Top Stories
NDBC BIDA BALITA 06.20.13
NEWSCASTJUN 20, 2013 (HUWEBES)7:00 AM Dalawang suspek sa isang kaso ng pamamaril sa Cotabato City, naaresto. Naaresto na ng...
N. COTABATO’S ATTRACTION
The zip line at Barangay New Israel in Makilala, North Cotabato is claimed to be the longest in Asia which...
FISHERY RICHNESS
A worker from the ARMM’s fishery department holds a four-kilo Indian Rohu, locally known as Tarok, put up for sale...
Columns Section
Editorial Section
Maintaining standards of literacy
Editorial6-15-13 Reading, one of the indicators of the literacy of...
Hits:14
Changing lives with education
Editorial6-1-13 The most important factor that changed the economic landscape...
Hits:37
Sanduguan Section
Women Power in this part of the world
In this male dominated world, women have long been regarded as non-threatening, especially in the field of peace building. Although...
War witness contributes to peace development
Promoting a culture of peace goes beyond teaching concepts and frameworks inside classrooms. For Prof. Estrella A. Cantallopez, the heart and...
A PRIMER on the EPIRA
What is the ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT of 2001 (R.A. 9136)? On June 8, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into...
Tapatan News
Sanduguan (14)
Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the ARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD FOR PEACE.
Rival MNLF groups in Upi ink peace pact
OFFICIALS scrambled to strike last Wednesday a truce to stave off escalation of hostilities between two feuding groups in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that repeatedly clashed last week at the border of Maguindanao’s Upi and South Upi towns.
John Magno, chief of staff of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman, said the ARMM government dispersed relief supplies to about 327 families affected by the strife in Barangays Ganassi in Upi and in Lamod, South Upi between the feuding MNLF factions.
Representatives of the rival groups held initial talks at the residence of Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, chairman of the largest group in the MNLF, before the signing of a peace pact.
Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, chairman of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, said ARMM Governor-elect Hataman, and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu extended relief services to the Moro and Teduray families displaced by the skirmishes.
Magno said the relief goods distributed to the evacuees were procured from the Special Purpose Funds of the Office of the Regional Governor.
Piang and other local officials managed to disengage the two groups after convincing both sides to agree to a preliminary peace pact.
The feuding MNLF groups, one led by Salipada Sumael of Barangay Ganassi in Upi, and the other by Basco Omar of Barangay Lamod in South Upi, last fought each other Tuesday morning, sending villagers running for their lives.
Piang said representatives of both sides signed an initial truce meant to de-escalate the tension gripping the adjoining Barangays Ganassi and Lamod.
Piang is optimistic that the two groups would abide with the peace accord local officials crafted Tuesday night alongside with the military, particularly the Philippine Marine Corps.
The groups of Sumael and Omar have been squabbling for dominion over Moro and Teduray farming communities at the border of Upi and South Upi towns and the animosity between them was worsened by differing political allegiances during the May 13 polls.
The Omars reportedly supported the candidacy for mayor of South Upi of a clan member, Vice-Mayor Baba Omar, while Sumael and his men campaigned for one of his rivals for the town’s mayoral post.
The latest hostilities between the two groups erupted when the Omars disarmed two members of the other group following the botched attempt to kill the South Upi vice-mayor in an ambush at a secluded stretch of a national highway in Upi two days before the elections.
The South Upi vice-mayor and Pidayen Binangon, president of the town’s association of barangay chairmen, who is identified with the group the Omars are at odds with, already assured Sema in their meeting in Cotabato City that they will immediately work out the restoration of normalcy in the villages affected by the hostilities.
The two groups first figured in a showdown May 17, causing panic in farming communities at the boundary of the two towns.
Piang said community elders also helped in resolving the conflict amicably.
The 1st Marine Brigade, which has jurisdiction over South Upi, said it was to “assert government authority” to separate the groups of Sumael and Omar if they do not agree to disengage and allow the return of displaced villagers to the conflict-stricken farming villages.
The two groups used assault rifles and shoulder-fire grenades as they tried to outgun each other Tuesday morning.
The commanding office of the 1st MBDE, Brig, Gen. Alex Balutan, said Marine combatants will be deployed in South Upi to immediate intervene in case the truce between the two MNLF factions bog down. (JOHN M. UNSON)
Saving our natural waterways
Saving our natural waterways In a previous issue of the Mindanao Cross, a photo of the Manday River taken from the bridge shows how the river has grown narrower, much smaller than its size decades ago. Manday River is one of the major waterways of Cotabato City. Now, it is going the way of the dying rivers of Metro Manila and the rest of the country, despite the passage of RA 9275 known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004”. The law provides for a comprehensive water quality management through the protection, preservation, and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish, and marine waters. Many of the rivers in the country can no longer provide clean water to the population. Most of these are murky, dark colored, and contain plenty of debris. The reason can be easily seen from the structures put up along the banks of the river, and the clogging of garbage in the waterway. These are impediments to the natural course of flowing water, and during heavy rains will surely contribute to flooding in the area. In a research study of Cotabato City Rivers conducted by a group of scientists from Notre Dame University (Drs. Theresa Corcoro, Nancy Alombro, and Wevina Herrera) in 2011, they found out that the rivers were contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria that may be attributed to direct disposal of human wastes. Their conclusion is that the rivers are not safe for household use, especially for drinking. This is unfortunate since the city rivers conform with the criteria set by the DENR for class C rivers. Class C rivers are those suitable for fisheries, recreation, and industrial use. A similar study was conducted by Notre Dame of Marbel University professors on the vital Bulok Creek which crosses the poblacion. The study revealed that the “water of the creek is contaminated with fecal matter and other pollutants which further supports the existence of intestinal parasitic infections among young children living near the creek”. Fortunately for Metro Manila, there were environmentalists who championed the cause of a Pasig River clean-up. Through their efforts, parts of Pasig River have been cleaned, although the project must be maintained since a number of other polluted rivers are tributaries of the Pasig. A similar project should be started to save the waterways of Cotabato City and other urban areas of Region XII. Manday River is only one of the waterways that crisscross the river delta that is Cotabato City. There are major (Rio Grande and Tamontaka) and minor rivers (Matampay,Esteros, Lugay-lugay, Kakar). As a start, the Mindanao Cross tried to find out the social characteristics, and the garbage disposal habits of the people living on the riverbanks. A selected number of these informal settlers (so-called because banks of bodies of water should be free from structures based on the RA9275 and are designated high risk zones) were interviewed.
