Ampatuan signs executive order to develop fisheries in ARMM

Cotabato City - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to work on a comprehensive plan to develop sustainable fisheries in the region.

Signed on June 22, 2009, Executive Order 03 or “An Act Creating the Technical Working Group (TWG) in the Formulation of the Comprehensive Regional Fisheries Development Plan (CRFDP) in ARMM” designates the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM as chair of the TWG with the Regional Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (RBFAR)-ARMM as vice-chair.

Member agencies include the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau of Public Information (BPI), Regional Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (RFARMC) and the Technical Management Services of the Office of the Regional Governor. The TWG will also include representatives from the private sector particularly from the municipal fisheries, commercial fisheries, post-harvest and aquaculture.

The CRFDP will serve as “framework for the protection, utilization, development and management of the region’s fisheries and aquatic resources”. It will also enumerate means to enhance the region’s efforts to develop its halal food industry.

Developing the region’s agriculture is crucial to ARMM’s effort to become the country’s halal industry hub, Ampatuan said.

The formulation of the CRFDP is in compliance to Article IV, Section 7 of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 86 (MMA Act 86) or the “ARMM Aquatic and Fisheries Code of 1999” and the Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) adopted in 2008.

Agri-fishery in the region remains at a very productive level. The latest data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) show that ARMM leads other regions in the country in terms of agri-fishery and seaweeds production.

DAF-ARMM Secretary Keise Usman said the plan would ensure that fisheries in the region will remain at a healthy and productive level. “We will see to it that increase in production would not exhaust our natural resources,” he said.

Among the primary tasks of the TWG would be the preparation of “policies, plans, programs and projects for the development of the fishery industry.”###

Lapus, Ampatuan sign MOA for school building program

DAVAO CITY – Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus and Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) signed here a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of school building program and school furniture program for ARMM.

The MOA signing was done during the executive meeting of DepED and ARMM officials on June 22, 2009 at the Grand Regal Hotel here.

According to DepEd Undersecretary Ramon Bacani, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss and solve issues and problems affecting the implementation of the said infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Department.

The school building program being implemented by the DepED is referred to as the “red and black” school building program in recognition of the need for additional funding for areas with acute classroom shortages.

Bacani said the Department recognized that ARMM is one of the areas which have need of additional school buildings because of the increase in the student population as well as the need to replace classrooms damaged by internal conflict in the area. He emphasized the need for the immediate implementation of the projects as part of the pump-priming program of the national government as mandated by Malacanang to all government agencies implementing infrastructure projects.

He, however, stressed that certain conditions should be complied with that include procurement procedures which have been agreed upon in the loan agreement with the World Bank that funded the school building program of the national government.
For ARMM, a total of P185 million is allocated for fiscal year 2008 and another P101 million for the current fiscal year. For fiscal year 2007 with an allocation of P57.6 million, there are remaining projects to be implemented.

The MOA stipulates the manner of implementation of the school building program and school furniture program for ARMM.

During the meeting, Lapus lauded the efforts of Governor Ampatuan for his instruction that school building projects will be very tightly monitored and validated which, he said, will surely “Reverse the rightly or wrongly reputation that projects are not being implemented in ARMM.”

“I am looking forward to joining ARMM in declaring with Governor Ampatuan that our watch has broken records in physical infrastructure. And I hope it will set the trend for closer coordination and more efficient and effective delivery of services to our people,” he added.

For his part, Ampatuan assured the DepED officials of a transparent implementation of the school building program and school furniture program.

“I would like to assure the Secretary that for the 2007 projects, we will look into the problems very seriously and we will see to it that the projects will be implemented,” Ampatuan said in his message.

Earlier, Ampatuan proposed that school building program in the entire region will be implemented by the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army “So that we can be assured of the proper implementation of the projects.” (bpi-armm)

Ampatuan appointed chair of the LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD for ARMM

REGIONAL Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was appointed regional chairman for ARMM of the newly merged LAKAS-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrat (LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD) Party by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“Pursuant to Article XV, Section 2 in relation to Article IX, Section 2 of the Constitution and By-Laws of LAKAS KAMPI CMD, and consistent with Joint Resolution No. 3 unanimously approved by the National Directorate of LaKAS-CMD and the National Council of KAMPI in joint session assembled on May 28, 2009 and adopted by the National Council of LAKAS KAMPI CMD in its first meeting on the same date, you are hereby appointed the interim Regional Chairman for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao of LAKAS KAMPI CMD,” the appointment said.

The appointment, dated June 8, 2009, was signed by President Arroyo as national chairman of the ruling party.

As regional chairman, Ampatuan is authorized by the Party to discharge the functions and prerogatives of his office pursuant to the Party’s constitution and by-laws.

Before the merger of the two administration political parties, Ampatuan was also the regional chairman of the LAKAS-CMD.

