Cover Story ILIGAN CITY – All government agencies involved in disaster response have worked round the clock to attend to the families affected by the Marawi crisis wrought by the clashes between Maute group and government troops that erupted Tuesday afternoon.
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Convergence among government agencies in responding to this humaninduced disaster is apparent as shown during inter-cluster coordination meeting, which is held daily at the Regional Command Coordination Center after it was set up last May 26 at Barangay Tubod this city. In a meeting held yesterday, food and non-food items cluster has reported that food packs had been distributed to “home base” evacuees
(those living with relatives and friends) as well as those in the evacuation centers. The city government here has set up three evacuation centers to house internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City at Iligan City School of Fisheries in Barangay Buruun, Maria Cristina Gym in Barangay Maria Cristina, and at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology in Barangay Tibanga. However, MSU-IIT only caters
to students and faculty from the Mindanao State University in Marawi City. Based on the monitoring made by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10, families fleeing Marawi City stayed with their
relatives in nearby towns in Lanao del Norte and some went to their relatives in Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Cebu and other parts of the country. As of May 28, some 3,299 home base evacuees are scattered in 10 municipalities of Lanao del Norte,
namely, Balo-i, Bacolod, Maigo, Tangcal, Magsaysay, Tubod, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Pantar, Malungao and Linamon. In a related development, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) would set up an integrated news team comprising the People’s Television (PTV), Radyo ng Bayan (RNB), Philippine News Agency (PNA), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the “Mindanao Hour”
to ensure that correct and appropriate bits of information through press releases and social media platforms are disseminated. Mindanao Hour would complement the commitment and efforts of the government agencies in helping restore normalcy from the Marawi crisis. (FPG)
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Iligan, safe; runs business as usual ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte – “It’s business as usual in Iligan City,” Iligan City Councilor Ryan Ong said in the press briefing this afternoon at the Regional Command and Coordination Center set up in Iligan City to address the situation in Marawi City.
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Chair of the City Council Committee on Social Services, Ong said that the local government unit (LGU) of Iligan still functions well, and that business establishments still go on with its operation though he said “there are slight changes.” He was referring to the shift in closing of banking hours from 4:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. and changes in closing time of some business establishments.
In a separate interview, Iligan City Disaster Risk iDiscount Management Officer (CDRRMO) Patrick Nunez admitted that there were indeed changes in business hours of some establishments. Convenience stores which used to run overnight are closing about 9:30 p.m. while party zone establishments where people are spending night life, are closing at curfew period that is being strictly implemented by the city
16-31 May 2017 government from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. “This is just temporary; we know that we can recover,” Ong said referring to the business operation. Ong, however, assured that Iligan City remains safe despite the on-going pursuit of government forces against the Maute militant groups whose members are still in hiding in Marawi City. “You can still roam around the city. Wala kay makitang mga tawo nga nangataranta. (No one can be seen in panic.),” he said. However, he called on the public to be extra vigilant and immediately inform authorities and LGU executives
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of any suspicious person. “Apan dili kita magpa-apekto sa mga panghitabo. Atong himoon ang atong dating guinahimo. (Let us not be affected by what is happening. Let us continue to do the usual thing that we have been doing.),” he said. On the other hand, Nunez said Iligan City is more secured than before with the presence of back-up government forces in the city. “The police has even noted a decrease in index crime,” he said noting the impact of Martial Law declaration in Mindanao.(PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-ABangan)
Education not compromised amid Marawi crisis, says DepEd CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Education will not be compromised even with the present Marawi crisis.” This has been stressed by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones during the Meeting of DepEd Officials of Mindanao on May 30 at Luxe Hotel, here saying that the department will augment the teaching force, learning materials and create learning spaces for those who are affected by the siege. Briones also said that they are going to waive the requirements like
birth certificates and cards so as not to hinder any child in continuing his or her studies. However, for the schools in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), opening of classes might be moved two weeks from the regular schedule on June 5. “In times of war, you cannot be demanding all the usual bureaucratic requirements which we do under normal times but these are not normal
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times,” the secretary stressed. As for the school preference of a learner, Briones said that any child who wants to go to school in a particular area be it in Marawi, Iligan or Cagayan de Oro City, will be accommodated. “We will not sacrifice education,” Briones said as she explained that in order to do so, the department will augment the teaching force and for Maranao speaking learners, they have tapped the ARMM region to assist in recruiting those who can teach in Maranao language. The budget for such will be obtained from the Alternative Learning System and Briones shared that the department is fully supported by President Rodrigo Duterte. Hence, they will be able to produce financing in times of crisis.
