IMAGE OF THE DAY

Officials of DSWD-ARMM led by Secretary Ruby Sahali Tan (in pink dress) and her Assistant Secretary Pombaen Kader (in light green dress) pose for posterity with mediamen at the Zamboanga City International Airport after a 4-day ARMM Social Fund Project "Information Caravan in Tawi-Tawi from April 24-28, 2006. Also in photo are ASFP's staff Irene Gonzales, ISG head & PMO; Norodin Lumambas, M&F head; and Hja. Meriam Abdulkasan, CDA head & PMO. (Below photo) Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali (sitting center) pose for posterity with Cotabato-based mediamen during a courtesy call at the governor's office.

ARMM Social Fund Project "Information Caravan" held in Tawi-Tawi

text & photos HADER GLANG

The ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) through its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Sub-component held its 3rd of the series of “Information Caravan” in the province of Tawi-Tawi last April 24 to 28, 2006.

ASFP Executive Director Alejandro Coscos said local government officials in the area, officials of ARMM-DSWD and selected Mindanao-based journalists from Cotabato and Zamboanga of local and national coverage participated in the 4-day caravan.

Coscos said the caravan is one of the strategies to effect massive information advocacy in ARMM communities and also a venue where LGU officials and media interface to tackle as well as document processes involved in the execution of projects in the communities.

The caravan also intends to strengthen the advocacy campaign of the ARMM Social Fund Projects in order to inform and reach out all stakeholders especially the local communities in the remotest barangays of the autonomous region.
The first information caravan was undertaken in the municipalities of Shariff Aguak and Paglat in the province of Maguindanao in December of last year. This was followed in the Province of Lanao del Sur from February 26 to March 1.

Tire path, water system, vegetable gardening (part of the Learning Livelihood and Food Sufficiency program), solar drier, warehouse, health center and class rooms were among the completed projects that were covered and documented by the media participants.

During the caravan in Tawi-Tawi, DSWD-ARMM Secretary Ruby Sahali Tan inaugurated a newly completed school building, and footbridge in Barangay Kepeng, Tandubas, and a multi-purpose and fishlanding in Barangays of Tondon and Balimbing in Panglima Sugala.

“We are very elated over these projects by ARMM Social Fund. Certainly, the new school building and other small-scale infrastructures that we turned over today gladdened the eyes of Samal and Badjao recipients,” Ms. Tan said.

Pelina Atalad, 50, a mother of five children of Barangay Kepeng, told mediamen that with the new school building, the quality of education in their village and the learning of their children would be improved.“Our children can now study properly,” she said.

For Matbin Muhammad, 32, another resident of Barangay Kepeng, said the installation of footbridge in their village had reduced burden for many residents passing in the area. “The footbridge now is much better which in the past we could hardly pass with our pushcarts.”

Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali told newsmen who paid a courtesy call on him at the provincial capitol that the decision of President Arroyo to place the ARMM Social Fund under the full control and supervision of the ARMM regional government is appropriate.

“We expect that more projects would be implemented all over the region because the regional governor (Zaldy Ampatuan) has now the full control over the ARMM Social Fund,” Sahali said.

Adding that, “Unlike in the past we really don’t know where those development funds go. But this year 2006 we expect that P72 million worth of projects that include the regional, provincial and district impact projects will be poured in to the province.”

It will be recalled that on February 18, 2006, Governor Ampatuan led a delegation, which included his cabinet members and regional assemblymen in Malacanang to ask President Arroyo to put back the control and supervision of the ARMM Social Fund to the regional government.

After the ARMM chief executive explained to the President the importance of retaining the ARMM Social Fund to the Regional Government, the President decided to reconsider her decision and directed the immediate amendment of Executive Order No. 496.

E.O. 496, which the President signed on January 23, 2006, placed the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO), ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development, Mindanao Peace and Development Fund and Office on Muslim Affairs under the oversight of the OPAPP.

