RDCC-ARMM Conduct Continues Coordination Meeting with Humanitarian Partners

July 24, 2009


COTABATO CITY - The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is conducting continuous coordination meetings with regional lines agencies and partner humanitarian groups assisting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the conflict affected areas in the region.

Diamadel Dumagay, executive director of the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) of the ARMM in a meeting with members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the RDCC-ARMM and representatives from donor institutions and non-government organizations on July 6, 2009 said that the regional government under the administration of Regional governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan is doing every possible means to provide the needs of the IDPs.

He said the regional governor directed the regional line agencies involved in the relief operation to immediately facilitate the requirements of the IDPs in the region.

Dumagay reiterated that the regional government recognizes the support extended by the humanitarian partners working in the ground assisting the government agencies in providing the needs of the IDPs in the evacuation centers.

During the meeting, partner humanitarian and government agencies gave updates on the extent of assistance given to evacuees and issues met during the delivery of these services.

With Dumagay, Director Ramil Masukat of the Technical Management Service who also acts as Chairman of the TWG and Focal person of the RDCC, said coordination meetings are important for members of the TWG and humanitarian partners to share their activities, schedules of distribution and issues and concerns especially recommendations for the delivery of relief services.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region , which has the task to lead the relief operation and to check the status and the appropriate action for the IDPs with the Department of Health (DOH) –ARMM reported that they are continuing their relief and health services to the IPDs who are still in the different evacuation centers in the province with support from humanitarian partners.

Reports as of July 22, 2009 from DSWD-ARMM shows that there are still 54,383 families (271,045 individuals) IDPs from the 109 affected barangays in Maguindanao. Armed conflict in Maguindanao starts on August 19, 2008.

The same report states that as of July 22, 2009, 41,037 families (197,227 persons) are still living in the 138 evacuation centers while 8,942 families (43,084 persons) are outside evacuation centers or “home-based”.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that as of (July 6) it has distributed 1,407.06 metric tons of rice to 41,884 IDP families while Action Contra Hunger/Famine (ACF) installed the last three (3) hand pumps of the 15 hand pumps at Mamasapano, Maguindanao. ACF also conducted water testing to the 15 hand pumps installed.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that they had given as its technical assistance the Human Resource Monitoring System (HRMS) to be installed at the DWSW-ARMM office. The system will show all the activities of the donor agencies and humanitarian partners including their services to the IDPs.

On July 13, upon the directive of the regional executive, the Office on Civil Defense (OCD)-ARMM and Nactional Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in coordination with the Provincial government of Maguindanao released P10,000 and P5,000 financial assistance to families of victims who died of illness or due to crossfire and to wounded IDP respectively.

As of July 22, DSWD-ARMM received from DSWD 12 P5-M worth of permanent shelter for 100 IDP families in Datu Piang. DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar said that another 100 shelters will be constructed for the evacuees. Each shelter costs P50,000. The approved project costs of the permanent shelters is P2 M.

The UNFPA in its report states that they have distributed 1,715 hygiene kits to pregnant and lactating mothers in Maguindanao.

The Department of Education (DOH) –ARMM reported that they have facilitated the preparation of the Learning Module for Emergency education, Drop Out Reduction program for secondary and learning Exemplar modified in school approach and facilitated the implementation of Temporary Learning Space on designated evacuation centers.

Issues and concerns presented by the service providers in the ground like the identification of legitimate IDPs (how to identify legitimate IDPs) were discussed. Recommendations include the use of family access cards, conduct of cross validation of IDPs between barangay chair of affected and host municipalities and un-announced issuance of coupon to IDPs. (bpi-armm)

Permanent Shelters Turn-Over to IDPs in Datu Piang, Maguindanao

24 July 2009


Datu Piang, Maguindanao – Two hundred families of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the different barangays of this municipality who are now housed in the evacuation centers are recipients of the P10 million worth of permanent shelters being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD central office has released an initial P5 million for the construction of one hundred (100) permanent shelters for the IDPs in an estimated area of two (2) hectares as relocation site at Barangay Poblacion.