Ampatuan, who enjoys the full support of the local government officials in the entire region, expressed gratitude to the party leadership and to President Arroyo for their trust and confidence, even as he vowed to exert effort to harmonize the political atmosphere in ARMM.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the LAKAS KAMPI CMD leadership for their trust and confidence to me to lead the party in the region. This is a big challenge on my part and we will do our best effort to harmonize the political atmosphere in the region,” Ampatuan said.

Ampatuan is the first re-elected ARMM Regional Governor. He was first elected on August 8, 2005 and re-elected on August 11, 2008 regional elections under the banner of the then LAKAS-CMD.

He won in the two regional elections in overwhelming votes and landslide victory against his opponents.###

Marawi City – In its continuing effort to help improve the living condition of its constituents, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM) has been providing cash gifts to the marginalized and underprivileged families from all over the region.

In a launching program of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps on June 22, 2009 at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol this city, DSWD-ARMM has awarded P5.2 million in cash grants to qualified household beneficiaries from the towns of Ditsaan-Ramain and Bubong in the province of Lanao del Sur.

DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar assures the constituents of the Lanao del Sur her full support in the implementation of the 4Ps in the region during the Launching of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol, on June 22, 2009. The 4Ps is a five year program of the national government which started in 2008 in response to the global economic recession. (bpi-armm)

The program, which aims to alleviate poverty incidence not only in the ARMM but also in the entire country, is a five year national program of the president which was conceived and started in 2008 in response to the global economic meltdown.

DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar said, 4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy that provides small grants to identified extremely poor families with the condition that the money will be spent for health and education of their children particularly from zero-fourteen (0-14) years of age.

Every family will receive monthly cash grants amounting to P1,400 for five years for health services and education of maximum of three (3) children. Each child will have P300 intended for his/her education with the total amount of P900 for the 3 children while the P500 will be used for the family’s basic health service.

“The ARMM’s social and development department will continue to generate more economic assistance from the national government and other funding sources so that we can continue to support and help the poor and disadvantaged,” said Sec. Biruar.
Raifah Adiong, the wife of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, who represented the province is grateful to the leadership of the ARMM for the enduring support to the constituents of their province which are mostly marginalized farmers and fisher folks.

Officials of the Autonomous Regional Government lead by DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar (3rd from Left) distribute cash gift amounting to P1,400 to a qualified beneficiary during the Launching of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol, on June 22, 2009. The 4Ps is a five year program of the national government which was started in 2008 in response to the global economic recession. With Sec. Biruar are (R-L) Lanao del Sur First Lady Raifa Adiong ,Ditsaan Ramain mayor Amanola Actar Marmar and DSWD-ARMM Asec. Pombaen Kader. (bpi-armm)

“We will play an active role in the implementation of the 4Ps in the province and we are behind ARMM’s good projects and programs especially in the development of the Bangsamoro children,” Adiong added.

The Autonomous Regional Government has been committed to mitigate hunger, curb illiteracy rate and pursue peace and development efforts in the region.

Health, nutrition, education and other significant development projects are among the program thrusts of the ARMM under the leadership of regional governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan through social assistance and social development. (bpi-armm)

ASFP beefs up infra projects; signs contract

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP) and the winning contractors signed here on Tuesday the contract for the construction of three (3) Strategic Regional Infrastructure (SRI) subprojects under the Japan International Coordinating Agency (JICA) component. The projects are part of the eight-second batch SRI projects to be implemented this year once JICA replied no objection.

Some P35 million are allocated for the construction of two-storey and eight-eight classroom high school building of Andong National High School in Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, concreting of access road from national highway to Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Hospital Road in Malabang, Lanao del Sur and construction of Local Government Center of four municipalities in Maguindanao province – Rajah Buayan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Unsay Ampatuan.

ASFP Project Manager, Atty. Mustapha Sambolawan, said the series of contract signings manifests ARMM regional government’s effort to hasten the implementation of infrastructure projects to incessantly address poverty thereby enhance development and socio-economic condition of the people.

“These projects demonstrate ARMM regional government earnest desire to uplift the social and economic situation of people in the poor and conflict-affected communities in the region. This could not only improve employment opportunities and household incomes but assures food security as well,” Sambolawan stressed.

Sambolawan added, “The concreting of access road in Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Hospital ensures safe and easy access of patients to health services while the construction of Local Government Centers will provide quality venue for local governments of each municipality, line agencies and civil society organizations towards responsive local governance.”

Earlier, four SRI subprojects to be erected in the island provinces were sealed here on June 11. The ASFP is currently awaiting JICA’s notice to implement the construction of two-storey and eight-classroom high school buildings in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi namely Maimbung National High School, Lamitan National High School and Bato-Bato National Highschool in Panglima Sugala; and the construction of rock causeway in Banguigui Fishing Port in Sulu.

Regional Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the region (DPWH-ARMM), Rasul Abpi, said that ARMM regional government generally aims to strengthen the physical foundation of the autonomous region’s economy thus construction of school buildings plays a big role to support the thrust.

