By Jun Enriquez Iligan City - Former Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz; former Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy; and 11 other former city councilors including Ranulfo D. Cenas, Department Head, City Environment and Management Office; and Eulalio G. Gaite, Assistant City legal officer , were charge and respondents of a complaint filed by Dexter Rey T. Sumaoy at the graft court, the Ombudsman, arose from the lease agreement entered into by the Iligan city government with the owners of seven (7) adjoining parcels of land with an aggregate area of 20,000 square meters Located in Tubod, Iligan City and eventually used as the city’s Iligan Bus and Jeepney southbound terminal (IBJT-ST). Based on the complaint of Sumaoy, it was stated that from the original lease agreement dated August 21, 2004, the city government leased the properties from Kiwalan Lumber Company (KLC) for a period of nine years at the rental rate of PhP3.00 per square meter. In the said agreement, it was stated that the parties shall renegotiate the terms and conditions of the lease at least six months prior to the expiration of the lease, if the parties desire to renew the same for another period. Signatories to the 2004 agreement were Amador A. Lluch, in behalf of KLC and Cruz, as representative of the city government. The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Iligan City in its session on September 21, 2004, confirmed and ratified the execution of the lease by the passage of a Resolution No. 04-628 by councilors Marzo, Abragan and Dalisay, presided by Vice Mayor Dy. In a letter dated July 11, 2008, Cenas in behalf of Cruz, sought authorization from the SP to amend or supplement the 2004 agreement. On December 23, 2008, the SP passed a Resolution No. 08-963 by Councilors Abragan and Dalisay presided by Vice Mayor Dy, authorizing Cruz to enter into and sign a supplemental lease agreement with the Salvatori Development Corporation (SDC) owner of the lot leased by the Iligan City government used as southbound terminal. It was found out that the SDC was the successor-in-interest as far as the leased properties were concerned. Based on the amended or supplemental lease agreement dated December 30, 2008 executed by SDC’s Lluch and Cruz representing the city government, the parties agreed to a 10 percent annual raised computed from the original rental rate of PhP3.00 per square meter with the following computations, in 2009-2010 the rental rate for the first 10,000 square meters was PhP9.90 per square meter and the rental rate for the second 10,000 square meters was PhP6.60 per square meter. In 2013, after four years of the lease the rental rate of the lot for the first 10,000 square meters ballooned to PhP13.17 per square meter, and the rental rate for the second 10,000 square meters had raised to PhP8.78 per square meter to be manifested in another lease extension. In another letter by Cenas dated February 18, 2013, again asked the SP to authorize Cruz to renew the 2008 amended lease agreement with SDC and forwarded to the SP with endorsement dated February 15, 2013 prepared by Gaite. The SP in its session held on March 4, 2013 approved the SP resolution no. 13-191, through councilor Marzo and others presided by Dy authorizing Cruz to renew the 2008 amended agreement for a period of five years with a rental rate of PhP13.17 per square meter for the first 10,000 square meters, and PhP8.78 per square meter for the second 10,000 square meters. By virtue of the authority provided by the SP resolution no. 13-191, the SDC’s and Cruz have had executed the contract of lease extension dated March 15, 2013. Sumaoy insisted in his complaint that the respondents should be held liable for their participation in the anomalous execution of the 2004 agreement, 2008 amended agreement and 2013 extension contract because the lease transactions with KLC and SDC did not undergo public bidding, as required by R.A. No. 9184. Cruz in his counter affidavit dated July 11, 2014 argues complainant’s claims that the city government leased the properties to establish the IBJT-ST, in accordance with the general welfare clause in section 16 of R.A. 7160, that all lease agreements covering the properties were duly consented to or ratified by the SP, the properties were appraised by the Appraisal committee that IBJT-ST is “profitable,” and there was nothing wrong in his having executed the 2013 Extension Contract because he was still the Mayor when he signed the agreement, and the elements of the offenses charged are absent. Cenas in his counter-affidavit dated July 5, 2014, argued that his only participation in the series of lease transactions was referring the contracts to the city legal office for review and he was not involved in drafting and review of said agreements. In their joint counter-affidavit of the City councilors, dated July 9, 2014, Marzo, Abragan, Young, Siao, Booc, Anghay, Openiano, Areola, Dy, Dalisay, Zalsos and Magaro claimed that there is no probable cause to indict them for the offenses charged because as then members of the SP by ratifying the lease agreements was within their prerogative because these were vital to the continuing operation of the IBJT-ST and without it, the traffic in Iligan City would have worsened, and public bidding was unnecessary and impractical. Gaite in his counter-affidavit dated June 20, 2014, disputed complainant’s accusations that the initial draft of the 2013 extension contract was assigned to him for review and recommendation by the city legal office sometime in February 2013, after he submitted his comments in good faith to his superior City legal officer Valerio Salazar, who forwarded the same to Cruz’s office In a decision dated June 13, 2016, the office of the Ombudsman was unconvinced by the respondents Cruz and others claim