Philippine Muslim Today

REVGOV KEEPS COMING BACK LIKE A SONG

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

Ranting pays off for Bangsamoro midwife

Everyone has a valid reason why they want to be vaccinated or not

Ali G. Macabalang | A8

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A7

BFBCI joins the call for urgent certification of BARMM term extension

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A10

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

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The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442) | 14 Pages | Online Issue

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Solon exposes alleged corruption in Cotabato DE office; DPWH director sends probe team

By ALI G. MACABALANG

ONE-LINERS

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aguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronne Sinsuat has accused top officials of the district engineering office here of alleged graft and corrupt practices, called for a probe, and demanded a suspension or transfer of such official to prevent them from influencing the conduct of an investigation.

Ijtihad By MEHOL K. SADAIN

I

am a fan of the late journalist and columnist Jose ―Joe‖ Guevara whose column ―Point of Order‖ churned out witty oneliners. His column was easy to read; it was like the present-day Tweeter posts.

His writing style was succinct and oftentimes humorous, and his subjects were pressing issues of the day. One will not realize how difficult it is to write this way, until one tries to do so. So here goes: (Full Story on Page A7)

A3 BANGSAMORO

Full Story on Page A2 SPECIAL REPORT:

MOS interviews on respondents’ willingness to be inoculated with Coronavirus vaccines This MOS (Man on the Street) interviews were conducted from all walks of life on the three geographical locations of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a few days before the arrival of the shipment of the China-donated 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine on Sunday, February 28.

A4 MINDANAO

News, events and photos MILF, BARMM leadership condole with family of Lanao from MinDA partly involving Bangsamoro people: Sur’s first lady governor

The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has joined thousands of people across the country and elsewhere abroad in manifesting sympathy over the recent demise of Princess Tarhata Alonto-Lucman.

The news articles in this section are all written by Manny F. Piñol, Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and a veteran journalist-turned-public servant.

With him is Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. — Editor

A11 WORLD

Full Story on Page A5

A14 TOURISM

Erdogan slams EU double standards policy on refugee crisis

The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Tawi-Tawi

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed EU countries over their refugee policies and criticized the bloc‘s double standards in dealing with the migrant crisis by supporting Greece on the issue of migrants but not sharing responsibility for four million refugees hosted by Turkey, media reported.

There were only less than twenty families of Chinese origin who settled in the old town of Bongao after the Philippine liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945.

They engaged in small business enterprises ranging from breadmaking (bakery), food vendors, shopkeepers and many others.

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The Community

Maguindanao solon exposes alleged corruption in Cotabato DE office; DPWH director sends probe team

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Plebiscite to ratify law dividing Maguindanao ‘possible’ before October this year

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY — Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronne Sinsuat has accused top officials of the district engineering office here of alleged graft and corrupt practices, called for a probe, and demanded a suspension or transfer of such official to prevent them from influencing the conduct of an investigation.

Rep. Sinsuat, known to peers as not outspoken, took to the hall of Congress his revelation in a 15-minuted virtual privileged speech on March1, and exposed a litany of irregularities allegedly involving incumbent District Engineer Lugaya Abas-Ampatuan, her husband and other purported cohorts in office.

His office provided the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news a video clip of his speech coupled with a transcription in four pages.

Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 12 Director Basir Ibrahim told the PMT via phone interview Wednesday that he, too, was furnished a copy of the video clip on Tuesday, and that he immediately formed a technical team to investigate the allegations of Rep. Sinsuat.

Director Ibrahim also gave the PMT the phone contact number of Engr. Ampatuan for an interview so she could give her side of the issue. ―I have formed a technical investigation group to look into all the allegations… I can‘t and will not tolerate any wrong doings among people under my watch,‖ said Ibrahim, who was implicated by Sinsuat for being allegedly ―tolerant‖ of purported arbitrary activities in the district office here.

Ibrahim is a nephew of the late legendary Engr. Mastor Ibrahim, who had served the DPWH as pioneer regional in Region 12 for over a decade without having owned a personal car until his demise due to his utmost observance of Islamic ten-

Maguindanao 2nd District Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu,

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(Above are some of photos culled from the videoed privilege speech of Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat showing his virtual presentation, two unfinished projects but allegedly fully paid, and an image of four alleged bullet-proof cars owned purportedly by officials he accused.) ets in public service. ―In my career service, I am striving hard to match the sterling record of my uncles,‖ Ibrahim said in the vernacular, referring to Engr. Dipandiin Ibrahim, a long-time regional director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), as another uncle.

The NIA director also died while in active service with known integrity beyond reproach.

Welcome probe On Wednesday night, DE Ampatuan was interviewed by the PMT over the phone and has expressed full submission to any investigation by independent groups. ―I welcome any impartial investigation,‖ the lady engineer said without elaboration, hinting that premature responses to Rep. Sinsuat‘s privilege speech could just make the accusations more complex for herself and her family.

Accusations In his 15-minute privilege speech, Rep. Sinsuat has accused DE Ampatuan of conniving with her husband, elected municipal councilor Thong Ampautan of Ampatuan town in

Maguindanao, in allegedly running the operations of the district engineers with purported whims and caprices.

Sinsuat accused the couple of allegedly transforming the field office compound here into a virtual family abode and gambling den among the husband and selected contractors.

He said the husband‘s election as municipal councilor was bankrolled out of proceeds from alleged kickbacks from infrastructure projects involving several millions of pesos.

The lawmaker charged that it was the husband who has allegedly been running the office, approving purportedly pre-arranged biddings of projects, handpicking compliant subordinates as members of their bids and awards committee, forging the signature of the wife, extorting funds from contractors, and falsifying documents to make He also alleged that since Ampatuan was assigned in the DE office here, the couple has allegedly amassed wealth and purchased

several expensive vehicles, three of which were purportedly custom-built for bullet proofing to protect themselves from armed assault by groups or individuals aggrieved in previous transactions.

Sinsuat claimed that complaints about alleged irregularities in this DE office compound, especially about illegal poker and mahjong gambling games, have been known to some media entities in this city.

The lawmaker backed his speech with some photos, including the purported bulletproof vehicle, and concluded his revelation with a demand for overhaul in the district office. His allegations were referred to the appropriate committee in the House of Representatives, it was learned.

Sinsuat and other sources said the controversial outfit would soon be turned over to the administration of the two-year old Bangsamoro regional government following the inclusion of this city in the new autonomous region.

AGM

AGUINDANAO — Conduct of a plebiscite to ratify upcoming law, which will divide this province into Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, is ‗possible‘ before October this year to warrant of new sets of elective officials therein in the 2022 polls, according to Philippine Muslim Today news sources.

The prospect has surfaced as Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael ―Toto‖ Mangudadatu announced on Tuesday the passage on second reading by the Senate of the bill seeking to establish the two new provinces.

In a Facebook post, Rep. Mangudadatu expressed gratitude to Senator Francis ―Tol‖ Tolentino for presenting to the plenary the joint report of the Committees on Local Government; and Electoral Reforms and People‘s Participation on Senate Nos. 1274, 1714 and 1824 that similarly seek the division of this province.

Beverly Ballitoc, legislative staff of Mangudadatu, said Sen. Tolentino‘s presentation did not entail interpellation or objection in the plenary from other senators, prompting Senate President Vicente ―Tito‖ Sotto III to bang the gavel signifying the passage of the measure on second reading.

Ballitoc and other sources privy to the legislative measures said the Senate is likely to pass for third and final the bill before going for brief recess this month, eventually set a bicameral meeting with House leaders, and submit to the President the harmonized bill enactment into law.

Barring major impediments, they said, Congress will be able to set the date for ratification of law in a plebiscite before October this year, during which the Commission on Elections would start receiving national and local certificates of candidacies in the 2022 synchronized elections.

The ratification of the law of the law before October will pave the way for the conduct of elections in 2022 of separate governors, vice governors, and sets of provincial board members in the two provinces.

For the moment, the Senate and House bills maintain one Congressional seat in each of the provinces, with this city still forming part of the Maguindanao del Norte, legislative narratives showed.

Senate Bills 1274, 1714, 1824, authored respectively by Senators Bong Revilla, Cynthia Villar and Tolentino, are the counterpart versions of lower Chamber‘s proposals, harmonized into House Bill 6413, introduced by Mangudadatu and Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat.

The Senate versions made minor revisions in the House bill, such as the replacement of terms northern and southern with suffixes ―Del Norte‖ and ―Del Sur,‖ according to Ballitoc.

PLEBISCITE | A12

The Community

SPDA administrator urges Basilan officials to unite as they mark the province’s 47th anniversary

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

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MILF, BARMM leadership condole with family of Lanao Sur’s first lady governor

By Ali G. Macabalang

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OTABATO CITY — The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has joined

Fires that gutted a public pilot school in Evacuees shelters in Marawi’s Sagonsongan evacuees shelters.

Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdulghani ‘Gerry’ Ajul Salapuddin of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdulghani ‗Gerry‘ Ajul Salapuddin has hailed the local government officials for leading Basilan province through peace and development as it marks its 47th Founding Anniversary last March 1.