“These school buildings are very beneficial not only to students but to the entire populace of island provinces. This will help resolve the shortfall of classrooms and improve the educational services as well as generate local employment,” Abpi said.

The remaining SRI sub-project which is the construction of two-storey and eight-classroom high school building of Maguindanao National High School in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao is under evaluation and due for rebidding, according to Sambolawan.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, on the other hand, lauds the efforts of ASFP, ARMM line agencies and community groups who collectively collaborate during consultations, project preparations and planning processes to ensure efficient services for the people in the autonomous region.

The ASFP composes of three (3) project components – the Community Development Assistance (CDA), SRI and Institutional Strengthening and Governance (ISG) which aims to foster sustainable development in the ARMM. ASFP has 33 SRI subprojects approved by JICA in 2007 where seven (7) of the first batch had already began construction last year and seven (7) of the second batch this year is awaiting notice from JICA to start the implementation.

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

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Regional Government (ARG) reiterated its commitment to the international donors and humanitarian groups to continue its peace initiatives that will deliver peace and to improve the well-being of the people in the region amidst conflicts in the region.

This was the message of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan delivered by Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna Sr. to the officials of the United Nations - Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) during their visit at the Office of the Regional Governor here recently.

Sampulna said the Regional Governor is grateful to the donor countries and humanitarian institutions for their continuing assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He said Governor Ampatuan also directed concerned agencies in the region like the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to monitor all the situation of the IDPs and to identify and immediately respond to their needs.

Officials from the UN-OCHA include Agnes Asekenye-Oonyo, Section Chief for Asia and Pacific, OCHA, New York, Ann Kristin Brunborg, Pia Hussein and Sebastian Rhodes Stamps.

Ampatuan, earlier in his State of the Region Address, joined the call of the UN, the Organization of Islamic Conference and the World Religious Leaders for Government of the Philippines and the MILF to return to the negotiating table and resume talking peace for the sake of the long-suffering people.

Oonyo said their visit in the region is aimed to see for themselves the real picture of the result of the conflict which resulted to thousands of people fleeing their homes and loosing their properties.

“We want to see and know the gaps, their needs. We want to listen to everybody especially the mothers and children. We want to see how the concern agencies are responding to the situation. We come here to see how the people involved in these activities cope up with the situation,” Oonyo said.

The UN-OCHA officials visited evacuation centers in some municipalities in Maguindanao during their two-day stay here.

The Executive Secretary admitted that the regional government had some difficulties in addressing the needs of the IDPs. But he added the regional government is doing all its best to provide the necessary and immediate needs of the IDPs who are still living in the evacuation centers since August of last year.

He assured the UN officials that all the assistance from the International Donors and Humanitarian groups goes directly to and for the benefit of the IDPs. He said that the regional government is continuously doing its coordination and consultation with these partners to be able to improve and strengthen the manner of delivery.

“Our work in the ground makes easier for us because you are here,” Sampulna said.

Meanwhile, the same message of commitment was reiterated by Director Ramil Masukat of the Technical Management Service, Office of the Regional Governor during the visit here of the officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM)yesterday.

IOM Regional Representative Charles Harns said they are supporting and augmenting activities of humanitarian groups working in the ground.

IOM started its operation in the region in October 2008. They are also working now in the provinces of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Jasper Llanderal, Program Coordinator, IOM Mindanao Programmes said their agency has established the Humanitarian Response Monitoring System (HRMS) in the region January 2009. He said this system is the technical assistance of IOM to DSWD-ARMM. The HRMS will be installed at the DSWD-ARMM office as the lead agency in the humanitarian activities.

The HRMS, Lladeral said, is a tracking system where all activities of all humanitarian groups involve in the cluster approach including their assistance are documented. The system includes managing of information, monitoring, validation of IDPs and the gaps to fill in.

Aside from the HRMS, IOM is now doing augmenting activities under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Non-food items, Emergency shelter materials and Camp Coordination and Management clusters.

DSWD-ARMM reported that as of yesterday (June 23) there are still 56,685 families or 290,780 individuals living in the different evacuation centers in Maguindanao and continuous collaboration with partners and stakeholders are being undertaken to address the needs of the IDPs. (bpi-armm)

LAPUS SIGNS MOA WITH AMPATUAN

Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus (3rd from left) and ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan(4th from right) pose for a souveiner photo after signing a Memorandum of Agreement on the implementation of schools buildings and facilities in ARMM during the Executive Meeting of DepEd and ARMM officials at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on June 22, 2009.The MoA stipulates the manner of implementation of the projects. With them are (from left to rigth) DepEd Under Secretary Manaros Boransing, DepEd Under Secretary Ramon Bacani, DepEd-ARMM Secretary Udtog Kawit, DepEd Consultant and Retired Director Diamar Kadon and ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi. At the back are schools division superintendent from different ARMM provinces. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