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In terms of security in schools, Briones said, “Schools are zones of peace. Walang giyera diyan, walang away, walang gulo (There is no war, fights and chaos in the areas of learning). We expect the combatants to respect that.” This is also the reason why schools are not used as evacuation centers during crisis as the secretary emphasized. As of press time, DepEd has tallied 1,005 learners in one evacuation center in Iligan alone. The regional directors and division superintendents are still doing an inventory as to the number of children and school facilities affected by the crisis in Marawi City so the department could eventually determine the intervention needed by the stakeholders.(RTP/PIA10)
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Bukidnon Province commemorates successful 115th Labor Day celebration MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. X (DOLE-X) - Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO), in coordination with the Bukidnon Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) commemorated the 115thLabor Day, in celebration of the hardworking men and women workers. A foot parade going to Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater highlighted the event with the theme, “Matatag na Kabuhayan at Trabaho Tungo sa Progresibong Pagbabago.” It recognized the vital role of the Filipino Workers in nationbuilding and development. DOLE-X Buk PFO Chief Raul L. Valmores said that workers usually observe this holiday through rallies and demonstrations in airing out their grievances and clamor for reform. “But contrary, this commemoration was a peaceful one – an orderly foot parade around the city was participated by around 5,000 workers from the government, management and labor sectors, unions and workers’ associations,” he added. Meanwhile, a bloodletting activity, in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross - Bukidnon Chapter was also conducted by some 18 volunteer blood donors. Likewise, the Department’s component on the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program - Project Angel
Tree was also conducted through a ceremonial turn-over of school kits to about 200 student-beneficiaries from Calawag, Apo Macote, Napulan, Malapgap, and San Roque Elementary Schools. Its actual distribution is set in time of the kick-off ceremony of “Brigada Eskwela” for DepEd Malaybalay City Division. Valmores explained that the
It recognized the vital role of the Filipino Workers in nationbuilding and development said program provides an array of social services that range from food, clothing, educational assistance or school supplies, and even work and training opportunities made available by sponsors or benefactors (angels) to child laborers and their families. In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry
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16-31 May 2017 (DTI), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), some private companies, and DOLE-assisted associations, a Livelihood and Business Fair were also organized. Discussed to some 50 non-wage workers from the informal sector were the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILEEP) towards Community Enterprise Development during the “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan” (TNK) Job and Business fair at The Garden Party Venue. The project helps existing livelihood ventures transform into viable and sustainable business or community
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enterprise. The DOLE Accredited Copartners were duly recognized with the presence of Impalutao, Dalwagan, Sawaga (IMDALSA); Carmenville Women’s Association; Balik Pinas OFW Bukidnon Association Quezon Chapter Inc.; and Kiburiao Women’s and Valencia RIC. Jo-ann I. Juntilla, one of the customers, appreciated the displayed products, “I am eager to buy the Bukidnon products during Labor Day! The products are remarkably good for its price.” (Reyna L. Tagailo, LEO III/ DOLE-X Bukidnon PFO)
City port tightens security due to martial law declaration in Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Ports AuthorityPort Management Office (PPA-PMO) in northern Mindanao tightened the security of the Cagayan de Oro city port due to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in the entire Mindanao.