KIDAPAWAN CITY— Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco of this city admitted that there are still illegal occupants particularly those living along the riverbanks and beside the national highway, despite their effort of giving them a decent place for relocation. Gantuangco said at least 2000 illegal settlers still prefer to live and put up their shanties along the rivers and beside the highways even if they are very prone to risk of flood waters and road accidents. On Tuesday morning, some of the illegal settlers living beside the Kidapawan-Davao highway trooped to the city mayor’s office to seek assistance after they were sued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) due to their refusal to vacate the place. This was despite several notices sent to them. “We want to help them that’s why we recommended that they must process their papers for them to avail of the lot in our relocation site,” Mayor Gantuangco told Mindanao Cross. Gantuangco disclosed that the city government will buy additional 5 hectares lot to accommodate these illegal occupants particularly those living beside the controlled dump site in Barangay Binoligan. The city government have already 10 hectares existing relocation site in Barangay Sudapin and the Muslim village few meters away from the city proper. As their counterpart, the National Housing Authority (NHA) through the office of the vice president Jejomar Binay has shelled out P24 million for the improvements of road networks, electrification and water system to the proposed new site. “We don’t see a problem with the illegal settlers along the riverbanks because they are only few and since most of them have already settled in the relocation site. Mas daghan dyud ang nanimuyo daplin sa kalsada,” Gantuangco said. “Even our city streets in the outskirt were also occupied by the illegal settlers,” Gantuangco added. Mayor Gantuangco also disclosed that some of these illegal occupants living within the riverbanks and national highways have already availed of lots in the relocation site but they sold it and returned to their previous places. But despite these problems, the city government has received an award from the national leadership for their commendable management in terms of giving spaces for the settlers illegally occupying some areas within the city. Gantuangco is very optimistic that with the acquisition of additional 5 hectares the city government can convince informal settlers to transfer and live a normal life, away from risk that may be brought by the man- made and natural calamities. “With the assistance from the national government soon we can eliminate if not lessen the informal settlers in our place,” Gantuangco said. (WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA)
SANDUGUAN RESPONDENTS
1. Nelson D.
Nelson is a 46 years old resident who stayed at Manday for 46 years. There are 10 members living with him in their house. He is originally from Cotabato City, having been born here and the house has a sentimental value. “We don’t have toilet or bathroom, the wastes go directly at the river. However, we try to reduce our waste materials. I hope there will be proper ways to inform people how to manage their waste and the importance of the rivers. When given the chance to transfer, he said that it depends on the offer of the government. The relocation site should be accessible and will meet our needs like the distance of the place from our workplace.
2. Israel D.
Another person who has a store along the river is Israel who is 30 years old. He has stayed in the area for only 2 years. His house is in a different location, but since his livelihood is here, he also sleeps in his store. He says that he has a toilet and a septic tank, and he throws his garbage at places designated by the barangay. He also avoids throwing wastes into the river. When asked if he is willing to relocate, he said it depend on where the relocation area would be.
3. Dina D.
A family who has been staying at the riverbank since 1938 is Dina. She is now 32 years old and was born in the same house where 12 members of their family is now staying. The family has a comfort room, but there is no septic tank. “We throw our garbage at the river sometimes, that is because there are no garbage truck that should be picking up the garbage. We also want to leave this place due to the troubles and criminalities. There are no improvements here; we don’t hope for anything anymore. The policemen should’ve been patrolling at night.”
4. Jorgette U.
Another original resident of the place is Jorgette, 32 years old, and whose family of 8 has been residing in the area since 1956. “We have a C.R. (comfort room) and septic tank; but we throw our garbage at the river because we were told that someone will pick up the garbage. But no one came and the wastes were just left in the pick up area causing nuisance. The flies are all over it, the dog scatter it and still nobody picks it up, so we threw garbage in the river. My father sometimes makes compose pit and sometimes we burn the garbage. I don’t think we’re going to leave this place, but if we are given a good offer, we can reconsider. We don’t expect anything because our situation here seems to be worsening.
5. Bai A.
Bai is 32 years old and lives in a house occupied by 2 families with a combined number of 11 members. She was born in the area. They pay a lot rental of 75.00 a month. They have a toilet but no septic tank. The waste to directly to the river. However, they do not throw their garbage in the river. Instead these are put in sacks for collection. Their livelihood is derived from the place, but if they have to be relocated, they will go if everyone goes. But they are not really hoping for assistance from the government.
6. Parida and Diding
The two neighbors are 36 and 43 years old respectively and has been living in the area for almost 36 years. They are aware that their wastes goes directly to the river; and they are willing to be relocated.
7. Noraisa K., and Tirso G.
Just like their neighbors, they have been in the area for more than 36 years. Aware that they are polluting the river, they have tried to recycle their garbage and clean their surroundings. They are willing to be relocated
8. Jannisa, Myra, and Naida
These are young mothers who had to stay in the area where their husbands lived. Their houses are shared with other families. They have no toilets, and all their wastes go directly into the river. Being aware of the pollution it causes, they avoid throwing their garbage into the river. However, the garbage from other houses get stuck under their houses. They are willing to be relocated to avoid experiencing flashfloods.
9. Ambai U.
A migrant to Cotabato City, they left their original place because of the war in 1972. They don’t have a toilet and the wastes go directly into the river. However, she cleans the water under their house of garbage. She finds life in the area very difficult. Whenever there is flood, the water rises to the floor of their house, and they have to evacuate. She hopes the government will provide them with relocation sites where they can continue earning a living.
Begging: a syndicated activity?
Editorial
9-29-12
Now that the BER months are here, we see the annual phenomena of mendicants growing in our midst. Most of these people are not natives of Cotabato City; they speak a different dialect, and dress apart from the locals. Some of them have been identified as “Badjaos” coming from the islands of Sulu.
Their presence has been accepted as part of the urbanization of a city, but what is intolerable is the sign of a syndicated operation behind their deployment in the different cities of the Philippines. They are found not only in Cotabato City but also in Tacurong, Koronadal, Kidapawan, and General Santos of Region XII where they are even provided housing, or can afford to rent one. In one of the cities, I personally saw some of the children submit their “earnings” to a person who gives them instruction where to station themselves.