LAPUS MEETS AMPATUAN

Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus (2nd from left) discusses with ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (2nd from right) school buildings and facilities program for the region during the Executive Meeting of DepEd and ARMM officials at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on June 22, 2009. Both officials emphasized the need for transparency the implementation of the projects. Looking on are DepEd UnderSecretary Ramon Bacani(left) and DepEd-ARMM Secretary Udtog Kawit (right). (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

Womanomics Oath-taking

Oath-Taking- Officers of the ARMM Council of Women (Womanomics) take their oath before Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna during an oath-taking ceremony held at the Water Front Hotel, Davao City on June 18, 2009. The Moro women and their leaders elected Hadja Bai Rebecca Ampatuan(center front), ARMM Chief of Staff, as president.(omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

ARMM proposes P12.6 Billion budget for FY2010

ARMM Technical Budget Hearing- ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (inset) presents to the officials of the Department of Budget and Management(DBM) headed by Undersecretary Mario Relampagos (center) the FY 2010 proposed ARMM Budget amounting to P12.6 Billion during the Technical Budget Hearing at the Water Front Hotel in Davao City on June 18, 2009. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

ARMM proposes P12.6 Billion budget for FY2010

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proposing a P12.6Billion budget for fiscal year 2010, higher by at least P3 Billion than the ceiling set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan and his Cabinet presented the proposal in a technical budget hearing administered by the DBM last week in Davao City. The DBM has recommended a P9.6 Billion budget for the region for next year.

Ampatuan said the substantial increase would be crucial to support key programs on health, education, poverty reduction and social services. The region will also need the additional budget to finance the construction of more farm- to-market roads and other vital infrastructures.

The DBM team was headed by Undersecretary Mario Relampagos and Director Luz Cantor and five other members. Relampagos urged the regional government to substantiate its budget proposal.

He said the request for budgetary increase must be accompanied by performance-based projects.

DBM’s recommended budget of P9.6 Billion is slightly lower than the budget of ARMM for the present fiscal year, which is P9.7 Billion.

ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the regional government will also be giving high priority to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A report published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), a leading international organization that provides comprehensive information and analysis on internal displacements based in Geneva, Switzerland, reveals that the country ranks number 1 worldwide in the total number of IDPs last year. A staggering 600,000 individuals in Mindanao, a vast majority in the ARMM, were forced to flee their homes to avoid the clashes between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The regional government would need sufficient funds to respond to the immediate relief and rehabilitation needs in the affected areas, she said.

Around 70% of the proposed budget would go to personal services (PS), 12% for capital outlay (CO) and the rest for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

ARMM beefs up Gender, Development advocacy

COTABATO CITY – The Regional Sub-Committee on Gender and Development (RSCGAD) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) conducted a two-day workshop on strengthening its advocacy and orientation on the formulation of Gender and Development Code on June 16-17, 2009.

The workshop highlighted the formulation of goals, identification of long-term and medium-term plans and the outlining strategic action for three years.
RSCGAD members also received orientation on the formulation of the ARMM Gender and Development (GAD) Code.

ARMM’s Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) chair Hadja Salama Khadiguia Ampatuan said the creation of the RSCGAD is one of the manifestations of the regional government’s efforts and commitment in advancing the welfare of the women in the region.

The RSCGAD, which is a sub-committee of the Regional Social and Development Committee (RSDC) of the Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB) and composed of members from different line agencies of the ARMM, was organized in 2007 to intensify the regional government’s efforts concerning Gender and Development (GAD) programs.

It is tasked to coordinate and facilitate the mainstreaming of GAD programs and projects of the region through massive advocacy campaign such as consultations, orientations, seminars and production of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to promote awareness on GAD issues and concerns.

The workshop was spearheaded by the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) in partnership with National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) and the Local Governance Support Program for ARMM (LGSPA). (bpi-armm)

ARMM facilitates release of unpaid salaries of Shariff Kabunsuan employees

COTABATO CITY – Former employees of the defunct province of Shariff Kabunsuan will still get a chance to receive their salaries for the months of February to May 2009, Maguindanao officials said.

Engr. Norie Unas, Maguindanao’s provincial administrator, said the plan is subject to the existing guidelines of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Audit (COA) and pending the transfer of funds intended for Shariff Kabunsuan from the Land Bank of the Philippines to the depository account of Maguindanao at the Philippine National Bank.

Unas said they will be requesting the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allow the transfer.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has ordered ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Unas to look into the viability of the plan.

Shariff Kabunsuan was created in 2006 by virtue of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201 (MMA Act 201) enacted by the ARMM Regional Assembly on August 28, 2006 and ratified by voters of Maguindanao via plebiscite held on October 29 of the same year. Barely 2 years in existence, the Supreme Court ruled its creation to be unconstitutional.

The abolition of the province has left around 800 employees jobless.

Ampatuan said that although it is discouraging they fully respect the Supreme Court’s decision. He said they will still be giving full support to the re-establishment of the province should it be initiated in Congress.

