Message of Ramadan

We observe Ramadan every year. Do we also listen to it?

Ramadan is the most important month of our calendar. It is a tremendous gift from Allah in so many ways. In our current state of being down and out, it can uplift us, empower us, and turn around our situation individually and collectively. It is the spring season for the garden of Islam when dry grass can come back to life and flowers bloom. But these benefits are not promised for lifeless and thoughtless rituals alone. They will be ours if our actions are informed by the message of Ramadan.

Today the message of Ramadan tends to get drowned out by much louder voices of the pop culture that have an opposite message. We have become so accustomed to them that many of us remain enslaved to them even during Ramadan.

The most important message of Ramadan is that we are not just body. We are body and soul. And that what makes us human beings and that determines our value as human beings is the soul and not the body. During Ramadan we deprive the body to uplift the soul. This is all simple and familiar. But we can understand its significance if we remember that the message of the materialistic hedonistic global pop culture that has engulfed every Muslim land today -- just like the rest of the world -- is exactly the opposite. It says that body is evrything. That the materialistic world is all that counts. That the greatest happiness -- if not virtue -- is in filling the appetites of the body. This message produces endless appetites and consequently endless wars to fill those endless appetites through endless exploitation. It produces endless frustrations since the gap between desires and achievements can never be filled. It produces endless chaos and endless oppression. Yet this trash comes in such beautiful and enticing packages that we can hardly resist it. We equate this slavery with freedom. We consider this march to disaster as progress. and with every movement, we get further and deeper into the mire.

Ramadan is here to liberate us from all this. Here is a powerful message that it is soul over body. Take a break from the pop culture. Turn off the music and TV. Say goodbye to the endless and futile pursuit of happiness in sensory pleasures. Rediscover your inner self that has been burried deep under it. Reorient yourself. Devote your time to the reading of the Holy Qur'an, to voluntarily worship, to prayers and conversations with Allah. Reflect on the direction of your life and your priorities. Reflect on and strengthen your relationship with your Creator.

On the last day of one Sha'ban, Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) gave a Khutbah about the upcoming month of Ramadan. It is a very important Khutbah that we should carefully read before every Ramadan to prepare ourselves mentally for the sacred month.

It begins: "Oh people! A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligayions at any other time. It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for Sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter's reward being diminished at all."

The hadith continues and contains many other very important messages. However let us take the time to highlight two of the statements contained above. First, that Ramadan is the month of sabr. The English translation is patience but that word has a very narrow meaning compared to sabr. Sabr means not only patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties, it also means being steadfast in avoiding sin in the face of temptations and being persistent in performing virtues when that is not easy. Overcoming hunger and thirst during fasting is part of it. But protecting our eyes, ears, minds, tongues, and hands, etc. from all sins is also part of it. So being persistent in doing good deeds as much as possible despite external obstacles. Ramadan requires sabr in its fullest sense and provides a training ground for that very important quality to be developed and nurtured. Here is a recipe for the complete overhaul of our life, not just a small adjustment in meal times.

The highest point of Ramadan is itikaf, an act of worship in which a person secludes himself in a masjid to devote his time entirely to worshipping and remembering Allah. Some in every Muslim community must take a break and go to the masjid for the entire last ten days of Ramadan. Others should imbibe the spirit and do whatever they can.

But we must differrentiate between worldly pleasures and worldly responsibilities. We take a break fromt the former and not the latter. Syedna Abdullah ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) was performing itikaf, when a person came and sat down silently. Sensing his distressed condition Ibn Abbas enquired about his situation, learnt that he needed help, and proceeded to leave the masjid to go out and help him. Now this action does nullify the itikaf, making a makeup obligatory. So the person, though grateful, was curious. Explaining his action, Ibn Abbas related a hadith that a person makes efforts to help his brother, he earns the reward for performing itikaf for ten years.

This brings us to the second statement to consider: that Ramadan is the month of kindness and charity. With those in distress in the millions in the world today, the need for remembering this message of Ramadan cannot be overstated.

Unfortunately, today another scene seems to be dominant in some parts of the Muslim world. Here Ramadan is the month of celebrations, shopping, fancy iftars at posh restaurants, entertainment and gossip. People stay up at night but not for worship; they while away that time watching TV or wandering in the bazaar. Ramadan here is a more a month of feasting than fasting.

No one can take away our Ramadan from us; we just give it away ourselves. And if we realize the utter blunder we have made, we can take it back.

House OKs P8.9-B ARMM budget for 2007
The P8.9-billion proposed budget of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for FY-2007 was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Appropriations in a budget hearing on September 19, 2006.

Members of the Committee, led by Chairman Joey S. Salceda, promptly endorsed and approved the ARMM proposed budget for FY-2007 in view of the priority thrusts of the regional government.

