Straight from the Heart

By Abs Damahan

IRSMP-PAZ-GCCPBA/PIO

BASILAN PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLYFOR PEACE, REFORM AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

“Kariton ng Mamamayanan, Kapayapaan, Reporma at Maayos na Pamamahala”

Peek “a” Byte Restaurant, Rizal Avenue, Lamitan City, Basilan on November 5-6, 2012, the recent activities of Basilan Women Initiative Foundation, Inc. and the facilitators’ NGos are: Community Organizer Multidiversity (COM), People’s Coalition for ARMM Reform and Transformation, Inc. (People’s CART) and Oxfam Mindanao Programme  who spearheaded the Basilan People’s Assembly for Peace, Reform and Good Governance participated by a major stakeholders from the Civil Society Organization, National Line Agencies, AFP and LGU’s.

This People’s CART and BWIFI are recognized non-government organization by the National Government for peace and development, electoral reform, advocacy and good governance. Dr. Pendatun Pangadil, Chairman, People’s CART said, he is supporting the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement as long as within the framework of democratic processes go along with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

In our brief conversation with former Board Member Jubaira Said and now the Chairwoman of BWIFI said, this BWIFI is the local counterpart non-government organization to be one partner as the provincial convenor for a projects implementation of People’s CART Programmes. And some other related programmes and projects likes: Good Governance, Transition Investment Support Plans with a hefty PHP 5.58B stimulus support funds for ARMM Government, National Agriculturist Fisheries Council (NAFC), Electoral Reform. DSWD project 1. Family Development Services (FDS) and, 2. Modified Condition Cash Transfer.

These are output of the Basilan People’s Assembly:

Basilan Network of organizations Lamitan City and People’s Agenda-Basilan Province

1.      Reviewing and identifying laws and policies that accrued to discrimination and injustices for the Bangsamoro people and Indigenous People in the Bangsamoro Homeland, such as:

ü  Land Tenure and Ownership;

ü  Educational Tenets which includes its philosophical, cultural foundations and others;

ü  Women Inclusiveness , Exclusiveness and Participation, and  raise the awareness on violence against women including children;

ü  Economic and Enterprises Ventures and Practices, including opportunities for employment;

ü  Utilization of the Bangsamoro Homeland natural resources; and

ü  Human Capital Security.

2.            Enhancing, supporting and helping the adoption of both horizontal and vertical mechanisms of initiatives for peace and development in full emphasis of “Participatory Approach” and democratic processes (convergence) in the Bangsamoro homeland, the regions and the country in general;

3.            Recognizing and strengthening the active involvement and participation of Civil Society Organizations, Peoples Organizations and Non-Government Organizations in the local government planning, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation and local governance system;

4.            Institutionalizing and structuring of the true and comprehensive “Shariah” in the Bangsamoro Homeland with its particularities on inclusiveness and exclusiveness;

5.            Strengthening the “Asatids” and “Ulama” (Learned Persons) for them to help in educating the people for good governance (Principle of Islamic Governance)  and emphasis of “Rule of Law”;

6.            Institutionalizing the initiatives for the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of the environment and assuring appropriate and relevant utilization of natural resources;

7.            Working for the establishment of an educational mechanism/system that would relevantly address the needs of constituents as cases of the Bangsamoro and indigenous people in the localities, which means it would address the emphasis of this maxim: “Educate the learners within their own world”;

8.            Empowering if possible all sectors (Fisherfolks, Farmers, Youths, Women and Entrepreneurs) for productive endeavors with technical and material (Capital) support from the government and other concern agencies;

9.            Adopting a mechanism for the implementation of programs on basic social services (Water, Health and Education) that it could reach even as far as far-flung communities including underserved one;

10.        Establishing a mechanism for the convergence, unification and reconciliation of sectors for peace and development, especially those in conflict situations, if possible in all levels;

11.        Institutionalizing and strengthening humanitarian protection initiatives and minimize, if not eradicate, the  LGU’s negative intervention in humanitarian services;