Officials of the defunct province, headed by its erstwhile acting governor, Ibrahim Ibay, have formally handed over all assets, liabilities and responsibilities to the reconstituted province of Maguindanao in a ceremony held late last week at the Provincial Capitol in Shariff Aguak town.

Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., former governor of Maguindanao, was among those who witnessed the turnover.

The transition committee and inventory team, which were created earlier, conducted a validation of the assets and liabilities after the turnover. (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao TESDA-ARMM announced today the availability of 4,600 scholarship slots for the entire region under the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program (PGSP).

During the Celebration of Independence Day for ARMM held at the ground of the Office of the Regional Governor here, TESDA-ARMM awarded 120 scholarships to poor but deserving beneficiaries of the PGSP as initial grantees.

The scholarship program, according to TESDA-ARMM Director Omar Shariff Jaafar, is intended for skills trainings in automotive mechanics, metals and engineering, construction, air conditioning and refrigeration, electronics, agriculture and fisheries, food processing, health and social development services, information and communication technology, driving and engine servicing, dressmaking and tailoring.

Aside from the PGSP, TESDA-ARMM is also offering regular scholarship program on Language Skills Training (LSI) in Arabic and English and TESDA Training Institutions (TTI).

There is also Balik-Buhay Scholarships (BBS) intended for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) being implemented in the conflict-affected provinces of Lanao Sur B, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan and Basilan.

According to Dhenhar Aming, TESDA-ARMM focal person for scholarship program, the BBS is intended to assist the out of school youth (OSY) IDPs find alternative livelihood skills to help them recover from the hardships caused by the conflict.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan expressed satisfaction over the continuing support of the national government agencies to uplift the living condition of his constituents, adding that the scholarship program of the president will surely provide wider opportunities for the people to look for better jobs. (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY – In support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), the Department of Agrarian Reform National Office released P4.5 million to DAR- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.

DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the Independence Day celebration in ARMM here, released the amount for the micro-financing program of the department under the CLEEP.

Pangandaman said the P4.5 million is an initial assistance from the national government to support the unserved communities and their households of Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Lanao del Sur.

The amount will be released by DAR-ARMM to fifteen (15) microfinance institutions and cooperatives as interest-free loans. Pangandaman said the program aims to make available support funds to finance the micro-credit/microfinance needs of the unserved ARBs in the poorest communities.

During the program, he also led the ARMM officials headed by ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna and DAR-ARMM Secretary Allen Usman in distributing 242 Certified Land Titles to ARBs to beneficiaries in the eight (8) municipalities in Maguindanao.

In December 2008, President Macapagal-Arroyo launched a national program entitled CLEEP which aims to protect the most vulnerable sectors such as poor, hungry, returning expatriates, women in the export industry, out of school youths) from threats and consequences of reduced or lost income as a result of the global economic meltdown.

Pangandaman is designated by President Arroyo as program steward for ARMM whose task is to ensure the proper implementation of the program. He is also the cabinet official for regional development (CORD)-ARMM.

In his message, he reiterated the support of the national government for the peace and development efforts of the ARMM regional government. He also announced to the farmer-beneficiaries the recent approval of the House Representatives the bill which seeks to extend the life of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

ARMM Regional Governor DatU Zaldy Uy Ampatuan expressed elation over the continuous support of the national government to his peace and development programs, adding that the fund released by DAR is a big boost to the ARCs livelihood. (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan joins the whole nation in the celebration of the 111th Independence Day.

In his Independence Day message, Ampatuan paid tribute to the “men and women, especially those who fought valiantly to gain our freedom and independence.” He said “Let us not lose sight of the true significance of their sacrifices and victory.

“Our heroes have fought to achieve sovereignty and to bring honor and glory to the nation. They have fought to gain freedom from foreign oppressors in the hope that one day we, the Filipinos, will be prosperous and strong nation,” he added.

But he said fight for freedom still continues this day although in a different manner. He said the war in today’s modern time against poverty, illiteracy, deadly diseases, still needs similar gallantry and sacrifices that our heroes have shown in the past.

“My administration, with the support of the national government and partners in the donor community, is working hard to help our people gain freedom – freedom from poverty, freedom from illiteracy and freedom from deadly diseases. I hope the celebration of the Independence Day will serve as inspiration to all of us. Let us do more to take the region to greater heights,” he stressed.

ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna said highlight of the celebration will be the awarding of services and assistance and the formal opening of Jobs and Livelihood Fairs for the constituents of the region.

Sampulna said national officials from Manila will join officials and employees of the region in celebrating the 111th Independence Day Celebration here.

Secretary Nasser Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform and officials from the Historic Commission will lead the awarding of assistance and services to agrarian beneficiaries from the region.

