Cover Story MARAWI CITY – An initial of 150 family-beneficiaries unlocked doors at areas 2 and 4 of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” transitional shelters in Barangay Sagonsongan.
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They are the first batch of the pre-selected 500 families scheduled to move-in at the site. Last Dec. 27, at least 500 transitional houses were turned-over. Family-beneficiaries came from the 24 barangays included in the most affected area (MAA) of the war-torn city. “Sa ngayon ang pinaka malaki nating problema ay ang nakawan ng mga bumbilya at window screens,” Engr. Alfonso L. Borlagdan of the National Housing Authority (NHA) discloses. “Pero bukod doon, maayos
naman ang paglipat ng mga IDPs dito sa Sagonsongan.” The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro, Jr. has requested the local government of Marawi to assign police patrollers in the area to ensure that theft of fixtures and construction materials are avoided. He adds that this is also imperative for the safety of the residents. In a meeting, Marawi city vows to activate the barangay patrol action team (BPAT) unit in barangay Sagonsongan as a countermeasure to
recent incidents. Selection process A technical working group (TWG) handles the selection of awardees at the transitional site. A set of criteria is devised to fairly select the beneficiaries of transitional shelters. The criteria are as follows: 1. The beneficiary must be a resident of ground zero (or the most affected area); 2. The beneficiary must be willing to return to live in the transitory shelter; 3. Preference is given to beneficiaries whose house is totally
damaged; 5. The beneficiary must be poor, with no source of income (based on DAFAC); and 6. The beneficiary is previously living in danger zones. Barangay chairpersons are tasked to disseminate the criteria and information from the TWG and the TFBM sub-committee on housing to their constituents. The TFBM initiated the construction of transitional shelters as rehabilitation of the MAA will take years to finish. The beneficiaries’ stay in the site is transitory in nature
since they will be relocated as soon as permanent shelters are erected. The reconstruction committee of the TFBM targets to build more than 1,100 shelters in the sprawling 14hectare land in Brgy. Sagonsongan by the first week of March. This is anticipated to cater to 17% of the 6,400 families who need housing. The site is divided into six areas where temporary learning facility,
rural health unit, multi-purpose hall, and other necessary physical spaces are also expected to rise. It is approximately 40 km from Iligan City and 4.4 km away from Marawi City Hall. “The transitory shelters are built by different contractors for the purposes of prudence and timely delivery,� Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
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16-31 January 2018 (HUDCC) Undersecretary Ace Millar explains. “While design and model vary, the TFBM ensured that transitory shelters pass the standards of the building code and built on safe locations.” There are three contractors building transitional houses: Excelcius, Golden State Construction and Eddmari Construction. The National Housing Authority (NHA) is the lead implementing agency for the construction of transitional houses. Contractors working on land
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development of the site are MMA/ Achiever, Fiat Construction, City Government of Marawi, Al-Hussein Construction and Kouzbary Builders. Land development is led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National for areas 3 and 4, DPWH-ARMM for area 2, City Government of Marawi for area 1, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – Engineering Brigade for areas 5A and 5B, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur for area 6.(PIA-TFBMICCC/JAEB)
More NPA terrorists surrender in Bukidnon MALAYBALAY CITY – Three terrorists from the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Bukidnon surrendered Sunday, 14 January 2018. Bringing with them assorted firearms, said NPA rebels surrendered to Army Battalions under operational control of 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. Alias Nante of Guerilla Front 68 surrended to the 1st Special Forces Battalion his Caliber .223 rifle; Caliber .45 pistol—all with ammunitions; and two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). NPA Guerilla Front 58 fighter Alias Pipoy, likewise, surrendered his
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M16 rifle with live ammunitions to the 8th Infantry Battalion on same day. On January 15, a day after surrender of two NPA fighters, another NPA rebel identified only as Alias Janjan, also in Bukidnon, surrendered to the 88th Infantry Battalion bringing along his M16 rifle with ammos. Identities of said NPA terrorist members are withheld to keep them secured. During custodial debriefings, these former NPA terrorists
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disclosed the continued hardships, discrimination, and their leaders’ false promises that they continue to suffer within the terrorists’ group. Hence, they decided to lay down their arms, go back to the folds of the law, and live a normal and peaceful life with their families. Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomed the three NPA terrorists’ surrender. He assured them of their security and well-being. He also urged other NPA members to surrender or face the consequence of being tracked down as the 403rd Infantry Brigade keeps focused on its military operations. “I welcome and appreciate the surrender of these three NPA members who recognized the value of their lives more than the futility of their illmotivated terroristic acts. We assure you that we will look after your safety
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and well-being as you live a normal and peaceful life with your families,” Brig. Gen. Vinoya said. He also encouraged those who are still in hardship in the terrorists’ hands to be back in the folds of law. “To all those who still remain with the NPA terrorist group, it is not too late to follow the path of your comrades who laid down their arms. The government has prepared the necessary assistance for all of you should you decide to go back to the folds of the law. The government’s incentive includes livelihood and cash assistance, employment, and housing benefits. Otherwise, you will have to face the consequences, as we will have no let up in our focused military operations. We will hunt you down,” he added.(Norman M. Tagros/403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIABukidnon)
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DSWD accepts donations from Gov’t of the Russian Federation for IDPs of Marawi crisis, other disasters CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accepted in-kind donations from the Government of the Russian Federation on January 15 intended for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the series of disasters that hit the country, including the armed conflict in Marawi City, Tropical Depression Urduja, Severe Tropical Storm Vinta, and the recent Tropical Depression Agaton.