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, who led the justification of the proposed budget of the region, got the unanimous support of the members of the Committee in the effort of the regional government to implement programs and projects designed to improve the dismal socio-economic and peace condition in the region.

The efficient handling of the regional government of the problems that were faced by the DepEd-ARMM, particularly on its GSIS remittance, was also acknowledged by the Committee.

AKBAYAN Representative Mario Aguja congratulated Ampatuan for the on-time remittance of the GSIS contributions of teachers.

Furthermore, he filed a motion calling for the allotment of P310-million to pay for the unpaid GSIS premiums of teachers in the region.

Throughout the hearing, Ampatuan repeatedly called for the support of the members of the Lower House in finding the means to immediately address the socio-economic problems of the region, which remain at a worse condition compared to other regions in the country.

The proposed budget is 8% higher than the present budget of the region. However, only about 15% of the total proposed budget would be going to be utilized for strategic thrusts, a big bulk of it, around 60%, is allotted for personnel service and around 22% for MOOE.

Majority of the members of the Appropriations Committee likewise recognizes this shortcoming and said that they would be supporting initiatives that would move for the additional increase of the region’s annual budget.

“ARMM is actually in need of a bigger budget to augment crucial socio-economic projects that cannot be adequately supported under this proposed budget, which was endorsed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” Ampatuan said. (BPI-ARMM)

Law students invited to Indonesia, China tours

Law students who are interested to participate in two foreign trainings and conferences are advised to coordinate with the Law Students Association (LSA) of the WMSU College of Law.

The National Youth Commission under the Office of the President, through the WMSU College of Law- LSA, announced that applications for the ASEAN Young Cadres Training Program to be held on October 10-December 10, 2006 are now being accepted.

Mr. Bong Bue, LSA president, said this is a program of the Guangxi International Youth Exchange Institute of China and is open to Filipinos 18 and below 40 years old.

Bue said the cost of the roundtrip airfare and accommodation will be borne by the Guangxi International Youth Exchange Institute and participants will get 600 Yuan per month to cover their meal expenses.

The program is aimed at strengthening cultural understanding of both countries and to further reinforce cooperation among the Chinese and Filipino youths.

The other invitation comes from the Asian Youth Council (AYC) who will host the Asian Youth Forum 2006 in Jakarta, Indonesia on Oct. 11-14, 2006. Interested parties may see the LSA officers at the WMSU College of Law. (PRESS RELEASE)

A Major Policy Statement On The Ailing Peace Process Of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim

CLICK PHOTOS BELOW

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aquaculturist Said Kalbi (left) demonstrates his "Modified Triangular Method of Seaweed Farming", which won in January 2006 second prize in the National Aquatic Technology Competition, and in May emerged as the regional winner in Gawad Saka of the Department of Agriculture. (HADER GLANG)

World condemns Pope Benedict's remarks

Pope's remarks a lie, says Saudi grand mufti

Muslims worldwide have reacted angrily to Pope Benedict's remarks against Islam and demanded apology from him. Saudi grand mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh responding to the Pope’s remarks said: "This is all a lie ... Islam is far from terrorism and was spread only through the conviction of peoples who saw the good and justice of Islam." >Full Story

Pope Must Apologise, says Malaysian Prime Minister

Pope Benedict XVI must apologise and withdraw his recent remarks linking Islam and violence that have offended Muslims all over the world, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. "The Pope must not take lightly the spread of outrage that has been created. The Vatican must now take full responsibility over the matter and carry out the necessary steps to rectify the mistake," the prime minister told Malaysian journalists covering the 14th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) here, Friday. >Full Story

Pope Benedict: What were you thinking?, asks RP Muslims

During the 9/11 commemorative forum organized by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy on whether the world is a safer place, there was consensus on two points: First, NO! The world is not safer. Second, military operations alone will not neutralize terrorism. We need to secure peace by building bridges, through dialogues and mutual understanding, by lessening discrimination..>Full Story

14 Jolo Development and Rebuilding Projects Start with American Support Mukakil T. Sarabi, Panamao ACC executive officer (second from left), cuts the ribbon on the Panamao ACC during its dedication ceremony August 30. Assisting her are Governor Benjamin Loong, Governor of Sulu; Hadja Nur-Ana I. Sahidulla, Vice Governor of Sulu; Diane Moore, Executive Officer, U.S. Agency for International Development; and U.S. Army Lt. Col. James McCallister, deputy commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P).(PHOTO RELEASE)

Thanks to assistance from the American people, 14 development projects valued at more than 52 million pesos are beginning in September and October in western Sulu Island. Ranging from digging wells for clean drinking water to building schools, these U.S.-funded projects will immediately benefit Sulu residents.