According to Bai Cabayan Bacar, Provincial Agrarian Reform Office-DAR, Maguindanao, Secretary Pangandaman will be awarding 242 land titles to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in eight (8) municipalities in Maguindanao such as Datu Odin Sinsuat, Pagalungan, Matanog, South Upi, North Upi, Talayan, Shariff Aguak and Datu Abdullah Sangki totaling to 427 hectares.

DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Soraya Biruar said they will also award livelihood support assistance to three (3) associations in Maguindanao. Beneficiaries will be given checks amounting to P125,000 each. The assistance is under the department’s pro-poor program.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-ARMM in partnership with the Civil Service Commission –Regional Office No. 16 (CSC) –ARMM will be conducting a “Mega Job and Livelihood Fairs. The said Jobs Fair for Government Offices will be held at the CSC Regional Office-ARMM function room and lobby while the POEAs Fair will be at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex at the ORG Compound, ARMM here.

The CSC-ARMM calls all government agencies to join in the conduct of the recruitment activities for the unfilled plantilla positions in their respective offices.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)-ARMM said they have invited 10 recruitment agencies both from local and Manila to conduct manpower pooling and recruitment activities. They said that they have at least 1000 job openings for local and overseas employment.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the ARMM will also award 1,500 pockets of assorted vegetable seeds, 100 plus bags of certified palay seeds and 50 bags of OPV Cord seeds to farmer beneficiaries in the region.

The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-ARMM will award scholarships from the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program while the Department of Health will present employment contracts to qualified nurses to the Nurses Assigned to Rural Services (NARS) Program. (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan salutes the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families and reaffirms his commitment to support programs which will ensure their welfare and well-being as well as their families.

This was the message of Ampatuan during the 14th Migrant Workers Day on Sunday, June 7, 2009 here delivered by Atty. Norodin Kasim, Executive Director of the Overseas Development Assistance in the ARMM.

“Indeed, our OFWs are a national treasure and under my leadership, I am giving my full support in joining Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in their programs and services to protect and ensure the welfare and well-being of our beloved OFWs and their families,” he said.

This year’s theme of the Migrant Workers Day Celebration, “Araw ng Pasasalamat, Pagpupugay sa Kakayahan at Talino ng Pinoy Expat”.

In the ARMM, Ampatuan said, the remittances of OFWs have greatly helped in stabilizing local economy by increasing investments, domestic consumption and bring about more potential business opportunities.

He also acknowledged that remittances from OFWs have greatly helped the Autonomous Regional Government in its continuous effort to provide a sustainable social development for the people in the region through quality health and education services.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) –ARMM Secretary Emmanuel Alano said, “We should say thank you to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their support given to our economy.”

Alano added that the OFW, who are considered “modern-day heroes” are remitting some P60-B to the country every year.

He added that OWWA-ARMM has programs to ensure health and insurance benefits of the OFWs and their families.

Under the Insurance and Health care benefits, the OFW gets a life insurance and burial benefit, disability and dismemberment benefits.

During the “Araw ng Pasasalamat”, on June 7, 2009, the OWWA-ARMM gave recognition to children of OFWs who excel in their chosen courses under the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program and Tuloy-Aral Program.

The Migrant Workers Day Celebration was attended by more than 3,000 families and dependents of OFWs from the province of Maguindanao. Last December 2008, OWWA-ARMM celebrated OFW Family Day Pamaskong Handong with families and dependents of OFWs from the province of Tawi-Tawi.

“We have so much to thank for our OFWs and their families. Not only does your sacrifice redound to economic and social development of the region and the nation but you also bring us pride through your courage, perseverance, integrity and competence at work in different parts of the globe,” Ampatuan ends. (bpi-armm)

ARMM Gov supports RMN's Race for Peace in Mindanao

ARMM Executive Secretary, Atty. Oscar Sampulna Sr. congratulates Dexter Donato, a cyclist from Davao City, who bagged the first place in the recently concluded 'Race for Peace, First Tour of Mindanao' from June 4 to June 7, 2009.

Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema opens 'Race for Peace, First Tour of Mindanao' in Cotabato City. The cyclists reached their final destination, Davao City and finished 240 kilometer-stretch on June 7.


COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan reaffirms his support to efforts and initiatives that will lead to the achievement of peace and development in the region.

This is his message on Sunday, June 7, 2009 during the send off ceremony for the last and final stretch of the “Race for Peace First Tour of Mindanao” here. The message, delivered by ARMM’s Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna, states that Ampatuan’s administration is supporting this peace initiative of spreading peace to all the islands in Mindanao and in the country.

“This “Race for Peace” symbolizes a great undertaking, great effort and concerned for our people, for us to have peace in Mindanao,” the statement said.

According to Dodong Solis, organizer and RMN- Davao Station Manager, 72 cyclists from Mindanao toured from Davao City – Gen. Santos City-Koronadal- Shariff Aguak-Cotabato City and back to Davao City since June 4 to deliver the message of peace here in Mindanao.

Solis said, “Race for Peace” is a first tour of Mindanao and the cyclists want to send the message to the rest of the world that we want peace here in Mindanao. And it should start now”.

