The Grand Deception

Thirteen days ago or on September 9, 2013, to be precise at 5:30 AM,the people of Zamboanga were disturbed with the rapid exchange of fire.  At first,they were unaware of current developments elsewhere in the city, particularly in Sta. Barbara, though the feeling of terror has started to come up due to the persistent sound of gunfire.

By 6:00am, sketchy reports were coming in from several sources, both civilian and government forces, that Zamboanga City was encountering a kind of aggression from an unknown group. As the day was developing, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through their commanders allowed media interview, claimed, they are here for a Peace Rally, the pronouncements however and their very presence in Zamboanga City, encountered fierce reactions from peace loving inhabitants of Zamboanga. 

Still in disbelief, after years of tranquility, the unthinkable happened.

Thrust into a situation, the City government, together with, the Military and Police have no recourse but to fight fire with fire to pacify residents, and to show that the government is addressing the problem. Loud explosions and gun fires can be heard all over the city, especially during the night and throughout the day.

The Joint Police and military campaign in the last few days are bringing in good results in their theater of operation, but the destruction as a result of this siege is extensive and may take years to rehabilitate.

Casualty report, as of September 22, 2013:

Government Side	Killed in Action	Wounded in Action	Total
PNP	3	13	13
AFP	11	129	140
MNLF Side	Number Killed	Number Arrested	Number Surrendered	Total
	82	95	49	226

Civilian Side	Killed	Wounded	Total
	11	70	81

The figures above represent, the number of casualties so far, not to mention the more than 126,147 evacuees and still counting, scattered temporarily in thirty (30) evacuation centers around the city.

During interrogation recently conducted by the PNP to those who surrendered, particularly the Yakan MNLF members, specifically coming from Basilan, they consistently maintained that they were here for a “Peace Rally”, and Php 10,000.00 will be given to them after the peace rally for these purposes.

Thus, explains why they agreed to travel with Commander Habier Malik to Zamboanga City and they even  sold almost all of their belongings in order to have funds to defray their expenses. 

But what actually happened when they arrived here, shocked their senses, for instead of a “peace Rally”, they were surprisingly issued high-powered firearms.

Confused of their predicament and being now caught in the middle , they also fought with the government forces as they felt that they have no more choice and join what was clearly now, an attack on Zamboanga City. 

However, as they were firing their guns, a realization of the consequences of the attack and its futility as well as the deception employed by Malik has come upon them. 

They have decided to stop the fight and cease fire, unfortunately, repeated attempts by the Yakan group, to contact the government and state their opposition to Malik’s action, and failed, as the fighting in many fronts advanced rapidly. 

Given no choice, they decided to escape, as that was the only option left for them, to break away from the real attackers. 

Their insistence to return to Basilan and refusal to obey orders from Malik to continue the fight ignited his anger. 

The yakan group who were greatly dismayed of the situation and of their  being deceived,tried to escape , but they were prevented by the men of Malik and their attempt to escape failed . Malik subsequently ordered his men to disarm the Yakan group and two of them were killed.

The extent of destruction, to both the human life and property may not be conclusive at this time, but we are confident of victory as we await the last nail in the coffin.

We do not desire a recurrence in the future, so we beg the general public to be extra vigilant in their surroundings and to report to the proper authorities of any unusual or suspicious activities in their areas or wherever they may be, to prevent a repeat of the recent events and contribute to the peace and order of Zamboangacity. --RPIO9.

Humane Treatment Arrested MNLF Rebels

Reports are circulating around the city and even in the social media that arrested MNLF members were not given humane treatment and government forces are subjecting these rebels to some maltreatment.

Police Director General Alan La Madrid Purisma Chief, Philippine National Police upon his arrival at the Zamboanga City, strongly reiterated to the ground commanders the observance of Police Operational Procedures while in the pursuit of these rebels, that is to faithfully observe the rule of law; and uphold the rights of victims and all individuals, including criminals.Such that, in all police intervention operations, every PNP personnel shall, first and foremost, be mindful and considerate of the protection of every citizen’s honor, human rights and safety in the pursuit of its responsibility of law enforcement and mission accomplishment.

The arrested MNLF rebels were properly informed of their constitutional rights as arrested persons upon their arrest and they were subjected to proper medical examination. They were provided with appropriate food and day to day sustenance, in fact, in one instance, food intended for PNP personnel who were in the middle of firefighting and whose food ration can no longer be given, were handed to the arrested MNLF members. Since day one (1) of this crisis, all that the government forces have done is Calibrated military and police response.