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During the Ang Rehiyon Karon episode at Radyo ng Bayan on May 26, Engr. Claro Samuel P. Fontanilla, chairperson of Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)-Civil Works, announced that city port raised the security measures to level two which is one higher than the normal security
state of the area. This means that security checks every vehicle and passenger upon entering the port. Due to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) directive, the lead agency for security of all ports is now the coast guards partnered with maritime police. They now have all the
16-31 May 2017 manpower and security compliments. There are also presence of the K-9 units all over the place and additional personnel to the city port which ensure passengers that security of the area is under control. “Kami makapasalig nga aduna kita’y enough nga security nga muhandle sa mga security requirements diha sulod sa atong pantalan (We assure that we have enough security to handle the security requirements inside our port),” Fontanilla said. Moreover, for the safety and security of the riding public, the PPAPMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro put up two more x-ray machines-one at the pre-departure area at the passengers’ terminal and the other is at the pedestrian entrance. There is also one x-ray machine at the port workers gate at the access control
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center. On the other hand, Lemuel Ian T. Moralda, Port Security Bids and Awards Committee (PSBAC) secretariat, requested the passengers’ patience due to the security tension. “Muhangyo mi ug gamay na pagsabot sa atong publiko nga medyo tight ang inspections sa atong mga sakyanan ug sa mga tao so medyo malangan gayud no, (We ask for a little understanding from the public that we have tight inspections to the vehicles and passengers so we really have delays)” he said. Also, Moralda asked the riding public to avoid bringing of the prohibited loads such as the alcoholic liquids and combustible materials like the lighter to avoid more delays during inspections.(Cherryl Juranes/PIA10)
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Capitol buys rescue equipment, vehicles to boost response readiness
CAPITOL COMPOUND, Misamis Oriental – To boost the readiness in rescue responses of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in Misamis Oriental, the provincial government purchased additional equipment and vehicles.
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Two rescue boats, two Multicab units and seven brand new rescue equipment worth P1.2 million were turned over to the PDRRMO on 29 May 2017, by Governor Bambi Emano during the weekly flag-raising rites at the Capitol. PDRRMO Head Vincent Dy said the vehicles and additional equipment
will further ease their responses when calamities strike. Meanwhile, the PDRRMO hosted Monday’s flag-raising and reported several accomplishments from January to present such as the giving technical assistance to different barangays in 23 municipalities and two cities in Misamis Oriental in preparing for the
16-31 May 2017 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and the formulation of the Contingency Plan. There were also communitybased risk reduction and management plan conducted in every barangay as the fundamentals of village leaders in responding to calamities such as landslides and earthquake incidents. Dy also announced its successful partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
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for the conduct of earthquake drills in the airport. “It was the first (drill) conducted in an airport in the entire country,” Dy said. Dy said there were also convergences held between the national agencies concerned and the Provincial Government to boost coordinative efforts in rescue operations, evacuation and relief operations.(PIO)
Camiguin joins Int’l AIDS candlelight memorial
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – With the theme, “Ending AIDS Together,” the provincial government leads the commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial with a Walk for a Cause and lighting of candle at the Provincial Capitol on May 22.
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16-31 May 2017 Participated in by various national line agencies, groups and civil society organizations (CSOs), the event was highlighted with a Walk for a Cause from the Provincial Plaza to the Provincial Capitol and the lighting of candles in the AIDS red ribbon symbol. The memorial is the province’s way to pay tribute to those who have lost their battle against HIV/ AIDS, and raise social consciousness about the disease. It also serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.Moreover,
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the conduct of activities serves as the venue to call upon the stakeholders to honor their commitments of funds and services in response to HIV. Aside from the said activities, the local government is also planning to put up the local AIDS council that will address and/or discuss the issues of the disease in the province. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV, is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness in the world.(RTP/PIA10)
First Negosyo Center in ARMM launched in Marawi City MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gets a boost after the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the first negosyo center in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
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The center is located at the TLDC Building in Lanao Peoples’ Park, Barangay Datu Saber, this city. Senator Paolo Benigno ‘’Bam’’ Aquino IV, DTI-ARMM Secretary Anwar Malang, Provincial Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr, Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division Commander BGen.