This is a far cry from the interviews we had with Badjaos who belong to the Notre Dame of Jolo Cooperative, who gave the information that the Badjaos we see in the different cities were those who just want to try their luck in finding jobs, and not having found any, resort to begging. However, they said that begging seem to provide a good means of income because when the group come home, their loans (from fellow Badjaos) are all repaid. So, it was an annual cycle of moving out and coming home to Sulu.
This time, an entrepreneur probably hit on the idea of managing the whole begging enterprise. If the beggars are provided with adequate food and housing, this emerging industry is not really that obnoxious. The problem is that these beggars may be abused, considering that even children and babies are used to appeal to a giver’s sympathy. Children as young as six or seven carry babies around amidst street pollution, rain, or shine. It is also offensive when one meets a number of them, each one touching your arms or knocking on taxis to get attention.
The begging industry may appeal to those with charitable causes, but making it a permanent fixture of everyday life is working against the self-sufficiency that the country is striving for. In a country with a big portion of dependents, mendicancy adds to the burden that society must shoulder. However, we have to accept that poverty is an issue that must be addressed in relation to this. Nobody wants to roam the streets begging; it destroys one’s self-esteem. We can assume that beggars swallow their pride since there is no visible alternative for their continued existence.
So far, we have not heard of any move from government to give assistance to this group (including the local IDPs who left their conflict affected areas). Urban areas are bursting to the seam with displaced people from the countryside. Local governments in both areas should embark on a cooperative endeavor to fight mendicancy, and they can start by destroying syndicates that prey on these people.
Jesse Robredo- the icon of good governance
Saturday, August 18, 2012, will forever be etched in the memory of the nation due to its loss of a true public servant who leads and serves by example. DILG Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo died when the Piper Seneca plane he was in with three others crashed off Masbate. The Secretary had been missing since the afternoon of August 18 and his body was found Tuesday morning (August 21) 800 meters (2,600 feet) off Masbate at 54 meters (180 feet) deep. He was only 54 years old.
He is truly a great loss for the country, having designed reforms in local government and interior sector that are in line with P-noy’s mandate, “matuwid na daan”. He is a leader who strived hard to raise the bars of public service. He believed that to be intelligent and good is not enough. “Ang dapat ay matalino at mahusay upang karapat-dapat tayong pagkatiwalaan ng pera ng bayan”, as quoted from teamrobredo.com.
Among his legacies that is truly instrumental to local government reforms are the programs dubbed as Seal of Disaster Preparedness for Floods (SDP) and the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the leadership of Sec. Robredo launched the SDP for Floods which aims to distinguish the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing calamity awareness for floods as well as to further prompt the local governments to place disaster preparedness on top of their priority development agenda. According to the DILG website, the seal has two levels of assessment: the first level looks into disaster preparedness before a flood occurs; and the second focuses on disaster preparedness response during a disaster brought about by a high intensity flood. Through this program the DILG will not only provide incentives to LGUs that fared well on disaster preparedness but will also be able to assess performance gaps, provide policy or program intervention based on the identified gaps, and monitor performance purposes. He has introduced the seal of Disaster Preparedness as part of his thrust to advance the disaster risk reduction and mitigation capabilities of local government units across the country.
On the other hand, the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) aims to recognize local governments that promotes and adheres to the principles of performance, accountability, transparency and participation. Robredo said that the SGH aims to appreciate a local government that advances the primacy of performance, accountability and transparency which he believed to be the essentials in building an accountable and responsible local government. The Secretary issued a circular which provided that an LGU that qualified for the seal shall be entitled to a cash incentive under the Commitment to Governance Reform Fund (CGRF) in the amount of P1 million. The said fund will be used to finance administrative reforms as well as development projects that are particular to the needs of the province and municipality. A special MOA was entered into by the secretary with OIC Gov. Hataman for ARMM. It is worth noting that the DILG Secretary has given more than the usual attention to the ARMM government, and this was paid back when the SGH was given to 13 LGUs in the region.
Last July 19-20, 2012, President Aquino gave the awards to 13 ARMM LGUs who qualified based on their performance in 2011. Of the 13 SGH recipients, five are in the category of 1st to 3rd class municipalities: Maguindanao’s Datu Odin Sinsuat under Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat, Parang under Mayor Ibrahim Ibay, Sultan Kudarat under Mayor Tocao Mastura, Upi under Mayor Ramon Piang; and Lanao del Sur’s Wao town under Mayor Elvino Balicao, Jr. Eight are in the category of 4th to 6th class municipalities: Maguindanao’s Mamasapano under Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan under Mayor Datu Saudi Sean Ampatuan III, Guindulungan under Mayor Guaidzali Midtimbang, Talayan under Mayor Tungkang Midtimbang, Paglat under Mayor Ibrahim Langkuno, Sultan Mastura under Mayor Armando Mastura; Sulu’s Pandami under Mayor Berto Hatta and Pangima Estino Mayor Munib Estino.
Robredo was born on May 27, 1958 in Naga City. He is the third of five children of Jose Chan Robredo, Sr. and Marcelina Manalastas. He studied at Naga parochial School for his elementary education and went to high school at Ateneo de Naga. He finished his Industrial Management Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at De La Salle University. He was an Edward Mason Fellow and a graduate of Masters of Public Administration at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1999. He also finished his Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
In 1980, he worked for the San Miguel Corporation and in 1986, he returned to Naga City where he became the Program Director of the Bicol River Basin Development Program.
He was elected Mayor of Naga City in 1988 at the age of 29 and under his leaderhip Naga has transformed into a premier city in the Bicol Region. He was elected youngest Philippine city mayor and held the post for a record of six three-year terms.
He was a recipient of the 1996 Outstanding young Persons of the World (TOYP) Award, the Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding mayor of the Philippines. All in all, he received 14 major individual awards, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000 (known to be Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize).
In 2010, he was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. He was dubbed “the most respected DILG Secretary”.
Aside from his involvement in the local government, Robredo is also a trustee of Synergeia Foundation, Inc., a coalition of individuals, institutions, and organizations that works together to improve the quality of basic education in the Philippines. Education is something that is very close to the secretary’s heart and since he was still then a Mayor he has already been active with the foundation.
“He advocated measurement of performance so that every public official and employee can be accountable for their powers and responsibilities”, Synergeia Foundation’s President and CEO Dr. Milwida Guevara said adding that the Secretary showed us how to listen so that policies and programs can reflect the needs and priorities of citizens. “His life is proof that a true public servant leads and serves by example. He was the change that he wanted to see in our country”, Guevara further said.