Additionally, the U.S. Government was pleased to officially open an area coordination center (ACC) in Panamao in late August, with a second ACC in Maimbung opening this month. These centers offer area residents a place for livelihood training, community gatherings, and communication hubs. Upon completion, services and staffing for the ACCs are provided from the local municipality. These ACCs are the first of four to be built by the American people: Two new ACCs are being built in Indanan and Buanza.

“Development is a crucial step in ensuring peace in the Sulu Archipelago,” says U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney. “The American people have many programs to help develop poor barangays and provinces to give their citizens an alternative to violence. I believe that all Filipinos want peace and prosperity for their families, and with access to education, job training, healthcare, and economic growth, citizens will be able to say no to terrorists who seek sanctuary in their peaceful barangays.”

The 15 development projects that will break ground in September and October will benefit thousands of Sulu citizens. The projects include new roadways, wells, schools, medical center improvements, and the renovation of the Jolo Cooperative Marketplace. This market has been closed to the community since a Jemaah Islamiyah bomb exploded in March 2006, killing five people, injuring 22 others, and destroying the public market.

The projects are funded by U.S. Pacific Command Humanitarian Assistance Program. Each project is competitively bid to qualified construction firms throughout the Philippines but the majority of contracts awarded so far have been to Jolo-based construction companies.

“Now that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has assured the security in western Sulu, we can commence these critically needed quality-of-life improvements for the people of Sulu,” said U.S. Army Col. James L. Linder, JSOTF-P Commander.

“The deserving people of Sulu have chosen peace and prosperity for their future and a better life for themselves and their children. The people see how prosperity can thrive in an environment when it is safe from the threat of transnational terrorists.”

The projects scheduled to begin in September and October are:
o Indanan Area Coordination Center
o Buanza to Longpass Road
o Indanan Medical Clinic
o Silankan Elementary School Remodel
o Tiptipon Road
o Jolo High School Computer Center
o Buanza Area Coordination Center
o Silankan Well
o Buanza Medical Clinic
o Kilometer 4 Well
o Bato Bato Elementary School Remodel
o Buanza Elementary School Remodel
o Sinlankan Medical Clinic Remodel Jolo Cooperative Marketplace Rebuild. (PRESS RELEASE)

A major Muslim trade center set to rise in Taguig

A world-class trade hub showcasing Muslim art and culture will soon rise in Taguig City.

The local government in partnership with 30 million pesos worth of funds from the Kingdom of Bahrain will develop the Maharlika Trade Center, a multi-component commercial center.

The brand new commercial facility will serve as the central market for Muslim products in Metro Manila.

The main objective of this project is to build a model Muslim community to revitalize Maharlika, and turn it into a trade and tourism center.

The project intends to give livelihood opportunities to Muslim residents and improve not only the quality of their lives but also other Filipinos.

The trade center will showcase authentic Muslim products not only from Mindanao but from other Arab and Muslim countries ranging from textiles, crafts, spices, novelty items and all sort of goods. It will also serve as a venue for people to learn more on the Muslim arts and culture.

Another attraction of the Maharlika Trade Center are the restaurants which will only serve halal food and products. Halal is an Arabic word which means permitted or lawful. There are no restrictions on consumption or use of halal food.

The first phase of the project is the construction of the commercial building on a property donated by the National Housing Authority (NHA) to the city government. The commercial facility is expected to be completed in October this year.

The project fund will be directly handled by the United Nations Development Fund as stipulated in an agreement signed by the Philippines and Bahrain. (GNP)

For the Record
BONG BUE, former president of Zamboanga Press Club

Just be careful

What is the poorest country in the world? Find the answer elsewhere in this corner.

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Hardships of life have driven many people into so many deceitful activities.

The only simple advice we could give is “Just be careful!”. Know how to discern what is real and what is not.

I have been invited by a couple of companies engaged in networking business activities. Good that SOMEONE ABOVE taught me to discern and make effective decisions. Now I learned that one or two of these companies are now subjects of complaints by their own people who joined them.

People who deceive people are everywhere. So it needs extraordinary diligence for us not to fall into their traps.

For The Record featured here that story of a woman from Tumaga whose nude photos were posted in the Internet by her chat-mate from Singapore. That was just one of the deceiving work that is now coming into play in the world of so-called cyber sex.

The danger of falling into temptations and deceiving activities is even greater today because of our modern technologies. The internet is one such medium where deceitfulness, sham and other forms of dishonesty works are prevalent nowadays. But internet is good if we use it appropriately and judiciously--- meaning with proper caution.

People – young and old alike – become habitual liars when they go for internet chattings and the same for the many youngsters who are hooked on their world of “Friendsters.” They tend to invent new names, ages, addresses and other information about them. They post photos that are not theirs.

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The poorest country in the world is POORTUGAL.

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And speaking of being poor --- poverty has indeed led so many into committing things to alleviate their lives. There was this recent news of five jobless men who staged the hold-up in a Western Union branch because they could not get jobs to sustain their families.