Anchored on the theme ―Tennun fortifies ingenuity, perseverance, and cooperation amidst the challenges confronting Basileños‖, the month-long celebration started on March 1, and ends on the 31st of this month, focusing on agricultural activities, health programs, and services.

In the spirit of ―tennun‖ or weaving, (―tennun‖ generally means woven cloth used in making the Yakan dress), Salapuddin urged the local government officials led by Governor Jim S. Hataman-Salliman and Vice Governor Yusop T. Alano, to unite as one team to pursue and sustain the peace and development agenda of Basilan Province.

Once again, the Provincial Government of Basilan is expected to highlight the cultural and economic value of weaved Yakan cloth as it is the greatest heritage of the province.

SPDA Administrator and CEO Salapuddin had been the Provincial Governor of Basilan for a decade (1988 -1998) and a Representative of the lone district of the province in the House of Representatives from 1998 – 2007. He became also the House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao.

As everyone knows, the Province of Basilan is located across the southern tip of Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) and is bounded on the north by Basilan Strait, on the east by Moro Gulf, on the southeast by Celebes Sea and on the west by Sulu Sea.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

The combined officialdom sent Thursday, March 4 a team led by Abdulraof ―Sammy AlMansoor‖ Macacua, chief of staff of the MILF‘s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and BARMM executive secretary, to personally convey words of sympathy and condolences to the family of late Alonto-Lucman, the first elected lady governor of Lanao del Sur. Accompanied by BARMM‘s Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, Sec. Macacua was received by Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal ―Bombit‖ AlontoAdiong Jr. and former Regional Vice Governor Haroun Al-Rashid ―Momoy‖ Alonto Lucman Jr., grandnephew and son of the late princess.

The MILF-BARMM delegation was received at the provincial capitol complex in Marawi City where relatives, friends and sympathizers have been paying their last respect to the former governor since her demise in the early morning of Feb. 26 at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City at the age of 94.

On March 1, the Senate passed Resolution No. 665 ―expressing the profound sympathy and sincere condolences‖ the upper chamber of Congress on the demise of the AlontoLucman.

Introduced by Senator Richard ―Dick‖ Gordon and instantly coauthored by all incumbent female senators, the two-page resolution cited the exploits of the late princess both in public service and traditional functions, especially in her strides for Muslim-Christian solidarity and in fostering reconciliation among warring families in La-

thousands of people across the country and elsewhere abroad in manifesting sympathy over the recent demise of Princess Tarhata Alonto-Lucman.

ABOVE: (from right) Lanao Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong, Secretary Macacua and Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, a nephew-in-law of the late ex-governor.

BELOW: Sec. Abdulraof Macacua’s embrace with former Regional Vice Governor Momoy Alonto-Lucman, son of the deceased princess.

nao del Sur. The Senate resolution acknowledged the early education of the former under the tutorship of one of the Thomasites sent by the American government for humanitarian mission – something modern academicians regarded as a feat in breaking orthodox notions that acquiring knowledge from nonMuslims would make on a non-believer in Islam.

It also credited the Maranao princess‘ being the daughter of the country‘s first Maranao Senator Sultan Alauya Alonto and sister of se-

cond Maranao elected Senator Ahmad ―Domocao‖ Alonto Sr. and former Ambassa-

dor and first Lanao Sur Governor Abdulgafor ―Madki‖ Alonto.

AGM

Senator Dick Gordon in his virtual sponsorship of Senate resolution conveying sympathy and condolences to the bereaved Alonto-Lucman clan.

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Across Mindanao

News, events and photos from MinDA partly involving Bangsamoro people:

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Japanese consulate fetes 100th anniversary in Mindanao via webinar with MSU-GSC

[Editor’s Note: The news articles are all written by Manny F. Piñol, the MinDA chairman, a veteran journalist-turned-public servant.]

Boosting Corn Industry!

MinDA pushes silo system to protect corn farmers Wao, Lanao del Sur – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has identified the town of Wao, Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Region as one of the five pilot sites of the Mindanao Corn Grains Silo Storage System which is aimed at boosting the region’s corn industry.

Wao, located near the boundaries of Bukidnon to the east and Cotabato to the south, is one of the major corn production areas not only in Mindanao but the whole country.

Problems on the absence of post-harvest facilities and oppressive farm gate prices prompted farmers to shift to other crops with some of them leasing their lands to pineapple producing companies.

With food sufficiency issues confronting the country today in the face of the COVID 19 Pandemic, MinDA aims to boost Mindanao’s poultry and livestock industry by increasing corn production.

MinDA is advocating

Dr. Anshari Ali

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MinDA chairmanManny F. Piñol & Lanao Sur Gov Bombit Adiong in Wao, Lanao del Sur. farmers led by Mayor the establishment of Corn DA. Grains Silo Storage FaciliWao is one of the pilot Elvino Balicao, Jr. Following the public ties in key corn production areas along with Baungon areas which will all be town in Bukidnon which is forum where the stakelinked by a digital platform funding the project holders expressed deep interest in the project, creating a virtual network through a loan from the MinDA will hold a two-day of corn farmers to protect Development Bank of the orientation workshop to them from manipulative Philippines. start the groundwork for pricing by the market.

Recently, I visited Wao the establishment of the The project is pro- with Lanao del Sur Gover- facility and the organizaposed to be included in nor Mamintal Adiong Jr. tion of an Economic Enterthe European Union- and Cong. Ansarrudin Adi- prise Office to handle the funded MINPAD-RISE Pro- ong to explain the concept project. (#GovernanceIsCommo gram for Mindanao which of the Corn Storage Silo nSense!) will be managed by Min- System to the town’s corn

Nationwide advocacy!

Cagayan Valley catches bamboo fever; groups targets 5k hectares The advocacy to promote the planting of the Giant Bamboo (sn: Dendrocalamus giganteus) in the deforested areas and critical watersheds of Mindanao has spread beyond the region with a new group in Cagayan Valley aiming to produce 1million seedlings over the next two years.

The Cagayan Valley Bamboo Corporation led

by Isabela businessmen Victor Calderon and Edgar Pagulayan has established a nursery in Cabagan, Isabela with the help of veteran nursery management expert Romie Sotito of Cotabato.

Both Victor and Edgar are actually followers of my advocacies in Mindanao, especially the propagation of the Giant Bamboo both for the prevention of soil erosion and income and jobs generation.

Having absolutely no idea on how to start the bamboo industry in Cagayan Valley, the duo sought my help and I linked them up with the acknowledged “Mother” of the Bamboo Advocacy in the Philippines, Myna Decipulo of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

To assist them in es-

tablishing a nursery in Cabagan, Isabela, I sought the help of the North Cotabato Palm Oil Corp. headed by my brother, retired police officer Patricio, by lending the group’s nursery expert, Romie Sotito, to help our Isabela friends.

A modern nursery system complete with a mist irrigation system was established in Cabagan town in less than a month after which local hands started filling poly bags with soil.

Since the transport of seedlings in bags with soil from Mindanao to other parts of the country is

prohibited by the Dept. of Agriculture because of the presence of the Fusarium Wilt in the island, Myrna shipped carefully packed propagules by air cargo.

From Manila, the packed propagules were transported to Isabela for eight hours where these were dipped in root growth enhancer and placed in poly bags.

Calderon said CVBC aims to establish a Bamboo Processing Facility similar to the Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resource Corp. plant in Malaybalay.

He said the seedlings will be sold to private individuals and local government units, especially

those located along the banks of the mighty but often overflowing Cagayan River.

A buy-back scheme will be worked out where CVBC will assure the Cagayan Bamboo farmers and LGUs of a ready market for their produce.

He said CVBC aims to support government’s effort to mitigate flooding in Cagayan Valley by planting Bamboo near the banks of Cagayan River while creating a new and environment friendly farming activity. #FarmingIsContagious!

NEWS, EVENTS | A13

OTABATO CITY — The Japanese Consulate in Davao City feted on March 3 its 100th year or centennial founding anniversary in events highlighted by a virtual seminar it hosted jointly with the Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) campus.

In his virtual welcome address, Dr. Anshari P. Ali, MSU-GSC chancellor, welcomed participants in the seminar and lauded the organizers conduct the event he described as very educational for both Japanese and Filipinos people to be abreast with the evolution of their nations friendship dating back before World War I. Dr. Ali said his campus, which is one of two academic institutions with existing partnership programs with Japan through its consulate office in Davao City, has been benefiting from bilateral diplomacy, particularly in academic concerns.

He said six of key officials in the MSU-GSC are products of the scholarships-offering fellowship with Japan, citing Dr. Anderson Bella, incumbent director of the university‘s International Relations Office as one of them.

The event was supposed to be held in March 2020 but the emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic restrained organizers from staging it on time, Davao Consul General Miwa Yoshiaki said, adding that the Japanese diplomatic outfit was formally established in Davao City in 1920.

Six webinar speakers, most of them Filipino alumni of the Japan-Philippines socio-cultural exchange programs, took turns in presenting visual slides of photos involved in the evolution of bilateral diplomacy.

Dr. Bella, one of the speakers, recalled that the Davao consulate office was established two years after a number of Japanese citizens migrated to Davao City and engaged in abaca farming that evolved into an industry serving as a pre-war Philippine export to Japan.