12.        Advocating for comprehensive unity and unity in diversity for the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao;

13.        Policy advocacy and massive campaign on regulating political dynasty and control of elite families in governance leadership;

14.        Advocating for the eradication of misconceptions on religious differences and other affiliations;

15.        Policy advocacy on the full implementation of the measures against the following : (a) proliferation of loose firearms, (b) illegal logging, (c) graft and corruption, (d) human trafficking e) sale and use of illegal drugs, f) illegal fishing and all other illegal activities;

16.        Ensuring the protection of women, children and elderly in any form of violence eg. pagbanta or family feud, armed conflict, child abuses, and human trafficking;

17.        Significant information drive and strengthening the implementation mechanism of the following : (a) Bangsamoro Framework Agreement; (b) Full Disclosure Policy; (c) Bottoms-up Budgeting Process; (d) Public and Private Partnership; and (e) Livelihood programs (agriculture, fisheries, and community enterprises)

18.        Massive conduct of values transformation and “Da’wah” for the promotion of and sustainability on the culture of peace, sustainable livelihood, disaster preparedness and good governance;

19.        Providing emphasis of lslamic awareness and intra and interfaith dialogue.

20.        Strong advocacy of CSOs to both GPH and MILF panel for equal distribution and representation from five (5) provinces of ARMM of 15 members for Transition Commission;

21.        Building and establishing a mechanism in unifying the impoverished and downtrodden stakeholders (Muslim, Christian, and Lumad) in any ways for moral order, social ascendancy, peace, equality and justice regardless of religious belief, creed and diversified cultural heritage;

22.        Strengthening electoral reform initiatives in the localities in preparation and response for any political development changes.

Hon. Tahira Ismael-Sansawi former Mayor of Lantawan and provincial administrator in her opening message said, Machismo domination of men to women should not be the way to threat gender equality. She has come from CSO and her most training is supported by the civic organization. During her termed as Mayor of Lantawan Municipality she looks like a brave leader during her administration, but, in fact, not in her character and traits, she has just wanted her municipality to be one peaceful Local Government Unit.

She was once human rights advocate in her long engagements with the CSO before joining politics. She also emphasizes the role of women to peace works it’s so importance for the CSO initiative collaboration.

In her message in behalf of the governor, she well define Kariton she said, while this push cart is mechanize is a kind low form of local hand-made transportation, if all of us helping one another to push forward this Kariton will probably, we can reach the goal as we want to achieve for Basilan.

Basilan as you will very well know she said, on trademark a violence province a lair of the element of lawlessness, home capital for a kidnap for ransom province.

In the closing of her message, she reminds the participant “a woman has always part of peaceful process and a mother to everyone of us in this world”.

DILG Madam Annie Juaini- Provincial Assistant Director her lecture more on solidarity and action and she said, government role reaching out the CSOs and NGOs partners in many aspects of development and public service to the constituent for more collaborative engagement works.

 CSOs must come together helping one another and working together assisting the National and local Government Units. The LGUs must know activities within their constituent identifying priority programmes and projects would benefit their people within the limit of their resources. But, in somehow, LGUs must also sourcing public funds from the national line agencies and donor funded organization agencies.

Mr. Nathan Insung a long time and a veteran NGO base in Basilan who representing MILF discussed on Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. He encourages the participants to remain watchers and observed the conduct of the Framework which is in par excellence documents produced in the peace deal made by the both sides of GPH-MILF.

He also encourages the CSO and people of Basilan to have a representative in the Transition Commissions appointed by the President by the power of Executive Order, who drafted the Basis Law of the Bangsamoro. Mr, Insung lamented when he happens to travel around the province, he observed of lack information drive conducted by the MILF organization to reach ground for their followers to be properly informed “some banners displayed along the designated area under their controlled camps with noted words “MABUHAY MILF” which is not to be displayed Insung complaint.