During the turn-over ceremony of checks to individual beneficiaries initiated by officials from the DSWD Region 12, DSWD-ARMM and Local Government Units of Datu Piang town on July 22, 2009 at the relocation site, one hundred (100) households received checks of P50,000 each for the construction of their houses.

DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Soraida Biruar said that the construction of permanent shelters for the IDPs is part of Autonomous Regional Government’s persistent efforts to help the unfortunate condition of the evacuees.

In Datu Piang alone, almost four thousand (4,000) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are still in the different evacuation centers since armed conflict between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted in August 2008.

The remaining P5 million for the additional construction of 100 permanent shelters will be released upon completion of the 70 units of the 1st batch of 100, said DSWD-12 representative Ms. Norhata Kanakan Benito.

Aside from the P50,000, household recipients also have an additional cash for work worth P1,550 each for the construction work for their own house, added Benito.

The awarding of the checks was spearheaded by the local officials of Datu Piang headed by its Administrator Mr. Ben Carandang and Mr. Musib Tan, representatives of DSWD-12 Ms. Norhata Benito and Mr. James Tamayo, Maguindanao provincial social welfare officer Ms. Elsie Amil and BCH-ARMM executive director Hadja Bai Badria Andamen. (bpi-armm)

DSWD-ARMM Conduct Community Assembly in MAguindanao and Lanao Sur

July 24, 2009


Cotabato City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) has organized a series of community assembly in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps on July 20 and 22, 2009 respectively.

The community assembly is an initial activity for the implementation of the 4Ps in the province purposely to identify and conduct orientation to potential beneficiaries of the program on its benefits and some conditionality of the program.

Bai Soraida Biruar DSWD-ARMM Regional Secretary said that recipients include pregnant women, families that have children ages from zero to fourteen (0-14) years old and currently enrolled in school and must be also below poverty line.

DSWD-ARMM in collaboration with the Local Government Units of Matanog, Maguindanao province and Pikong, Lanao del Sur identified 3,869 households from the eight (8) barangays of Matanog and 2,032 households from nineteen (19) villages of Pikong.

The 4Ps is a five year program of the national government which was conceived and started in 2008 in response to the global economic meltdown.

It also intends to alleviate poverty incidence that provides cash grants to extremely poor families not only in the ARMM but also in the entire country.

Every household will receive monthly cash grants of 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.

Recently, DSWD-ARMM officials together with the local government units (LGUs) of Datu Saudi Ampatuan identified 945 households from its 14 Barangays, 1,378 households from 18 Barangays of Mamasapano and 679 households from 9 Barangays of Datu Unsay municipality.

The 4Ps program has been launched last month in the province of Lanao del Sur where 1,659 households from the town of Ditsaan-Ramain and 1,244 families from Bubong municipalities have benefited 4Ps through cash gifts. (bpi-armm)

5 Million Pesos for Permanent Shelters

5 Million Pesos for Permanent Shelters-DSWD 12 Resident Auditor, Mr James Tamayo (2nd right) and Datu Piang Municipal Administrator Mr. Ben Carandang (right) hand over the P50,000 worth of check to one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) in the municipality of Datu Piang, Maguindanao province for the construction of a permanent shelter. The checks (inset) amounting to five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) is given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office through DSWD-12 and DSWD-ARMM as an initial release for the contruction of 100 out of 200 approved permanent shelters for the IDPs in the said municipality. .(omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

PERMANENT SHELTERS

PERMANENT SHELTERS- Initial 100 on-going construction of 200 approved permanent shelters for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) from the different Barangays of Datu Piang Municipality, in the province of Maguindanao (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm).

4Ps Program

4Ps Program – DSWD-ARMM Assistant Secretary Pombaen Kader orients potential beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps from the eight (8) Barangays of the municipality of Matanog in the province of Maguindanao on Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Matanog Municipal Gymnasium. The 4Ps is a 5-year program of the national government to help curb poverty incidence in the country through monthly cash allocations of P300 per child with maximum of three (3) children each household intended for their education and another P500 for the nutrition and health services of the entire family.