that the lack of public bidding was justifiable under the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Resolution No. 4-2007, which amended Section 53 of IRR-A and allowed the resort to negotiated procurement for leases of privately owned real estate for official use, subject to guidelines to be issued by the GPPB. The GPPB took effect only in 2007, 3 years after the execution of the 2004 agreement that the purported exception created by the GPPB resolution did not exist when KLC and the iligan City government executed the original lease agreement and noted that Cruz’s middle name is “Lluch,” while KLC and SDC were both represented by another Lluch family in the lease transaction. Accordingly, the respondents admitted non-compliance with the competitive bidding requirement in R.A. 9184 is indicative of willful and intentional disregard of existing procurement laws and rules. The rationale behind the requirement of competitive public bidding, as a mode of awarding government contracts, is to ensure that the people get maximum benefits and quality services from the contracts and echoes the call for transparency in government transactions and accountability of public officers. Their conscious disregard for legal requirements connotes not only a callous indifference to the consequences of their actions but is likewise indicative of a conscious intent to commit a wrongful act. In such decision, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, finds the respondents Lawrence Lluch Cruz, Ruderic C. Marzo, Providencio A. Abragan, Jr., Moises G. Dalisay, Jr., Riza Jane P. Magaro, Jose L. Zalsos, Frederick W. Siao, Marlene L. Young, Ariel P. Anghay, Michelle E. Sweet-Booc, Bayani C. Areola, Roy L. Openiano and Eulalio G. Gaite are liable administratively for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and imposes on them the principal penalty of dismissal from the service along with corresponding accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, bar from taking civil service examinations and forfeiture of retirement benefits. In addition, if the penalty of dismissal can no longer be enforced on them, it will be converted into a fine in the amount equivalent to his/her salary for one year, payable to the office of the Ombudsman, and may be deducted from his/her retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivable due them and the accessory penalties remain imposed. The same decision dismisses the administrative charges against the respondents Henry C. Dy and Ranulfo D. Cenas for lack of evidence. The decision stated that Dy have been impleaded because he was the SP’s presiding officer showing no clear participation in the drafting, execution and implementation of the lease agreements with KLC and SDC. On the other hand, Cenas as Cruz’s chief of staff simply sent letter-requests for authorization to the SP in behalf of his superior. Meaning, it was actually Cruz not Cenas who sought the SP’s authorization to enter into lease contract with KLC and SDC.
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By Jun Enriquez Balo-i, Lanao del Norte - After the month of Ramadan, “Eid Al-Adha” was celebrated by the Filipino Muslims in Lanao del Norte with the Muslims around the world. Aleem Zainodin Lomala, Executive Director of the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) said that “Eid Al-Adha” is known as "Festival of the Sacrifice" and also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two. Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ismael. Aleem Lomala said that “Eid Al-Adha” was celebrated after the month of Ramadan. The Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. Aleem Lomala said Ramadan is a month of heightened devotion, a time that the doors of heaven are kept open, and the doors of hell are closed, and Satan is kept in chains. Muslims go through a period of intense reflection and devotion, seeking guidance and forgiveness. Muslims practice “sawm”, or fasting, during the entire month. This means they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Married adults also refrain from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours). He said one of the most important aspects of the Ramadan fast is called niyyah. Niyyah literally means "intention." Muslims must not simply or accidentally abstain from food; they must achieve the requirement of niyyah. To achieve this requirement, a Muslim must "intend in heart that [the fast] is meant to be a worship for Allah alone." So, if someone fasts for political or dietary reasons, he would not achieve niyyah. In fact, according to scripture, "Whoever does not make niyyah before dawn, would not have fasted." The determination to fast is equal in importance to the fast itself. Other duties include five daily prayers and the recitation of the Taraweeh prayer, or Night prayer. At mosques during Ramadan, about one-thirtieth of the Quran is recited in prayers called tarawih. By the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran has been recited. It’s also intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Ramadan celebrated for 29 or 30 days. Aleem Lomala said In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day. The exact date and timing of the occasion varies on the positioning of the moon at the beginning of the Islamic calendar month, better known as Dhu’l-Hijjah. As a result of this, Eid Al-Adha often falls on different days around the world depending on the location and region. On September 12, 2016, Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in some Barangays in the municipalities of Lanao del Norte initiated by the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) headed by its Executive Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, together with his staff initiated a project named “Qurban” or “Qurbani”. There