The ARMM leadership particularly brought to the attention of the President Section 2 of the said E.O. which provides “The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process shall oversee and whenever appropriate, have the authority to direct and/or manage projects related to the government’s comprehensive peace and development efforts.”

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Ampatuan was elated with the favorable decision of the president. He thanked and assured President Arroyo that the leadership and the people of ARMM are all supportive to her administration.

ARMM Social Fund is a US$33.6 million government loan project from the World Bank, which was created by virtue of Executive Order 124 signed by the President on September 12, 2002 whose main purpose is to support the peace and development efforts of the regional government. It has been implementing projects in identified barangays in the five component provinces and one city of the Muslim autonomous region since 2003.

It also assists communities through its CDA Component by providing financial and technical assistance to plan and manage small-scale livelihood and infrastructure projects needed by the community members. LGUs, government agencies, NGOs and other partners work together to support the community-led implementation of sub-projects.

Six barangays in every municipality can be assisted or around 500-600 barangays in all municipalities of ARMM. Type of assistance for communities includes the learning/livelihood/food sufficiency, small-scale infrastructures and trainings and capacity-building activities.

The community will directly manage the implementation of sub-projects. The municipal teams composed of LGUs, DSWD staff, and NGOs will assist the communities as they undertake their own projects. (ZS)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (4th from right) paid a courtesy call on U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney on April 20 at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The governor and his team met with Ambassador Kenney and U.S. Embassy officials to discuss shared projects and goals for prosperity and security in the ARMM. (PR)

Muslims urging for immediate development of halal industry in ARMM

Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) urges for the immediate development of halal industry in the region.

In his speech read by Samson Gogo, Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Information (BPI)-ARMM, during an inter-agency halal industry development conference/workshop conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DA)-ARMM on April 19, 2006 at the Estosan Garden Hotel this city, Governor Ampatuan cited that the international and domestic halal market continues to serve as an attractive and potential opportunity for the region.

Although there are no definitive figures, experts have placed the world halal food market to be worth more than $150 billion a year. And it is continually growing. The establishment of a vibrant halal industry is one of the major thrusts being pushed by the Ampatuan administration to help jumpstart sound economic growth and social development in the region.

Governor Ampatuan said in his first state of the region address that “the ARMM will take a lead role in the growth of halal food industry in the region, considering its huge potential markets in the East Asian Growth Area region and elsewhere.”

The national government is likewise supportive of this endeavor. The vision of making ARMM as the halal-based food production and processing center of the country is included in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010.

This move is in line with the effort to establish Mindanao as the Philippine’s prime agri-fishery export zone. The inter-agency conference was intended to assess major issues particularly on the production aspect that need to be addressed in order to establish a viable halal industry in ARMM.

DAF-ARMM Secretary Sajid Druz Ali said that the agriculture department “has a primary role in the halal industry development in the region. And that is why we are undertaking means to improve agribusiness and increase the region’s production of high-value crops and other major agricultural commodities.”

Participants repeatedly stressed that there is a grave demand for real halal products even among the country’s Muslim populace and this can only be achieved if a credible halal certification board will be established.

In 2004, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-ARMM together with the Darul Iftah and the ARMM Business Council (ABC) have entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement to create the ARMM Halal Certification Board, which is among the provisions of the Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) Law.

As a result of the recent state visit of Governor Ampatuan to the State of Malacca, the region will be receiving technical assistance in coming up with a halal certifying scheme from JAKIM, Malaysia’s halal certification body, which is fully recognized and respected among Muslim countries.

“There are very good indications that the ARMM can truly become the halal based production center in Mindanao and the Philippines as envisioned in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010.