Rolando Joselito Bautista, Mindanao State University (MSU) President Habib Macaayong, and Negosyo Center Manager Jasnia Shiekrashid led the opening of the center on May 19. Vice Governor Adiong said the Negosyo Center will strengthen the
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local economy and pave the way for Meranao products to be included in the national market. “We are very happy that Lanao del Sur is among the recipients of this program. The Negosyo Center provides us a venue to showcase Meranao products and promote our MSMES not just in the neighboring towns but also at the national market,� he further said. Secretary Malang said entrepreneurs who want to know how to start up their businesses, gain access to financing opportunities, and learn financial documentation and bookkeeping can visit the Negosyo Center and ask assistance from its trained counselors and consultants. The establishment of Negosyo Center is anchored on Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, authored by Senator Bam Aquino and signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III on July 15, 2014.
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Negosyo Centers are responsible for promoting ease of doing business and facilitating MSMEs access to services like business name registration, business advisory services, and business information and advocacy, product development, trade promotion, financing facilitation and investment promotion. Senator Aquino said that the Go Negosyo Act has established 508 Negosyo Center and supported more than 800,000 entrepreneurs in the last three years. Aquino hopes that the Negosyo Center will become a centerpiece for volunteerism, convergence, and cooperation to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and provide more job opportunities in the locality. Our staff will make sure that every Negosyo Center is functioning and providing the right services for our countrymen who are in business, he further said.(APB/PIA-10)
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Congested MisOr jail has new, large site CAPITOL COMPOUND, Misamis Oriental – Five-hectare lot in Initao town will be ready for occupancy for the new Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail as soon as papers for its acquisition are completed anytime soon. “The PPP Code (Public-PrivatePartnership) is already approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Board Members Boboy Sabal and Wayne Militante (as main sponsor of this ordinance). This means that we can now accept unsolicited proposals by private entities to be our partners in implementing projects such as the construction of our new Provincial Jail in Initao. The processing of papers for the acquisition of the lot is ongoing,” Governor Bambi Emano said as he announced the latest development. The lot accordingly is donated by an organization that refused to be identified. Governor Emano said this new site will be built with sophisticated prison facility.
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“We would have separate facility for the women and men and those high profile inmates. They (inmates) would also have a portion of lot for their different livelihood projects,” the governor added. Governor Emano appeals to the inmates and their families to prolong their patience while staying at the MOPJ facility on Luna-Corrales Streets in Cagayan de Oro. “I should admit that our jail is already congested, especially that the number of inmates grew substantially due to the strengthened campaign against the use and sell of illegal drugs in the province of Misamis Oriental. So, we really decided to transfer the facility in a very spacious area,” he explained.(PIO)
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‘Ginanggang Festival’ held in Tubod town TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – For the 9th year “Ginanggang Festival” (grilled banana) was again held here in Barangay Poblacion recently.
Hundreds of people came to witness the simultaneous grilling of more than 20,000 sticks of bananas along the streets of Barangay Poblacion where everyone was free to partake of the grilled bananas. The Ginanggang Festival was officially accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2011, thus including it in the festivals of Lanao del Norte. Adding color to this year’s festival were competitions in folk dance, sports, cooking, best decorated Ganggangan, best tasty Ginanggang,
most organized purok and most cooperative purok and others. A search for Miss Barangay Poblacion was also held. Celebrated every second Sunday of May, the Ginanggang Festival was first held in 2008 during the incumbency of former barangay captain Vicmar P. Aguilar. For his part, Punong Barangay Mark Peter P. Cabili expressed his gratitude for the all-out support of the 18 Puroks and the bayanihan spirit that made the celebration a success. (LVG/PIA 10-LDN)
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