These are indeed big shoes to fill now that the Secretary is gone but his legacy will always be remembered. In an interview with his wife, Atty. Leni Robredo, she said that her husband lived a full life adding that there’s nothing more he can ask for himself because he has already achieved more than he could ever wished for. His wishes were now mostly for his three children. Indeed, he was not only a good public servant but a very doting father to his three daughters, Jessica Marie (24), Janine Patricia (18) and Jillian Therese (13) and loving husband to Leni.
Farewell Secretary Jesse. Farewell to the Icon of Good Governance. (Lady May G. delos Santos)
===============================================
The Mindanao Cross interviewed a number of people – leaders and ordinary citizens what leadership qualities of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo would they like to emulate or perpetuate.
Mayor Japal “Jojo” J. Guiani
Cotabato City
“His being a workaholic. He even introduced the seal of good housekeeping; if you work, you will be given incentives. It’s a good encouragement to work harder.”
Police Senior Supt. Danny Reyes,
Cotabato City Police Director
“He’s the kind of leader who is looking after the welfare of his men. He is the type who has a vision and commits to it.”
Engr. Rosellier Papa
Cotabato City Planning Officer
“I personally admire his down to earth character. He is close to the people working under him and to the ordinary people as well. As a leader he is a good persuader, he likes to make things happen especially on the proposed projects and programs.”
Guaimel Alim
Executive Director,
Kadtuntaya Foundation
“I like his way of dealing with the people on the ground. He has direct physical presence where there is a need for involvement of people in his decision making.”
Ruby Padilla-Sison
Chair of Gabriela
North Cotabato Chapter
“I would say that our leaders from the provincial down to the barangay level should emulate Secretary Jesse Robredo’s good leadership qualities such as his rootedness to the poor, depressed, oppressed, the marginalized and the exploited sectors in the society.”
Marlyn Lebiano
Secretary to the President
Notre Dame of Kidapawan College
“I really appreciate Secretary Jesse Robredo’s characteristic of being a simple man, a man with principles, and his ability to go down to the level of the ordinary constituents without fear in life. Our leaders in today’s generation should emulate these to show to their constituents that they are worth being in whatever position they are occupying right now.”
Ryan Jay Ynion
College Student
Antipas, North Cotabato
Although I am not familiar with the late DIL Secretary Jesse Robredo, what I knew about him was his being a brave man. He would even visit conflict affected areas in North Cotabato. As a leader he always reached down to the grassroots level and extend whatever support the national government can give. Sana naman ang mga leaders natin ay gayahin ang ginawa ng namayapang kalihim…gaya nga ng kanyang sinabi: “magiging dakila ang isang pinuno kung isinasabuhay niya ang kanyang mga sinasabi”
Anonymous
Kidapawan City
Hindi matatawaran ang galing at ang pagmamalasakit ni Secretary Jesse Robredo para sa aming mga katutubo. Isa siyang tunay na lider. Dahil sa kanya nabigyan ng boses sa konseho ang mga lumad nang ipinag utos niya ang mandatory IP representation sa lokal na pamahalaan. Nais naming mga lumad na tularan rin ng mga lokal na opisyal ang ugaling ito ng namayapang kalihim sa halip na pagkamal at pagpapayaman ang kanilang gawin. Ang pagiging pantay sa lahat ng tao, mayaman man o mahirap, yan dapat ang gawin ng mga naka upo sa puwesto sa pamahalaan ngayon.
Interviews by: Ayesha Mae O. Gayao and Williamor Magbanua
Fasting and feasting this Ramadan
SANDUGUAN
Ramadan is a blessed month for our Muslim brothers and sisters. This is the season where Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during the daylight hours. Daily fasts begin at dawn and end with sunset.
Iftar refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan. It is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together.
Traditionally, dates are popular during the season particularly in the Middle East. History tells us that dates are known to be the food that Prophet Muhammad ate when he broke from his fast. That is why dates are popular item during Ramadan since it was the practice of the prophet.
But since dates are not really common in the Philippines, most Muslim communities here have managed to improvise their practices every time they break their fast. It has been a healthy practice to eat appetizer-sized fruits, vegetables and refreshments.
Fruits would depend on what are abundant during the season. Fruits such as banana, apple, mango, grapes and watermelon are in demand, depending on the budget. Drinks varied from fruit juices, coffee and tea but normally drinking water is the first thing that Muslims do when they break the fast.
Bai Mariam Pasigan-Daud said that during Ramadan, the breaking of fast is always a festival. “Food is abundant and every family makes it a point to really prepare,” Daud said. She further said that as early as 2:00 am, families rise up early to prepare their meals before the dawn prayer. During Buka, “pastries and local delicacies have also been a part of the families table such as suman, kumukunsi, bread with spread and fillings”, Daud said adding that rice has remained to be a main staple. As owner of an Arabian restaurant in the city, she said that as early as 2:00pm, they are already receiving advance orders from their clients who don’t have much time to do the cooking; and since it is Ramadan, they usually extend their services until late in the night. Among their best sellers not just during Ramadan but any time of the year are the Ferakh Maluba and Roz Be-Khalta Chevon. The former is a whole fried chicken served on top of roz masry while the latter is a stewed goat served with rice and cooked with Arabian spices.
Many Muslims also believed that feeding someone Iftar as a form of charity is very rewarding. And since Ramadan is a time for generosity of spirit and as part of the giving of Zakat (alms giving), some families usually sponsor meals at the mosques for everyone to partake.
The Office of the Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman had initiated the putting up of Ramadan Fair at the complex wherein native delicacies are sold. These delicacies have already been part of their tradition not just during the season of Ramadan but also during weddings and other important events. Unfortunately, you don’t get to see these in all the stalls because preparing and cooking these delicacies are not easy and most of them really require skills on how to properly prepare them.
Among the delicacies that we have found in the Ramadan fair are the following: Putri Mandi, Tipas, Bulwa, Bal’abad, Sindol, Patulakan, Tinapayan, Beef and Kambing Sinina, Salted Eggs, Hard Boiled Eggs, Pastil.