Many observers murmured this peace deal is long processes will cause a humpy dumpy road ahead it need Congress to pass Resolution to support Executive Order to be signed by the President, so that the President can appoints the 15 men Transition Commission in order this Commission become have the legal basis under our Constitution to draft the basic Law of proposed Bangsamoro New Political Entity or whatever name can be called for by the appointed TC.

So, after the drafting of the basic Law, then submitted again to Congress for review and revision and then submitted for ratification to covers the proposed Bangsamoro Ministerial form of government. Then, this is followed to call for the plebiscite or referendum will be conducted therefore will be voted by the Bangsamoro. Then, after the plebiscite Congress again passes Resolution confirming all areas that favoured and voted aye on plebiscite and submitted to the Office of the President for final signing of the basic Law for the Bangsamoro New Political Entity. The transition period until 2016 and Transition Commission will also expire after the regular election conducted in the Bangsamoro homeland.

Normalization will follow then, MNLL MILF and ASG it will become a legitimate political party under this democratic process if they voted for the referendum and honor the basic Law of the Bangsamoro New Political Entity.

The International Monitoring Team (IMT) will stay until 2016 or it depend what they agreed upon by two sides of both GPH-MILF.

The reparation of the victims of war it should be compensated, the healing process must be considered, the Integration of the BIAF must be reconsidered and Unity process it need to comply in an urgent manner in order this peace process be completed and so that all Filipinos enjoyed and benefited the fruits of genuine peace in our homeland and the entire nation.

Settlers of where the origin must not so much worried in the framework agreement who want knows they are the first who enjoyed the benefits of the peace deal because of advancement connection to the Bangsamoro and for their long stays in Mindanao. The power of majority is remain solid to control the minority and minority as it is subservient from their masters in our democratic institution and processes.

LCol. Jema C. Aseron, BatCom base in Kampo Uno Lamitan said, the Secession of hostility is big help and moral busting from the AFP side could help a lot in reducing casualties from military side. Col. Aseron said, Basilenos are diverse cultures can translate for more doable positive steps that promote and led to the level of peaceful Basilan.

In the military organization we have a Civil Military Operation (CMO) this is a counterpart of the CSO for the civilian concerned group organization would tackle national and local issues for peace, development and security.

The latest programs of the AFP Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP) would perhaps in way or the other by our close coordination and cooperation it would improve security measures and protection for our civilians’ populace particularly Basilan Col. Aseron disclosed. He even suggested instead our national budget allotted much for security, why not diverted or realigned for peace and development projects.

Short reaction from the veteran politician of former Board Member Mario Mamang said, “The real problem of our political leaderships in the province because of wrong political rivalry in our midst”.

Focal persons in these activities are: Ms. Nulkaisa Alidain, Ms. Emely Trumata and Ms. Taiba Anwar-Ibama.

Yours truly AbsDamahan’sLive was one invited speaker as media practitioner…

Straight from the Heart

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Miss Basilan 2012

Straight from the Heart

By: Abs Damahan

Media Affairs Assistance/PIO

Miss Basilan 2012

The recent Coronation Night of Miss Basilan 2012 a Production of JCI Basilan, Incorporated that brought the J. B. Dans Memorial Gymnasium jam-packed in full house crowd occupied all seats of the Gym. The memories of past of a very historic Basilan still there, the perfect symbol of cultural diversity in the beautiful place of the Island Province of Basilan. The riches, middle class and all walk of life dwelling Basilenos flock together to watch the pageant presentation. I adore the hospitality of mixed tribes of Basilenos the Yakans, Chavacanos, Bisayan, Tausog, Sama Bangingi, Samabadjao and the migrants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Miss Basilan 2012 was held on August 25, 2012 at Isabela City Gymnasium.

Few selected individual Seven Panel of Judges with all unquestionable credentials who judged twelve beauty contestants fair and honestly, I have no question and comments on them the way they judged of all categories during the Pageant Night Programme.