Even in the internet we get mails every now and then from people we don’t know but come into our email addresses telling us they have “good news” for us. And be careful--- most of their letters are so good to look true and real.

Let me reprint one letter here I recently received:

FROM:THE DESK OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR EUROPEAN PRIZE AWARD DEPT. REF:PL2/209318/09 BATCH:18/103/HME. TEL: +44-702-407-2609 FAX: +44-707-516-7655

BONANZA 2006!!! This is to Notify you of the release of the lottery winning, held on the 14th of January 2006. Due to the mix up of numbers, the results were released on the 11th of august, 2006. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 7-1-8-36-4-22 under agent ID: 18 and lucky ball number 7363789,which subsequently won you the lottery in the 2nd category You have therefore been qualified for a lump sum payout of 860,641.28 Great British Pounds(GBP) which amounts to $1,500,000.00 (One Million,Five HundredThousand United States DOLLARS) in cash, drawn in your favor, as the soul beneficiary and covered with the highest level of Insurance policy called theIRREVOCABLE GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT BOND.

Due to mix up of some names and winning number, we ask that you keep your winning information confidential until your claim has been processed and your money remitted to you, in your perspective country. Because this is part of our new security protocol to avoid double claiming and forgery of winners identity in this program by some unscrupulous persons.

This lottery was organized by an association of software manufacturers who came together from all parts of Europe including Great Britain,Spain,The Netherlands and Belgium which are the major host countries.All participants were selected through our Microsoft computer ballot draw system, were we extracted over 20,000.00 companies and 3,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world.

Bellow are the step you will be following: Furnish us with the details stated bellow:
Your name:Your Address:YOUR TELEPHONE/FAX NUMBER:YOUR DATE OF BIRTH:YOUR MARITAL STATUS:YOUR OCCUPATION:YOUR COUNTRY: YOUR WINNING TICKET NUMBER:

To begin your lottery claim, please contact your Fudiciary agent below that has been appointed for the processing of your claim with the email address below: Mr.David Nelson TEL: +44 702 407 2609 FAX: +44 707 516 7655 EMAIL:bonanza2006_claimsdept@yahoo.co.uk

Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your WINNING NUMBER in all correspondence. Warning: All winners are to claim their winning prize in not later than 1 week (7 days) of their winning notification. Winners are to contacts us to confirm thier winning through the phone number displayed before sending an email.This is done to avoid forgery and impersonation of winners information and ticket number.

This is also to inform winners that there are so many email letter all over the internet faking to be real, so be warned!!! Note: That you are to respond to all the necessary procedure involved in collecting your prize ,and if you are not interested in claiming your prize,you are advised to draft this office your REFUSAL LETTER indicating that you are not interested in your winning prize and it should be used for the next stake. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible.

The online promotion lottery company is proudly sponsored by a group of succesfull bussiness men all over the world. Internet draw is held once in a year and it is organized, because we want to encourage the use of Internet around the globe and we are beginning this year with this $1,500,000.00 as it is like a WELCOME TO 2006. And we are proud to say that over 50 Million DOLLARS are won annually in more than 150 countries worldwide.We wish you a hearthy congratulation once again.Your Sincerely, Mrs. Becky Owen For Management NOTE: ANY BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY ON THE PART OF ANY WINNER WILL RESULT TO DISQUALIFICATION!

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If you read and look at it, it really looks so good to be real. But once you start communicating with the letter sender they will keep on asking you this and that until finally you’ll be asked to deposit some money or give them your bank account number and there you go ---falling into the trap!

The best thing to do is ignore and delete such devious message.

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THOUGH FOR THE DAY: “Only Christ the living water can quench our spiritual thirst.”

Asia Foundation Donates Books to U.S. Embassy American Studies Resource Centers

Joining forces to provide more learning opportunities for Filipino students, the U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation are pleased to announce that The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia Program is donating books to the U.S. Embassy’s 14 American Studies Resource Centers in the Philippines. The U.S. Embassy maintains a network of 14 American Studies Resource Centers (ASRCs) throughout the Philippines. Each ASRC maintains a collection of books, videotapes, and periodicals providing a wide range of information about all aspects of American government, society and culture. The ASRCs also host activities such as lectures and exhibits. The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program regularly distributes books and other reading materials for all educational levels in more than 15 countries, including the Philippines. Since the program began in 1954, it has distributed more than 40 million books and journals to more than 50,000 academic and non-academic institutions throughout Asia. In the Philippines alone, the Books for Asia program has distributed more than 13 millions books and journals to public and private institutions across the country, contributing to national development, international understanding, and English-language literacy. Pictured above, Mr. Ky Johnson (back row, left), The Asia Foundation’s Assistant Representative for the Philippines, presents ASRC directors and representatives of the U.S. Embassy with certificates announcing the book donations to each of the 14 facilities. For further information on The Asia Foundation, contact: Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative / Philippines and Pacific Island Nations Phone: 02-851-1466 Fax: 02-853-0474 E-mail: TAFPH@asiafound.org (PHOTO RELEASE)

Peace talks between government, MILF deadlock

Peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of Republic of the Philippines (GRP) were at an impasse as both sides failed to agree on crucial ancestral land rights, officials said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the government’s two-day meeting with the MILF in Kuala Lumpur failed to resolve the issue of ancestral domain, or which areas in the southern region of Mindanao would be included in an expanded autonomous Muslim region.