The Putri Mandi is made up of rice flour, duckling egg, sugar cane and “latik”. The ingredients are mixed well and then form into small bites and then it is cooked by frying. The Tipas is made of flour, sugar and duckling egg. The ingredients are mixed and formed as a dough. After it runs through a pasta machine, it is cut into diamond pieces. “Kaya tinawag siya na Tipas kasi diamond shape siya,” a local vendor told the Mindanao Cross. After it is cut, it is cooked through deep frying.
Balabad, on the other hand, is a suman which has a filling of chicken bits which is also common in pastil (rice topped or filled with chicken slices). The sindol is what is better known as ginataan in other places.
Aside from the traditional delicacies, the fair also boasts other viands and desserts that are affordable and delicious.
Dodol and Kumukunsi are also favorite delicacies commonly prepared during this season. Other favorite staple foods are fried fish and soup.
More than the food, Ramadan is a month of love and compassion. It is a time to focus on spiritual nourishment and growing closer to Allah. It is a time to grow and become a better person, a better Muslim. (Lady May G. delos Santos)
========================================================================================
KIDAPAWAN CITY—A protestant pastor belonging to the Church of God sect in this city has lauded the entire Muslim communities all over the country and some parts of the world for their dedication as they started their month long Ramadan last Saturday.
For Pastor Roger Papellera, the month long Ramadan for Muslims is similar to the Christian celebrations of fasting and prayer. He explained that fasting the Christian way is freeing oneself of material things; and mostly focus on the spiritual development wherein each Christian is encouraged to communicate with God by simply reading the Bible.
Papellera added that this is the time that people can reflect on the purpose of God in the life of a person within a temporal world.“Sa ato Kristiyano ang buot ingnon sa fasting mao nga makig lambigit kita sa Diyos pinaagi sa pag basa sa pulong Niini sa Bibliya. Parehas lang pud ni sa atong mga igsoong Moslem na sila usab mubasa pud sa ilang Quran”.
Fasting according to Papellera will also help the physical aspect of a person. He explains that fasting helps cleanse the body from any contaminants from food that we consumed.
Pastor Papellera explains that fasting has two faces. These are prayers wherein a person regardless of religious denomination can communicate to God, the source of life and strength. Second is abstinence from any earthly material needs. It is a way of freeing oneself in doing their habitual activities such as drinking liquor, eating too much food and even sexual activities for marriage and even those who intend to get married soon.
“I hope that our people will not be misled with the meaning of fasting. Some people believed that we fast because we have good and bad intentions. But if we have to follow the Bible, fasting is for the good of our spiritual and physical life,” Papellera said. “Because the Bible said that God is a spirit and he that worships Him must worship Him in spirit and the truth. We are led by the spirit of God and therefore we are all children of God,” Papellera added.
“But again I will reiterate my fear that I hope this will not be misinterpreted na nag fasting lang kita kay naa kita pangayuon sa Diyos. But again in the Christian way ang fasting is a way of talking to our God,’ Papellera said.
Just like Moslems that celebrated their breaking of the fast, Christians also have Thanksgiving Day wherein they enjoined with their respective families, friends and relatives in partaking foods prepared for said celebration.
“We need to thank God for all goodness and mercy towards us, that is why a thanksgiving day is being held,” Papellera said. Every day is Thanksgiving Day over all other special occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. We only hope that all those undergoing fasting will do it with sincerity and in accordance with the way of God. (WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA)
SANDUGUAN June 30, 2012
Implementing the K + 12 program, the beginnings
The flagship education program of President Noynoy Aquino’s administration dubbed as K to 12 Program had its full blown implementation this June 2012. The said program requires the mandatory Kindergarten and an additional two years of senior high school to the usual 10-year education practiced in all the schools nationwide.
The new program aims at providing the students with competencies not just in the academic field as well as in vocational skills which the Department of Education believed would make our graduates more competitive and relevant globally.
However, in the process of implementing the program, many schools have projected that they will be experiencing some problems along the way. For example, the additional Grade 11 (or senior high school) will start by 2016, which means that there will be no first year college students that school year. What will colleges do with their teachers handling the first year subjects, not to mention the vacant classrooms? Some institutions have started moving in that direction, and we cite Notre Dame University in Cotabato City which started offering Grade 7 (or first year junior high school) this school year. By 2016, these students will be in their Grade 11, and can be catered to by teachers and facilities who/which otherwise would be used for first year college.
The Mindanao Cross is therefore dedicating the Sanduguan issue this June for the publication of in-depth interviews with school administrators on how they foresee the implementation of this program; and the different challenges that they have experienced and will be dealing with in the future along with the implementation of the K-12 Program. (Lady May G. delos Santos)
===========================================
Dr. Panfilo Cedeño
Principal, Cotabato City National High School- Main Campus
It is not difficult to implement a program if everything needed is ready. However, some teachers find it difficult to implement the K-12 curriculum due to lack of instructional materials. Some teachers in Grade 7 were not sent to training due to limited slots. In spite of the peer teaching and coaching conducted by trained teachers before the start of classes; there is a need for more efforts to adopt the new curriculum. The school changed its schedule following the prototype schedule B of DepEd Order No. 31, S 2012.
To cope with the additional 2 years in Senior High School, we plan to establish linkages with private establishments and service centers to deploy senior high school students for on-the-job training. Most of the universities and colleges are expected to have a tremendous decrease in enrollment. The college program may need a lot revision considering the spiral approach of the K-12, which means that the graduates of the senior high school have already mastered the skills needed in college and will be more knowledgeable about the difficult concepts.
Moving toward a smooth and less complicated K-12, the school shall intensify the peer teaching/coaching among teacher and students which shall be made available. We encourage educational institutions to plan ahead of time the activities of programs related to the K-12 curriculum implementation.
Cecilia Camello-Barroga
College President
and
Jacqueline Macahis
High School Principal
St. Benedict College of Cotabato
The Department of Education has conducted during the summer a series of guidelines and workshops as well as the vision-mission about the K to 12 curriculum but we believe that they have not presented clear guidelines with regards as to whether there are changes in the curriculum or none at all.
“What will our teachers teach? How do they teach now with this K-12 program?” The specifics of the program were not exemplified and indeed there are still gray areas in the program that needs to be explained and addressed. There was not enough curriculum planning done this summer.
We understand that the program aims at making the students competitive and we totally agree with that because even before the program has been implemented, our school has already started with a Work-related Curriculum (WRC). We are already in our second year of implementation of this curriculum wherein the students are trained to appreciate vocational technology partnered with entrepreneurship, farming, gardening, marketing, basic bookkeeping and community work. We are proud to say that even before, we have already seen the need for the students not to be confined only in the four corners of the classroom but it is important that our graduates know how to make their hands dirty as well as to do honest and clean work.