Maguindanao IDPs receive cash assistance

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Ampatuan declares Monday a special non-working holiday

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has declared, by virtue of Memorandum Order No. 198, Monday, 20th of July 2009, as a special non-working holiday in observance of the Isra’ wal Miraj.

Isra’ wal Miraj, which falls on the 27th day of the Hijra month of Rajab, is one of the official Muslim holidays recognized in the country under Presidential Decree No. 1083 (P.D. 1083).

Ampatuan enjoined ARMM constituents to commemorate the occasion in an appropriate manner. “We join the entire Muslim Ummah in observing this very important holiday,” he said.

Muslims world over consider the Isra’ wal Miraj or the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) as one of the most important events in Islamic history. It refers to a two-part journey made by the Prophet from Mecca in one night. The first was to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem then on to the seven heavens.
During his journey, Allah (S.W.T.) revealed to him the five obligatory prayers among other important Islamic doctrines.

“The miracle of the Isra’ wal Miraj will always be an inspiration to Muslims, a test to his faith, while non-believers will find it bewildering,” said Ampatuan. (bpi-armm)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (center) leads the ceremonial cutting of ribbon of the newly constructed 360 sq. meter Airport Waiting Area Building at Awang DOS, Maguindanao on July 17, 2009.Assisting the President are (Left-Right) ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan, Representative Didagen Dilangalen, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza and DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane (back of the president). (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

3. Inside the newly constructed 360 sq. meter Airport Waiting Area Building, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (2nd from left) conveys gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ( 2nd from right) for the projects and programs given to the people in the region. Ampatuan believes that the project will help tourism and livelihood activities in ARMM and Cotabato City. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane (right) and Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan look on. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (center) leads the Inaugural drive-thru of the Awang-Cotabato Airport Access Road Concreting and Widening Project. With the President were Representative Didagen Dilangalen (right) and ARMM Reginal Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane(2nd from right) and Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan (2nd from left). The project constructed on March 12, 2009 and was completed one month ahead of schedule on June 25, 2009. The project costs P20M. (omar Mangorsi/BPI-ARMM)

1. ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (right)leads the signing of the “The Quest for Excellence through FOURmula One” (inset) during the launching of the ARMM-Wide Investment Plan for Health (AIPH). With Ampatuan, Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali (center) and DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III. The signing took place during the DOH-ARMM Health Assembly on July 14-16, 2009, Davao City. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

DR. Enrique A. Tayag, Director, National Epidemology Center appeal to health workers while doing the dance step on how to avoid being infected by the A(H1N1) VIRUS to help in the early detection of the disease. To be free from this illness, “Stay Home, prevent the illness and make the region flu-free,”he stress. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

ARMM REGIONAL Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (inset) confirms his commitment and appeal to chief executives of the region and to the humanitarian partners to fully support the ARMM Investment Plan for Health which is part of his administration’s priority agenda. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III (center) explains to media during a press conference the highlights of the ARMM Investment Plan for Health (AIPH) which his office fully supports. With Duque (left) DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Tahir Sulaik and DOH Assistant Secretary Dra. Paulyn Jean Ubial(right). (Omar Mangorsi/BPI-ARMM)

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) and ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (3rd from right) award to IPHO Basilan Officer Dr. Rhoda Prinsipe (2nd from right) the replica check amounting to P595,000.00 as initial assistance to start the implementation of the ARMM Investment Plan for Health in the province. Witnessing the event (L-R) DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Speaker Regie Sahali-Generale, Governor Sadikul Sahali, Governor Jum Akbar. The other provinces received also financial assistance during the DOH-ARMM Health Assembly on July 14, 2009 at Davao City. (omar mangorsi/BPI-ARMM)

1. ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (left) extends his appreciation to the efforts of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) on his support to the implementation of the ARMM Investment Plan for Health (AIHP) during the ARMM Health Assembly on July 14, 2009 at Waterfront Hotel, Davao City. Ampatuan said that his administration fully supports the DOH’s Quest for Excellence because health is included as one of his top agenda. (omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)

DOH-ARMM Health Assembly

DAVAO CITY – Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, III and Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led today ARMM local government officials, health officials and local and foreign development partners in a three-day ARMM Health Assembly held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here.