were identified Barangays in Lanao del Norte for the project benefited the goat assistance slaughtered for the celebrations, these were the Barangays of Maria Cristina, Balo-i with two groups at 6 goats per group or there were 12 goats for the two groups; Matampay , Pantao Ragat with 16 goats; Nunungan, Poona Piagapo with 4 goats; and Denaig, Poona Piagapo with 15 goats. A total of 47 goats slaughtered during the festivities. The goats will be slaughtered by a knife but before slaughtering, it recommends to recite verses 6:79 , 6:162 and 6:163 (Al-naam-The Cattle) with the addition "Allahumma minka walaka" ( O Allah you gave it to me and I offer it to you) after slaughtering the animal, it has to be placed down very gently on its left side, while the throat facing qiblah. The meat will be given to the families, relatives, friends and the other residents of the place. Both family and community will cook the meat. The cooked meat will be eaten by the families but others celebrated it by eating with the company of their relatives and friends as an enjoyment and camaraderie for the celebration. The total cost of the slaughtered goats is approximately 170,000.00 pesos only. The source of funds for the project was coming from the Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Association, a non-government organization (NGO) and considered to be one of the largest charitable organizations in the Middle East, was established in 1995 in Doha, Qatar. The association is alternatively known as theSheikh Eid bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Organization, or the Eid Charity Foundation, was named after his Excellency Sheikh Eid Ibn Mohammad ibn Thani ibn Jasim ibn Mohammad Al Thani. Its mission, as described by the Gulf Times, is “to execute charitable and benevolent projects, develop volunteer work, and preserve noble values through skilled human resources, dynamic administrative systems and strategic organization.” The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need. Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Aleem Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, Tawi-tawi and Jolo. Aleem Lomala extended his thanks to the Eid Charity Foundation for the financial assistance they turned over to UBAF as well as for the long standing partnership for many worthy causes. He said “Donors like you provide us the financial and moral support we needed in order to continue our mission as a Foundation. Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success in providing and sharing blessings in the Holy month of Ramadhan and in bringing love and happiness in celebrating Eid Al-Adha.” He also extended his thanks to his staff in the UBAF for their skills and enthusiasm showed for the realization and success of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations to the communities. Aleem Lomala added “To our brothers and sisters in Islam thank you for the warm welcome, cooperation and for showing us the hospitality as we visited and conducted the Qurbani in your barangays. To our Almighty ALLAH, the beginning and end of all things, we only stand on what we are today because you called us to enter and guide us on our way. Thank you for the Blessings and oppurtunities.” In praising he said “ALL GLORY IS OFFERED BACK IN YOU 'YA ALLAH. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu."Photos by Jun Pacapat By Jun Enriquez Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte - Eid Al-Adha is known as "Festival of the Sacrifice" and also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two. Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ismael. This information was narrated by Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, Executive Director of the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) based in Iligan City. ‘Eid Al-Adha” is celebrated after the Ramadan. The Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. Ramadan is celebrated for 29 or 30 days. Director Aleem Lomala said Muslims around the world celebrate and observe Eid Al Adha every year. On the commencing morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims will attend morning prayers and sermon at a mosque. They also wear new clothes, visit family members and friends and may symbolically sacrifice an animal in an act known as “qurbani”. The Qurbani (sacrificial) meat is then divided into three equal parts – one for the household, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor - a meal will then be prepared with this sacrifice. This represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son. In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day. The exact date and timing of the occasion varies on the positioning of the moon at the beginning of the Islamic calendar month, better known as Dhu’l-Hijjah. As a result of this, Eid al-Adha often falls on different days around the world - depending on the location and region. On September 12, 2016 Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in Lanao Del Norte and other places locally. The Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) headed by its Executive Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, together with his staff initiated a project named Qurban or Qurbani. Customarily the “Eid Al Adha” was celebrated by slaughtering a Cow or Goat. Slaughtering of cow and goats represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son. A person should slaughter his own animal if he is able to slaughter it properly, otherwise he should entrust it to someone to slaughter it on his behalf. The cow will be slaughtered by a knife but before slaughtering, it is recommended to recite verses 6:79 , 6:162 and 6:163 (Al-naam-The Cattle) with the addition "Allahumma minka walaka" ( O Allah you gave it to me and I offer it to you) after slaughtering the animal, it