Other speakers also narrated how the productive and peaceful coexistence of Davao locals and Japanese migrants had been shattered by the two World Wars, notably the second wave that ―turned friends into enemies‖ in Davao and nearby communities.

As time healed the wounds of war, the Philippine and Japanese government established diplomatic ties, providing Tokyo to reinvigorate its consular office in Davao City.

Most of the speakers provided data showing that the Japanese government has remained a top player in the Official Development Assistance (ODA), a conduit of foreign governments‘ fiscal to the Philippines.

A considerable segment of Japan‘s assistance through ODA has been benefiting conflict-affected areas in Muslim Mindanao, where workers of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been implementing various ventures ranging from the government peace processes with Moro revolutionary fronts to socio-economic and infra projects.

On the cultural exchange aspect of bilateral diplomacy, Yoshiaki said, at least 200 Filipinos have been provided scholarships to study in different universities and academic institutions in Japan every year.

ALI G. MACABALANG

News

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

SPECIAL REPORT:

MOS interviews on respondents’ willingness to be inoculated with Coronavirus vaccines

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2,100 health workers to get BARMM’s first phase of Covid-19 vaccine shots

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL This MOS (Man on the Street) interviews were conducted from all walks of life on the three geographical locations of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the KingThe Chinese military cargo plane arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and met by government officials led no less by President Rodrigo Duterte.

A question was asked on the willingness of MOS Respondents to be vaccinated after some Frontliners composed of doctors, nurses, and medtech, and other hospital personnel were already vaccinated with Sinovac, a China made vaccine.

The MOS question runs this way: ―Magpapabakuna ka ba? Bakit?‖ 1st Respondent: Ms. Lynda TorresKalbit The 1st MOS Respondent who is a resident of Cebu Province but a retired employee of the Mindanao State University in Bongao, TawiTawi.

Torres-Kalbit answered: ―Yes I am willing to be vaccinated because I believe with vaccines since we are protected physically.

If ever the COVID19 virus will unfortunately be able to penetrate my body, at least I have physically ―soldiers‖ to fight and kill the virus intruders.

Let us not wait matamaan ng COVID-19 virus,‖ she emphasized. ―There is an old saying: An ounce of prevention is much better than a pound of cure,‖ she added.

There‘s nothing new about the concept of prevention being better than cure. Focusing on what matters to individuals to promote better health and well-being and stopping them from becoming ill.

The phrase ‗prevention is better than cure‘ is often attributed to the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus in around 1500.

2nd Respondent:

Tante Gantinao Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 Alumnus Former Campus Journalist, The Dawn of the University of the East, Manila Gantinao said: ―Yes I am willing to be inoculated with vaccine.‖ ―The reason is that vaccine is part of science. And it is one way of making sure I am safe from dying from COVID-19. Hence, I prefer to be vaccinated.‖ He added, hopefully all vaccines can be equalized to perform 100% and more efficient and safe for us and will not cause an adverse reactions.

It is what turns off people from getting vaccinated. I wish Pfizer, Moderna and Aztra Zeneca should just let their vaccines be licensed or rolled out for the world to be finally free and efficient to kill the virus faster.

(Editor‘s Note: In the Special Feature on the World News, we feature some of the adverse reactions where many died after inoculated with Pfizer Vaccine. We are not downgrading the efficacy rate and how safe is Pfizer but it is up for you readers of Philippine Muslim Today to personally assess Pfizer).

3rd Respondent: Anonymous Management Consultant and Business Manager

dom of Saudi Arabia a few days before the arrival of the shipment of the China-donated 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine on Sunday, February 28.

Manila ―Yes, I will personally submit myself to vaccination, for the COVID -19, but only in the right time and under the right conditions. The right time and condition include being able to observe first, after a short while, the immediate efficacy of the specific vaccine brand rolled out locally against the COVID-19 pandemic (and proving it has no adverse medical effects on the population of patients/recipients).‖ He added, ―if the data is satisfactory then I will immediately submit to vaccination to make my contribution for the general health and safety of the population. I believe the standard or premise of the argument [on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination] should really revolve more around medical health-issues or the safety and welfare of recipients more than mere access to venues, services and other privileges. The compromise of fundamental human rights shouldn‘t have been an issue in the first place… Thank you.‖ 4th Respondent: MS. PATRICIA ESTUYE GARCES Midwife, Pharmacist Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (Now a resident of Bacoor City, Cavite) ―Kung ligtas man sa katawan natin…. Mag pabakuna ako…. Pag walang bakuna. Baka di ako payagan mag

travel di tayo maka uwi sa lugar natin.‖ (If this is safe to be inoculated into our body physically, I am willing to be vaccinated. If I am not vaccinated with anti COVID-19 I have the fear that I might not be permitted by the authorities to travel to my home province.)

5th Respondent: DR. DING DALAMBAN, Ph.D. Retired Chief Administrative Officer Former Radio Broadcaster News Writer at the local paper News Correspondent, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) ―Hindi ako magpabakuna kasi hindi ako segurado sa effect ng bakuna.‖ (I will not subject myself for vaccination since I doubt the efficacy of the vaccines.) ―As to the additional comment isipin ko pa kasi medjo masama ang kutob ko sa COVID -19 pandemic.‖ (As to the additional comment, I still have to think about it since I feel something bad with this COVID-19 pandemic.)

6th ALIREZA KUNTING Islamic Scholar Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ―Hindi seguro ako magpa bakuna.

In Shaa Allah. 60 years old na ako basta I would strictly observe health protocol.

In Shaa Allah.‖ (I am not sure if l will go on vaccination. In Allah‘s will.

I am now 60 years old and I will just observe strict health protocol. In Shaa Allah.)

7th Respondent: JHANE BULAONG OFW, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ―Opo. Willing po ako magpabakuna..dahil it will save may life from pandemic SPECIAL REPORT | A13

A ray of hope for Covid-19 pandemic’s end. MOH minister Dr. Amirel Usman and deputy minister Zul Qarneyn Abas personally welcomed the arrival of 4,200 Sinovac vaccine vials Thursday, March 4, at the Awang Airport, Maguindanao.(Bangsamoro government photo) Bangsamoro health minister Dr. Amirel Usman affirmed that 2, 100 health personnel in the region are the first to receive of Sinovac vaccine, following its arrival on Thursday, March 4, in Cotabato City.

With 4, 200 vials of Sinovac vaccine, each of the health workers shall receive 2 shots, with 4 (four) weeks interval from the first vaccination. This is for phase 1 of the anti-Covid-19 vaccination program of the Bangsamoro Government‘s Ministry of Health (MOH). ―From these initial 2,100 shots, 1,400 will be from Maguindanao, 972 in Lanao del Sur, 278 in Basilan, 1,032 in Sulu, and 518 for Tawi-Tawi […] while Cotabato City was already given by Region 12,‖ Usman said.

Usman emphasized that at least 70% of the Bangsamoro constituents are the initial target to be vaccinated all throughout the region.

Health workers in the region (who work both in public and private hospitals), including frontline workers in the ministries of social services, education, and local government, are the top priorities of the MOH. After the health workers, the next priorities are the indigent senior citizens, Bangsamoro constituents, and uniformed personnel. However, this is still subject to change, depending on prevailing situations. ―We have two types of Covid-19 vaccine—the one which can be stored in +2C to +8C refrigerator and the other can be stored in -70C. The challenge for Pfizer is, BARMM still has no capability to store -70C temperature right now,‖ Usman said.

According to Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Sinovac is recommended (but not prohibited) for 18-59 years old, healthy individuals with no exposure to Covid-19.

Also certified as Halal by the Indonesian Government, Sinovac has minor effects on the inoculated person such as nausea, pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection. Accordingly, these are normal vaccination reactions.

Meanwhile, for the senior citizens, both Pfizer and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines offer high efficacy and reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. ―There are no adverse reactions from the Sinovac vaccine. If any, a team will observe the receiver or person immunized from 50 minutes to 1 hour in the vaccination sites near the hospitals,‖ Usman stressed.

Usman also highlighted that the available vaccine at the moment is the ―best vaccine‖ for everyone, highlighting that vaccination program is just part of the government‘s preventive measures against the virus.

Health workers, who are willing to get vaccinated, are advised to sign waivers. However, they also have the option if they prefer another Covid19 vaccine such as Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

MOH is set to conduct a vaccination ceremony tomorrow morning, March 5, at the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Maguindanao.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

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Editorial

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc. DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Directors MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region

Instead of helping, it seems bystanders are just watching while taking photos of the fires in Marawi.

JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist

Editorial

FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ATTY. BAYAN G. BALT BENJ BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC FILEMON G. ROMERO, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN DR. ABDUL HANNAN M. TAGO DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management.

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

The unexpected truth in the recent Marawi fires

I

t has been 35 years since the Filipino people had overthrown a dictatorship whose repercussions are still being felt even after more than three decades.

Fire Prevention Month is celebrated in this country every March of the year. It is a month where everyone is reminded of not just the importance of fire prevention and safety, but also of the importance of firefighters, and the availability of the required equipment and vehicles to fight off fires that cause so much damage to homes, property, and lives.