The Talent Night Programme Exposition 1-2 the Casual Wear and Candidates’ Talent Presentations of Candidates 1-12.

Pageant Night Programme The exposition 1-5 from the Cultural Parade, Sport Wear, Production Number, Evening Promenade and Final Question and Answer all placed in one basket and performed by twelve candidates with the back-up performers the jobs well done. Special and Major Awards were given to the winners.

Audiences should also given special thanks to the organizers of Miss Basilan 2012 for those brain who conceptualized the programmes and in one or the other the Candidate Sponsors, JCI Basilan Inc. Central Organizing Committee, Production staff, Sales Staff and Promotions Staff as well the producers, Co-producers, Major Sponsors, Minor Sponsors, and Patrons.

Miss Basilan 2012 Twelve beautiful Candidates competing each other from the Talents Night Programme and the Pageant Night Programme presented their beauties, brain, talent and skills on the elegant stage prepared by the Furigay College of Isabela City. Thank you Mr. Rowine Jacinto Mr. Candace Nunal and staffs for the preparations of the stage.

Basilan Island would be a potential for Tourism Industry which to consider the beautiful scenic of the Bulingan Fall in Lamitan, the beautiful beaches surrounding the Island like the White Beach of Malamawi and Calugusan Beach and the rests identified tourist attraction, it needs to be developed by the potential investors who are interested for Tourism Business in our province.

The Crown Miss Basilan 2012 is Miss Rose Jean Laput sponsor by the LARBECO won convincible in almost all presentation categories except she lost in cultural presentation, she has the brain, talent and skills.

In promotion and endorser, I am part of her success who happen requested me to be endorsed in all my FB pages and my other social network and networking. She even sent me her beautiful photo shots to be placed in all my pages. Luckily followers and supporters response it very positively by clicking her pictures posted in my all my pages.

I think in her mind Miss Laput the next competition would be in national scope pageant contest. She has the potential to be there in that level of more prestigious Beauty Contest. Binibining Filipinas beauty pageant might be in the mind of Miss Basilan 2012.

Rice Distribution

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Rice Distribution-Basilan Governor Jum J. Akbar

Straight from the Heart

By: Abs Damahan

Media Affairs Assistant

PIO/Basilan

Rice Distribution

The charismatic and soft-spoken Governor ofBasilan Hon. Jum Jainuddin-Akbar distributed sacks of rice to a different Mosques yesterday August 17, 2012, she assisted by her staffs led by Mr. Paruk Majirul, Executive Assistant-III, Board Member Yusoph Alana,District I, Former Mayor Haber Asarul of Sumisip Municipality, and Ustadz Wahid Tajuid from the Basilan Supreme Ulama Council.

This is timely humanitarian and Samaritan work for the Lady Executive at the end of the Ramadhan Fasting giving charity to the poor and the needy, today Saturday will formally the end of the Fasting and by Sunday Muslim Community (Ummah) will celebrating the Eidl Fitr is one of the Muslims festivity allowed for the Muslim World by the religion of Islam and the other one festivity the Eidl Adha during Hajj time.

The Eidl Fitri Celebration-

Eid-al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr, Eid) is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food and money in what required and prescribed by Fikhi) during Eid al-Fitr.

Eid’l Fitr – August 20 2012

Malacanang has declared August 20, which falls on a Monday, a national holiday in connection with Eid’l  Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadhan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) had announced the start of Ramadhan last July 21. President Benigno Aquino III made the announcement through Proclamation 455, which you can read in full here.

The NCMF had previously noted in their website that the end of Ramadhan Fasting and observance of Eid’l Fitr will only be determined after the moon-sighting activity that will be done on the 29^th day of Ramadhan, which will be on August 17, a Friday.

Muslims determine these dates by closely monitoring the different phases of the moon. The NCMF (formerly the Office of Muslim Affairs) has also released the schedule for fasting and praying for Muslims in Metro Manila. It can be accessed in this link.