To prove further, the paramount considerationof the government in transferring the arrested MNLF rebels   to the San Ramon Penal Farm is to protect and insure their welfare and to decongestthem. To the family and friends of the arrested MNLF rebelsrest assured that they don’t have to worry of how the MNLF rebels will be treated, because everything will be done in accordance and in compliance with existing law and our government troops are fully aware of these.---RPIO9

  

ARMM, UN agency collaborate in emergency response effort

COTABATO City—The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government gets support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the establishment of the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team, an emergency rapid response team intended to help curtail impact of disasters in the region.

The two parties inked a memorandum of agreement Thursday (August 22) afternoon to formalize and outline their collaboration, with the UNHCR giving an initial funding of US$20,000 to help bankroll the launching of the program in identified pilot areas. 

UNHCR has earmarked a total of US$100,000 for the program, in addition to the technical support and a vehicle it is going to provide to the response team.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they are pushing for the creation of the ARMM HEART in view of the huge humanitarian impact of man-made and natural disasters in parts of the region.

Data gathered by the UNHCR and the Regional Human Rights Commission for ARMM show that at least 54,745 persons have experienced various displacements in ARMM over the last 18 months.

A breakdown of the cumulative data reveals natural disasters as the leading cause of displacements in the ARMM, accounting for 57% of total displacements or 199,979 persons, followed by armed conflict at 20% (70,989 persons), crime and violence at 12% (41,587 persons) and rido or clan feuds at 11% (40,885 persons).

Lawyer LaisaAlamia, the region’s executive secretary, said that apart from responding to emergencies, ARMM HEART will help ensure the protection of internally displaced persons. 

The autonomous region groups the island-provinces of Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the mainland-provinces of Maguindanao and Lanaodel Sur. 

City Day Care Center, one of the region’s best in vegetable gardening

COTABATO City—Barangay Rosary Heights 9 has brought honor to the city as its Day Care Center after it won 3^rd place in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Regional Competition of the Best Vegetable Garden.

assistant Social Welfare Officer Veranda Samson said the competition is part of the observance of the Nutrition Month last July.

team was created by the DSWD 12, its nutrition council, and the DA 12 to visit and inspect all participating Day Care Centers if their gardens have the presence of leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits.

“The vegetable gardening is usually practiced only by Day Care Centers in rural areas. But we, in the city, also encourage our Day Care Centers with enough space to also have a vegetable garden. Aside from the healthy food that the children get, having a garden also develops camaraderie among the pupils’ parents and barangay officials,” said Samson.

1 Day Care Center per city or municipality was allowed to join in the competition and among all the participants in the whole Region, our representative won 3^rd place.

President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat garnered 1^st place and President Roxas, Cotabato Province placed in 2^nd.

Winners have received a cash prize and certificates.

R.H 9 barangay Chairman Anacleto Cesneros said he is very proud of the accomplishment of the parents and teachers in their Day Care Center.

They have been maintaining the garden for quite some time already and surely their efforts did not go to waste, said Cesneros.

“Matagal na po naming ginagawa ang gardening sa aming Day Care Center. Everytime na mayroon na tayong pwedeng pitasin sa ating mga halaman, nagsasagawa ng feeding ang ating parents sa kanilang mga anak sa Day Care Center. So we are also promoting healthy living among our children para kahit sa murang edad, matututo silang kumain ng masustansya”, Cesneros said. --Becky D. de Asis

Laurasia personnel allegedly search bunkhouse unlawfully

Jong Cadion

Last Thursday, September 18 Welhelm P. Cubelo, appellant, said in mobile call that his bunkhouse was rummaged around by Art Ruaza, Luarasia Pagadian project manager, with his cohorts.

Cubelo is among the contractors who demanded payments for their completed housing projects of Kagitingan Heights, awarded project to Laurasia Realty Corporation, Manila based developer, by the National Housing Authority. 

He expressed belief that the company is harassing him for his participation on the move of some of the contractors in bringing the issue to the Sangguniang Panglungsod.

In an interview, Jesse Eslit, caretaker, said Ruaza quickly interred the bunkhouse at around 9:00 in the morning of September 18. However, the former noticed that some items in the place were missing after the group left the area. 