With emphasis on the last two points, something amiss has been brought to everyone‘s attention. The recent fire incidents in the city of Marawi last month alone bared an unexpected (for many) truth: there has been no firetruck servicing the city. The fact has many a person in the city scratching his head in wonder, shaking his head in disbelief, or fuming in outrage.

What went wrong? With all the resources and funds pouring into the city since the siege ended almost 4 years ago, did it ever come to pass on anyone‘s mind that a city on the mend from an atrocious war would be in great need of firetrucks and firefighting equipment? No wonder the firemen of the city were helpless like soldiers stripped of their guns in battle! While some of the anger of many people towards the City‘s fire department were misplaced, most of the backlash is justified. For how long will Marawi rely on its neighbors‘ fire departmenrs?

The fires that happened in Marawi City may have been inevitable, but the fact that it lacked the firetrucks and other proper equipment is absolutely unacceptable. The siege, four years ago now and counting no longer serves as a valid excuse. Nor will it convince the citizens to be told that such a thing will not be possible to have as of the moment. A fire cannot be told to stop by itself to wait for firemen with a firetruck to put it out.

A fire that destroys homes, property and lives may be easily put out, but the same cannot be said of the people‘s dismay and loss of trust.

PMT

Opinion

Ijtihad

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

A7

ONE-LINERS

MEHOL K. SADAIN

I

am a fan of the late journalist and columnist Jose ―Joe‖ Guevara whose column ―Point of Order‖ churned out witty one-liners. His column was easy to read; it was like the present-day Tweeter posts.

His writing style was succinct and oftentimes humorous, and his subjects were pressing issues of the day. One will not realize how difficult it is to write this way, until one tries to do so. So here goes: *** It is not true that when

they began administering the Chinese vaccine, the nurses had to call out, ―Sinovac may gusto magpabakuna?‖ *** Whereas the first vaccine was not seniorfriendly, this second one is ―Asta Senile ka‖, and works well for the elderly. *** If you believe the scare stories that are going around, the best vaccine is the one that will not turn you into a zombie or a mutant. *** It is not true that fre-

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

T

he MOS (Man on the Street) interviews were conducted from all walks of life on the three geographical locations of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a few days before the arrival of the shipment of the China-donated 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine on Sunday, February 28.

The Chinese military cargo plane arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Everyone has his/her valid reason for the willingness to be vaccinated and for refusal too.

A question was asked on the willingness of the respondents to be vaccinated after all Frontliners composed of doctors, nurses, and medtech, and other hospital personnel were already vaccinated.

Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi received Sinovac's CoronaVac, the first batch of vaccines that arrived in the country through a donation from China, from head nurse Chareluck Santos on Monday, March 1.

Dr. Gap, the PGH Director popularly called is now in COVID-19 history as the first man in the Philippines vaccinated with Sinovac vaccine that is made in China. He is a neurosurgeon while Santos is the head nurse of PGH.

Both Legaspi and Santos are now in the history of COVID-19.

Thus, Dr Legaspi, as PGH director is the first person to legally receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines. Why is it legal because the vaccine administered on several high ranking government officials and PSG personnel especially close-in personnel of President Rodrigo Duterte was an unauthorized vaccination.

In the MOS interviews conducted from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao including the OFWs in the in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia out of the 15 respondents interviewed at random as to whether they prefer to be vaccinated, 9 of them agreed to be vaccinated.

However, 5 of them vehemently refused to undergo vaccination.

Two of them a former Campus Journalist Tante Gantinao and Rosendo R. Reyes, a Civil Engineer are willing to be vaccinated since both of them said that vaccines are creation of science.

Then another two respondents have the same reasons why they should undergo vaccination. That is for their self-protection and protection of others.

Now to reveal their identities after all it is revealed in the MOS Special Feature, they are respondent No. 10 by the name of Ishak Binudin,

quent users of the zoom meeting platform will soon be called zoombies. *** The many variants of covid 19 that are emerging show that the virus is adapting better than man. *** Some legislators want the DEPED to decrease their number of planned face-to-face classes; so can the DEPED also tell them to conduct less legislative inquiries? *** Some experts claim our learning attention span is only

two hours, so if we have three -hour classes, we can use the extra hour for recess! *** The Commonwealth shoot-out is now developing into a giant jigsaw puzzle, except that many pieces don‘t fit. *** The illegal drug syndicates are still powerful that they can turn coordinating enforcement agencies into violence-prone bumbling amateurs or competing entrepreneurs, depending on where they place their bets. ***

A few months from now, election fever will replace covid fever, for which there is no known vaccine or cure, and those afflicted become rabid about winning. *** Fuel and food prices are spiraling up again, which either means that people are traveling and eating more or will soon be traveling and eating less. *** One-liners are fun because you write less so readers can think more!

MKS

Everyone has a valid reason why they want to be vaccinated or not a Creative Director. To his friends he is popularly known as Saki, and who said ―Oh yes I will go on vaccination for my own protection and the protection of others.‖ Similarly, Respondent No. 13 identified as Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), he has also similar reason why he is willing to be vaccinated.

Commissioner Mando said ―Yes I will submit myself for vaccination.

This is for the welfare of my health, including my family and all my love ones.‖ Another one is Respondent No. 4 by the name of Ms. Patricia Estuye Garces.

She is a Midwife by profession but worked as a Pharmacist in Tawi-Tawi.

But she is now a resident of Bacoor City, Cavite.

She expressed willingness to be vaccinated as long as there is an assurance that the vaccine will not create an adverse reaction.

Our Respondent No. 1 by the name of Ms. Lynda Torres Kalbit did not hesitate to be vaccinated.

Torres-Kalbit likened the vaccine as a ―soldier‖ that can protect her body system just in case she is afflicted with COVID-19 pandemic.

She also said ―there is an old saying: An ounce of prevention is much better than a pound of cure.‖ Then another respondent who opted to remain anony-

mous although he is actually a Management Consultant and a Business Manager said, ― Yes, I will personally submit myself to vaccination, for the COVID-19, but only in the right time and under the right conditions. The right time and condition include being able to observe first, after a short while, the immediate efficacy of the specific vaccine brand rolled out locally against the COVID-19 pandemic (and proving it has no adverse medical effects on the population of patients/ recipients).‖ Then another two respondents believe in the Divine Intervention. He is Respondent No. 6 by the name of Alireza Kunting residing in Riyadh, KSA, He said ―I am not sure if l will go on vaccination. In Allah‘s will. I am now 60 years old and I will just observe strict health protocol. In Shaa Allah.‖ The same thing with Respondent No. 15 by the name of Farisha Kusain Datumanong who is a Fashion Designer and was a former OFW in Kuwait. She is now a

resident of Cotabato City.

She boldly said ―A big no! I know how to treat any of my illnesses at the will of Allah and I am rather afraid of the vaccine.‖ Two of my Respondents are already Senior Citizens.

Respondent No. 8 is an Economist and identified as Perfecto Pascua.

Pascua said I will not subject myself for vaccination, since I have not yet known its [vaccines] efficacy for a Senior Citizen like me.

Then another Senior Citizen is Respondent No. 5, Dr. Ding Dalamban, a retired Chief Administrative Officer.

Dr. Dalamban said ―I will not subject myself for vaccination since I doubt the efficacy of the vaccines.‖ Finally Respondent No. 14. is Ms. Connie Caduduan, a Pharmacist by profession.

She is the Store Manager of Mercury Drug of Bacoor City in Cavite.

For your comments or suggestions please send your email to: munir1845media@gmail. com

For Reliable Info, Read Philippine Muslim Today

A8

Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A. ADAZA

REVGOV KEEPS COMING BACK LIKE A SONG (1)

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” – President John F. Kennedy “You keep coming back like a song A song that keeps saying, remember The sweet used-to-be That was once you and me Keeps coming back like an old melody The perfume of roses in May Returns to my room in December From out of the past where forgotten things belong You keep coming back like a song.”

– You Keep Coming Back Like A Song by Irving Berlin as sung in the original

by Dinah Shore

H

ow was this done?

The Cory crowd padded the results of the elections in every congressional district. But why did Comelec do it? According to an authoritative source, Cory met with the Comelec commissioners a week before the election with specific instruction that she should have a majority in the new Senate – with special emphasis that former Senator and Cebu Governor Rene Espina and former Member of Parliament and Misamis Oriental Governor Homobono A. Adaza should not be in the winning circle.

Revgov is a contrac-

tion of the words Revolutionary Government. It is not an original idea of the Duterte fanatics or the Cory yellow crowd. It is as old as the concept of civil government. The best example of a revolutionary government as a concept is what is articulated by Thomas Jefferson, later to become President of the United States of America, in the American Declaration of Independence: ―We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and

the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

L

ONG ranting via live stream about perceived bureaucratic red tape and discriminatory government officials has paid off for Muslim midwife Michelle Lu. In her emotionpacked revelation live in early January, Lu unleashed in tears how she and other midwives operating private lying-in clinics had been subjected to dillydallying by officials and workers of the Department of Health (DoH) central office in their quests for permission to operate.