In fact, the very first BIMP-EAGA private sector initiative, which is the BIMP-EAGA Halal Poultry Project, is set to be launched in the Polloc Special Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao this year,” said DTI-ARMM Secretary Ishak Mastura. (BPI-ARMM)

Interfaith group urges deeper participation in peace efforts
text DARWIN T. WEE

HAVE we lost our capacity to be affected by the wounds of others? Apparently, we think that simply being left alone is the answer to the troubles that are oftentimes exported to our shores or to the wars that more regrettably devastated our neighbors and fellowmen."

This concern was expressed by the members of the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) during the Zamboanga-based group's monthly meeting last Saturday, April 8.

The observation is part of a formal statement by the IRMSP in response to the discussions by different local sectors during the dialogue conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in Zamboanga City last March 27.

The subject of the dialogue was the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The IRMSP members in their statement said: "As we view all our national and local struggles in building a just and lasting peace in accordance with our common religious as well as democratic beliefs and aspirations, we recognize the tremendous complexity and sensitivity that all these efforts entail.

This has led to two realizations – that this peace process is fragile and delicate, and that we each are duty-bound to do our part to realize a fair, workable and durable compact."

During the meeting, some members noted that the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has failed to lead to the peace and development in Mindanao which the accord had promised, even while Bangsamoro restiveness continues to hinder socio-economic progress. They fear that the futile fate.

Fr. Angel Calvo, the group's Catholic convenor, said "concerned citizens should support and help work out a peaceful process."

"This meeting serves not only as a fellowship for us but to share with each other our common concerns," he said, adding that "as an instrument of God everybody should uphold the peace process and allow it to flourish in one's life."

He added that local stakeholders of peace should not only say "No" but "to say something in supporting the process, which is the real challenge."

IRMSP members expressed concern and disappointment over the lack of local public debate over the pros and cons of GRP-MILF proposals that would form the points of their forthcoming agreement.

The meeting was jointly presided by Commission on Human Rights Regional Director Atty. Jose Manuel Mamauag and former Regional Director of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) Caloy Bandaying.

IRMSP meets once monthly to discuss current issues and group projects."We believe that the peace talks are but a part of a broader peace process. To us this comprehensive process should be transparent (and) pursued by peaceful means, aim for justice for all, lead to reconciliation and healing, be pluralistic and participatory among allconcerned peoples, and be open to the best possible options for peaceand development," the IRMSP asserted. (PAZ PRESS RELEASE)

Ampatuan against move to divide ARMM into 2 regions

THE leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is opposed to the proposal filed in the House of Representatives which aims to divide the ARMM into two autonomous regions.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Dy Ampatuan said the motive of the proponents is even doubtful because it is not geared towards the unity and welfare of the Bangsamoro people.

He said dividing the ARMM into two autonomous regions "will only jeopardize the already scarce budget resources of the present ARMM."

House Bill No. 5369 filed by Representatives Gerry Salapuddin of Basilan, Hussin Amin of Sulu and Herminaldo Mandanas of Batangas cited the revival of the sultanate of Sulu as the reason for creating a new autonomous region which will cover the island provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.All these provinces were once under the Sulu Sultanate.

The proponents stated in their bill that "The long history of the people of the Sulu archipelago has left an indelible mark in the culture and tradition. While they share the same religion as the Maranaos and Maguindanaons and other Muslims in Mindanao, they are a people apart with their own tongues, customs and traditions and ways of thinking."

Salapuddin, a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander in Basilan, sought to run for the August 8, 2005 ARMM regional elections. But he backed out from the race after he failed to get the blessing of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat which endorsed Ampatuan as the party's official candidate.

"The move is divisive to the Bangsamoro people. It violates the letter and spirit of the 1996 peace agreement as well as the Tripoli Agreement. Consistent with the two (2) peace accords, it is better to expand the area of ARMM rather than divide it," Governor Ampatuan stressed.

Ampatuan believes that both the political leaders and the revolutionary leaders of the fronts have one and the same aspiration -- to unite the whole Bangsamoro people regardless of their tribes, tongues, culture and ways of life. Ampatuan, who is supportive to the ongoing government peace initiatives with the MNLF and the Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said that diving the ARMM is counter productive to the peace efforts of the national government in Muslim Mindanao.