Eid’l Fitr became a national holiday by virtue of Republic Act 9177, signed by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2002. The law states that the exact date for this holiday should be determined by the NCMF “in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.”

RA 9177 is one of the references used in crafting Proclamation 295, which listed all national holidays for the entire 2012. The full text of RA 9177 can be read here.

According to rules implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment, employees who report for work during regular holidays like this one will get twice their normal hourly rate (colloquially referred to as “double pay”). Those who choose to stay at home during the holiday are still entitled to get their regular daily pay in full. The rule is the same for regular and contractual employees alike. Read the complete DOLE holiday pay rules in this link. Source: NCMF

The signifance of Eidl Fitr-

Islam has two major holidays, Eid al-Fitr (Post-Fasting Festival) and Eid al-Adha.

The word Eid itself is an Arabic word, whose root connotation is �that which comes back, time after time, and rejoicing.� Its particular usage in Islam, for the two major holidays, is because these two days are meant to be days of rejoicing. [1]

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, �They are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.� [Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, an authoritative collection of the sayings of the Prophet.]

In this same spirit, the Qur�an mentions that, �Jesus, son of Mary, said: �O Allah, Lord of us! Send down for us a table spread with food from heaven, that it may be a feast (eid) for us, for the first of us and for the last of us and a sign from You. Give us sustenance, for You are the Best of Sustainers.�� (Qur�an, 5: 114)

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the completion of the month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast and increase their spiritual devotions, and is meant to be a recognition the material and spiritual favors of God to His creation.

On this day, Muslims all over the world thank God for the gift of fasting, in which they avoided food, drink and intercourse from dawn to dusk, out of obedience and servitude. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, �Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith, seeking its reward, shall have all their past sins forgiven.� [Also reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, and others]

The many lessons in Ramadan are acted upon on this day of festivity, in order that they not be forgotten:

1. Devoting oneself to God: Muslims start the day by showering after dawn on Eid day, then go to the short Eid prayer and sermon that takes place early in the morning.

2. Recognizing one�s blessings and thanking God for them: Muslims are encouraged to wear their best clothes, give gifts (especially to children) and celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors.

3. Remembering the plight of the poor and giving in charity: On Eid day, it is especially recommended to give in charity, the best time of which is before going to the mosque or prayer hall in the morning.

Here in Jordan, we gather after the Eid prayer with fellow students, greet each other, and then have a short group dhikr (remembrance of God) that is accompanied by spiritual songs. Before people part, they drink coffee and have local biscuits and sweets.

In this and other ways, Muslims seek to join between worldly and spiritual celebration, for it is said, �True rejoicing is not (merely) in wearing new clothes, but in becoming true in one�s devotion to God.�

As a result, it is encouraged for Muslims to fast another six days after Eid during the month of Shawwal, in order to keep alive the lessons learned during the month of Ramadan, and to become of those devoted to God. It is because of this that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: �Whoever fasts of Ramadan then fasts six days in the month of Shawwal shall have the reward of having fasted the whole year.� (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, �For every people there is a feast and this is our feast.� [Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih] Source: Googles

At our Eid Mubarak festival let examine ourselves it need to reform totally be the good Muslims if not best, so that our fasting during the whole month be not useless and in veined. To all Muslim Community (Ummah) be happy together to celebrate the Eidl Fitr-2012…

The IFTAR-Zamboanga City

Straight from the Heart

By: Abs Damahan

IRSMP/GCCPBA-PIO

The recent IFTAR breaking of the Fast Ceremony hosted by the Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates was held Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Multi-Purpose Hall, Kalambuan Housing, Maasin, Zamboanga City. The program of activities started at 4:00 PM.

“Therein descent the Angels and the Ruh (Jibril (Gabriel)) by Allah’s permission will all decrees, All that night, there is Peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn” Surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) XCVII, 4-5   

The grand IFTAR (Pagbukah) culminating the tradition and symbolizing the normal practice of the Muslim Community (Ummah) the sacred of the Holy Month of Ramadhan on how to break the Fast at sunset.