Lu said she has been operating a lyingin clinic in Cavite where pregnant mothers delivered ―free of

charge‖ and was opening a similar facility in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Hundreds of private midwives like her were worried about a DoH circular banning the operations of nongovernment birthing facilities after Dec. 31, 2020.

In her first video, Lu said that her becoming a nurse-midwife was a product of cashstrapped study at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City after experiencing twice ordeals in government private hospitals on two instances of her pregnancy.

Because she was visibly poor, she said, attending doctors,

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

nurses and midwives were cold on her. And when she was on the verge of child deliveries, one or more of the attendants were tinkering with her genitals painfully but she persevered because her family could not afford private room services.

While narrating her sad experiences, Lu burst in tears and heightened her ranting about ordeals in being dilly-dallied at the DoHcentral office in Manila.

Her trips to Manila cost her much financially and physically, she said.

True to President Duterte‘s earlier advisory for the public to ―create something catchy‖ to gain the

for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.‖ In the Philippine context, the idea of a Revolutionary Government is integrated into section 1 of Article II of the Constitution. Whoever declares a revolution government must always use this provision of the Constitution. And this provision includes all the concepts in the American Declaration of Independence.

Coming: Organizing a revolutionary government is an interesting and challenging idea. It is also very romantic, especially for the dreamers and the visionaries.

And in this country, dreamers and visionaries abound in great numbers. But most of them do not have a chance to implement their dreams and vision.

But there is another group that seeks to organize or have organized a revolutionary government not to implement dreams or vision but to consolidate power to achieve their nefarious purposes. A concrete example is the Cory Aquino revolutionary government. It had no dreams or vision. It had only one purpose – to consolidate power by dismantling the Marcos apparatus and the Opposition machinery so they could have the country for themselves.

As expected, Cory and her band failed. They were dismal failures. To quote Mahatma Gandhi again, ―Bad means never make for good ends.‖ And now this group of Duterte fanatics wants to imitate the Cory failed attempt in using a revolutionary government label to conceal their greedy intentions.

Information: I got wind about the rally in

the evening of February 21, 2021 that a group of Duterte followers will declare a revolutionary government at the EDSA revolution shrine.

According to my informant, the organizers come from all over the country and one of the leaders is a Muslim who will facilitate the presence of 58,000 persons from the Lanao provinces at the rally. I searched all television stations but there was no news or coverage of the so-called rally.

Finally my informant gave me access to an internet live coverage of the rally in Mendiola.

Rally: It was a nondescript crowd of about a thousand, more or less – wearing masks but social distancing was a problem. The barker kept on shouting at the participants for social or physical distancing with no appreciable results.

No known personalities spoke. The relatively known personalities associated with the Duterte RevGov Movement were not visible – probably knowing that the rally would be a dismal failure as it was.

One or two speakers ADAZA | A12

Ranting pays off for Bangsamoro midwife attention of higher authorities including Malacañang officials, Lu‘s ranting vide turned viral among thousands of viewers including the DoH hierarchy and media entities like the Philippine Muslim Today news.

Less than two weeks after the video podcast, intervening health officials brought Lu to a meeting with DoH Usec.

Dr. Myrna ―Nena‖ Cabotaje.

Lu promptly made another live steamed talk, this time unleashing a smile in obvious joy over the DoH information that private lying-in clinics can continue operating as long as in accordance with state standards, which include the assistance of a

physician in every delivery.

In her Facebook posts, Lu reassured that her services would remain ―free‖ especially for the poor. Her clinics would survive with the PhilHealth contribution to each delivery done in her clinic, she said.

One of her messages to fellow midwives/nurses read: ―Your patient MIGHT be nobody to you, but in her family she she is A SOMEBODY, A SOMEONE, A PRECIOUS GEM they can‘t afford to lose just the way you value your own family. So please treat your patient special kahit pobre yanSo please treat ur patient special kahit POBRE pa yan.‖ She said in another

post: My Passion is to serve the needy without expecting anything in return.‖ ENDORSEMENT: I am highly endorsing patronage of Michelle Lu‘s lying-in clinics in Cavite and in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

I attached in this column a photo of her clinic located along Sultan Kudarat town highway, as well as photos culled from her two video clips to inspire the public in seeking government attention via emotional but peaceful means.

(Reactions/ comments and suggestions to this column should be addressed to: alimac.bulletin@gmail. com.

News

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Maranaos protest Marawi waste dump site project; Mayor asserts facility importance

A9

Macarambon elected IBP-Lanao Sur chapter president

By Ali G. Macabalang

C

OTABATO CITY — Residents of Barangay Sugod Proper, a village on the shore of Lake Lanao, have staunchly rejected a plan by the Marawi City government to establish a sanitary landfill cum waste management In a petition to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the protesting ―people of Barangay Sugod Proper‖ complained about suspicious issuance of environmental clearance certificate (ECC) of the project and its questionable transfer of the original site from distant Barangay Malimono to their lake shore village.

Malimono and Sugod Proper are two of the 97 villages in Marawi City, a community suffering from garbage disposal issues long before government forces and ISIS-inspired militants fought for five months starting on May 23, 2017 and devastated 24 barangays called Ground Zero or Most Affected Area (MAA).

Both villages are not part of the MAA. The DENR, a member-agency of the Task Force Bangon Marawi, is carrying out the project designed as early as two years ago as part of the rehabilitation efforts for the war-torn city, according to Assistant Secretary Felix Castro, who manages the TFBM Field Office.

Castro, interviewed by phone on March 1 Monday by Philippine Muslim Today news, said the petition actually has three pages, with the signatures of some of the petitioners affixed in the third page. He said his office got a copy of the petition, and that the task force was waiting for an official response from the DENR. In separate interview on the same day, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandmra explained that the transfer of the P300 -million project to Barangay Sugod Proper was prompted by their discovery that a large part of the 30.7-hectare site in Barangay Malimono belonged to Kapai, Lanao del Sur. The mayor confirmed that part of the P60-million fund for purchase of project land

facility at an upper portion of their community, calling on higher authorities to intervene and prevent consequent risks on their health, fishing and farming activities, and other socioeconomic development potentials.

Newly eleted IBP-Lanao Sur chapter president Adom Aguam-Macarambon.

C

A portion of Barangay Sugod Proper where Marawi City government plans to establish a sanitary landfill cum waste management facility overlooking the panoramic Lake Lanao view. was paid out in Malimono, and that a team trying to make initial works in Malimono was met with physical resistance by residents.

He said the issue forced the city government, through a Sangguniang Panlungsod measure pointed to a 20-hectare lot in Barangay Sugod Proper as a viable site for the project site, hinting that legal steps for the purchase of the lot were still on the stage of finalization. The lot already purchased in Malimono will serve as an expansion annex of the Barngay Sugod Proper project once established, he added.

Mayor Gandamra asserted that the city government ―will not allow‖ another resistance in the new site, pointing out that the project is designed with a ―modern technology‖ meant to safeguard adverse impacts on populated areas in Barangay Sugod Proper.

But protesting residents argued in their petition and posts in social media pages, notably in the ―Amanah Tapatan Forum,‖ that amid misgivings and inadequacies by governmentfunded rehabilitation of Marawi City resulting to big backlogs in works, ―there can be no guarantee‖ of safety for residents in perceived hazards from the project.

They claimed that their health, socioeconomic activities like farming and fishing, as well as prospects for shaping their village as

Marawi ity Mayor Majul Gandamra.

―tourist spot‖ will be in danger. Residents and visitors of Barangay Sugod proper are privileged to have a panoramic view of Lake Lanao, protesters argued.

An assessment on feedbacks received by the Philippine Muslim Today news from both proponent and protesting camps indicated a need for higher authorities to decide on the controversy.

Jurisdiction issue Lake Lanao is located in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, both communities covered by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BARMM has its own Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), which has jurisdiction over the provincial environment

and community field offices in the province and city.

The environment field office in Marawi City has reportedly issued an ECC permitting the proposed waste disposal and management facility at Barangay Sugod Proper.

Being a national watershed protected area and in its aspect as source of hydroelectricity, DENR maintains authority over the lake – a situation that MENRE and DENR have to clarify as to who is who in the issue, legal luminaries said.

The Philippine Muslim Today news tried to get reactions from both MENRE and DENR as of press time, but the efforts prove in vain.

AGM

OTABATO CITY – Lawyer Dagoroan ―Adom‖ Aguam Macarambon II has been elected president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-(IBP) Lanao del Sur chapter.

Macarambon, incumbent regional lawyer of the PhilHealth in the Bangsamoro region, was ―unopposed‖ and yet got 57 votes during the reorganization meeting of IBP-Lanao Sur chapter at the social hall of the provincial government in Marawi City on Saturday, Feb. 27, outgoing President Aminodin ―Mino‖ Macalandap said.

The new chapter president is entitled to a two-year term (2021-2023) without reelection privilege, according to Macalandap, who too enjoyed a two-year term as president.

In a chat earlier with the Philippine Muslim Today news, Macalandap mentioned two other nominees to the chapter presidency – lawyer Sultan Dimapuno ―Pangnal‘ Datu Ramos and retired Elections Commissioner Elias Yusoph.

But with Macarambon‘s ―unopposed‖ victory, no other nominees ostensibly pursued candidacy at Saturday‘s polls.