has to be placed down very gently on its left side, while the throat facing qiblah. The meat will be given to the families, relatives, friends and the other residents of the place. Both family and community will cook the meat. The cooked meat will be eaten by the families but others celebrated it by eating with the company of their relatives and friends as an enjoyment and camaraderie for the celebration. Director Aleem Lomala said during the local celebrations, there was one cow slaughtered in CEBU, one of the branches of the foundation but mostly the project was implemented in Lanao del Norte areas for the slaughtered cow offering with one cow per Barangay particularly for the following Barangays, the Cabasaran; Bacayawan, Munai; Lumbac, Pantao Ragat; Walo a Datu; Pantaon, Batangan, Matungao; Pantao Mareg; Maliwanag; East Poblacion, Pantao Ragat; Aloon, Pantao Ragat; Maliwanag, Pantaon; and Poona Piagapo with two cows slaughtered. The cows slaughtered offering for the “Eid Al Adha” for the Qurban or Qurbani project was supported by the RAF Foundation. A total of 13 cows in 12 Barangays were slaughtered during the celebration locally. The total project cost for the cows slaughtered is amounted approximately at 240,000.00 pesos only. The funds for the project was coming from the support of theFoundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for Humanitarian Services abbreviated as RAF, is a Qatari foundation established by the Al-Thani family. The foundation provides humanitarian aid and contributes to social development of all sectors of the Qatari society without discrimination. RAF is also engaged in international projects in partnership with foundations that share the same goal. The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need. Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, Tawi-tawi and Jolo. Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala in his message said “In behalf of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMEMT, RELIEF, DA'WAH AND EDUCATION INC. I am pleased to convey and express my gratitude to Foundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for Humanitarian Services (RAF Foundation) for the financial donation they turned over to UBAF as well as for the long standing partnership for many worthy causes.” He added, “Donors like you provide us the financial and moral support we needed in order to continue our mission as a Foundation. Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success in providing and sharing blessings in the Holy month of Ramadhan and in bringing love and happiness in celebrating Eid Al-Adha.” Director Aleem Lomala also extended his thanks to the staff of UBAF performing their best for the success of the celebration and extend his thanks to his brothers and sisters in Islam for their hospitality and cooperation for the visit by conducted the “Qurbani”. “To our Almighty ALLAH, the beginning and end of all things, we only stand on what we are today because you called us to enter and guide us on our way. Thank you for the Blessings and opportunities. ALL GLORY IS OFFERED BACK IN YOU 'YA ALLAH. "Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu." Director Aleem Lomala said. Photos by Jun Pacapat By Muktar Farah, OCHA Philippines Head of Office Makita City, Philippines - Typhoon Haima (locally named Lawin) made landfall in Peñablanca, Cagayan province, at 11 p.m. on 19 October as a Category 4 typhoon with sustained winds of 225 km/h and gusts of up to 315 km/h. After landfall, it quickly downgraded to a Category 3 typhoon, leaving a broad path of debris, damage to homes and buildings, flooding and landslides.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 5:00 p.m., 20 October, Typhoon Haima was located 260 km west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province, with maximum sustained winds up to 130 km/h near the centre and gusts up to 160 km/h. It continues to weaken as it moves away from the country and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tonight. Estimated rainfall amounts are from moderate to heavy within the 700 km diameter of the typhoon. Sea travel is risky over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) number 1 (30-60 km/h winds expected in 24 hours) is in effect for the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Abra. All other tropical cyclone warning signals have been lifted. Approximately 90,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated in Regions I, II, II, IV-A, V and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), according to the information available from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). NDRRMC is validating eight reported casualties in Ifugao, Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan provinces. It reports a total of 230 evacuation centres operating in the affected areas, but is confirming the number of people displaced. There are 37 roads in Cagayan and Isabela that are not passable. The initial observation is that Tuguegarao City, where the regional government offices are located, does not have major humanitarian issues at this time. Houses made of concrete have suffered roof damage, but houses made of light materials have been destroyed. The Government of the Philippines undertook considerable preparedness activities to mitigate the effects of the typhoon as it approached the country. Local authorities are now leading the relief and debris clearing operations. 