The health assembly aims to ensure commitment and active participation of all stakeholders and other partners in the improvement of health state of ARMM populace; to recognize stakeholders and health partners to work on the present goal of improving the health of ARMM people to include key officials, local chief executives, development partners; and to identify and share good practices of each municipality of local government unit.

It also highlighted the official launching of the ARMM-wide Investment Plan for Health (AIPH), the blue print of the region’s health program for the next three years ( 2009 -2011), according to DOH-ARMM Secretary Tahir Sulaik.

Provincial governors from the region’s five provinces and more than one hundred mayors were also asked their support to the region’s comprehensive health program which, Sulaik said, “will change the health profile of the region.

Sulaik admitted that ARMM remains at the bottom from other regions of the country in terms of health conditions of its constituents. He attributed it to the lack of health facilities such as hospitals, rural health units, barangay health stations and other necessary facilities for the more than four (4) millions population of the region.

According to Sulaik in his “State of the ARMM Health Address”, Sulaik said 2008 data shows that ARMM registered a very high incidence of mortality rate compared to other regions in the country. He also attributed the poor ARMM health conditions to the prevailing peace and order situation in the area.

Since July 2008, more than 300 thousand residents of the region, most of them are in Maguindanao province, have been displaced by the on-going war between the Philippine government military and the rebel forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

On April 23 this year, Duque and Ampatuan signed in Manila a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for their commitment of partnership to support the effective implementation of the AIPH, a P6.2 billion comprehensive health program of ARMM.

The MoA embodies the support of the DOH National office to the AIPH which also contains the “Fourmula One”, the comprehensive health program of the national government.

In his message, Gov. Ampatuan lauded the efforts of the DOH-ARMM in organizing the health assembly, even as he urged the local government officials to extent full support to the regions health program.

“I encourage the local government units in the provinces and municipalities to extend the same courtesy and support to DOH-ARMM being part of the health sector.” “I honestly believe that for ARMM or any political unit for that matter to progress and develop, you need a sound and healthy community of people working together for the common good and welfare of all,” Ampatuan said.

He also expressed gratitude to the national government through the DOH for its continuing support for the development of the region.

Duque announced that some P267.9 million funds are allocated by the DOH national for 2009 to support the health programs and initiatives of ARMM. Of the said amount, P60 is intended to support the priority health programs, plans and activities under the AIPH. The amount is in addition to the P17 million earlier released by DOH during the April 23 MoA signing. P107.9 million is allocated for commodities such as TB drugs, Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) vaccines and micronutrient supplement and P100 million is allocated for the provision of potable water supply in ARMM provinces in the form of grants implemented through the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

“Today, as we hold this joint health summit, I have high hopes that we can finally bring sustainable and lasting improvements in the lives of our people here in Muslim Mindanao. Health will be finally be a reality for the thousands of poor in ARMM for whom healthcare has remained elusive over the past years,” Duque stressed.

Duque said the multiple crises in health which DOH continue to face in ARMM region prompted the department to call the development partners and other stakeholders to give focus and commitment towards speedy health development, better financing, good governance and reform in the effective and efficient delivery of health services in the ARMM.

The provincial governors and municipal mayors in attendance also vowed to support the AIPH. (bpi-armm)

RSCGAD-TWG formulates ARMM Gender and Development Code

Technical Working Group of Regional Sub-Committee on Gender and Development (RSCGAD) meets July 10, this year, in Cotabato City, to draft the Gender and Development Code for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Multi-Donor funded projects inaugurated in Maguindanao; turned-over to DepEd-ARMM

SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO – Three projects were officially turned-over Wednesday to Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) funded by World Bank, Australian Aid for International Development (AusAID) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Regional Teacher’s Training Center (RTTC), Staff House of the Center and the Library Hub, stand at the compound of Shariff Aguak Central Elementary School, are seen to help boost the quality of education in ARMM.