Also elected Saturday were Nurhabib Bin Suod Barodi as vice president; Nadjera Alyasa, treasurer; Sharmila Bagul, secretary; Halim Noor, auditor; and Fatima Berua, press relation officer, a poll record showed.

Macalandap obtained 56 votes to be elected member of the five-seat chapter‘s board of directors alongside Santos Adiong (49 votes), Shayma Abdulah (39), Mosib Bubong (42), and Omar Macapaar (54), the same record showed.

He said the new set of officers and regular members will meet anew to schedule their oath -taking ceremony and name an induction official cum keynote speaker.

The local IBP chapter has some 300 members but only 188 have been ―active‖ as indicated in their payment of dues and other chapter activities involvement, Macalandap earlier said.

The IBP chapter was instrumental in instigating the lodging of the Marawi Compensation Bill in Congress, crafting as early as 2018 a version seeking P50 billion indemnification of private properties destroyed in the five-month fighting between combined militants of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in 2017 and government forces.

Its leadership has also initiated disclosure of and indignation against soldiers‘ alleged abuses, including looting cases on civilian abandoned homes.

AGM

Culture and Education

A10 BFBCI joins the call for urgent certification of BARMM term extension

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

B

angsamoro Federal Business Council Inc. (BFBCI, an umbrella business group entity has joined the various political, civic societies to call the attention of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to give strong nod by issuing as urgent certification to the various bills favouring the extension of the 2022 election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). ―With the arrival of vaccines for Covid-19 in the 2nd quarter of 2021 to assure the public for safety and the preparation for the national and local elections for 2022 general elections, this is definitely the busiest working schedule among the legislators, hence, the pendings bills for the extension of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) terms must be certified as urgent by the President to fast track it in the legislative mill.‖ said the Business umbrella organization, Raiz Nasraili Conding BFBCI is a registered non-stock, non-profit domestic corporation. It is the premier business organization in Mindanao, particularly BARMM. In support of President Duterte‘s 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, it will undertake programs and projects for the economic advancement of the Bangsamoro.

The group is drafting a letter to the President in this context while the online petition has reached nearly 50,000 signatures.

BARMM Cheif Minister Ahod ―Alhaj Murad‖ Balawag Ebrahim was the key and guest of honor at the BFBCI Global Economic Summit held in Manila Hotel in September 2019 during he assured the participants to open up business cooperation and investment partnerships in the Bangsamoro regions.

As the BARMM Chief Minister said in the Summit, ―BARMM is ready for business! and the First Bangsamoro Global Economic Summit ―will be a key to the development of BARMM!‖ Unfortunately, the following year 2020, Covid19 has paralyzed almost all business plan and transactions that affected the flow of business movement not only in the region but entire the country and the global society.

photo is BFBCI top officials and members pose for a group photo with its guests during 2017 inauguration party at F1 Hotel, Bonifacio Global Coty, Taguig.)

BARMM Cheif Minister in his statement recently on the 2nd anniversary said, ―one year and nine months ago, we convened inside this very hall to set a course towards the future. We swore our moral oath and promised to redefine the future of the Bangsamoro. ―We began building the foundation of moral governance‖ he said adding, ―We were, of course, in anticipation that the transition period will be filled with birth pains, anxiety and uncertainties.

TAGO | A13

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Minister Iqbal underscores excellent, proper hygiene an investment for everyone

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

C

OTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro education minister Mohagher Iqbal emphasized the essential benefits of having good health and practicing proper oral hygiene for The celebration with the theme ―Paigtingin: Oral Health for Juan and Juana sa Gitna ng Pandemya‖, also carried the tagline of the Philippine Dental Association dubbed ―Brush at Floss Kontra Tooth Loss, Be proud of your Mouth‖.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dated February 24, 2004, the Philippine Dental Month is observed every February of the year to strengthen public awareness on the importance of good oral health.

In his message read

by Special Asst. to the Education Minister Abdullah Salik Jr., Iqbal stated that under the 12 priority areas of Bangsamoro Government‘s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), the ministry aimed to implement comprehensive health and nutrition programs

children and adults during the culmination of the 17th National Dental Health Month Celebration in the region on Monday.

DENTAL MONTH IN BARMM: An artwork of a pupil from Cotabato City Central Pilot School wins best in a poster-making contest during the culmination of the 17th National Dental Health Month Celebration on Monday, March 1 at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City. (Photo Supplied) for Bangsamoro stuthe Bangsamoro work- Healthy Smile photo contest. dents and school perforce to prioritize their For elementary levsonnel. physical, mental, and el, a pupil from Tenorio ―Every Bangsamoro social well-being, and Elementary school of learner has the potentold them to ―inspire the tial to do well in their young people to make Maguindanao II Divistudies. If we continue healthy choices, even sion got 2nd place, Datu Halun Laboratory to promote the imat a young age.‖ Elem. School from Tawi portance of oral hyDuring the last -Tawi garnered 1st giene to our students, month of February, the place, and Cotabato we contribute to their MBHTE conducted two City Central Pilot growth and developonline activities for element and help them mentary and secondary School was hailed as champion. attain a life full of possilearners who showbilities,‖ Iqbal said. cased their talents on IQBAL | A14 He also reminded Poster Making and

Moro Heritage Commission showcases Bangsamoro artistry to celebrate national arts month COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) on Wednesday announced the winners of cultural photography and essay writing contests held on Friday, Feb. 26 to culminate the celebration of the National Arts Month.

BCPCH OICExecutive Director Ardan Sali announced that 20 contestants participated said competitions sponsored by BCPCH that started last Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Bangsamoro Museum in the city.

Sali said, ―as the BCPCH-BARMM joins the nationwide festivities of the National Month for the Arts, we are also showcasing the intrinsic

Honee Dyanne Masurong, a budget officer from the MFBM-BARMM, hailed as the winner for the on-thespot essay writing competition. (Photo from BCPCH) artistry of the Bangsamoro People.‖ The regional celebration, in collaboration with Members of Parliament Engr. Don Mustapha A. Loong and lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, was anchored with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts‘ (NCCA) theme ―Alab Sining,

Alay Sigla‖.

For the cultural photography contest, freelance photographers from Cotabato City, namely Raimarie S. Losaria, William S. Solano Jr., and Raoul C. Gratuito Jr., bagged 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, respectively.

MP Latiph and cultural travel photogra-

phers, Noel B. San Andres and Paul Qiambao, critiqued the photographs.

The photographers submitted photographs that captured the festive mood of places, people, tribes, and activities in the Bangsamoro region.

Meanwhile, Honee Dyanne Masurong from the Ministry of Finance and Budget Management (MGBM) emerged as the 1st placer for the on-the-spot essay writing competition.

Janna Jane Berja from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples‘ Affair (MIPA) won as the 2nd placer, while Manal J. Sugadol of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) won as the 3rd placer.

HERITAGE | A14

World News

WORLD NEWS IN PHOTOS

E

ditor’s note: The Philippine Muslim Today gathered several photos containing all kinds of adverse reactions from paralysis, miscarriage of Pregnant mothers and worst that led to the death of even healthy people so that people will come to know what are the adverse reactions caused by COVID-19 vaccines.

In one of the Photos with adverse reactions, it has pointed out to the experimental COVID-19 mRNA shot; experimental Pfizer COVID injections; and Experimental Moderna mRNA COVID Injection as the culprits.

Philippine Muslim Today has found out among the celebrities that met an adverse reactions that led to his death is the popular Television Anchor of CNN, Larry King who is the Television host bearing his name, the “Larry King Live”.

There is a big question that remained unanswered until his death. “Did Larry King receive an experimental COVID shot just before he died?”

Adverse Photos due to Experimental Pfizer Vaccine and Moderna mRNA COVID Injection.

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

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Erdogan slams EU double standards policy on refugee crisis

By Muslimedia.PH

A

NKARA — has criticized the European Union (EU) for embracing a double standard policy on the refugee crisis in Greece and Turkey, according to media reports on Wednesday.

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed EU countries over their refugee policies and criticized the bloc‘s double standards in dealing with the migrant crisis by supporting Greece on the issue of migrants but not sharing responsibility for four million refugees hosted

by Turkey, media reported.

The EU fully supports Greece on this issue however fails to share responsibility with Turkey for four million refugees, the reports quoted Erdogan as saying.

Speaking at a migration conference in the city of Izmir, Erdogan said EU offered Greece three billion euros for 100,000 refugees while it

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan failed to fulfill its promise to transfer six billion eu-

ros to Turkey which hosts four million refu-

gees as part of 2016 migration pact.

In 2016 Ankara and Brussels signed an agreement which grants Turkey a total of six billion euros as fund, in return Ankara promised to reduce the number of refugees influx to EU countries. Turkey says it was committed to its part of the deal however EU failed to keep its promise.