He added the manager warned him to gun anybody down who will take the steel bars out the place.

Ruaza had accused Cubelo of stealing the construction materials from the company.

As of press time Ruaza is not available to give his side.

Discontented, Eslit told reporters that at noon another Laurasia personnel in the person of certain Miranda Lau went to the place and threaten Cubelo’s men to imprison them.

He said their superior had legally bought the construction materials from a hardware store.

“We have officials receipts to show that the materials were [really] bought from the store,” Eslit said in Bisayan.

However, Miranda denied allegation of taking intimidation action against Cubelo’s laborers.

“Wala jud nahitabo nga gun totting or any intimidating action since from the start of our project,” Miranda said in a text.

The incident was recorded in the blotter sheet at the barangay Bogo of Pagadian City last September 19.

It maybe recalled that the group had asked the SP for their intervention on their demand of payments on turned-over projects and unpaid bills on construction materials weeks ago. –Pagadian Front Line

NGCP prepares grid for Mindanao electricity market

Transmission service provider and grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is working on an online site that will help grid customers in the operation of the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM).

The NGCP-initiated site at http://imem.ngcp.ph will be used to upload and download generators’ and load customers’ capacity nomination data and schedules for the use of all players in the electricity market in Mindanao.

This is in support of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to stabilize the Mindanao power situation. In its Department Circular No. DC2013-01-0001 dated January 9, 2013, the DOE ordered the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to develop and implement an interim electricity market specifically designed for the Mindanao grid, which has been experiencing brownouts due to a power supply deficit.

The commercial operation of the IMEM is scheduled to commence on September 26. Trial operation has been ongoing since August 26.

“NGCP remains supportive of the initiatives of DOE and PEMC and is very much willing to assist in finding solutions to the electric power concerns in Mindanao. IMEM is the first step to ensure free and fair competition and public accountability,” NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia D. Perez-Alabanza said.

“This electricity market in Mindanao focuses on filling-up the power deficiency in the grid. NGCP will be in a better position to balance the available capacities with the demand and manage constraints if the relevant data from all generators and load customers are submitted and accounted for. This is how crucial the infrastructure of the web-based program is to the operation of the IMEM,” added Ermelindo R. Bugaoisan Jr., NGCP’s Systems and Standards Head of the Technical Services Department.

DOE is said to be in talks with embedded generators for the installation of Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) devices that are compliant with the requirements of the IMEM. Embedded generators are end-users or entities whose generating units are indirectly connected to the grid through the distribution utility’s lines and may also refer to generation facilities of large industrial customers, within the distribution utility’s network, that are synchronized to the grid.

For its part, aside from developing the online program for the submission and management of generators-load customers’ capacity nomination, generation scheduling and data provision, NGCP is also expediting the installation of WESM-compliant revenue metering facilities among its directly connected grid customers.

Among its 15 grid-connected generator customers with 36 metering points, NGCP already installed 26 IMEM-ready metering facilities.

“The biggest challenge is in Agus 6 complex where five (5) metering facilities still need to be installed,” said Emmanuel M. Sotomil, NGCP’s Metering Services Head. He explained that in this case, large instrument transformers will have to be hauled, mounted on pedestals, then tapped to high-voltage overhead lines. NGCP has been coordinating with the power plant owner-operator National Power Corporation (NPC) because the lines should be de-energized and some of the plant generating units should be shut down for the installation to be completed.

Among its 53 grid-connected load customers (i.e. distribution utilities and non-distribution utilities) with 184 metering points, NGCP already installed 180 IMEM-ready metering facilities. Yet to be installed are metering facilities inside two military camps in Iligan and NPC’s Regional Office and its Ditucalan Complex, both also located in Iligan.

The IMEM is expected to address the need to establish a venue for transparent and efficient utilization of all available capacities, particularly during periods where the contracted supply capacities of the load customers, such as the distribution utilities and industrial customers, are not enough to meet the demand.

IMEM is also intended to reflect the true cost of electricity and, therefore, encourage the dispatch and utilization of existing available power generating facilities and/or to attract the entry of new generating capacities in Mindanao.

As such, the successful operations of the IMEM would be dependent on the finalization and approval of the Dispatch Protocol by the DOE and PEMC, and the full cooperation of the grid-connected generators, customers and prospective IMEM suppliers.