In our school, we have been implementing a curriculum of Advanced Science and Math plus vocational courses. Our first years do the gardening; Second years have their Home Economics and Third and Fourth Years do the office work wherein they are required to serve at least 10 hours of duty in a school year in their chosen office/clinic/institution.
We really need to hear from the Department of education as to the exact guidelines of this program so that the gray areas can be addressed properly. With the implementation of this program, we have already prepared some measures with regards to the changes that will occur such as the two years of no enrollment in the college level. We have planned that the teachers from college will be teaching the lower years in high school. Of course, I know that there will be resistance among the teachers but we have to make important decisions; and as of now that’s the concrete plans that we have. In the meantime, we are giving the best to our students and we are consistently monitoring our enrollment particularly among the freshmen.
I think it will be of great help if there could be a regular sharing and evaluation among the different schools with regards to their experiences in the implementation of the K-12 Program. We are lucky to be a member of the Notre Dame Educational Association where we have our sessions and evaluation. This is helpful because we can have a forum to discuss important issues and solicit from the group as to what could be best done.
Everyone would agree that we have no choice but to make this program succeed. We are just truly grateful also that the parents of our students are supportive enough in all our endeavors.
Mrs. Joyce Pena-Tungala
Asst. Principal
Mlang, Pilot Central Elementary School
Mlang, North Cotabato
Nothing so far is difficult if we learn to adopt to change. The K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum has offered the grade 1 teachers an avenue to embrace change. (Grade 1 teachers because they are the ones affected with the new curriculum.) What is important is that learning is borderless, so to say. That is, they know how to address well the needs and the KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitude) of the young learners.
One concern of the grade 1 teachers, however, is the inadequate training in terms of content and the execution of the different learning guides; especially since some activity sheets are not yet available.
Every district and school has its own uniqueness in adopting the new curriculum. But I guess, some if not many are still groping in the dark. One important thing that could help a lot is the continuing technical assistance to grade 1 teachers. Enhancement, in-service trainings and the like could facilitate the smooth implementation of the K to 12. With this, surely the teaching-learning process would definitely be fun and great.
Bro. Manuel P. Uluan, FMS
Notre Dame of Kidapawan College-IBED Principal
Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
The Kindergarten and Grade I curricula in relation to the K+12 program of the Department of Education are already in place and so it is only a matter of following the two curricula. Likewise the Grade 7 curriculum is also finished. So in reality all we need to do is follow it. The difficulty would be in re-training the teachers to think in this system rather than in the old system which is the Integrated Basic Education Curriculum or IBEC.
The only change we did in this school year was to adopt the different curricula presented by the DepEd and to implement them. The rest of the grades follow the old system.
The most pressing need in relation to this two year high school program is additional classrooms. Our school was built for only ten years of basic education, so we need to build classrooms to accommodate the senior high. But this would need big amount of money. Right now, we are trying to find ways and means to source some funds for a new building.
In our college, we are planning some strategies in relation to this senior high program. Some of our college teachers are going to move into the senior high school classes once the total implementation of the K+12 curriculum will take place in 2016. Thus, it would not be a big adjustment on their part since they would have already four years of preparation on this matter. Besides, some of them are already LET passers so they are already qualified to teach in high school. I believe those colleges or universities without high school level will have a big problem when there would be no more first year college students in 2016 unless they do some planning now.
My advice is to do planning now and to consult people around the city regarding this eventuality. For one, classrooms are important especially that in public schools since students are already congested. I don’t see much problem in private schools since they have fewer students and they have enough rooms for a bigger population. All they need to do is to prepare their teachers to handle senior high school subjects.
Is environmental consciousness a problem?
This issue of SANDUGUAN is devoted to how the different communities of Kidapawan and Cotabato City respond to the call for environmental protection and management. There are government officials who are given the mandate to lead in this regards, but interviews conducted by the Mindanao Cross in both cities showed that many factors proved to be a hindrance to the effective discharge of their duties. The general impression is when environment is the issue, some stakeholders feel that this is not their concern; or people tend to connect this only with garbage disposal and forest management. Awareness for the environment, whether in urban or rural communities, is still wanting; and knowledge of biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate change must first be given attention before we can move on to the level of advocacy for action (Please see related story on Thinking Aloud).
Lack of community environment policies
KIDAPAWAN CITY — One of the most famous landmark in North Cotabato is the presence of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country which is home for various flora and fauna, including some of the endangered species of plants and animals. This was the reason behind the creation of an alliance of the three areas in the province dubbed as KMM (Kidapawan-Magpet-Makilala) Eco Tourism Triangle which aim to protect the mountain including its richness not only among intruders, but also the threat from climate change.
Mount Apo was first declared as a National Park in 1936 and later Natural Park by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 882. It straddled Region 11 (Bansalan, Digos and Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur and Davao City) and Region 12 (Kidapawan City, municipalities of Magpet and Makilala covering 54, 974.46 hectares.
The mountain’s natural park is one among the most significant protected areas in the country because of its diverse biological resources, most especially the presence of the renowned endangered Philippine Eagle.
It is one of the key biodiversity areas of the country and one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks. The mountain remains to be the major source for water both for domestic use and irrigation, particularly for the municipalities of Makilala, Magpet and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato and Bansalan, Digos, and Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur.
But despite the above importance, Engr. Walter Ruizo, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) officer in the town of Makilala claimed the mountain is still subject to forest denudations which were brought about by forest clearing, timber poaching and human settlement. These activities according to research have contributed a lot to the loss of biodiversity of the area. Data showed that an approximate area of 29, 132 (Region 11) and 8, 857 (Region 12) hectares of denuded brushland, grassland and cultivated area of Mount Apo need to be restored.
Engr. Walter Ruizo said there is no law yet in the region or in North Cotabato which was crafted and implemented with regards to conservation and management of natural resources especially within the mountain areas. He said they are still using the national law which is very vague and broad since it doesn’t detail the specific functions of each local government unit in terms of protecting the biodiversity in their respective areas of coverage.
