARMM regional government observes August 5 a non-working special holiday to make way for Aquino's scheduled burial and 10-day period of national mourning [August 01-10] , as declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“I hope that the Filipino nation will continue to live up to the hopes and dreams of President Cory even with her demise,” Governor Ampatuan, also the Chairman of REDPB, said. (BPI-ARMM)

USAID-EcoGov aids ARMM LGUs in environmental stewardship thru FLUP

COTABATO CITY – The Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov) Program of the United States Agency for International Developments (USAID) assists two (2) local government units in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the proper environmental stewardship and management through the implementation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) scheme – a component of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) program.

The local governments of Wao in Lanao del Sur and Upi in Maguindanao have yielded productive gains in their implementation of FLUP which highlight the preservation of forests and forest lands not only to allay climate change and promote ecological balance, but also, to boost the economic and social well-being of the people.

The FLUP serves as a guide to all sectors in monitoring activities and conversion in the forest and forestlands. As such, illegal activities such as kaingin, poaching, and illegal loggings are immediately responded. The local governments laid concrete resolutions to respond on various threats particularly in the watershed and open access areas through transparent, accountable and participatory forest land use planning process.

Wao has 19,000 hectares of forests and forestlands where 2,000 hectares are watershed areas while Upi has 20,000 hectares of forest and forestlands where half is already under the stewardship of Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA).

As stipulated in the FLUP implementing rules and regulations (IRR), the two (2) local governments sealed a Co-Management Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the region (DENR-ARMM) and legitimate farmer organizations that would ensure direct stewardship of its watershed and open access areas.

Wao Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Lominog Polayagan, “Open access areas in our forests are unsupervised that’s why anybody could enter and make illegal activities. Some areas have tenures but tenants neglected its responsibility. This contributes to deforestation and near-extinction of our remaining forest resources.”

On May 2008, the local government of Wao, DENR-ARMM and Banga Farmers and Watershed Development Cooperative (BFWDC) signed a Co-Management Agreement to guarantee proper stewardship of its 2,000 hectare-water shed areas. The 130 members of BFWDC already received Individual Property Rights (IPR) to ensure security of tenure of their tilled lands.

This year, on May 18, local government of Upi had signed the same agreement with DENR-ARMM and now preparing for an ordinance [already passed the first hearing] to pave way in issuing IPR to legitimate farmers.

The FLUP has paved way for the two (2) municipalities to establish farm-to-market roads, nursery, monitoring station and farmers’ training center. They had also employed forest rangers to ensure monitoring of illegal activities in the watershed and open access areas.

Local officials encourage the farmers to pursue the inter-cropping scheme where aside from corn and coffee, farmers could plant other crops especially rubber and fruit trees that could contribute in the restoration of forest and forestlands of Upi and Wao.

“After 10 years, the people will glimpse the fruit of their continuous effort of protecting and preserving our forest and forestlands. They will harvest what they sow now,” Wao and Upi Chief Executives, Elvino Balicao Jr. and Ramon Piang said.

On the other hand, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan extend gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s CLUP program, where FLUP was carved, and to the Local Governments of Wao and Upi and their constituents who exerted untiring efforts in pushing autonomous regional government’s thrust in maintaining the existing natural forest.

The FLUP aims to enhance the ecological and environmental functions of the forests and forest lands, and to improve biodiversity while increasing resource capacity to support the livelihood of the people in upland areas. (BPI-ARMM)

A boy catches the food ration from his roof given by DSWD-ARMM and OCD-Maguindanao on July 29, 2009 in Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. There are now 10 barangays affected by the flashflood that reaches 5 feet deep. A total of 7,425 families were affected by the flashflood that started Sunday, July 26, 2009. (bpi-armm)

DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar (center with white cap) leads the food distribution to the victims of flash flood in their respective homesin Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Secretary Biruar uses banca 9center, inset photo) with her staff and representatives from Office on Civil Defense -Maguindanaowho on July 29, 2009. Flashfloods starts on July 26, 2009. Affected families reaches 7,425 families as of July 29, 2009 according to DSWD-ARMM reports.(bpi-armm)

ARMM Namahagi ng Relief Assistance

BULALO, SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO – Personal na namigay ng supply ng pagkain (kanin at sardinas)si DSWD-ARMM Secretary Soraida Biruar sa mga pamilyang na apektuhan ng pagbaha at hinde makalabas ng kanilang bahay dahil sa taas ng tubig baha dito sa nabanggit na barangay gamit ang mga banca kaninang tanghali( araw ng Miyerkulis) .

Ayon sa report (as of July 29, 12noon) mula sa DSWD-ARMM mayroong 7,425 na pamilya ang naapektuhan ng nasabing pagbaha dahil sa flashflood na nagsimula noong araw ng linggo, July 26, 2009.

Kaagad na nagbigay ng direktiba si ARMM regional governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan sa Provincial Government ng Maguindanao at sa DSWD-ARMM na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga biktima ng nasabing kalamidad.