Dr. Ian D’Arcy Walsh, Australian Project Director for Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM), said at the inaugural ceremony that education has the biggest role to alleviate poverty and establish peace in the autonomous region.

“It is uncommon that three donors collaborated to develop an improved learning system for teachers and students in the ARMM. We believe that a quality education is a big contribution for the attainment of peace and development in the region,” Walsh said.

Further, USAID Deputy Chief of Party Kevin Corbin said, “We wanted to help ARMM address education challenges. By increasing learning opportunities for children and strengthen capacity of teachers on basic subjects, we can achieve this very soon.”

The 2,800 square meter and two-storey RTTC with 14 accommodation rooms and three function rooms is a P17.5 million project funded by World Bank through ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) under the Strategic Regional Infrastructure component. The facility will further enhance teachers’ skills and capabilities in teaching all subject areas thereby improving also the students’ performance.

The P2.75 million-Staff House serves as a support facility to RTTC and will house trainers during trainings and seminars. It was funded by BEAM through AusAID. It has an air-conditioned dormitory rooms and training halls equipped with necessary furniture and fixtures, smart board, LCD projector and laptop.

A project of DepEd, the Library Hub is jointly implemented by DepEd-ARMM, ARMM regional government, Maguindanao provincial government and Shariff Aguak municipal government. The USAID through Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS) provided 4,290 books compose of English, Science, Mathematics, storybooks, reference books and various school materials. The Hub will function as ‘warehouse and wholesale library’ for teachers and students.

“Teachers can borrow reading materials in bulk and bring them to their students in remote locations. The books can be lent to schools for 25-calendar day periods and should be returned after to be able to borrow another bundle,” Corbin said.

Moreover, Walsh noted the remarkable improvement of ARMM students’ performance which deserves more funding support to fully achieve its goals. He said that BEAM’s assessment in 2004, ARMM rated only 27% on student’s ability to solve open-ended problem questions, “now it increased by 40%.”

“The 20% increase in 4 years is not terrific but already notable. This is an indicator of progress. With the continuous assistance of different donors as well as the ARMM regional government, in five years, we can reach the expected output,” Walsh said.

DepEd-ARMM Regional Secretary, Udtog Kawit, AlHaj., also remarked on the illiteracy rate of ARMM students citing “we are getting better.”

“ARMM had stepped up to rank 11 from rank 16 among the 17 regions in the whole country which has high illiteracy rate in 2005, now we rank 7. Hopefully after 5 years, we will rank 2,” Kawit said.

On the other hand, the USAID and AusAID representatives hope that the continuing skirmishes in the region will halt to pave way the continuity of project inputs.

“We hope that peace and stability will increase in the region,” Corbin said.

Walsh further said, “We are giving counseling package for teachers on peace conflict resolution for them to handle stress and sensibilities. We want them to be culturally-sensitive. We are establishing a school system that will improve living. Then, we alleviate poverty and eventually provide opportunities for employment. Thus, we contribute to peace and development efforts.”

The ceremony also includes the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between BEAM and DepEd-ARMM for the continuous support to improve access of school children to basic education. The accord also includes the funding support of BEAM for the expansion of Vocational and Technical Skills Training for the out-of-school youth and the rehabilitation of Community Learning Centers in ARMM.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan through Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna Sr. expressed gratitude to foreign donors in helping the autonomous regional government in its efforts to improve the education sector in ARMM.

“We are far from excellence but ARMM is manifesting significant progress. The regional government is doing the best it can. Whatever resources we have and with the assistance of foreign donors, we will utilize it to meet our goal – a quality education for the students in ARMM,” Sampulna said. (BPI-ARMM)

Gov. Ampatuan creates ‘anti-corruption committee’ in ARMM

COTABATO CITY – ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan announces the creation of committee against corruption on Tuesday simultaneous with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) of 1 billion peso-regional infrastructure projects to different local government units in the autonomous region.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 292, series of 1987, Governor Ampatuan signed on July 6, this year, the creation of Internal Affairs and Complaints Committee (IACC) that will adopt anti-corruption measures and frontline advocacies among public officials and employees of ARMM regional government.