But according to Ruizo, the KMM Eco-Tourism Triangle has come up with their own strategies in protecting the mountain and its natural resources. The three areas are very active in their tree planting activities within the mountain’s reservation area aiming to bring back the thick forests and to save the remaining fauna and flora. To date at least a hundred thousand of Tinikaran trees were planted within the mountain with the help of the Mount Apo Foundation Inc. (MAFI) and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to preserve the environment and to combat the effect of climate change in the mountain.
At least 94% of the communities composed of the indigenous peoples are also aware of their part in taking care for the mountain, according to Engr. Ruizo. There are also non-IP settlers who actively help the government campaign especially in reporting to authorities the illegal activities occurring in the mountain’s periphery.
“At least now our brother IP’s and non-IP’s are cooperating with their respective officials if illegal activities happen within the mountain,” Ruizo told the Mindanao Cross.
Ruizo said with the effort of all stakeholders, there is still hope that Mount Apo will be restored. He said water from the rivers, lakes and waterfalls are still safe since these are not yet contaminated with harmful chemicals despite the fact that the mountain is surrounded with vast banana plantations.
The remaining problem according to Ruizo is the hunting of wild animals by some illegal poachers entering the various entry points going to the mountain’s vast forested areas. Ruizo particularly pointed out that poaching of wild animals is still occurring. Wild animals such as deer, wild pigs, monkeys and even the Philippine Eagle are not spared from poaching activities.
Ruizo said the LGU of Makilala is planning to craft its own environment protection and preservation code in the near future to save the remaining biodiversity in their area. While North Cotabato province has its own Environmental Code, it is still very general and must be translated to more specific laws and policies at the municipal level. (Williamor A. Magbanua)
Lack of awareness and appreciation
COTABATO CITY. “The problem in our city is that the awareness of people regarding tourist spots and other resources is low,” said City Tourism Officer Benjie Abarca adding that he would rate it only by 20%.
The Office on the City Tourism has been passionate with its trust to promote tourism in the city. In fact, they have been conducting free lectures on tourism awareness to schools that offer tourism courses. He said that there are many interesting places to visit in Cotabato City, not to mention the fact that our city is classified as cultural and historical in nature. The city doesn’t boast of big malls and outdoor adventures, but what we can boast of is the rich culture and history of the city.
One of the identified tourist spots in the city is the Kutawato Cave which is situated in the PC Hill, also known as Colina Hill. Only in Cotabato is there a hill situated in the heart of the city. According to Abarca, it’s so ironic that people outside Cotabato are more knowledgeable about the different attractions found in the city. Unfortunately, Cotabateños themselves are unaware of what we have here in the city. He said that even residents of PC Hill, where the Kutawato Cave is situated, do not have first-hand experience in entering the cave. He further said that there’s no truth to the rumors that there are plenty of snakes in the cave. “The caves are made up mostly of limestones and the water is salty which is impossible for the snakes to survive,” Abarca added.
Having this natural wonder (like the Kutawato Cave) is something that we can be proud of and the preservation of this is everybody’s responsibility. But since there is a low rate of awareness, we cannot expect 100% responsibility. “People tend to focus on what’s there outside the city rather than focusing on what we have in our own,” Abarca said.
One of their projects this year is the lighting of the Kutawato Cave so that it becomes more attractive and pleasing to the eyes of the people. He also commends the efforts of the Barangay Rosary Heights 1 for their help in the maintenance of the cave. It used to be a public toilet and drug den but with all the efforts of the stakeholders, there is now an improvement. “There used to be a problem before with the community. I have the experience that while cleaning the cave, a resident threw in their garbage,” Abarca said.
Abarca continue to call on for help and support from the community in the promotion of these tourist destinations as well as the preservation of our natural resources. “If there is awareness, there is appreciation from the people and once there is appreciation, we can develop an advocacy program for them,” Abarca explained. He further said that people should be aware of what they have and of what they can be proud of because it is not only the city that benefits from this - but most importantly the people.
“Let us stay away from the notion that tourism only refers to the presence of foreigners in the city. Our office regularly collates statistics of hotel occupancy and we are proud to say that we have a number of local and foreign visitors alike,” Abarca said. (Lady May G. delos Santos)
Community Involvement of readers
Theresa Ebrado
Cotabato City
Yes, I actively participated in the conservation activities for the environment such as tree planting, coastal cleaning, vegetable gardening, clean-up drive at the public cemetery, and collecting plastic bottles, all in collaboration with TOG-12, ShaheCa Club, NDHSM NSTP-CWTS, and Marine Landing Team-7. I am also in favor of protecting endangered species to balance our ecosystem.
Rofe Joylemn Kaye Camilan
Cotabato City
So far, I have not participated in environmental activities, but I am in favor of protecting endangered species. Those animals contribute to a balanced ecology and their demise will greatly affect the balance of our ecosystem. Furthermore, it would be disheartening if in the near future it can only be seen in pictures.
Atty. Bob Jones Liwagon
Cotabato City
I have not been involved in this kind of activity but I’ve heard about a youth organization in Midsayap who had their tree planting in Pikit. I have not reported crimes against the environment because it is not my concern. However, I am in favor of protecting endangered species because when the time comes for human beings to become endangered, then we will also be protected.
Brian Carlo Prado
Mlang, North Cotabato
I’ve been involved in a conservation project for the environment in our community especially in cleaning esteros. I am very supportive of the campaign of our local government unit here especially in reporting to authorities any illegal activities which aim to destruct the environment. As student and a citizen who has concern for our environment, I am very much in favour of protecting endangered species because I believe that it is my duty to take good care of all God’s creations hence, it is a must to protect the biodiversity in Mlang and in other towns of North Cotabato province as well.
Kier Cordero
Kidapawan City
Yes nag involved dyud ko. Nag tree planting man gani me sa among school ug nanglimpyo me sa among palibot. Wala pa man gud ko naka kita nga iligal ang ginahimo sa atong kinaiyahan. Aw tingali ug makit an nako, ako dyud na ireport sa pulis. Dapat dyud protect nato ang mga endangered species kay aron naa pa makit-an ang mga sunod nga henerasyon ug ang among mga anak puhon.
Lack of awareness and appreciation
COTABATO CITY. “The problem in our city is that the awareness of people regarding tourist spots and other resources is low,” said City Tourism Officer Benjie Abarca adding that he would rate it only by 20%.