From Cotabato City, the cyclists still need to finish 240 kilometers stretch to reach their final destination, which is Davao City. They ended their tour last June 7 in the afternoon.

With the theme, “One Track, One Dream, One Vision”, Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema salutes the bikers for their efforts and sacrifices to help promote peace here in Mindanao.

Sema said this “Race for Peace” is very meaningful activity and should be supported by every Mindanaoan. The message of finding peace, Sema added is a difficult and bloody task. “It’s not easy to run 600 kilometers.”

“Go, bike for Peace,” Sema said as he bids them good luck. (bpi-armm)

7th ARMM Biz Confab set on August 4 to 5; ABC, MCCI sign MoU

The ARMM Business Council (ABC) and the Lanao del Sur provincial government officially launched the 7th ARMM Business Congress on June 4, 2009 at Marawi City. Themed “Maximizing Investment Gains to Propel Economic Development in ARMM,” the congress serves as a door for investment and business opportunities to local and foreign industries amidst economic recession. The launching also highlights the signing of Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) between the ABC represented by Chairman Datu Haron U. Bandila, AlHaj and the Maranao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) represented by Atty. Mangondaya Solaiman. The activity is a joint undertaking of Lanao del Sur provincial government, DTI-ARMM, RBOI, DOT-ARMM and DA with the partnership of GEM.

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)- Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) has strengthened its coordination with partner humanitarian agencies, donor groups and Local Government Units (LGUs) involved in the distribution of relief assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao and other areas in the region affected by the armed conflict.

In a coordination meeting here yesterday, the RDCC’s Food Cluster which the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region heads adopted a Terms of Reference (TOR) which will guide the members of the TWG and the Cluster in the conduct of the investigation on the reported mishandled of relief assistance intended for the IDPs in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.

Military reports said that on May 30 and 31, 2009, they have confiscated 221 bags of rice, each containing 50 kilos from an unnamed rice trader. The rice supply was found to be part of the relief assistance or ration intended for the IDPs for the month of May. The sacks bear the name of the World Food Programme (WFP), one of the donor agencies supplying food assistance to the IDPs. WFP is a member of the RDCC-TWG-Food Cluster.

According to reports, some unidentified individuals in cahoots with some local traders bought the rice supply with cheap prices and will be sold to the market on regular or higher prices.

The said reported incident has brought alarm to the RDCC which is chaired by Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

Director Ramil Masukat of the Technical Management Services of the Office of the Regional Governor said the RDCC-TWG-Food Cluster wants to come up with recommendations on how to strengthen and improved coordination and feedback mechanisms amongst the humanitarian agencies and other stakeholders involved in responding to the needs of the IDPs.

The team, according to Masukat agreed to conduct coordination meeting every first Thursday of every month.

He said the TOR will guide the team in their conduct of investigation on the processes used in the distribution of the relief assistance to the IDPs who are staying in the evacuation centers since August of last year due to the continuing armed conflict between the government troops and the elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Masukat said the TOR is applicable to all the distribution activities in the ground. Investigation will start next week. The WFP is joining the investigation activities next week.

Earlier, ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan reaffirms his full support to the mutual effort of the Government of the Philippines and the MILF for the resumption of peace talks and its final conclusion. Ampatuan “urge the government and the MILF to take every necessary step to bring the peace process back on track. The stakes to peace are too high to this country and the time is so precious for all parties to waste”.

“This was the longest evacuation and armed conflict that ever happened in the country and we appeal for the sake of our people, the IDPs, to, those concerned groups to go back to the negotiating table and talk peace,” DSWD-ARMM Assistant Secretary Pombaen Kader said.

Masukat added that the Team has the responsibility on what is happening on the ground. “We have to do something. This act is somewhat insulting the lives of the Bangsamoro People. This is inhuman,” he said.

Meanwhile, as of today, DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar reported that in Maguindanao province the total number of IDPs reached to 52,714 families or 272,540 individuals. She said the department is continuously filling the gaps on the needs of the IDPs. (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY – Some schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continue to receive new enrollees even as regular classes for public schools started last June 1.

In the Division of Maguindanao, Division Superintendent Mirriam Kawit said that all elementary schools in the province including those schools in the areas affected by the armed conflict started their regular classes on the scheduled date but Datu Piang Administrator Mosib Tan said enrollment in still going on in some schools in his municipality.

“Due to some displacement cause by the continued skirmishes in our area, enrollment is still going on in some schools here,” Tan said.

Tan gave an assurance that regular pupils will be using the classrooms while the displaced children will be using extra rooms and newly constructed tents and evacuation centers in the area.

Earlier, ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan directed education officials and local government units in the area to check all needed requirement for the opening of schools.