Turkey and Greece have been considered key transit points for refugees from Syrian to Europe, many were able to reach Europeans countries like Sweden and Germany while others unfortunately lost their lives trying to get to a safe haven. Muslimedia.PH

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News

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

Army engineering eyed to pursue delayed P150M irrigation project in Lanao Sur

By ALI G. MACABALANG COTABATO CITY — Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal ―Bombit‖ Alonto-Adiong Jr. had announced intention to tap the services of the Philippine Army engineers brigade to pursue the implementation of a P150-million irrigation project allegedly ―abandoned‖ by contractors, caused water stagnation in five villages, and bred habitats for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

The governor proposed a military engineering remedial intervention when interviewed over the phone Monday night, March 1 by the Philippine Muslim Today (PMT) news, which relayed to him reports that the controversial project is located in his maternal hometown of Ditsaan-Ramain and that dengue has already left one young boy-resident dead.

Fatima Aliah S. Baunto, a resident of one of five affected barangays, earlier told this writer that the fatality was a distant kin of the governor. But Gov. Adiong seemed not aware about details in the controversy surrounding the project.

Baunto, apart from posting protest messages coupled with photos in the ―Amanah Tapatan Forum‖ Facebook page to gain public attention, has provided the PMT further information on how the 2018 irrigation project has been passed on from one contractor to four other contractors due to the complexity of the issue.

She identified the contractors‘ companies as DCD, H and N, and Menjer that purportedly passed the project onto three other contractors – Markbuilt, NASCON, and SICARIO. Gov. Adiong said the project was ―abandoned by contractors‖ because of unresolved road-right-ofways (RROW) issues in areas covered by the stunted irrigation system designed for years by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for implementa-

Photos show two tarpaulins about the abandoned irrigation project, left, and one of 265 houses in constant flood.

(Contributed)

tion through its field office in Region 10.

The areas covered by the controversial project are Pagalongan Buadidingan, Pagalungan Masioon, Pagalongan Guinaopan, Pagalongan Proper and Buwayaan, all rice farming villages in DitsaanRamain, according to Baunto.

She said the project was ―started in June 2019‖ with the installation of concrete linear canals, which the contractors left uncompleted. Because of the absence of ―head-gates‖ along the canal, incoming water swerved to low-lying areas with existing 265 residential houses.

The water has stagnated in the surroundings of houses because the supposed outlet would cut through a concrete road – something that became an issue between NIA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Baunto said.

Baunto‘s protest messages and revelations went viral through the ―Amanah Tapatan Forum‖ social media page and drew almost a hundred of reactions, some speculating a depletion of much of funds earmarked for the project.

She said the volume of petition letters and documentary inquiries she had sent to concerned persons and entities for the last two years could constitute ―two books‖ but none of which gained favorable action.

Sigh of relief A day after the PMT interview with Gov. Adiong,

Baunto signed an initial relief, saying a team of technical men visited the vicinity of protesting households. ―Galing po dito kanina ang staff ng office of agriculture na inatasan ni governor na maggawa ng inspection sa lugar na binabaha. Alhamdulillah, they found the real core problems and they asked me and other affected residents of suggested solutions,‖ Baunto said in a text to the PMT. Baunto added: ―We recommended the (speedy) excavation of the highway para magkaroon ng outlet ang tubig ng headgate ng lateral C2 ng irrigation (system) para magkaroon ng control and tubig sa basakan.‖ She said they also suggested remedies on the 50 -meter canal abandoned by contractors, through levating the level of adjoining houses‘ lots for water to cascade down to the other side road and irrigate more rice farms.

Baunto was ostensibly satisfied with the visiting team‘s assurance that the recommended remedies will be carried out and that Gov. Adiong has already initiated steps for dialog with concerned higher authorities.

Meanwhile, she committed to keep the media, notably the PMT, posted on upcoming activities to ensure that ―words are translated to favorable action.‖ AGM

PLEBISCITE| from Page A2

Plebiscite to ratify law dividing Maguindanao ‗possible‘ before October this year Maguindanao presently has 36 towns. In both Senate and House measures, Maguindanao del Norte shall comprise the 12 bid and populated towns of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan,

Matanog, North Upi, Parang, Northern Kabuntalan, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay. Datu Odin Sinsuat will serve as the northern capital town.

Maguindanao del Sur, on the other hand,

will comprise Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal, Datu Hofer Ampatuan, Midtimbang, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Satu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K.

Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi. The current provin-

cial Buluan capital is retained as seat of the southern province, the legislative measures show.

In consultative hearings for the measures, proponents and participating stakeholders asserted that the estab-

lishment of two provinces out of Maguindanao will augur swifter development growth, citing a belief that ―the smaller the area of focal attention will be better in governance.‖ ALI G. MACABALANG

you play like a symphony orchestra with an Arturo Toscanini or a Zubin Mehta. Or even in an ordinary orchestra, it must have an Andre Kostelanetz, Henry Mancini, Lawrence Welk, Glenn Miller or Harry James leading it.

The REVGOV group that held a rally is million light years away from any of these.

Sixth, they claim to represent the people with a crowd of more than a thousand. Are they kidding? They are misrepresenting the people. They have no one but themselves and a band of Duterte cultists who are threatened

by the eminent lose of power in 2022.

They claim they have secured five million two hundred thousand (5,200,000) signatures endorsing their petition for President Duterte to head their declared revolutionary government.

Improbable! Assuming they have secured those numbers, what happened to the 16 million votes Duterte got in the 2016 election? So the petition or President Duterte is not that popular anymore with the people despite the surveys of SWITEK WEATHER SIPSIP and FALSO ASIASWITEKO?

ADAZA| from Page A8

REVGOV KEEPS COMING BACK LIKE A SONG spoke lengthily as though it was their first time to hold a microphone thus taking advantage of the opportunity to speak to a crowd.

The only thing rational was the enumeration of the country‘s ills and the failure of the current system to address our problems. The rest was irrational, weird and surrealistic. It was a comedy of errors. Here‘s why.

First, they declared the existence of a revolutionary government without a leader. They were begging President to be their leader to re-

deem his campaign promise. But President Duterte was nowhere in sight. Almost a week has passed and there is no response from the President except – deafening silence.

Second, almost every speaker begged for Divine Intervention and saying there was heavenly approval because it rained. I suppose most of them are Christians as the prayer was always addressed to God not to Allah. As Christians, how could they choose President Duterte as their leader when he said and he

has not retracted or apologized for it that ―God is stupid.‖? The contradiction is not only scandalous but brainless.

Third, they had no vision but an incantation for a federal system which most probably they do not know and understand. Any person who has studied federalism will tell anyone that federalism is not the solution to our problems. If we go federal now, it will create more problems – tighter and stronger dynasties, more lords – drugs, smuggling, criminal and

corrupt. Unless, you educate and re-orient Filipinos, federalism may even led to the Balkanization of this country.

Fourth, they have no established, organized, knowledgeable and competent apparatus.

They could not even manage a rally, how can they run a government?

Fifth, without vision, there is no blue print.

Without blue print, they have nothing. They cannot even be compared to a combo. The group can‘t play music, they are discordant.

When you have a revolutionary government,

(To be continued)

News

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

A13

SPECIAL REPORT | from Page A5

MOS interviews on respondents‘ willingness to be inoculated...

Coronavirus.‖ (YES, I am willing to be vaccinated because it will save my life from Coronavirus pandemic.)

8th Respondent: PERFECTO PASCUA Economist ―Hinding hindi. Kasi hindi ko pa nakikita ang efficacy nito sa mga Senior Citizens like me.

(I will not subject myself for vaccination, since I have not yet knew its [vaccines] efficacy for a Senior Citizen like me.)

I will just maintain my clear hygiene and take foods like fruits and vegetables. I will take too Vitamin C & D, as well as Magnesium. I will gargle with salt at

least twice a day.

I will drink Hot Lemon and baking soda before bed time. I will go on walking in the morning to have the morning sunlight.‖ 9th Respondent: ENGR. ROSENDO R. REYES General Manager, Bongao Water District Bongao, Tawi-Tawi ― Yes. Magpa bakuna ako. I believe in science.‖ (Yes. I will go on vaccination because I believe in Science.)

10th Respondent: ISHAK BINUDIN Creative Director ―Oong-oo, para sa proteksyon ko at ng iba.‖ (Oh yes I will go on vaccination for my own

protection and the protection of others.)

To add: ―Can‘t wait to see people moving around without much paranoia.‖ 11th Respondent: KIM BAGUNDANG Farmer and Former Editorial Cartoonist of defunct Philippine Muslim Times Cotabato City ―Hindi ako magpabakuna maliban kung may force vaccination.‖ (I will not go on inoculation not unless there is force vaccination.)

12th Respondent: HUGO BARRAQUIAS Member Alpha Sigma Phi-1845 Alumni Association Zamboanga City

Hindi siguro Brod kahit noon nasa elementary pa ako hindi talaga ako nabakunahan at 57 na ako ngayon kailangan lang siguro mag-ingat at panatilhin malinis at malusog ang katawan.

(I am not sure Brod I will have vaccination even though when I was in my elementary grades I was not vaccinated.

And now I am 57 and I really have to be careful to maintain my good health and maintain cleanliness.

We don‘t know the after effects if you‘re injected with vaccine baka lalo papasok ang alienated medicine into your body with 70% Wa-

ter that has no problem not at risk.)