“The ARMM regional government joins the national government in its quest for a corruption-free leadership. So, to immediately address grievances of and against ARMM officials and employees, IACC will vanguard this advocacy,” Governor Ampatuan said.

The Governor appoints Executive Secretary, Atty. Oscar Sampulna Sr. as the chairman of the committee; and Deputy Executive Secretary, Atty. Ishak Mastura, Attorney-General Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, ARMM Social Fund Project Manager, Atty. Mustapha Sambolawan and Official Development Assistance Director, Atty. Norodin Kasim, as members.

The five-member committee is tasked to act and investigate all administrative disciplinary complaints and cases against public officials and employees; probe abuses and possible violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act, Republic Act No. 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and other related laws such as sexual harassment and related cases; assist with the Office of the Ombudsman on complaints and cases against officials and employees; and conduct lifestyle checks of public servants in the autonomous region.

In the conduct of the investigation, the committee is directed to examine closely pertinent provisions of the Administrative Code of 1987 or Executive Order 292, rules and regulations of Civil Service Commission and other related laws.

Further, the team is tasked to submit its findings and recommendations to the Regional Governor within 15 days from the conclusion of the investigation. Also, they are instructed to make a quarterly report to the Regional Governor on the progress of their tasks.

Governor Ampatuan assures the people of the autonomous region of impartial investigation to sincerely address dishonesty and fraud among officials and employees.

“I guarantee anyone that if they are scared or hesitant to report their complaints to the committee; they can come to me anytime. Anybody who knew of any irregularities either in the Office of the Regional Governor or any agency, you can report it directly to me. I will not allow that the ARMM government will be tainted with such remarks while I am the regional governor,” Ampatuan stressed. (BPI-ARMM)

Ampatuan underscores importance of the past at a book launch

Cotabato City – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan urged fellow Moros to draw lessons from the past in confronting the challenges of today as he graced the book launching of “Cultural Jewels – Moro Traditional and Political Leaders, A Compilation” Tuesday in this city.

The book was commissioned by Ampatuan in 2006 through Executive Order 187, which called for the creation a technical working group to conduct a research and compilation of the history of Moro leaders.

He said that it is a fitting tribute to the role played by these great men and women in upholding the culture and heritage of the Moro people.

“I believe that it is the duty of present Moro leaders to preserve the history of the Moros for posterity,” he added.

Cultural Jewels highlights the stories and achievements of great Moro leaders. The technical working group who has worked behind it was headed by Haron Felmin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-ARMM.

Felmin said they have invested a great deal of time and effort to painstakingly collate the stories of Moro leaders and important events in Moro history.

“Although, the book may be lacking in one way or the other, it would have been impossible to accomplish without the full support of Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan,” he said.

Citing a quote by the South African icon, Nelson Mandela, Ampatuan said that Moros of today must “be guided and be inspired by the past, accustomed with the present and conscious of the future.”

He cautioned that the Bangsamoro would be “vulnerable to the threat of an imminent downfall” if they will just drift without a clear sense of purpose in the “face of the challenges of this generation”.

The regional leadership is hoping that the book will provide a good reference on Moro history and will become a prized possession on its own.

Ampatuan challenged the Bangsamoro to rise up to their potential “as a nation of Islam, and as a people who can achieve great things.”

He said this feat “will not be without sacrifice, not without unity, and not without partiality to the greater good of the majority.” (bpi-armm)

COTABATO CITY— The latest batch of grantees of the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Program paid a courtesy call Tuesday to the office of the regional governor Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after successfully completing a year of schooling and cultural immersion in the United States.

The batch composed of 14 students and 4 educators are fresh from their return from the US last July 04. All of them are eager to share their experience and what they have learned from the program.

AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

The organization provides programs such as Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program to the USA and the Japan–East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS).

Under its YES program, students and educators are welcomed into host families in the US and attend classes in their host schools for a year, a semester or two weeks. Grantees will enjoy the free-tuition, free-board-and-lodging arrangement with their host families and host schools.

AFS grantees are also entitled to receive free international travel benefits

Exchange students are expected to gain a real understanding of another country’s culture and tradition in a fresh perspective, learn new language and feel confident and comfortable with people from other countries.

“This is the time for us to make a difference, not everyone gets a chance at this kind of opportunity.This is really a good way of bridging people from different cultural backgrounds.” Said Fariz Abdullah Udasan, an exchange student who studied for a year in Texas.

ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna said this AFS Intercultural Program will give a wonderful opportunity to these students to become ambassadors of goodwill to the country.
The following are the criteria for the study grant: Filipino Citizen, 15-17 years old, in good health and should be enrolled as a third year high school student in a Department of Education accredited school. Scholastic performance is also part of the criteria, with the applicant being part of the top 10 percent of the third year level, should demonstrate leadership potential and proficient in English language. The student should be willing to return to the nominating school to finish secondary education upon completion of the scholarship program. (bpi-armm)

Seguis, Ampatuan discuss peace process

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

ARMM bolsters civil servants’ health, wellness

ARMM bolsters civil servants’ health, wellness

COTABATO CITY – The ARMM regional government through the Civil Service Commission (CSC-ARMM) and Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) reiterated to employees of the government today the significance of good health and wellness in extending public service.

CSC-ARMM Assistant Commissioner Elmer Bartolata said, “A government employee cannot function well in giving efficient services to the people if his or her health is poor and physical wellbeing is frail. That is why; the national government has created an integrated scheme that will continuously remind employees of the government to spend time caring our mind and body.”

Dated June 11, this year, CSC National Chairman Ricardo Saludo signed Memorandum Circular 21, series of 2009, observing the month of July as ‘Civil Servants’ Health and Wellness Month’ and orders all constitutional bodies, departments and agencies of the national government, local government units (LGUs), government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to conduct activities promoting health and wellness for government personnel.

In his message during the launching program, ARMM Regional Government Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan through Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, enjoins all ARMM officials and employees to participate and “take into heart the purpose of this event.”



Today’s opening salvo commenced with mass fun jog of ARMM officials and employees followed by a short program, parlor games and Executive Fun Run in front of the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG).



Health booths are also installed the entire day around the covered court of Commission and Audit-ARMM and Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex for medical check-up, blood pressure check, blood typing, drug test, bloodletting and test of physical predictors for main chronic diseases.



In the afternoon, health experts from DOH-ARMM conducted a symposium giving enlightenment to topics such as A(H1N1) Virus, Dengue Fever and Healthy Lifestyle.



For the entire month, physical activities such as cardio dance, Latin dance, taebo and aerobics will also be performed every 3 o’clock in the afternoon of Wednesday in front of ORG.



CSC-ARMM Director Dominador Gonzales Jr. encourages all personnel to participate the entire month celebration to disprove claim that government employees are indolent and negligent in attending people’s needs.

“We want this affair to be also a government employees’ month – enriching not only our body but also our mind. We are the beneficiary of our own actions. The entire ARMM regional government will not be effective if its personnel are in poor shape and cannot function as public servants,” he said.

Moreover, Governor Ampatuan cheers all ARMM personnel for the unremitting advocacy to meet the aspiration of the ARMM regional government for the people.

“Let us thank the national government for carving out such timely activity. If we have sound mind and healthy body, we can provide the people in ARMM the best civil service possible. Let us work altogether to achieve a nourishing region,” Gov. Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM)





Importing contacts has never been easier.
Bring your friends over to Yahoo! Mail today!

Cleaner, Better, Faster - Experience the new Faster Yahoo! Mail today!