“There is a continuing impasse on territorial issues,” he said, adding that government negotiators will still have to consult with senior cabinet members.

Eid Kabalu, MILF spokesman, said the government panel offered 600 villages to be added to the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but his group wanted the inclusion of more than 1,000 additional villages.

The ARMM currently covers five predominantly Muslim provinces and the Islamic city of Marawi.

“Both panels failed to reach a formula on how they can arrive in addressing the issue on territory that will be included in the area of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Kabalu said.

“The issue on territory is the most crucial in the negotiation,” he added. “We hope that it will be resolved soon.”

The rebels accused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of lacking sincerity to end the decades-old conflict in the south.

“GMA has no political will,” Mohaqher Iqbal, the rebels’ chief negotiator, said in a mobile text message. GMA refers to the initials of Arroyo.“The Philippine government has no new proposal on the issue of territory,” Iqbal said.

But the Philippine government said the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remained on track, describing the impasse as a temporary setback.

“There is a continuing impasse on the territorial issue, but the talks did not break down as reported,” Ignacio Bunye, a spokesman of President Arroyo, said in a statement.

“I just received a call from Chairman Silvestre Afable of the government panel in peace talks with the MILF.

He acknowledges the difficulties involved but is confident these can be surmounted.”Before talks were stalled in May, the two sides were hopeful that a deal on a Muslim homeland in the south could be signed in September before the start of Ramadan, Islam’s holy month.

Iqbal said he expected the two sides would be able to reach some agreements to settle the territorial issue, which had caused officials from both sides to backtrack on their earlier predictions that a peace deal could be signed this year. (GULF TIMES)

WMSIDFI, DA, DOST, SEAFDEC, ZSCMST, BFAR, City Agriculturist sign Memorandum of Understanding

Officials of the Western Mindanao Seaweed Industry Development Foundation Inc., Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade Industry, Office of the City Agriculturist, Department of Labor and Employment are among the signatories of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment and operation of the Seaweed Genebank and Land-based Nurseries at Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology based in Barangay Rio Hondo. (HADER GLANG)

The Western Mindanao Seaweed Industry Development Foundation, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology, Office of the City Agriculturist of Zamboanga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a seaweed gene bank and a land-based seaweed nursery in Zamboanga City.

Based on the MOU, the following agencies have agreed to be a party with their corresponding commitments:

1. ZSCMST based in Barangay Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City will provide the appropriate space, facilities, personnel, and available resources in the establishment and operation of the Seaweed Genebank and Land-based Nurseries which is called the PROJECT.

2. SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department based in Tigbauan, Iloilo will provide appropriate technical, coordinative, supervisory, and advocacy assistances to ZSCMST in the establishment and cooperation of the PROJECT particularly in the development and conduct of a R&D agenda to support the seaweed as well as the mariculture industry.

3. BFAR Regional Office 9 will provide appropriate technical, facilitative, coordinative, funding, and networking assistance in the distribution and propagation of the various seaweed cultivars produced by the PROJECT to strategically located sea-based seaweed nurseries in Zamboanga Peninsula.

4. Office of the City Agriculturist will provide appropriate technical services to farmers, conduct trainings and extension services to seaweed farmers and to conduct farm demonstrations of the various seaweeds cultivars produced by the PROJECT to strategically located sea-based seaweed nurseries in Zamboanga City.

5. DOST Regional Office 9 will provide appropriate funding and technical support for the PROJECT which will be determined in a series of meetings that will later be called for about the PROJECT.

6. DA Regional Office 9 will provide appropriate facilitative, coordinative, networking, and agri-business and marketing assistance for the PROJECT.

7. WMSIDFI will provide appropriate facilitative, coordinative, networking, secretariat, and funding assistance for the PROJECT and in the development and implementation of its sustainable revenue program.

The signatories also agreed to meet immediately to: identify and commit respective resources that can be shared for the PROJECT; prepare and implement a Work and Financial Plan specifying the responsible agencies, budget, and the time-frame which will be covered by a Memorandum of Agreement; and create an executive committee that will conduct regular periodic meetings in assessing PROJECT’s implementation and in formulating commensurate action plans and interventions.