DSWD Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Affairs and Special Presidential Directives in the Mindanao Region, Luzviminda Ilagan accepted the humanitarian aid on behalf of the agency from His Excellency
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Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Philippines and Honorable Igor Veselov, the Acting Director-General of the Department of International Activity of the Ministry of the
16-31 January 2018 Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters in a ceremonial turnover at the DSWD Warehouse in Dalipuga, Iligan City. Usec. Ilagan accepted the donations together with DSWD Field Office (FO) X Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos and FO XII Regional Director Zorahayda Taha, who are on top of the disaster relief operations in Northern Mindanao and SOCSKSARGEN Regions, respectively. The turnover ceremony was graced by the Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr., Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ernesto C. Abella. “We welcome the Russian Federation’s support to our efforts to respond to the needs of IDPs of various disasters, especially those affected by Marawi crisis. The assistance will be very important to so many who have lost their homes and sources of livelihood because of the five-monthold armed conflict. Russia’s assistance will also benefit those displaced by ‘Vinta,’ who also lost everything due to severe flooding and landslides caused by the tropical storm. The donated goods will augment the relief items that we provide to displaced families and offer a variety of relief supplies to the affected individuals,” stated Usec.
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Ilagan. The first batch of the donations, which arrived on January 3, includes one van containing 500 bags of rice; while the second batch, which arrived on January 9, consists of three vans (1,500 bags) of rice, five vans (2,460 bags) of sugar, four refrigerated vans (208,035 cans) of canned milk, and four refrigerated vans (130,815 cans of 338 grams and 103,968 cans of 325 grams) of canned meat or beef stew. The third batch of donations arrived on January 13 consisting of four vans containing 2,955 pieces of sawn softwood. DSWD Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Emmanuel A. Leyco said that the aid will further boost the ties between the Philippines and Russia. “The aid is a proof that international solidarity continues to prosper between the Philippine government and the Russian Federation,” OIC Leyco said. “Rest assured that the donated goods, coursed through the DSWD, will reach the intended beneficiaries. We will do our best to facilitate the immediate allocation and distribution of the goods to the affected families,” he added.(DSWD10/RTP/PIA10)
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BAI-10 cites ways to prevent AI outbreak CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 urges poultry sellers, farm owners and operators to be cautious of new pathologic strains of Avian Influenza (AI) and enumerated ways on how the disease can be prevented during the AI Meeting: Review on Operations and Protocol on January 18.
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Regional AI Focal Person Ma. Teresa Roa said that the outbreak in Pampanga last year should serve as a lesson to poultry sellers and farm owners to always be updated on the happenings of their poultry and the information on the disease. For minimum biosecurity measures, Roa said that domestic poultry and birds should be kept in
confined areas by providing houses and/or fences to limit their movement and contact with other animals. Farm owners should also regulate and control movement of humans, animals and farm effects in and out of the farm. Such includes the implementation of biosecurity control points where cleaning and disinfection may be done.
16-31 January 2018 Roa further urged farm owners to place the poultry or birds in a healthy environment and ensure that the birds come from reputable sources. For the live bird markets (LBMs), Roa stressed that LBMs should have separate areas allowing segregation by type such as chicken vs. ducks vs. quails vs. pet birds. There should also be a market rest day once a week for intensive general cleaning and disinfection as well as hand-washing facilities with clean water and soap that are physically separated from the areas where the birds are kept or sold.