According to the DOE Circular, the IMEM will have a day-ahead market wherein market participants submit their nominations a day before the actual delivery or curtailment of energy. All generation capacities, directly connected customers, and distribution customers shall be part of a mandatory program that aims to address only the deficiency of supply in the grid.

It also provides for energy efficiency incentives meant to contribute to the supply in the grid, real time imbalance correction through the use of a merit order table (provided by the IMEM operator), which will have the same principles and features of the merit order table used in the Luzon and the Visayas grids. 

Police City Director Chiquito Malayo with 3-policemen released – 23 MNLF members surrender

By: Becky D. de Asis

Zamboanga City  - Police Senior Superintendent Chiquito Malayo of Zamboanga City director was released yesterday together with PO3 Ali Jen Dacumos, PO2 Jeamil Alvarez and one (1)unidentified CVO member were abducted at Sitio Bagtus, Mampang of this city at about 6:00 PM yesterday. While their 23-MNLF abductors was also surrendered to Malayo through the efforts of Police Inspector  Halil who negotiated the MNLF-Misuari faction who abducted them in the morning of September 18 in the said barangay.

The 23 – MNLF surrenderees  including their assorted firearms was brought to WestMincom for proper investigation for appropriate charges against them.

Accordingly, Malayo was abducted in the morning of September 18 at about 10:30 together his two (2) personnel was trapped and abducted at  Barangay Arena Blanco of the said city due to the heavy firefight between the escaped MNLF rebels  towards the east-coast direction of Barangay Mampang were thousands of residents was displaced and wounding  3- residents that caused to evacuation .

Police added that P/SSupt. Chiquito Malayo  with his captors travelled onboard pumpboat and  docked somewhere in Barangay  Tigtabun and still the heavy firefight still continues between the pursuing government troops and the MNLF rebels at Barangay Arena-Blanco and Tigtabun of the said city.

Meanwhile, one MNLF member who captured the said City Director are accordingly calling via phone to P/Inspector Halil, PNP Officer who assigned in Zamboanga City Police Office call for a ceasefire, and  then the negotiation between Inspector Halil was accepted by the MNLF and resulted the released of P/SSupt. Chiquito Malayo with other PNP personnel, CVO and also the surrender of the 23-MNLF members.

On 10th day of Zamboanga Crisis:

A total of 14 dead on government forces and wounding  114 during 10th day of firefight between the government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front along the 5-affected barangays in the City of Zamboanga which include the barangay Talon-Talon, Re-Hondo, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Mampang  said Mar Roxas during the press conference last night after the surrender of 23-MNLF elements including the released of the City Police Director P/SSupt. Chiquito Malayo with his two(2) personnel and CVO.

A total of 178 hostages were rescued  and almost 80,000 residents were displaced during the skirmishes in Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Totoh” Tan II  said that all vessels Zamboanga-Sulu or Sulu –Zamboanga is back  to normal of its operation this was the assurance given by WestMincom Navy Chief Admiral Gador and Cdr. Lawrence Roque, coastguard Jolo during the meeting with the Sulu government inorder to the request of the people in Sulu were affected the  crisis of Zamboanga . (by: Becky D. de Asis)

Palace to Zamboanga hostage-takers: Cooperate or face full force of the law

The government issued an ultimatum to the alleged members of the Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) holding many hostages in Zamboanga City
saying the government is ready to use the full force of the law to end the
ongoing standoff and armed men must cooperate immediately.

In a statement on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said
that the government is prepared to exercise its resolve by using force.

“While the government is exhausting all avenues for a peaceful resolution
to the situation, let it be clear to those defying us that they should not
entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use its forces to
protect our people,” Lacierda said.

“Instead, it is time for you to cooperate to resolve this situation
peacefully at the soonest possible time,” he added.

The government, through its security forces, is always ready to repel any
similar attacks as new violence erupted in Basilan, which was contained by
the military.

Lacierda said around 150 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF), and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) took advantage of the ongoing crisis
in Zamboanga City and tried to attack Lamitan City but was halted by the
military.

After a two hour firefight, the BIFF and the ASG withdrew and the armed
forces is currently conducting hot pursuit operations.

Lacierda also assured the people of Zamboanga City that the government is
working to protect their welfare and that basic needs are being sent to the
conflict area. The Palace has also asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilpinas
(BSP) to ensure sufficient supplies of currency.

The Palace official also asked the cooperation of the people of Zamboanga
City by not inflaming the present situation and by refraining from
misinforming other people through misleading text messages. Instead,
Lacierda asked them to listen to legitimate updates from the government.