Adam Omar, chairman of WMSIDFI, said that of the estimated 182,000 metric tons world production in 2005 of dried Kappaphycus seaweed also known as “cottonii” by trade, the Philippines accounted for 60% (108,000mt), Indonesia 36% (66,000mt), and the rest Vietnam, Cambodia, and Tanzania.

But the increasing production from Indonesia and Vietnam and Cambodia since 2001 has eaten up the Philippines’s share of the world market by at least 5% annually, according to Omar.

Data shows that Philippine production for the past 10 years has remained stagnant and has not exceeded 130,000 mt of raw dried seaweed annually that could be partly attributed to low quality of seaweed seedlings or propagules and high incidence of low farm productivity.

“These problems can be addressed through the establishment of strategically located seaweed gene banks and land-based nurseries linked with sea-based nurseries,” Mr. Omar said.

The presence of a gene bank fully supported by land-based and sea-based nurseries or seedling banks will: ensure continuous supply of better quality seed-stocks; conserve genetic biodiversity of carrageenan-producing seaweeds; and ensure a pool of genetic materials for biotechnology in the future.

These facilities will: encourage seaweed growers to increase seaweed production either through area expansion or increase in yield or productivity of existing farms; provide livelihood activities and increase income of coastal communities; and propel the nation as the leading producer of high quality seaweed and carrageenan. (ZS)

Mindanao exports $626 million in 1st quarter
text HADER GLANG

Mindanao’s progress has been encouraging with a remarkable 10.97% growth in the first quarter of this year, reaching US$626 million, higher than the US$564 million recorded during the same period last year.

Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) reported this in the 7th Mindanao Seaweed Congress held from Sept. 7 to 8 at the Marcian Garden Hotel convention center in Zamboanga City.

About 300 participants consisting of seaweed farmers, traders, exporters, processors, investors from the Philippines and abroad, and employees from government and private agencies attended the two-day seaweed congress.

Leyretana said Mindanao’s significant growth was largely fueled by the increases in exports of bananas, crude and refined coconut oil, sintered iron ore agglomerates, preserved and fresh pineapples and tuna, which are traditionally exported to Japan and United States.

There is also a 10.06% or US$219 million growth in the 1st quarter of this year. A new entrant to the export market is Turkey, which ranked 10th by importing a total of US$10 million of flat-rolled, bananas and coconut from Mindanao, Leyretana said.

“If this trend continues under an environment of peace and a well-managed integrated development program, we can see no reason why the Mindanao mega-region could not succeed,” Leyretana said.

Meanwhile, the Medco chief expressed concern over the eroding competitiveness of Philippines seaweed and carrageenan in the international market brought by the rapid growth of seaweed production in Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

He said the country stands to be overtaken as the leading supplier of Eucheuma seaweed and carrageenan in the world and that by 2010 or even earlier the seaweed production will have exceeded the RDS (raw dried seaweeds) level of the Philippines unless the stakeholders can get their acts together expeditiously.

“Our neighboring countries have launched an extensive program to open new production areas supported by large credit and is improving existing processing plants and establishing new ones in strategic areas,” he said.

To address the serious threats, he said unit costs must be attained at competitive levels across supply chain from the farms to the processing plants to the ports (from seed to shelf), quality consciousness must be internalized by all stakeholders, economic quantity volumes must be maintained in order to attain efficiencies and lower costs, and the Philippines must establish an image being a reliable supplier. (ZS)

2 more ARMM executives installed

Two new ARMM' officials on Monday assumed office after a, turn over and installation ceremonies at the ARMM Compound.

Dr. Tahir B. Sulaik and Bai Badria Uy Andamen Al-Hadja of the Department of Health (DOH) and Bureau on Cultural Heritage (BCH) respectively were installed as heads of the said agencies.

After four years of not having an appointed secretary to head the department, DOH­-ARMM finally has Dr. Sulaik.

Sulaik was with the Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) since 1986 before he was appointed by Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan as DOH-ARMM Secretary.

For 10 years since 1996, Sulaik heads the IPHO Maguindanao. "For years we humbly pride ourselves with, the entire IPHO family and of course our supporters. It was hard work for all of us," he said.

Today, he said after 10 years of absence "I return in faithful obedience to a call to head the DOH-ARMM." He said the mandate of his office is primarily to promote, protect, preserve or restore the people's health.

"This change of leadership may humbly mean hastening the pacing on how we will lead the path forward. And forward means having healthy, productive and empowered citizenry for a better quality of life in ARMM," Sulaik said while reminding that change of leaders does not necessarily mean change of direction.

Dr. Sulaik replaced DOH-ARMM Assistant Secretary Dr. Lampa Pandi who was designated by ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan as the Officer-In-Charge of the department since October last year.

