Motivational Quotes Gallery

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Motivational Quotes Gallery

Meranao Culture

Meranao Culture
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Inspiring Stories

Inspiring Stories
Inspiring Stories

DPWH-ARMM BAC conducts opening of bids for procurement of goods


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 26 (PIA) --- The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) held the opening of bids on the procurement of goods last September 19 at the DPWH-ARMM Conference Room in Cotabato City.

The procurement of goods covers three (3) lots, namely, Lot I for the supply and delivery of various types of heavy equipment with an approved budget contract (ABC) of P38.1 million; Lot II for the supply and delivery of motor vehicles with an ABC of P6.5 million; and Lot III for the supply and delivery of survey instruments with an ABC of P3.1 million.

In his message, DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil K. Sadain told participating bidders that the opening of bids will be religiously conducted in adherence to RA 9184 or the New Government Procurement Act.

He said it is also in line to the desire of President Benigno S. Aquino III to reform the region, including the procurement stages and processes.

Sadain also expressed hope that technical flaws will not happen anymore in the evaluation of the eligibility requirement of the participating bidders.

He added that selection of the right bidders is based on the merit of the submitted proposals.

For transparency three observers from Office of the Regional Governor, Commission on Audit, and Muslim Chambers of Commerce were invited during the opening of bids.

A total of ten (10) bidders for the lots participated in the bidding.

In the process of the evaluation of the eligibility requirement of the participating bidders, the BAC has disqualified three bidders while two bidders for Lot III were allowed to file their motion for reconsideration. (DPWH-ARMM/PIA-10)

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DPWH-ARMM Sec leads groundbreaking of school building in Marawi City


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 25 (PIA) – Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) Regional Secretary Emil K. Sadain led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine Green Engineering Project (PGEP) building last September 18 in Marinaut, this city.

The said building when completed will be donated to Marinaut Elementary School as one classroom school building.

The construction of the PGEP building is jointly funded by Lanao del Sur Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and the Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur.

Secretary Sadain, who is also the current Vice-President of national chapter of the PICE, was assisted by Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. during the groundbreaking.

Provincial PICE officials and the school principal of the Marinaut Elementary School were also present during the ceremony.

The PGEP is one of the projects of the PICE that promotes green engineering as response to climate change. (DPWH-ARMM/PIA-10)

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41 women complete training on handicraft-making


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 17 (PIA) -- Forty-one women from the municipality of Tugaya who were pilot beneficiaries of a special training program on handicraft-making were awarded their training certificates yesterday, September 16.

The culmination rites of the ten-day training program was held at the City Hall Building.

The program, dubbed Handicraft for Peace, was geared towards empowering women economically.

It also complements effort to promote peace in the province.

The training program included courses on dressmaking, langkit weaving (sash to enhance the malong), baor (treasure chest) making, and antoweras (beads) making, Tarhata Mapandi, Provincial Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said.

She said it was a joint undertaking of the TESDA Provincial Office, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), and the International Monitoring Team (TEAM) Mindanao under its Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Component (HRDC).

The BDA is an arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that manages rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao while the IMT-HRDC observes and monitors the humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects of the implementation of cessation of hostilities between the government and the MILF.

IMT-HRDC Coordinator Dr. Rena Korber, who was one of the guests during the culmination rites, underscored the important role of women as peacekeepers.

“From all wars and conflicts in the world, we know that the best peacekeepers are we, women, because we do not only care for ourselves but also for the family,” she emphasized.

She also said that women have the greatest intention for good lives for their children.

After the culmination rites, an exhibit was launched to showcase the finished products of the graduates. (APB/PIA-10) 
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Soldiers undergo conflict management orientation-workshop


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept 17 (PIA) -- Some 100 soldiers from the 51st Infantry (Fuerte Uno) Battalion of Philippine Army including Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliaries (CAA) under the command of Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon M. Yadao underwent an orientation-workshop on "rido (family feud)," and conflict management on September 9. 

The one-day orientation and workshop, held at the 51st IB headquarters in Malabang town, was conducted in partnership with the Reconciliatory Initiatives for Development Opportunities (RIDO) Inc. and the Department for International Development (DFID) through the Asia Foundation. 

It was aimed at raising the awareness of our soldiers on the causes of conflicts, particularly clan wars, and educate them on the principles and approaches of rido resolution and traditional conflict mediation, said Lt. Col. Yadao. 

Among the topics tackled during the orientation-workshop included the causes of rido, the different methods in handling conflicts, and the major approaches in resolving conflicts. 

The soldier-participants were also given practical exercises involving their personal experiences in resolving conflicts within their families, community, and the Philippine Army. 