13th Respondent YUSOPH J. MANDO Commissioner National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) ―Opo… Magpapabakuna po ako. Para sa kapanan ng aking kalusugan, Kaakibat ng aking pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay ..‖ (Yes I will submit myself for vaccination.

This is for the welfare of my health, including my family and all my love ones.)

14th Respondent: MS. CONNIE CADUDU -AN Pharmacist

Store Manager Mercury Drug Bacoor City, Cavite ―Opo Sir. Dahil naniniwala ako that this will put an end on ds pandemic― (Yes Sir. Since I believe this will put an end to pandemic.)

15th Respondent: FARISHA KUSAIN DATUMANONG Fashion Designer Formerly the Fashion Designer at Makki Abbas Al-Shawaf Kuwait Cotabato City ―A big no! I know how to treat any of my illnesses at the will of Allah and I am rather afraid of the vaccine.‖ JIJ

Beauty & Bounty of Mindanao! | from Page A4

MinDA ‗fish centers‘ program to double aqua-marine field by 2025 With a coastline length of 36,289 kilometers, the 5th longest in the world, and surrounded by seas and ocean, it is unthinkable that the Philippines still imports fish from countries whose fishermen could be fishing in our own waters.

While the fisheries sector submitted a positive performance of 1.4% growth for the first time in decades under the Duterte Administration, so much more needs to be done to realize the country’s fish production potentials.

In my endless journey to the various fishing grounds of the country

when I was Agriculture Secretary and now as Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I realized that one of the problems affecting fish production is the absence of postharvest facilities in most of the country’s fishing grounds.

In Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, fishermen use ice in small plastic wrappers to preserve their Tuna catch placed in huge styro boxes.

In Tawitawi, (a component of the Bangsamoro region), fish is sold in the market by heaps and everything must go within the day of catching, so the

price goes down as the sun sets resulting in very little income to the small fishermen.

The problem is very simple – the absence of ice plants and cold storage to preserve the catch and bring it to the market.

Mindanao’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, however, faces an exciting improvement in the next five years, thanks to the grant fund by the European Union for the Mindanao Rise Program.

The grant fund to be handled by MinDA amounting to P2.1-B will be used in projects to be implemented by our devel-

opment partners following three parameters: 1. The projects must address poverty in the agriculture and fisheries sector of Mindanao; 2. The projects must contribute to productivity in the above-mentioned sector; 3. The funds must be used to trigger the economic recovery programs in Mindanao.

The top priority project identified by MinDA in our many planning sessions is the intervention to improve the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector in Mindanao.

Following the lessons I learned in my journeys, I

have designed a program called Mindanao Fisheires and Aquaculture Development Program (MINFAD) which aims to establish Fish Centers in at least 22 coastal and inland fishing grounds in the region.

The “Fish Centers” will be equipped with faciities needed to improve productivity, from hatcheries to feed mills, from ice-plants to cold storage, and processing facilities.

Using digital technology, the “Fish Centers” will be inter-connected through a digital platform which will gather information daily on the volume of catch and the species of fish.

In designated Maricul-

ture Parks, processing facilities will be established so that what will come out would be products with added value ready for the market.

MinDA has already started the validation of the different “Fish Center” sites and hopefully, the program will be implemented before the end of the year.

We have set a target and that is to double Mindanao’s current Aquaculture and Fisheries Production of 2-million metric tons annually by the year 2025 or five years from now. (#KungGustoMaramingPar aan!)

TAGO | from Page A10

BFBCI joins the call for urgent certification of BARMM term extension According to him, By this time, we can already attest that those expectations were dramatically met with the addition of an unprecedented global crisis that

would impact all walks of life – including the lives of our people. ―I know most of us are already weary because of the extremely unique circumstances

this year, but we owe this to our people and the sacrifices made by our dear brethren in the struggle. We cannot put our people‘s welfare on hold and so our service

continues‖ Cheif Minister elaborated In this context, BFBCI, a partner member of major business communities in the country and globally in-

cluding Makati Business Club, Chinese Filipino Federation and Malaysian Chamber of Commerce is strongly appeal to the national government decision mak-

ers to extend the terms of BARMM administration to continue its mandate in development and business plan.

AHMT

IQBAL | from Page A10

Minister Iqbal underscores excellent, proper hygiene an investment for everyone For secondary level, 2nd place for Pagawayan National High School in Lanao del Sur II, 1st place got by ARMM Regional Science High School Mag. II, and best in poster making for Datu Paglas Nat‘l High in

Maguindanao I. Meanwhile, for Healthy Smile photo contest exclusively for elementary kids, 2nd place for Datu Sailila Central Elementary School Mag. I, 1st place for Datu Halun Labora-

tory Elem. School from Tawi-Tawi, and best in a healthy smile for Barith Elementary School in Lanao del Sur I. Awardees from each category, received cash prizes, certificates of recognition,

and gifts from the ministry. Plaques of appreciation were also awarded to the coaches of the participants.

Furthermore, the ministry also turned over some dental and medical supplies for the

Schools Division Office of Cotabato City under Dr. Concepcion Balawag.

MBHTE Deputy Minister Haron Meling concluded the event and incorporated the dental health celebration in the

realm of Islam as a religion that was founded on cleanliness and stated the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SWT), which says ―being clean in body and in spirit is half of one‘s faith as a Muslim.‖ JIJ

Heritage| from Page A10

Moro Heritage Commission showcases Bangsamoro artistry...

Their pieces were critiqued by Communication Arts Professor, Judy L. Giguiento, from Notre Dame University; and seasoned journalist, Nash B. Maulana.

Contenders were asked to write an essay on how to promote Bangsamoro identity, culture and heritage towards peace, unity, and development in the

region.

Along with certificate of recognition, the winners each received cash prizes worth Php7,000.00 (1st place), Php5,000.00

(2nd place), and Php3,000.00 (3rd place).

According to BCPCH officer, Alesa Krista K. Valensoy, the activities they have conducted

served as the avenue to promote the diversed Bangsamoro culture even in the time of pandemic. ―The month-long festivities house vari-

ous activities geared towards maximizing the potentials of Bangsamoro brilliant minds through on-the-spot essay writing and photography contests,‖ she added. JIJ

Tourism

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The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (Part 4)

Vol. I, No. 38 | March 5-11, 2021 (Rajab 21-27, 1442)

HONEY GARLIC SALMON "Bangsamoro Halal Dish"

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

WITH MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

E

M

ost of the Chinese or sons of Chinese migrants who settled in Bongao traced their parents who came via the Southeast Asia countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Hongkong. From these countries, the original migrants spread out to islands in the Sulu archipelago notably Jolo, Siasi and Tawi-Tawi which was then still part of the province of Sulu. The natives call them Lan-nang or Sinâ.

The most prominent places they first landed and established homes and small businesses were Jolo, Sulu – obviously because it is a thriving business center and seat of the Philippine government both the national/local and the Sulu sultanate. In villages like Laminusa, Silumpak, Bulikullul, Manubol in Siasi, Sulu were found a number of Chinese settlements.

Settlements in Tawi-Tawi were mostly found in the villages of Latuan in Municipality of Sapa-Sapa, Tabawan in the Municipality of South Ubian, Sitangkai and Lupah Pula in the Municipality of Mapun. As previously mentioned and except for the Lupah Pula in Mapun, these are the villages where most of the first generation of mestizo Chinese or Filipino-Chinese who trained their attention towards Bongao.

The prospect of Bongao as a future

potential ‘trading center’ did not escape the ‘entrepreneurial’ minds of these early Chinese migrants. The elements of good business climate like accessibility (deep harbor and

bays), security (presence of government entities like military and police forces) and potential for growth – because of expected increased density of population both internal and those

coming from the neighboring municipalities who buy goods and sell their products (agriculture and marine products) to Bongao.

(To be continued on the next issue)

ASY SALMON WITH HONEY GARLIC SAUCE IS ONE OF THE BEST SALMON RECIPES. IT‘S GARLICKY, SWEET AND STICKY WITH SIMPLE INGREDIENTS. TAKES ONLY 15 MINS TO MAKE SALMON DINNER! We eat salmon once a week and I wanted to share this easy and delicious salmon recipe with you!

You should totally add this salmon recipe into your dinner rotation because: Salmon is one of the most popular fish. You can get it at any supermarkets.

It’s loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids that’s great for your health and wellbeing.

Salmon is so easy to make and tastes delicious!

This Honey Garlic Salmon takes 20 minutes to make on a skillet. The 3ingredient honey garlic sauce is garlicky, sweet and sticky you’ll want it on everything from now on.

SALMON RECIPES I love salmon and one of the best salmon recipes is Honey Garlic Salmon.

The delicious honey and garlic sauce makes this salmon recipe extremely juicy, moist and packed full of flavors.

This is one of the easiest salmon dishes to make at home. This salmon dinner takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.

BAKED SALMON EASY AND HEALTHY BAKED SALMON WITH LEMON, GARLIC AND HONEY MUSTARD IS ONE OF THE BEST SALMON RECIPESBAKED IN OVEN. TENDER SALMON FILLET WITH 5 MINS PREP. Maria Fhebie Ortil

Honey Garlic Salmon. (Contributed Photo) .