However, Sulaik said that in an attempt to effect change, he assured the constituents of the ARMM to continue their hard work to provide better health services.

He said that if he has to introduce something, he again assured everyone that it will be anchored on principle of effective and efficient public service.

He said there will be definitely be certain changes, some of which will take their own time and course.

He said goals are anchored towards the following major thrusts - Improved/Enhanced Quality Health Service Delivery; Participation to Community empowerment and Establish Local Government Unit and Multrisectoral Networking for effective collaboration.

His immediate steps after his installation is to do the TBS. T meaning, that the department will Tactfully revisit the plans, goals, vision, mission, accomplislunents, identify the gaps and the bridges and know the leasons-learned. B stands for he said, Be ready for any consultative meeting and S for Start to act immediately.

Meanwhile, ARMM Attorney-General Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi through the instruction of the Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan installed Bai Badria Uy Andamen as acting executive director of the BCH.

Andamen replaced Haron Felmin who became head of the BCH for 11 months.

Sayadi said that Andamen is very much qualified to the job and she is not new to public service being a Local Civil Registrar of Datu Piang, Maguindanao and being an artist herself, too.

Sayadi added that she is confident that the qualification of Andamen suits the position. 'She is also an artist.

She plays the kulintang very well." Felmin during the turn-over ceremony narrated the work he accomplished during his term and handed over the draft of the research work he was conducting.

Andamen for her part said that she will do consultation with the people in order to continue the work to include reviving and preserving the cherished culture of the Bangsamoro people.

She asked the support of her staff and the people in the region to work as a team in order to make into reality the vision-mission of the regional governor for the region.

Sulaik and Andamen both vowed to deliver quality services to the people of the region. (BPI-ARMM)

All Set for 7th Mindanao Seaweed Congress
text HADER GLANG

Everything is ready for the 7th Mindanao Seaweed Congress scheduled for September 7 to 8 at the Marcian Garden Hotel Convention Center in Zamboanga City, said organizers at a press conference Tuesday.

With the theme, “The Future of the Seaweed Industry: Harnessing the Potentials of Other Seaweed Varieties and Their Applications”, the annual congress will serve as a venue for the stakeholders to update themselves with the latest developments affecting the industry, to discuss major concerns and problems, and to initiate and/or renew business transactions.

The congress organizers, Western Mindanao Seaweed Industry Development Foundation Inc. and the Seaweed Inter-Agency Task Forces of Region 9, hope to come up strategies that would boost the production of seaweed in the region.

Adam Omar, chairman of WMSIDFI, said about 300 participants, mostly seaweed farmers, traders, exporters, processors and investors from abroad, are expected to attend the annual congress.

Mr. Omar said activities lined up include plenary sessions, field trip to seaweed farms, exhibit featuring various seaweed planting methods and products using seaweed, book launching, MOU signing on the establishment of gene bank and a land-based seaweed nursery in Zamboanga City, and presentation of a position paper.

Two Indonesian and two Malaysian delegates will talk on the seaweed industry in their countries and several national as well as international seaweed experts will speak on relevant topics.

Sessions include the potentials of Gracialaria and other seaweed varieties, a carrageenan overview, innovative socio-economic development program for seaweed industry stakeholders (the real challenge), the international seaweed situation, the gene bank project, supplemental livelihood programs for seaweed farmers, PEP Philippines agribusiness program linkages-seaweeds and experiences of Gawad Saka Awardee.

Keynote speaker for the seaweed congress is Dr. Joebert Toledo, Aquaculture Department chief of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congressman Erbie Fabian are expected to give their welcome remarks and closing remarks, respectively. (ZS)

Mindanao business leaders support referendum on Cha-Cha & President Arroyo’s 'super region'
text HADER GLANG

The 15th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) concluded Saturday with a 9-point agenda, which underscores the advocacy for the holding of a plebiscite on Charter Change and support for President Arroyo’s ‘super region’ concept.

Describing the three-day confab as “successful,” Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) chairman Romeo Serra said delegates from private and government sectors have committed on the following MinBizCon’s road map for 2006-2007.

These included: Shift to a federal system of government; accelerate the implementation of priority infrastructure projects; reliable and affordable power supply in Mindanao; revitalize the Mindanao mining; reduce domestic shipping costs; competitive Mindanao Small Medium Enterprises; Mindanao as a hub for e-services in the BIMP-EAGA; gainful employment for TVET graduates; and accelerate the tourism development in Mindanao.

Under the new agenda, the MinBC through the local chambers of commerce, in coordination with Kusog Mindanaw and local civil society organizations, committed to embark on an extensive information and education campaign meant to enable a more informed business sector and civil society.

“We will continue to participate in constant dialogue with Mindanao stakeholders on the proposed shift to a federal system through various conferences particularly organized by Kusog Mindanao,” said Serra, who also chairs the Minbizcon.