Lt. Col. Yadao said the activity helped enhance the capabilities of the Fuerte Uno soldiers in dealing with rido and other conflicts. 

He also expressed optimism that with the continuous partnership with the non-government organizations, such as the RIDO Inc., and constant dialogues with stakeholders, the conflict between families can be resolve in a peaceful manner without sacrificing innocent lives. (51st IB/APB-PIA10) 
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ARMM seeks inputs of stakeholders to ARMM Organic Act amendments

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- The Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has engaged the participation of key stakeholders in coming up with improvements to Republic Act (RA) 9054, the law which amended RA 6734 or the Organic Act that created the ARMM. 

Members of the RLA are currently holding a series of public consultations in several parts of the region to seek inputs and suggestions on the proposed amendments to RA 9054. 

The first leg of the consultation was held August 28 in Cotabato City for stakeholders in Maguindanao while the second consultation was held here on September 11 for Lanao del Sur constituents. 

Public consultations for the island provinces kicked-off on September 13 in Lamitan City for Basilan stakeholders followed on September 15 in Bongao for Tawi-Tawi. 

Stakeholders in Sulu province will likewise be consulted on September 18. 

Assemblywoman Sittie Norhanie Lao said the ideas and inputs coming from the public will be the foundation and bases of the RLA members in coming-up with substantive recommendations and proposals to amend RA 9054. 

The outcomes of the consultations along with the other inputs from different sectors including civil society organizations will be reviewed and consolidated by the RLA before final deliberation and adoption by the regional body. 

Meanwhile, some of the major issues raised during the consultation here included wealth sharing and control of strategic minerals. 

Lanao del Sur stakeholders particularly recommended that at least 70 percent of the income from the National Power Corporation situated in the province should be for the Bangsamoro and the 30 percent for the national government. 

Under Section 5 of RA 9054, the control and supervision over the exploration, utilization, development, and protection of the mines and minerals and other natural resources within the autonomous region are vested in the ARMM government except for strategic minerals such as uranium, petroleum, and other fossil fuels, mineral oils, all sources of potential energy, as well as national reserves, aquatic parks, forest and watershed reservations. 

The same section further provides that 50 percent of the revenues, taxes, or fees derived from the use and development of the strategic minerals should accrue to the regional government while the remaining 50 percent should accrue to the national government. 

Among others, concerns on the educational system, especially on the release of education funds and operationalization Islamic education, and the development of the banking industry were also brought-up in the consultation. 

Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis said the conduct of the consultations is part of the huge mandate of the RLA to recommend amendments to RA 9054 for submission to Congress by October this year. 

RA 10153, which provides for the synchronization of the elections in the ARMM with the national and local elections, has paved the way for the appointment of caretaker officials of the ARMM government. 

Section 6 of RA 10153 mandated the appointed members of the RLA to conduct a study and review of RA 9054 and submit recommendations to the Congress within six months from their appointment. (APB-PIA 10) 
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Stakeholders push for classification of Lake Lanao to Class A


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- Local officials, civil society organizations, and other concerned stakeholders called on the government to classify Lake Lanao as “Class A” freshwater. 

In yesterday’s public hearing for the Lake Lanao water classification, both the Provincial Council and the City Council presented their respective resolutions asking for the classification of Lake Lanao into “Class A.” 

“Class A” freshwater can be sourced as drinking water provided they undergo some treatments in order to meet the National Standards for Drinking Water (NSDW). 

Both resolutions also called for the immediate implementation of all associated interventions including, but not limited, to the rehabilitation of the endemic species in the lake as the continuing degradation of the lake will bring suffering to communities relying on its bounties. 

Likewise, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) appealed for the restoration of the lake, as a source of drinking water and ablution for the Maranao people. 

A network of Moro civil society organizations, CBCS also moves for the improvement and protection of the lake against dumping of garbage and wastes. 

The Lake Lanao water classification public hearing was conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 10 to consult the public on the best usage potential of the lake. 

Engr. Florencio Dominguez Jr., chief of the Pollution Control Division of the EMB-10, said the classification is an important component of water quality management which will guide what enforcement activities are to be undertaken by the national government and the local government units to protect the lake. 

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Ansary Maongco pledged that the Provincial Council will make an ordinance for municipalities to properly take care of their coastal areas once the water classification is finalized. 
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Gov’t moves to address concerns on water classification of Lake Lanao


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 10 gathered here yesterday various stakeholders as it seeks to address the final water classification of Lake Lanao. 

The conduct of the public hearing, aimed at soliciting comments on the most beneficial use and dominant water utilization of Lake Lanao, is the second step before the government can finally declare the water usage and classification of the lake, Dr. Sabdullah Abubacar, regional director of the EMB-10 said. 