Part 1 of the IFTAR

This was formally started by Prayer/ Dua’a for Peace by invited Ustadz/Imam followed of the acknowledgment of guests and institution that are presents and in attendances by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Aldrin Bucoy Abdurahim.

Then, followed by Welcome Remarks by no less than Fr. Angel C. Calvo, CMF, Lead Convener, IRSMP President, Peace advocate Zamaboanga and KK. He emphasized the importance of IFTAR for the Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace for the religious tolerance and understanding here in Zamboanga City and the rest community. He promised to support all the activities of the IRSMP all the ways. He also stressed out the importance of the Inter-religious dialogue between of all religions here in Zamboanga City.

Then also the short remarks from the hosted Community Leader Mrs. Teressa Sotto President Kalambuan Homeowners Association she said, she welcomes us all in their community to culminate and observe the IFTAR ceremony and festivity.

The Sharing of Knowledge on the Month of Ramadhan by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj President Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates. He discussed and well explained the noblest and virtues of the month of Ramadhan and practice of IFTAR (Pagbukah) and the importance and highlight of the Fasting (Puasa, Puase). He extracted some selected Verses (Surah) from the Holy Qur-an  and the Traditions (Ahadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Prof. Yacub, he is well prepared and well researched on the topics he delivered to the attendees at the Grand IFTAR held in Zamboanga Community (Ummah).

Part II of the IFTAR,  IFTAR Time and Ceremony-

The Recital of the Holy Qur-an by Ust. Jamal Muhammad, the guests and members are required to remain seated in silence and solemn dignity. Then, this was translated to English by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj. Muslim Convener, IRSMP/GCCPBA.

Then, followed by another topic, The Significance of IFTAR (Pagbukah) by Prof. Moh. Taha S. Arakama, City OIC Dir. DILG, Vice-President GCCPBA, he elaborated the virtues of IFTAR supported by a selected Verses (Surah) in the Holy Qur-an and some selected Tradition practices (Ahadith) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) that also well prepared and well researched on his subject matters he delivered on IFTAR Fasting Ceremony. He dwell more the emphasis of solidarity, harmonious relationship and tolerance of among religions of which we belong of the different faiths and belief.

As follows, the Recital of the Dua’a for IFTAR by Sheikh Denil Anawari.

The Declaration of the breaking of the Fast Ceremony and Sharing of the Allah’s bounty led by Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj. Muslim Convener, IRSMP, President GCCPBA, and other Muslim leaders of the community based in Zamboanga City.

The Introduction of the Guest Speaker by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Aldrin Bucoy Abdurahim, Executive Coordinator, IRSMP our Guest Speaker at that IFTAR Breaking Fast Ceremony is Atty. Al-Rahimin Theo K. Kenoh Administrator Officer V Schools’ Division of Zamboanga City, DepEd.

Atty Kenoh, he talked and discussed more on the role of Muslim in the community as what Muslims and Islam its means a true and genuine religion of peace.  He also extracted some from the selected Verses (Surah) of the Holy Qur-an and Tradition practices (Ahadith) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) as the basis of his topic. He critics some of his points to our fellow Muslims in name, but not practice what Muslims Community (Ummah) should oblige for a religious tolerance as Allah commanded in His decrees in all part of the Holy Qur-an and Ahadith practices of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), this actually disobeys by the Muslims Ummah at present modern generation. He also talked justices for the Muslims Ummah and other related issues and concern of the Muslims in the community.

Responses:

City Councillor Atty. Mel Sadain, his response more on peace and equality, solidarity, tolerance that bring us together a strong group and community in Zamboanga City a regardless of religious affiliation and practices.  His deem message to avoid to cultural biases every Zamboangenos have an equal opportunity and equal privilege here in Zamboanga City.