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The BAI also encourages all workers directly or indirectly involved with handling live poultry to be given with the current season’s influenza vaccine to reduce the possibility of dual infection with human and influenza viruses. In order to sustain local efforts on the prevention, control or regulation on the entry of the avian influenza or bird flu, all local government units shall enact an ordinance incorporating the appropriate measures or strategies which the concerned local government unit deemed necessary.(RTP/PIA10)
Ozamiz fisherfolks receive fiberglass fishing boat from BFAR OZAMIZ CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with the Local Government Unit of Ozamiz City provided 10 units of fiberglass fishing boats to the 20 fisherfolk beneficiaries on 16 January 2018 under the FB Pagbabago Program of President Rody Duterte. The total cost of this project for fiberglass reinforcement plastic boat amounted to P35, 411.85. Meanwhile, P17, 000 for gendok 16 horsepower underwater, P6, 650 for complete fitting, P2,165 for labor cost and P61, 226.85 for Individual worth assistance during a simple ceremony at the City
Hall, Ozamiz City. Fisherfoks who received the fishing boats which included engines, nets and hooks, were asked to participate in the campaign against illegal fishing in their communities. The objective of this turn-over was to improve the Socio Economic
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and to provide supplemental livelihood to fisher folks through scales development and boat construction. BFAR 10 Agriculturist II, Virginia Balgue said Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny PiĂąol had promised them the funding for the project when he visited the province last year. Two families will share one banca which is complete with a fishing gear to include fishing nets. She added that by giving these 10 units of fiberglass boats to the fisherfolk of Ozamiz City it is expected that they would take good care of it.
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Present during the turnover were BFAR 10 Agricultural II, Virginia Balgue, Acting Mayor Irene Luansing, Committee on Environment and City Councilor Atty. Nestor Montemor, City Councilor Cebedo and Department of Agriculture staff. This project also aimed to enhance the livelihood of the small fishermen as well as encourage joint efforts in protecting, preserving and managing the sea and aquatic resources says Acting Mayor Irene Luansing.(Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon/PIA MisOcc)
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Lanao del Norte bags 2nd Place in 2018 Sinulog Fest Float Competition
LANAO DEL NORTE – The entry of the Land of Beauty and Bounty in the Float Parade Contest never failed the expectations of the crowd during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City on January 21, 2018. The float successfully conveyed the message of peace and unity among Muslim and Christian residents in the Province of Lanao del Norte. Out of 48 entries from all over the country, the float grabbed 2nd place which resembles a Lancha (boat) that carries people from different cultures, beliefs, traditions and colors represents Lanao del Norte, a place
that is unique from other provinces and is constantly moving forward as one towards development and prosperity. Provincial Governor Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza-Dimaporo was happy to see her vision made into life. Toym Imao, the famous Filipino Multimedia Artist incorporates the ideas of the governor in order to
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16-31 January 2018 express a single and striking message that Lanao del Norte is a peaceful and progressive province by exhibiting the beautiful and exceptional arts of the Maranao culture. The Lancha float displayed arrays of Maranao art like the “Okir,” “Sarimanok” and a “Torogan.” Okir is a geometric and flowing design usually based on elaborate leaf and vine pattern and sometimes folk motifs. The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao people that originates from Lanao in the Island of Mindanao. And, the Torogan is a type of indigenous house of the Maranao people that is not just an ordinary house for it resembles high social status and considered as a residence of a Sultan or Datu.
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“In this particular float we wanted to celebrate the Maranao in commemoration of course with Marawi and the hardships that they are experiencing now. We wanted to be one with Marawi to show the world in this platform that it is a beautiful culture,” said Fatimah Aliah Quibranza Dimaporo, former Lanao del Norte Congressional District Representative. The contingent representing the Province of Lanao del Norte was headed by governor Angging, 2nd District Representative of Lanao del Norte Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo and family, along with officials and employees of the Provincial Government.(PIO-LDN/PIA-10 LDN)
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Marawi City to have modern business central district
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a dialogue with local officials of Lanao del Sur and Sulatanate of Marawi City on 18 January 2018, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Chair of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario shared that the team is geared towards rehabilitation of most affected areas (MAA) in Marawi City into a modern business central district.