The Office on the City Tourism has been passionate with its trust to promote tourism in the city. In fact, they have been conducting free lectures on tourism awareness to schools that offer tourism courses. He said that there are many interesting places to visit in Cotabato City, not to mention the fact that our city is classified as cultural and historical in nature. The city doesn’t boast of big malls and outdoor adventures, but what we can boast of is the rich culture and history of the city.
One of the identified tourist spots in the city is the Kutawato Cave which is situated in the PC Hill, also known as Colina Hill. Only in Cotabato is there a hill situated in the heart of the city. According to Abarca, it’s so ironic that people outside Cotabato are more knowledgeable about the different attractions found in the city. Unfortunately, Cotabateños themselves are unaware of what we have here in the city. He said that even residents of PC Hill, where the Kutawato Cave is situated, do not have first-hand experience in entering the cave. He further said that there’s no truth to the rumors that there are plenty of snakes in the cave. “The caves are made up mostly of limestones and the water is salty which is impossible for the snakes to survive,” Abarca added.
Having this natural wonder (like the Kutawato Cave) is something that we can be proud of and the preservation of this is everybody’s responsibility. But since there is a low rate of awareness, we cannot expect 100% responsibility. “People tend to focus on what’s there outside the city rather than focusing on what we have in our own,” Abarca said.
One of their projects this year is the lighting of the Kutawato Cave so that it becomes more attractive and pleasing to the eyes of the people. He also commends the efforts of the Barangay Rosary Heights 1 for their help in the maintenance of the cave. It used to be a public toilet and drug den but with all the efforts of the stakeholders, there is now an improvement. “There used to be a problem before with the community. I have the experience that while cleaning the cave, a resident threw in their garbage,” Abarca said.
Abarca continue to call on for help and support from the community in the promotion of these tourist destinations as well as the preservation of our natural resources. “If there is awareness, there is appreciation from the people and once there is appreciation, we can develop an advocacy program for them,” Abarca explained. He further said that people should be aware of what they have and of what they can be proud of because it is not only the city that benefits from this - but most importantly the people.
“Let us stay away from the notion that tourism only refers to the presence of foreigners in the city. Our office regularly collates statistics of hotel occupancy and we are proud to say that we have a number of local and foreign visitors alike,” Abarca said. (Lady May G. delos Santos)
SANDUGUAN 5-26-12
Is environmental consciousness a problem?
This issue of SANDUGUAN is devoted to how the different communities of Kidapawan and Cotabato City respond to the call for environmental protection and management. There are government officials who are given the mandate to lead in this regards, but interviews conducted by the Mindanao Cross in both cities showed that many factors proved to be a hindrance to the effective discharge of their duties. The general impression is when environment is the issue, some stakeholders feel that this is not their concern; or people tend to connect this only with garbage disposal and forest management. Awareness for the environment, whether in urban or rural communities, is still wanting; and knowledge of biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate change must first be given attention before we can move on to the level of advocacy for action (Please see related story on Thinking Aloud).
Lack of community environment policies
KIDAPAWAN CITY—One of the most famous landmark in North Cotabato is the presence of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country which is home for various flora and fauna, including some of the endangered species of plants and animals. This was the reason behind the creation of an alliance of the three areas in the province dubbed as KMM (Kidapawan-Magpet-Makilala) Eco Tourism Triangle which aim to protect the mountain including its richness not only among intruders, but also the threat from climate change.
Mount Apo was first declared as a National Park in 1936 and later Natural Park by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 882. It straddled Region 11 (Bansalan, Digos and Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur and Davao City) and Region 12 (Kidapawan City, municipalities of Magpet and Makilala covering 54, 974.46 hectares.
The mountain’s natural park is one among the most significant protected areas in the country because of its diverse biological resources, most especially the presence of the renowned endangered Philippine Eagle.
It is one of the key biodiversity areas of the country and one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks. The mountain remains to be the major source for water both for domestic use and irrigation, particularly for the municipalities of Makilala, Magpet and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato and Bansalan, Digos, and Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur.
But despite the above importance, Engr. Walter Ruizo, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) officer in the town of Makilala claimed the mountain is still subject to forest denudations which were brought about by forest clearing, timber poaching and human settlement. These activities according to research have contributed a lot to the loss of biodiversity of the area. Data showed that an approximate area of 29, 132 (Region 11) and 8, 857 (Region 12) hectares of denuded brushland, grassland and cultivated area of Mount Apo need to be restored.
Engr. Walter Ruizo said there is no law yet in the region or in North Cotabato which was crafted and implemented with regards to conservation and management of natural resources especially within the mountain areas. He said they are still using the national law which is very vague and broad since it doesn’t detail the specific functions of each local government unit in terms of protecting the biodiversity in their respective areas of coverage.
But according to Ruizo, the KMM Eco-Tourism Triangle has come up with their own strategies in protecting the mountain and its natural resources. The three areas are very active in their tree planting activities within the mountain’s reservation area aiming to bring back the thick forests and to save the remaining fauna and flora. To date at least a hundred thousand of Tinikaran trees were planted within the mountain with the help of the Mount Apo Foundation Inc. (MAFI) and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to preserve the environment and to combat the effect of climate change in the mountain.
At least 94% of the communities composed of the indigenous peoples are also aware of their part in taking care for the mountain, according to Engr. Ruizo. There are also non-IP settlers who actively help the government campaign especially in reporting to authorities the illegal activities occurring in the mountain’s periphery.
“At least now our brother IP’s and non-IP’s are cooperating with their respective officials if illegal activities happen within the mountain,” Ruizo told the Mindanao Cross.
Ruizo said with the effort of all stakeholders, there is still hope that Mount Apo will be restored. He said water from the rivers, lakes and waterfalls are still safe since these are not yet contaminated with harmful chemicals despite the fact that the mountain is surrounded with vast banana plantations.
The remaining problem according to Ruizo is the hunting of wild animals by some illegal poachers entering the various entry points going to the mountain’s vast forested areas. Ruizo particularly pointed out that poaching of wild animals is still occurring. Wild animals such as deer, wild pigs, monkeys and even the Philippine Eagle are not spared from poaching activities.
Ruizo said the LGU of Makilala is planning to craft its own environment protection and preservation code in the near future to save the remaining biodiversity in their area. While North Cotabato province has its own Environmental Code, it is still very general and must be translated to more specific laws and policies at the municipal level. (Williamor A. Magbanua)
Chat Box
Facebook Fan Page
Ads
Mindanao Cross YouTube Channel
Map Counter