Dr. Grace Rebollos former WMSU President and PAZ Vice-President, she touched on the current Hijab issue currently ban by Pilar College banning Muslim scholars to wear Hijab inside the school premises which violated the free of the constitution under our sacred Bill of Rights. Although, there are academic freedom and the policy of school, but it contradict the freedom of religion and belief. Its seem, this is a divisive action done by Catholic run institution under our mutual respect toward understanding the faith and belief of other religions.

In Attendances during the IFTAR:

From the AFP, the peace corps Wesmincom Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang and companions,  heads of the Churches from the Ustadzes/Imam,  Priests, Pastors , Ministers, local officials, barangays officials, NGOs, Pos, Community Leaders , Youth Leaders and urban poor leaders.

The Organizing Committee and Secretariat:

The head group Sister Emma Delgado, Executive Director of Peace Advocate Zamboanga and staffs. Food served some home readymade in Muslims tradition formed in (Dulang) a mixed variety (Lokot-lokot and other delicacies) food inside covered by (Tutup) and the rest audiences not served by (Dulang) are serving by Catering foods ordered by the sponsored organizers PAZ. Everyone of us officials of IRSMP-PAZ-GCCPBA , invited guests and members  and visitors are served in frugal manners during the IFTAR formal dinner not too much extravagance with a minimal cost for the sponsors organization.

In the Closing Remarks of the IFTAR:

Programs closed by Ms. Josephine Bello-Sanchez, Member IRSMP, she emphasized the solid unity of the CSOs Zamboanga, the solidarity have started and the continued of the efforts for our harmonious relationship of all officials and members of IRSMP based in Zamboanga City, that’s the end of IFTAR Breaking of the Fast Ceremony.

Area Coordinating Center Turn Over Ceremony

Area Coordinating Center Turn Over Ceremory.

By: Abs Damahan

Akbar Muninicipality Tuburan Basilan- May 15, 2012 turnover of project Area Coordinating Center  at Barangay Batobato funded by USAID represented by Capt. Tebedo of US Army and  assisted by Commanding Officer of AFP Col Ricardo Bisaya of 104^th Brigade Tabiawan Isabela City, Basilan. The LGUs represented by no less than Governor Jum Jainuddin-Akbar of Basilan Province and Hon. Yusop Alano Board Member District-I.

 The recipient of the projects is Mayor Alih Salih of Akbar Municipality, were also attended by five mayors of different municipalities: Mayor Gulam “Boy” Hataman- Sumisip, Mayor Jomal Maturan- Ungkaya Pukan, Mayor Anwar Abdulmajid- Hj. Muhtamad, Mayor Indanan Daud- Maluso and Mayor Talib Pawaki – Muhammad Ajul.

The projects cost for Area Coordinating Center is worth P3.4M funded by Growth Equity Mindanao (GEM), province counter-part is P700,000.00 and one project component is also to be implemented for Barangay lower Batobato Training Center worth P1.9M is also from GEM and the counter-part of the province is in the amount P416,000.00.

This multi-purpose project benefits will help local communities for disaster, calamity and civic action activities considering this municipality is prone of natural man-made calamities. It serves as nerve center and contact point of LGUs in that area for fast communication feedbacks mechanism and receiver.

Area Coordinating Center-

The Area Coordinating Center or Municipal Development Communication System is composed of the municipal legislative, executive and judicial systems as source of information at this level. The systems are composed of the following:

·         Municipal legislative system

·         Sangguniang Bayan

·         Municipal executive system

·         Mayors’ office

·         Municipal judicial system

·         Municipal courts

The municipal development channel system system is composed of the:

·         Community Development Information Centers

The municipal development receiver system is composed of the officials of municipal association of:

·         Farmers

·         Fisher folks

·         Government employees

·         Office workers

·         Office Managers

·         Teachers

·         Students/pupils

·         Out-of- school youth/children

·         Entrepreneurs

·         Consumers

A good Communication Manager should establish a strong network of these systems to unify its development communication thrust in the country. He/she should link these with counterpart organizational structures at the village level. He/she should also unify the network structure at each level to improve efficiency and effectiveness.