In the Division of Lanao Sur II-B, Planning Officer Kristita Selih said mostly of the schools in their division has submitted their reports saying that they have started their regular classes last Monday while as of today they are still awaiting for the report from schools in Malabang.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-ARMM said they set up help desks in the different schools to monitor and maintain peace and order during the opening of classes in the whole region.

Records from DepEd-ARMM Basic Education Information System shows that in 2008-2009 school year there are 2,053 elementary and 248 secondary schools in the region, with 663,412 and 155,854 enrollees respectively.

Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM Bureau of Secondary Education Director Professor Hamid K. Ladjakahal said secondary schools in the whole region started their classes on June 1.

Tan added the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – ARMM set-up day care centers for children-IDPs in Datu Piang wherein, he said the DSWD-ARMM have trained social workers to do the job. (bpi-armm)

ARMM Gov. assures support to NGO’s initiatives for Maguindanao communities

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7th ARMM Business Congress launched in Marawi City

COTABATO CITY – The ARMM Business Council (ABC) and the Office of the Regional Governor of the autonomous region officially launched today [June 4] the 7th ARMM Business Congress in Marawi City, province of Lanao del Sur. The actual congress will be held in the same venue on August 4-5.

Themed “Maximizing Investment Gains to Propel Economic Development in ARMM,” the congress serves as a door for investment and business opportunities to local and foreign industries amidst economic recession wreaking the country and the world.

Datu Haron U. Bandila, chair of ABC and president of Maguindanao Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “Despite news of economic crisis, we in the ARMM are safely and continually doing our businesses. The region’s business climate is getting better and making revenue better. We are hopeful that this congress would futher entice investments into the region.”

The autonomous region, composes of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi is showing off its vital industries such as rice, corn, rubber, seaweeds, aquamarine, poultry and agro-marine production and Halal. The ABC is undertaking efforts to develop ARMM as the center of industry in the country.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan is pleased with the unremitting economic progress of the region despite unavoidable conflicts transpiring in some of its communities.

“We are on the 7th year of our continuing advocacy for business and economic development. This is part of the ARMM regional government’s economic agenda – encouraging our local and foreign businessmen to embark on various business ventures in the region given its rich potentials,” Governor Ampatuan said.

The Regional Governor further said, “This activity is one of the vital links of the regional government to the business sector. We hope that the congress could draw in more businessmen to further improve the trade and industry mood in the region.”

The 7th ARMM Business Congress is a joint undertaking of Lanao del Sur provincial government, Department of Trade and Industry-ARMM, Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), Department of Tourism-ARMM and Department of Agriculture with partnership of Growth Equity in Mindanao (GEM).

253 nurses deployed to ARMM RHUs, hospitals

Dr. Eshir Ismael, Municipal Health Officer of Datu Piang, Maguindanao gives orientation to nurses to be deployed in his area. The NARS program, a joint project of DOH, DOLE and PRC, will deploy 253 nurses starting June 1 to various rural health units and hospitals all over ARMM.

COTABATO CITY – Two hundred fifty-three qualified nurses under the Nurses Assigned in Rural Services (NARS) program were deployed to various rural health units and hospitals all over the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) starting June 1, 2009.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-ARMM Secretary Emmanuel Alano said he was directed by ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan to him to immediately start the NARS program in the region. He said Governor Ampatuan further directed him to dispatch immediately these nurses so that they can help in the delivery of health care services to the constituents of the region.

Alano said ARMM was given five (5) slots per municipality or a total of 445 nurses for the NARS program.

Project NARS is a training cum employment program designed to hire unemployed registered nurses in for work in rural areas in the country to improve the delivery of health care service.

Alano said that the program will established a pool of trained, competent and available registered nurses in the region for local employment. ‘They will be warriors of wellness for our people in the region especially our people in the remote areas who are in need of better health services,” he said.

NARS is built within the framework of the “Economic Resillency Plan of the Arroyo Government” and the Department of Health’s “Formula One for Health”.

During the NARS Orientation here on Monday, Dr. Gina Macapeges of DOH-ARMM said that the nurses will be of big help to the ARMM Health workforce in the municipalities.

Macapeges said these nurses are deployed to their assigned municipalities properly oriented and properly endorsed to their assigned provincial and municipal health officials.

She said DOH-ARMM Secretary Tahir Sulaik asked the assistance of hospital authorities in the region to give free board and lodging during their stay and asked also local government units to augment or assist in the transportation allowances of these nurses assigned in remote communities in their respective municipalities.

According to Dr. Eshir Ismael, Municipal Health Officer of Datu Piang, Maguindanao the experience of these nurses in the NARS program will enlighten them on what is Public Service because they will be out giving health care service to our people especially in the remote communities.

Benzar Tayuan, a recipient of the NARS program, deployed in Datu Piang, Maguindanao-RHU said this time is the right time for him to give service especially to the evacuees in the area who, he said, are suffering the longest time since August of last year.

The nurses will be receiving P8,000.00 a month stipend. The program will run for six months.

Alano said budget for the first two months are now ready in his office. (bpi-armm)