5 million People within the 100 km radius of the typhoon track 175,500 People living below the poverty level within the 100 km radius of the typhoon track 21 UN agencies, INGOs, local partners present in the affected area Source: OCHA Philippines The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Philippines Typhoon Haima Situation Report No. 1 | 2 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Coordination Saves Lives | www.unocha.org NDRRMC has requested support from Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), a network of Filipino businesses, to gather more data over the next two days in the most affected areas and to mobilize additional logistic support to transport humanitarian aid. PRC will deploy various vehicles to support debris removal, search and rescue and delivery of relief items. Two PRC assessment and chapter support teams are also on standby at headquarters for dispatch to travel to Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora provinces. PDRF, in partnership with NDRRMC, distributed the relief items, including solar lamps, relief bags, mats, sacks of clothing and towels and bottled water. Far East Broadcasting Company-First Response Radio (FRR-FEBC), through its local radio network partner DZMR 1143 AM, is working with the Santiago City government in Isabela, the Region II office of the Philippine Information Agency, local non-government organizations (NGO) and affected communities in a series of humanitarian radio programming. Its broadcast coverage reaches the provinces of Isabela and Aurora, as well as parts of CAR. The radio programme reports on weather updates, ongoing response of the local government and local NGOs on WASH, food distribution, child protection and restoration of communication lines in Isabela and Cagayan. The Humanitarian Coordinator has made a written offer of assistance to the Government on 19 October. While the Government has not called for international support at this time, it has made a targeted request for logistical support to WFP using in-country resources to transport food items. Typhoon Haima is the twelfth cyclone to affect the Philippines this year. It followed Typhoon Sarika, which struck central Luzon four days ago. Needs Assessments teams composed of Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police based in Tuguegarao City plan to undertake a rapid assessment of Cagayan municipalities on 21 October. OCHA and World Food Programme (WFP) teams on the ground are ready to support this exercise. Also, members of the Philippine International NGO Network are coordinating teams to participate in damage assessments. There are currently 21 organizations in the affected areas conducting needs assessments. Member organizations of the Community Engagement Community of Practice are conducting rapid information communication accountability assessments in Aurora, Cagayan and Isabela. Participating organizations include Action Against Hunger (ACF), CARE, FRR-FEBC, IOM, Oxfam, Peace and Conflict Journalism Network, Save the Children, SkyEye, United Methodist Communications and World Vision. Most clusters are also starting their assessments. A Camp Coordination and Camp Management team is on its way to Tuguegarao City. From there, the team will survey people displaced in Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora until 23 October. Emergency shelter assessments are also ongoing. The Education cluster is supporting the Department of Education’s assessment of damage to schools over the weekend. FAO will participate this weekend, as well, in an assessment led by the Department of Agriculture of affected farmlands. The National Nutrition Council has mobilized and is conducting its own assessment of affected areas. It has therapeutic food supplements available for deployment. The Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene clusters report the extensive pre-positioning medicines and medical supplies, as well as aquatabs and other sanitation items. The Protection cluster will determine any need for protection coordination based assessment results, but has a UNHCR team ready to deploy. Child Protection Working Groups (CPWG) in Region I and CAR have been activated and the Child Protection sub-cluster, in partnership with the Community Engagement Community of Practice, has disseminated key protection messages in the affected areas. Additionally, WFP has pre-positioned emergency telecommunications and logistical assets and equipment, as well as food resources provided by the Australian government. NDRRMC is planning to use the three commercial airports in Laoag City, Tuguegarao City and Cuayan, Isabela, as possible humanitarian distribution hubs in the next two days to augment the response of various affected local government units. General Coordination, NDRRMC is holding daily response coordination meetings in which OCHA is participating. Philippines Typhoon Haima Situation Report No. 1 | 3 Uniteds Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Coordination Saves Lives | www.unocha.org , The Humanitarian Country Team and the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group met on 20 October respectively for a situation analysis and to discuss next steps. The Emergency Response Preparedness Working Group, a broader forum for inter-cluster coordination, met on 17 October and reviewed support options that were available. OCHA, upon the invitation of OCD, deployed two teams to Tuguegarao City on 19 October to facilitate the liaison between the authorities and international organizations. Agencies deploying teams to the affected areas are encouraged to contact OCHA. Humanitarianresponse.info is being used by humanitarian partners to share information about assessments. The Government is using the hashtags #LawinPH for regular updates for this typhoon, as well as standardized hashtags , #ReliefPH, #RescuePH, #FloodPH to monitor requests for assistance. By Jun Enriquez Munai, Lanao del Norte – there were three Barangays in Munai, Lanao del Norte enjoyed and benefited the medical mission conducted on October 16, 2016 held at Panggao Elementary School, Panggao, Munai, Lanao Norte. These are the Barangays of Pantaon, Tamparan and the host Barangay of