He said DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 34 provides for the classification of freshwaters so as to maintain their satisfactory condition according to their best usages. 

The final water classification of Lake Lanao will serve as a guide for the enforcement activities of the government to stop the degradation of the lake, he added. 

Abubacar said Lake Lanao is currently categorized as Class C since all freshwaters not yet classified are assumed to be Class C. 

The usage of Class C freshwaters includes the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources, recreational water activities, and industrial water supply particularly for manufacturing purposes. 

However, results of the water quality sampling conducted by the EMB-10 in 28 sampling stations show that Lake Lanao passed the Class A classification. 

Class A freshwaters fall under the Public Water Supply Class II category and can be sourced as drinking water provided they undergo some treatments in order to meet the National Standards for Drinking Water (NSDW) of the Philippines. Treatments may include coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection, among others. 
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DPWH-ARMM to launch major activities on September 11


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) will be launching four major activities on September 11 in an effort to carry out infrastructure-related initiatives consistent with the “Daang Matuwid” policy of the Aquino administraation. 

The launching of “9/11 DPWH-ARMM EVENT” will be held in Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. 

The DPWH-ARMM website is among those to be unveiled on the 9/11 event. The website contains all information and activities such as the DPWH-ARMM Reform Agenda 2012, the midyear accomplishment report of the regional public works and highways office and the ARMM Public Works Act of 2012, among others. 

Also to be launched is the procurement of civil works for ARMM, including the construction of Molundo-Wao road under Package IV, as well as the construction of the Ganassi-Tubod road, construction of Masiu-Ganassi road and repair of Cotabato-Lanao road under Package V. 

The proposals on five feasibility studies on several strategic and high impact projects for the region will also be introduced. This consists of the following: feasibility study and detailed design of the Sumisip water supply project and drainage improvement; rehabilitation and expansion of Jolo water supply project under public-private partnership; Jolo national road and drainage improvement project; development of Lamitan-Sumisip transcentral road and the development of Molundo-Wao-Bukidnon-Cagayan de Oro national road. 

A ceremonial turnover of ROCOND instruments and infrastructure management manual by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to DPWH-ARMM will also be conducted during the event. 

The ROCOND instruments will result in a comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date road and bridge information while the infrastructure management manual can provide engineers and other technical personnel of the DPWH-ARMM on the proper guidance and management of project supervision and implementation. 

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain said the 9/11 event is line with the President’s policy of good governance for the region towards its development. 

The national government upon instruction of the President has come up with a mini-marshall plan for the ARMM where the DPWH-ARMM plays a vital role.
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EMB-10 to hold public hearing on Lake Lanao water classification



MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 7 (PIA) --- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10, will be holding a public hearing on the water classification of Lake Lanao.

This will be held on Tuesday, September 11, at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Buadi Sacayo, this city.

The public hearing aims to solicit comments and suggestions from concerned sectors and stakeholders on the actual best usage potential and dominant water utilization of Lake Lanao, the EMB-10 said.

Lake Lanao is the second largest freshwater lake in the country with a surface area of 349.4 square kilometer and a mean depth of 60.30 meters, with the deepest part at 112 meters.

It serves as a major source of food and livelihood of the Maranao people, as well as, a venue for religious and cultural activities of communities around its shoreline.

The lake is also the source of hydroelectric power in the entire Mindanao serving as a natural reservoir for the National Power Corporation hydro power plants.

Interested parties are required to register in advance at DENR-EMB-10 Pollution Control Division Laboratory in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. They may also contact Nashibah Lucman at (088) 856-9362 for further details. 
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Medical mission benefits 2,852 Lanao Sur constituents


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- Almost 3,000 residents of the province received free healthcare services during the medical mission of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) last August 27 to 30. 

A team of doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives provided medical attention to around 2,852 individuals, 1,188 of which were residents of Pagayawan town and 1,664 of Madamba. 

IPHO said these residents have availed of free medical consultation, dental services, fluoride treatment, minor surgeries, and optical services. 

They also received free medicines. 

Other services provided during the mission were circumcision, deworming, sputum examination, blood pressure taking, and giving of Vitamin A, pneumonia and flu vaccines. 

It also included non-medical services such as distribution of toys to 923 children. 

The four-day mission was conducted in cooperation with Operation Blessing Philippines, an international non-profit and non-government organization that provides services to economically-disadvantaged individuals and communities. (APB/PIA-10) 
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CSC-ARMM celebrates 112th civil service anniversary


MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 4 (PIA) -– The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will underscore the heroism of outstanding public servants in celebration of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA). 