The local government of Zamboanga City has performed well in handling the
situation, Lacierda said, as he appealed to local officials not to
politicize the ongoing crisis.

These groups have been opposing the peace process in Mindanao and wanting
to create chaos to derail the signing of the final peace pact.

Prior to the hostage crisis in Zamboanga City, some groups launched bombing
attacks in Cagayan de Oro City and other areas in Mindanao. (pr-with B-Asis)

PUBLIC ADVISORY:

With recommendation from the Crisis Management Committee (Resolution No. 1), the City Council unanimously approved last night Ordinance 418, implementing FORCED EVACUATION as a resort when a disaster or emergency has been declared in the City of Zamboanga and danger or loss of lives becomes imminent. Barangays forced on preemptive evacuation among residents include RIO HONDO, STA. BARBARA, STA. CATALINA, TALON-TALON, MAMPANG and other barangays in the present hostage crisis and armed conflict between government troops and MNLF forces. Please be guided accordingly.

(Beng Climaco)

Malacanang condemns Compostela Valley blast

By: Becky D. de Asis

Malacañan condemned on Tuesday the explosion in Pantukan, Compostela
Valley that injured seven Army soldiers who were on patrol.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail
Valte said the explosion, that was caused by an improvised explosive
device, was a violation of “every rule in anybody’s book.”

“Alam niyo pag IED na ang pinag-usapan, that really violates every rule in
anybody’s book. Talagang nobody will come to your side and say that what
you did was justified,” Valte said.

She said that although the explosion set back the peace talks between the
government and communist rebels, “we will plow on.”

“These are incidents that make it difficult (on the peace process) but we
will plow on and we are waiting for the update on the condition of the
seven soldiers who were wounded. Hopefully nothing worse will happen,”
Valte said.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command,
said in a press statement that the soldiers were on patrol in Sitio
Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan on Tuesday morning when members of the New
People's Army detonated an explosive device.

He added that two combat helicopters were immediately dispatched to
evacuate the wounded soldiers who were brought to the Camp Panacan Station
Hospital in Davao City.(with report by Becky D. de Asis w/ Sll.)

Long grudge in Sulu settled - Police

After almost seven years of conflict with a total of 21 casualties from both clans that included a nine -year old boy who was a victim of IED locally called as ‘bagnit’ , Pantasan and Tapahing finally settled their long due conflict on August 29, 2013 at Barangay Niangkaan, Omar, Sulu.

The conflict was caused by land dispute which has been previously settled twice on November 2011 and January 2013.

An approximate two hundred individuals attended and witnessed the settlement hosted by Vice Mayor Habib Juddin Pantasan at his residence.

Facilitation of the conflict was a collaborative effort of military, police, municipal local governance, Tumikang Sama-Sama, community leaders with support from HD Centre.

This included several shuttle facilitations/mediations, meetings/assessments and trauma healing through engaging communities in a dialogue to both clans, who willingly agreed to be settled and move on with their respective lives.

There was no diator blood money involved.

Witness to the peace settlement and signing of covenant are provincial director P/SSupt. Abraham Buenafe Orbita of Sulu Provincial Police Office, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 Lt. Col. Fernando Dinglasan, Ustadz Gabir Kasim and Kalmie Abduhasad of the Tumukang Sama-Sama (TSS) of HD Centre Sulu and Former Board Member Hadji Hector Buclao.

Orbita expressed appreciation on the efforts of the two clans to see both parties forgave each other and came for the settlement, in spite what happened in the past.

He also encouraged other clans who were involved in conflict look at Pantasan-Tapahing as a good example and learn lessons from it.

He is with high hopes that finally, clan conflicts in the province of Sulu will decrease if not eventually perish. The SPPO’s slogan ‘LasahunNatuh in LupahSug’(Let us Love Sulu) also gained popularity among the residents of Niangkaan, Omar.

Attendees were also enlightened by the Islamic preaching of Ustadz Gabir Kasim on the wisdom of reconciliation and unification among Muslims, even sighted Qurânic verses on the rewards of getting into settlement and doing such good deeds.

One of the clan leaders of Tapahing Group (from Sitio Tanduh Panuan), also involve in their several fire-fights, was not able to contain his tears while listening to this.

After signing, both clans shook hands and embraced as a sign of sincere forgiveness and respect towards each other.