The secretary explained that among the goals of the President is to make the city prosperous again. The MAA where the firefight between the terrorists and government forces penetrated in the City is composed of 24 barangays, 11,000
families and 250 hectares inside Marawi City. According to del Rosario, this area is totally damaged. Among the objectives of TFBM is to restore public utilities, such as barangay halls, elementary and high school buildings, port facilities,
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16-31 January 2018 preservation of at least three historical or heritage sites, conventions and events hall, grand central market and health clinics among others. Further, this will be re-built with modern facilities through a centralized waste water treatment facility or centralized sewage treatment plant, concrete road infrastructure with provision of bike and pedestrian lanes, underground utilities such as water, power and telecoms, and both sides of Agus River and Lake Lanao waterfront on Marawi side shall be allocated for parks and recreational site. According to him, they have come up with a timeline to fast track bidding for the contractor of the project. With a project cost of P40 billion, they are
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expecting to have a groundbreaking in April 2018. Meanwhile, expected project completion is on 2021. The secretary assured that this project will serve as catalyst for growth. When the city is developed, more investors will come in and more tourists will flock. While the infrastructure is being mobilized, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are provided with livelihood opportunities through the other member agencies. However, he explained that this plan has been discussed with various sectors of Marawi City through the local government, imams, sultanates, religious sector down to community level to ensure its success.(JMOR/ PIA10)
Kambalingan continues with return of 6 barangays MARAWI CITY – Fourth Kambalingan continues with barangays Kilala, Paridi, Boganga, Ambolong, Boto Ambolong and Tuca Ambolong returning to their communities in Marawi City.
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An estimate of another 2,000 individuals are allowed to come home after nine months in evacuation centers and other places of refuge. Despite delays from the proposed schedule due to security reasons,
evacuees are ecstatic to see their homes again. A total of 30 barangays have already returned to their communities since the Kambalingan, a Maranao term for homecoming began last
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October 2017. Thirty-six barangays are now permitted to return in Marawi after the recent homecoming of the six barangays. The return of the remaining 36 barangays are now being fast-tracked by the local government unit (LGU), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM). TFBM explained that before the homecoming of IDPs, the LGU conducts community mapping. Its result is counterchecked with the database of the DSWD. The process usually takes five days to a week to
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finish. Returning evacuees will receive family food packs (FFP) and cash assistance worth P5,000 from the DSWD the day after their homecoming. The assistance is given to allow families buy some time to resume their businesses or livelihood. The LGU, DSWD, and the TFBM is seeking to finish the Kambalingan of the remaining 36 barangays. Their target is to let evacuees go home before the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the most affected area (MAA) begins this year.(PIATFBMICCC/JAEB)
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ComElec seeks public views on election postponement
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To determine whether or not to postpone the May 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Mindanao or in any part thereof, the Commission on Elections (ComElec) held a public hearing on January 23 in Cagayan de Oro City.
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Eight of 12 groups who presented their views during the said public hearing agreed to postpone the elections on May 14, 2018 citing three major reasons to do so and these include the unstable situation of Marawi City especially the internally displaced persons (IDPs), in progress campaign for anti-drugs and existence of rebel groups particularly in Lanao
del Sur and Bukidnon. Meanwhile, the other four groups stressed that the elections should still be held since Mindanao is relatively peaceful even if it is under martial law, election has been postponed twice already giving no chance for better leaders to make a change in their areas and election is a tool of democracy which should be exercised
16-31 January 2018 as stated by the law. Having heard the views of various groups in Mindanao, Commissioner Luie Tito Guia of ComElec said, “By law, we have to hold elections in May 14 2018; that is the default. The question or the wisdom of whether to reset that election or not rest not with ComElec but to Congress.” Guia also stressed that it is mainly because of the state of martial law here that they have decided to conduct public hearing to determine
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if there is factual basis with reference to Section 5 of the Omnibus Election code to postpone it and that is the only reason or authority that ComElec has. “If we do reset and suspend the election, the law says that we have to call the postponed election within 30 days from the cessation of the call. In other words, hindi talaga siya (it is not) permanent postponement. That is the extent of authority of the ComElec,” Guia said.(RTP/PIA10)
Camiguingnons receive medical, surgical aid CAMIGUIN – To help the Camiguingnons who need major surgery and check-up, the provincial government in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association- Chicago, United States of America (USA) holds a medical mission on January 23-25 at Camiguin General Hospital- Out Patient Department. Working closely with the Camiguin General Hospital and five Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the province, the medical mission provides services for surgical, cataract, medical and dental needs. Consultations and services were provided to residents of Mambajao and all of its barangays on January
23, Mahinog and Sagay on January 24, and Catarman and Guinsiliban on January 25. About 500 residents of Mambajao, Mahinog and Sagay have benefitted from the said medical mission.(RTP/ PIA10)
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