Lawyer Resurreccion Pueyo, CSC-ARMM Field Office Director, said the commission hopes to enhance government service by rewarding civil servants who exuded admirable dedication and honesty in the performance of their duty. 

This year’s PCSA celebration carries the theme “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani!” 

Pueyo said CSC-ARMM will host a line-up of activities intended to make this year’s anniversary celebration more meaningful and highlight the heroism of civil servants. 

“Ito ay pagkilala sa mga nagsisilbi sa pamahalaan, na ang kanilang trabaho ay hindi simpleng trabaho lang, kaakibat nito ang paglilingkod ng buong puso at dangal sa mga mamamayan at bayan kaya dapat nating ipagmalaki,” he said. (This is in recognition to public servants and that their work entails serving wholeheartedly, with dignity for the citizen and country, thus every public servant needs to be proud of) 

He said that helping put up dependable public service is laudable heroism. 

The ARMM government has gone ahead in giving due recognition to some of its deserving employees. 

On Friday, August 31, Acting ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman awarded certificates of appreciation to Kado Esmail and 21 other utility workers for showing commendable dedication to their work. 

Kado, 70, was photographed sweeping a portion of the open grounds of the ARMM’s seat in Cotabato City whilst raining, without proper gear. The photo, uploaded on Facebook, caught the attention of ARMM officials and the public and bared Kado’s laudable commitment. 

Hataman said they want to appreciate exemplary performance of employees no matter how small their contributions may be. (BPI-ARMM) 
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Feature: 70-year old deaf tops ARMM’s 2012 best workers



MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Sept. 1 (PIA) --- Deaf and aged, Kado Esmail, 70, still literally shakes a leg to become the model worker of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), topping over 40 thousand other employees of the regional bureaucracy.

Esmail was awarded a certificate of appreciation in paper, as well as on tarpaulin to immortalize his lifetime achievement of keeping the ARMM capitol grounds here clean and green in over three decades.

In addition, he received a cash reward from money contribution raised by regional officials led by ARMM Officer-In-Charge Governor Mujiv S. Hataman.

“For his exemplary service through exceptional trait of sheer hard work, the present administration hereby recognizes his contribution in the field of public and civil service,” reads the certificate of appreciation in Filipino that Hataman and top officials of the Executive and Legislative Branches of ARMM government handed over to Esmail.

Hataman said he wanted all ARMM employees and officials to emulate the honesty and hard work that Esmail and 21 other utility person-awardees have exuded in the name of public service.

Esmail, noted consistent to work as utility person sweeping a huge part of the 20-hectare capitol ground, was once caught in a photo sweeping the grounds amid heavy rain, by Myrna Jo Henry, a senior employee of the ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information, who quickly posted it on her Facebook.

The FB photo of Esmail by Henry spread fast among residents and ranking officials, including Hataman himself who met his immediate staff in the thought of awarding the old man.

Still physically strong at his age, Esmail who only speaks Maguindanaon, couldn’t say anything but “salamat” and “sukran” (Arabic for “thanks”).

Esmail said he keeps his family's hand-to-mouth existence by working with a “job-order” appointment which entitles him to up to P 9,000.00 monthly, depending on the “compassion” of leaders at the helm of the regional government.

He said he could not retire even at his age, lest he suffer frequent body aching, and that he would have nothing to reap in terms of retirement benefits, just the same.

From his meager earning, starting with P 15.00 daily wage, Esmail had sent to school his now adult and married children—and is still helping bear school expenses for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was profoundly thankful, saying in Maguindanaon that the P 50,000.00 cash reward was a big help to his family.  

Assemblymen joined Hataman in paying tribute to the region’s 22 lowly workers, who were also given awards recognizing their labor.

Most of the awardees have worked on their job during the past 20 or 30 years from the tenure of ARMM’s forerunner—the Office of the Regional Commission and Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook in the 1970s.

Hataman said his administration will continue the awarding system to cover other departments, offices, bureaus and commissions under the regional government.

He appealed to workers, officials and visitors of the regional capitol to observe cleanliness and to help keep the ground clean even by refraining from littering around.

Hataman warned that in the same manner, the ARMM government will also give humiliating “awards” to littering officials and employees.           

Aside from Esmail, other awards recipients were Marcelina Gomez-Vasay; Domin Manayol; Jasper Villamor; Faisal Gaos; Guiamad Abubakar; Isidro Zafra; Abdulnasser Ibrahim; Peter Morales; Erlinda Flores; Solaiman Gaos; Mama Kasuyo; Tito Beloy; Narlito Flores; Nguda Ali; Sali Moldin; Simeon Ulama; Nida Salva; Wahid Atin Manguda; Email Manial; Ebrahim Abedin, and Lester Najiv Ahmad. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)
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