They expressed their optimism for a peaceful and harmonious living in the community.

Meanwhile, Orbita added that there were  22 family conflicts  now in Sulu willing to join the efforts of some None-Government Organization with the local government units , police and other local agencies to sign the peace covenant for the sake of peace and development in Sulu. (with report by becky d. de Asis)

Patrolling policemen attack assailant

By: Becky d. de Asis

Jolo, Sulu – The joint elements of Siasi police last week  led by Inspector Annidul M. Sali and 3^rd MP PPSC led by certain inspector Majindi Haling platoon leader were gunned down by gunmen while patrolling along barangay west Kuntad, Siasi  of this province.

The firing happened while the group passed by at the house of certain Daniel Jajalis Hajan  and asked the later if he owns the house.

The law enforcers were fired by unidentified group who went outside the house armed with M14 rifle with no apparent reason.

But fortunately the police elements immediately cover in different direction with no  casualties both side.

Police Superintendent Roel Lamiing said this kind incidents policemen have to be ready anytime to avoid getting killed during a patrol.

Police said they recovered one M14 rifle with serial number of 1037680 with five magazine, caliber .45 with one magazine loaded with six ammunitions and 2-fragmentation grenades.

The suspects were brought to Siasi Police Station and criminal charges has been readied.

ARMM Pantawid (4Ps) conducts parent leader’s congress in Zamboanga

By: Becky D. de Asis

Zamboanga City -  The Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Autonomous Region  Muslim Mindanao conducted the parent leader’s congress today, this city in order to give attentions, solutions of the problems of some beneficiaries of the programs in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

In 2008 the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or 4Ps in the ARMM region had been criticized and  had several problems coming out from different provinces but still the government continues the program in order to reduce the poverty rates of the region which considered the poorest region in the Philippines,  said Gilmar Lao, region information officer.

Assistant Secretary for Operation Rahima Datumanong-Alba said that this is the 1^st parent leader’s congress in the autonomous region to enhance public supports.

Alba said there were more problems the beneficiaries  are facing particularly in the islands of the provinces that need immediate solutions.

She added that the DSWD as of now conducted clean-list program to give the chance for those deserving individuals.

A beneficiaries, she  said, is happy about the 4Ps program where children are able to attend classes because their needs where provided.

“Maligaya talaga ako dahil ang 4ps na ito ay hulog ng langit, dahil maayos na ngayon ang buhay namin, hindi katulad ng dati na halos mga anak ko hindi nakapagaral at may kumpyansa na po ako sa sarili kon gayon” said Mrs Manang in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Alba also added that in this activity the parents and leaders congress would be given the privilege to be leaders and be responsible members.

City Day Care Center, one of the region’s best in vegetable gardening

Cotabato City—Barangay Rosary Heights 9 has brought honor to the City as its Day Care Center when won as 3^rd place in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Regional Competition of the Best Vegetable Garden.

City’s Assistant Social Welfare Officer Veranda Samson said the competition is part of the observance of the Nutrition Month last July.

A team was created by the DSWD 12, its Nutrition Council, and the DA 12 to visit and inspect all participating Day Care Centers if their gardens have the presence of leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits.

 “The vegetable gardening is usually practiced only by Day Care Centers in rural areas. But we, in the city, also encourage our Day Care Centers with enough space to also have a vegetable garden. Aside from the healthy food that the children get, having a garden also develops camaraderie among the pupils’ parents and barangay officials,” Samson said.

Only 1 Day Care Center per City or Municipality was allowed to join in the competition and among all the participants in the whole Region, our representative won 3^rd place. President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat garnered 1^st place and President Roxas, Cotabato Province placed in 2^nd.

Winners have received a cash prize and certificates.

R.H. 9 Barangay Chairman Anacleto Cesneros said he is very proud of the accomplishment of the parents and teachers in their Day Care Center.

“They have been maintaining the garden for quite some time already and surely their efforts did not go to waste,” the chairman said.

 “Matagal na po naming ginagawa ang gardening sa aming Day Care Center. Everytime na mayroon na tayong pwedeng pitasin sa ating mga halaman, nagsasagawa ng feeding ang ating parents sa kanilang mga anak sa Day Care Center. So we are also promoting healthy living among our children para kahit sa murang edad, matututo silang kumain ng masustansya”, Cesneros said. (with report by Becky D. de Asis)