Bilang tugon, ang provincial government ng Maguindanao ay nagbigay ng bigas. Samantala, nagsagawa naman ang DSWD-ARMM sa tulong ng mga volunteers ng community kitchen upang matulungan ang pangangailangan sa pagkain ng mga naapektuhan na mga residente ng nasabing lugar.

Ayon kay Secretary Biruar araw-araw nyang emonitor ang kalagayan at tignan ang pangangailangan ng mga biktima. Dagdag pa nya na mayroong sapat na supply o relief goods para sa mga biktima at tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kanyang paghingi ng suporta sa mga partner humanitarian agencies.

Ang sampung barangay na napektuhan – barangay Bulalo (1,484 pamilya), Salimbo (1,107 pamilya), Calsada (1,312 pamilya), Banubo (500 ka pamilya), Katuli (1,033), Mulaog (360 pamilya), Limbo (1,075 ka pamilya), barangay Gang (360 ka pamilya) at barangay Senditan (200 ka pamilya).

Samantal ang DOH-ARMM ay nagsagawa na rin ng kanilang monitoring. As of press time, ayon sa report ng DOH-ARMM mayroong mga nagkonsulta na at inerereklamo ang pananakit ng ulo, lagnat, sipon, ubo at skin diseases. Sapat naman ang kanilang gamot ayon sa DOH-ARMM. (bpi-armm)

EU Ambassador Alistair Macdonald (left) and Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Datu Saudi B. Ampatuan (2nd, left) and DSWD-ARMM personnel listen to Ali Omar, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) focal person of Dapiwan evacuation center, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao as he narrates their life at the evacuation center for almost a year now. He said his house was burned down during the height of the conflict in their barangay. They will only go home if they will see reduction of forces to prevent skirmishes again. Ambassador Macdonald and other officials from European Commission visited the IDPs on July 29, 2009(bpi-armm)

SOMO and SOMA

Netherland Ambassador H.E. Robert Brinks(right) and World Food Program Country Head Stephen Anderson (2nd right) conversed to DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar (left) about the situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the evacuation centers of Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipality. Secretary Biruar appeal for assistance especially livelihood for the IDPs. She said with the declaration of the SOMO and SOMA they are now preparing to implement recovery and rehabilitation program in the affected areas in Maguindanao. (BPI-ARMM)

DSWD-ARMM Officials lead by Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar (3rd from right) and DSWD-ARMM Assistant Secretary Pombain Kader brief European Ambassadors (from left to right) H.E Alistair Macdonald, European Commission Ambassador, World Food Program Country Head Stephen Anderson and French Ambassador H.E. Thierry Borja de Mozoto on the situation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the evacuation center in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao province during their visit on July 28, 2009. (bpi-armm)

EUROPEAN COMMISSION AMBASSADOR H.E. ALISTAIR MCDONALD (

EUROPEAN COMMISSION AMBASSADOR H.E. ALISTAIR MCDONALD (right) talks to one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) (2nd from right) at the evacuation center in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao province during their visit on July 28, 2009. With him are DSWD-12 Regional Director Sarahaida Taha (right). (bpi-armm)

EU Ambassadors Visit IDPs in Maguindanao Province

July 29, 2009

Cotabato City- Ambassadors from the European countries have lauded the decision of the Government of the Republic of the Philippine (GRP) and the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to declare the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and the Suspension of Military Action respectively.

On July 23, 2009 Malacanang announced that it has suspended its military operations against some members of the MILF and two days after MILF reciprocated by also declaring suspension of military action against government forces.

In a two-day visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the different evacuation centers in the province of Maguindanao on July 28-29, Head of Delegation of the European Commission Ambassador Alistair McDonald expressed optimism that the recent declaration of SOMO and SOMA by the two parties will pave way for peace.

Ambassador McDonald along with French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota, Ambassador Robert Brinks of The Netherlands and World Food Program Country Director Mr. Steven Anderson visited the IDPs at the evacuation centers in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Talayan in the province of Maguindanao to personally talk to the local officials and the IDPs themselves regarding their plight in the evacuation centers.

“We have to spend a little time to see the IDPs and talk to the people on the ground and we have seen their miseries in the evacuation centers, that’s why I am convinced that they have been wanting to return back home, Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota.

DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar said that the declaration of SOMO and SOMA is a welcome move for the part of the social workers to make a comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation plan to return back the IDPs to their places.

According to the official report from the DSWD, there are 61,501 IDPs in the ARMM area 37,400 of them are in the evacuation centers and 24,052 are outside the evacuation centers.

In her briefing during the visit of the EU ambassadors, dswd-12 regional director Sarahaida Taha said that a total of P993.7 million has been spent for humanitarian assistance for both early recovery and rehabilitation program from government agencies and foreign donors. (bpi-armm)