ARMM, Maguindanao beef up education, health services for children

ARMM, Maguindanao beef up education, health services for children

SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO – The ARMM regional government and Maguindanao provincial government has collaborated to continuously extend to children in the province the education and health services despite the sporadic skirmishes in the area through the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program.

The program has started in the country in 2005 where children aged three to four ought to be in school already but with considerations to children aged five to six in the absence of schools supervised by Department of Education (DepEd). Maguindano aims to institutionalize the ECCD program in all local government units in the province down to the barangay level.

In the ECCD implementing rules and regulations (IRR), target areas of implementation should meet the required factors such as considerable population of children and high malnutrition rate. Another factor is the commitment of the barangay government to shoulder the monthly 1,000 peso-honorarium for each Day Care Worker and Barangay Health Worker as mandated in the IRR.

Nulfarid Ampatuan of Provincial Planning and Development (PPDO) here said that aside from the cited factors of choosing target areas, “these communities are the most affected areas during armed conflict.”

In Maguindanao, ten (10) barangays have benefited the program which implementation had kicked off in January 2008. These are Barangays Poblacion, Duguengen, Lusay and Libutan of Mamasapano municipality; Barangays Elian, Pagatin and Madia of Datu Saudi Ampatuan; and Barangays Sapakan, Gaunan and Mileb of Rajah Buayan.

The ECCD program provided the following services to every barangay – organization of Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) to directly address cases of trafficking, rape and related cases of children; construction or rehabilitation of Day Care Centers (DCC) and Barangay Health Centers (BHC); and provision of learning tools, reading materials and equipment for DCC, BHC and Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) or commonly known as Home-Based Centers.

Materials for DCC composed of books, audio cassettes of children’s songs and stories, cassette player, toys, first aid kits, mats, tables, chairs, cabinets and assorted learning materials. In BHC, package includes desk and ceiling fans, examining table, gas stove, sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, delivery kits, infant and clinical scales, thermometer and cabinets.

In the project monitoring conducted by PPDO-Maguindanao and Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region (DSWD-ARMM) on June 29 to 30, all BHCs and DCCs are functioning well except in Barangay Pagatin of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Duguengen of Mamasapano.

The BHC and DCC of Pagatin was totally damaged when conflict broke in August 2008 and currently occupied by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In Duguengen, the DCC and BHC were burst into flames in September 2008 and children transferred schooling in the Harmony Place Center funded by United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) inside the evacuation center of Barangay Manungkaling, Mamasapano. They also access health services in the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of the same barangay.

Ampatuan said that the team’s assessment on the project monitoring will be relayed to Maguindano Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan for proper intervention and resolution.

“We will exhaust our best effort to re-establish these health centers and day care centers damaged by armed conflict, as soon as possible, before we will start the Phase 2 of ECCD implementation. It is very depressing to see these children outside the learning center and their health unattended. Armed conflict impedes child’s development definitely,” Ampatuan said.

The Phase 2 implementation of ECCD program is due to start in August this year to four (4) new set of municipalities in Maguindanao – Mangudadatu, Datu Piang, South Upi and Gen. SK Pendatun.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan assures the people of the region of its continuous support and assistance citing “education and health are my priority concerns.”

“These are not only the physical foundation of a region’s development, but the basic rights of our people, especially our children. If we will not address this today, we deny the future of our children tomorrow,” Gov. Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM)



Importing contacts has never been easier..
Bring your friends over to Yahoo! Mail today!

SPES Program

(PHOTO INSET)OIC Maguinadanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan (center) and Maguindanao Vice Governor Datu Akmad Ampatuan (2nd left) hand over P2,016.00 to every scholar from the different schools in the province of Maguindanao. The Autonomous Regional Government under the leadership of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan worked out for the financial assistance for the 1,700 scholars for the whole region on June 30, 2009. Witnessing the awarding at the Maguindanao Provincial Capitol were DOLE-ARMM Secretary Emmanuel Alano (2nd from right) and Chief of Staff Bai Rebecca A. Ampatuan (right).(omar mangorsi/bpi-armm)