Panggao. The medical mission was conducted by the 5th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army in partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) and Jaycees International of Panguil Bay, Lanao del Norte, Department of Education and in cooperation with the Local government unit of Munai. Aside from the three beneficiary Barangays the medical mission also accepted people from nearby places to enjoy the program. The medical mission gave free services on medical consultation, dental consultation, libreng tuli, free massage, salon services, free haircut, free blood typing and sugar screening, feeding activity, free medicines, Film showing. Also include the lecture on forest protection, Distribution of school supplies. There were at least 200 children and 500 adults enjoyed and benefited the program. Lt. Col. Galileo Goyena, CAV (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 5thMechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army, based in Bagumbayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte said the purpose of the medical mission is to open the place for other people to see Munai a safe place. It will also capacitate and empower the community to communicate other people freely. Goyena said that Panggao is an interior Barangay of Munai was known to be in bad image due to the incidence of kidnapping and cattle rustling that allegedly confined in the area. But the people in the community doesn’t want their place to be dragged into bad image. Goyena said that Panggao is not covered in the area of temporary stay of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Goyena said the bad image was instilled to the perception of the people outside Munai. To clear this perception is to make some activities that will serve as a show window to establish good relations among other people outside the community, teach the children on good works and attitude with the help of the teachers in school. Capacitate the community to learn that there is a government serving the people. The non-government organizations (NGOs) will also be used the place for their presence. Goyena expressed his thanks to all the stakeholders and partners especially the Munai Municipal Mayor Casan Maquiling for the very successful event this day. Vice Mayor Ike Balabagan delivered a message in behalf of Mayor Casan Maquiling who was in Manila during the time of the event was stranded on his flight due to bad weather condition and was not able to attend the event. Balabagan said that some people outside Munai afraid of coming in the place. He said nothing to worry in Munai today because the local government is trying their best to change the image of Munai in cooperation with the community by providing sustainable livelihood, support infrastructure of farm to market roads so that agricultural production will be developed and the people become busy on their livelihood and economic activities. The Munai before during the time of no lights, roads and other infrastructure people in the area were thinking bad that’s why they will do anything that created bad image in their own place. As of now bad activities are no longer happening. Balabagan said that the three Barangays should unite for development. He said the local government of Munai will initiate livelihood training on Abaca production in cooperation with the 5thMechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army. Beneficiaries on this program will prioritize the farmers from Barangays Panggao, Pantaon and Tamparan. He said the training will follow the soonest time possible. A lecture on environmental protection was also held attended by the farmers group composed of men and women. The lecture was conducted by Forester Amron Acampena, chief of the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) – Enforcement and regulation section, Provincial ENR based in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The lecture discussed was about the climate change and global warming and how the trees help mitigate flooding because three-fourths of the trees is water content. Forester Acampena said that cutting of trees is allowed only to the planted trees not on the natural grown trees. That’s why their office had apprehended illegal forest products including the vehicles used in transporting the products. He said arresting illegal activities related to forest products is not a punishment but to control and prevent illegal logging. Acampena said The cutting of planted trees shall be allowed only if a person have proof of ownership of the land such as title or tax declaration where the trees was planted. The lecture was also discussed about the pertinent laws on illegal logging and land titling procedure. The participants presented that most of the land in their area have no title. Forester Acampena adviced the owner of those lands with no title shall visit their office so that the DENR office will conduct proper titling procedure. Other Personalities present during the event was Dr. Rasmila M. Cosain, Senior Education Program Specialist, DepEd; Ms. Maricar G. Ablin, chief of Schools Governance and Operations Division; Ms. Edith S. Perez, President of the JCI Panguil Bay of Lanao del Norte; Mr. Rodrigo Rodriguez, President of PAMET, Iligan City-Lanao chapter; Dr. Charles Marquez, MD, Volunteer Doctor of PAMET; Ms. Aisha A Sanggacala, Principal of Panggao Elementary School and the representative of International Monitoring Team (IMT) of the GPH-MILF peace process was also present to observe the activity. |
AuthorA news blog started by CSO-FP Managing Director, Mr. Jun Enriquez to keep the people of Lanao, Mindanao and the Philippines updated on current local issues especially the peace and order situation in conflict affected areas. Archives
July 2017
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