He said it was also the consensus of Mindanao business leaders to study the merits and specific implementing guidelines of the government’s ‘super region’ concept, particularly focusing on the role of the private sector in its implementation and the accompanying coordinative mechanism of the concerned government agencies.

For public sector, the Local Government Units in Mindanao committed to submit manifesto of support signifying their unified call to expedite Charter Change and the Mindanao Legislators Association as well as the Confederation of Mindanao Governors, Municipal and City Mayors to strongly lobby for the shift to a federal system of government after signifying their support in several conferences on federalism.

Mindanao local leaders through the Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayor League Presidents have joined the growing call for Charter Change. This was officially affirmed during the CONFED Reorganization Meeting held last August 4, 2006 in Davao City, according to Serra.

Meanwhile, the MinBC passed a resolution urging the Department of Transportation and Communication to adopt the phased improvement and transfer development strategy for the new Zamboanga international airport.

Tessie Uy-Sebastian, MinBC vice chairman and Zamboanga Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Industry regional governor, said the socio-economic development of region IX and neighboring provinces is anchored on a modern and efficients inter-moday transport system.

“Air transportation provides the fastest means of mobility for people, goods and services,” Sebastian stressed.

The Zamboanga International Airport serves as the area’s international hub in this part of the country and gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Its eventual tranfer and modernization will enhance operational safety and service effeciency in order to cater to bigger aircraft and traffic for safe and efficient international and domestic travels, according to Sebastian.

President Arroyo highlighted the concept of the super region in the State of the Nation’s Address (SONA) last July, 2006 in her effort to “fix what is wrong in our country and our economy.”

Ms. Arroyo said that the government could already fund the Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP). She added that the government would enhance the competitive advantage of Mindanao and it is the priority for agribusiness investments in the south. (ZS)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

A Fil-Am businessman Rick M. Santos, president of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Incorporated whose father a blue-bloodied Zamboangueño Dr. Rolando Santos (2nd from right), poses for posterity with Zamboangueñas from left to right: Teresita Uy-Sebastian, vice president of the Mindanao Business Council and regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Bernardita Ebol, chief of staff of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone & Freeport Authority; and ZamboEcozone Chairman Georgina Yu during the 15th Mindanao Business Conference held August 30 to
September 2 at the Garden Orchid Hotel Convention Center in Zamboanga City. (HADER GLANG)

Prospects bright in global market for ‘halal’ industry in the Philippines
text HADER GLANG

The Philippines can make it bit in the global export market for halal food products, estimated at over $150 billion, for a global base of 1.8 billion in 112 countries.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila revealed the bright prospects for the country’s halal industry during the opening of the 15th Minbizcon Trade Expo here.

The trade fair is one of the highlights of the 15th Min­danao Business Conference held August 31 until September 2 at the Garden Orchid Hotel Convention Center.

The convention aims to benefit small and medium enterprises not only in Western Mindanao but the whole of Mindanao in the domestic and international markets. It also aims to strengthen the SME’s capability as suppliers of quality products and services.

In his keynote speech, Favila said the Department of Trade and Industry is committed to ensuring the success of the Philippine halal industry.

“However, in the face of competitive market forces, it is very important for us to ensure that our halal products find their own strengths and market niches. Thus, the need for concerted effort among all stakeholders to boost our capability to meet market requirements,” he said.

Favila said the department will continue to promote greater awareness of halal market opportunities and encourage local halal producers and exporters to tap available markets.

At the same time, the department is initiating bilateral recognition of local halal product certifying bodies by the auditing, assessment and accrediting agencies of halal importing countries, he added.

The accreditation of Philippine halal certifiers will ensure that our shipments, particularly of meat products do not get rejected, but instead are accepted by importing markets where halal certification is required, he said.

The six agencies mandated by Memorandum Order 201 to harmonize all programs relevant to Halal Export Trade Development have agreed to pursue a Consolidated Halal Action Plan covering the period 2006-07.

Already, two firms are joining a joint venture to provide halal poultry products to the Middle East. Monte Maria Agro-Industrial Development Corp. and Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corp. signed an agreement in March to form the venture in Brunei Darussalam.

The corporation, which will have an estimated annual production capacity of 212,456 metric tons, expects the first shipment of poultry to the Middle East early next year.

In order for the Philippines to produce halal chicken at a competitive price, there is a need to lower the cost of feeds whether it comes from the Philippines, Indonesia or elsewhere, Favila said. (ZS)

Zambo Adopts Lucio Tan As Entrepreneurial Son

Government officials of Zamboanga City led by Mayor Celso Lobregat and councilors bestow honor to Dr. Lucio Tan as “entrepreneurial son" during the 15th Mindanao Business Conference. The Lucio Tan Group of Companies is expanding its presence in Mindanao by investing P1.25 billion. (HADER GLANG)