"The people of ARMM or the Bangsamoro people have already spoken. "They (proponents) cannot just introduce any amendments to the present ARMM without prior consultation with our people and the political leaders of the region.

Even the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) which helped in the forging of the 1996 peace agreement of the government and the MNLF must be consulted about it," he added.

For the last several years, the OIC, a pan-Islamic body composed of 57 member­countries, has been assisting the Philippine government in establishing a Muslim autonomy in Mindanao as a solution to the decades-old armed uprising of the Bangsamoro people for self-governance.

The executive and legislative departments of ARMM will soon meet to make their united position against the proposal to divide the ARMM. (BPI-ARMM)

MNLF representatives meet with MILF leaders in Sultan Kudarat

MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari (top photo) and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (below). (ZS Files)

IN a united effort, through the coordination by the two sister organizations, representatives of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the faction of Prof. Nur Misuari on Saturday met with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The MNLF representatives, led by Sharif Zain Jali, chairman of the MNLF Bangsamoro People’s Congress, and the MILF counterparts, led by Ghazali Jaafar, deputy chairman for political affairs, discussed bilateral issues confronting their organizations.

Luwaran, the official website of the MILF, reported that the meeting was very frank, direct, and in a brotherly atmosphere. “It was a reunion of two brothers”, the report said, quoting one MILF leader, who refused to be identified. It said that the visitors (MNLF) outnumbered the host (MILF).

Jali described the meeting as a “revisit of the past”, because the two Fronts have had several meetings with their top leadership in attendance including Misuari and the late Salamat Hashim, according to the report posted at Luwaran.com.

The senior MNLF official recalled that the two Fronts have already created the Bangsamoro Coordinating Council (BCC), which coordinates and facilitates their activities on the basis of the terms they have earlier agreed several years back, the report added.

It also said on the need for close coordination or cooperation, the MILF also signed with the MNLF-Committee of 15, the Bangsamoro Solidarity Conference (BSC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2002.

ARMM Speaker, Hatimil Hassan, then head of the group, signed for the group, while Murad for the MILF. Among other important agenda of the Saturday dialogue, the two groups zeroed in on the need for the immediate, unconditional furlough of detained MNLF leader Misuari.

The MILF had stated in clear terms its position on Misuari, to wit: 1) As Muslim, we want him to be freed as soon as possible; 2) We still recognize him as one of the leaders of the Bangsamoro people despite being head of the MNLF; and 3) The MILF believes the release of Misuari will advance the search for peace and progress in Mindanao.

The MILF also disclosed that it is very consistent with this policy that on several occasions it called upon the government to release Misuari immediately and without preconditions. It also set the record straight, saying that the release or not to release Misuari is the sole power of the government, which one MILF leader described as in the “fingertip of the government."

The MILF stated that the proposed meeting between Misuari and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim Murad, which is very important, should preferably take place after the former is released from detention so that any agreement reached will not be tainted with any unsavory color since he is still under detention, the report said. (ZS)

Sharifs in Zamboanga celebrate Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday

Prof. Shariff Julabbi (2nd from rigth), chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front/Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance, leads a prayer for the Maulidun Nabi or the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

Muslims with Sharif ancestry in the different parts of Mindanao gathered Sunday, April 9, in Zamboanga City for a ceremony to commemorate the Mauludun Nabi or the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

They performed a special prayer in Maghrib (obligatory prayer in Islam, just after the sun goes down) after which they conducted a lecture on the Fatwas of Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) birthday, his teachings and examples to mark the auspicious day.

Some verses from the Holy Quran, recounting of the Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) life, salutations and songs in his praise were recited. Guests were served with Tausug traditional delicacy and then organizers of the occasion gave their respective messages.

Muslim theologians based in Zamboanga City in the persons of Ustadz Mujib Arip of the Ulama Council of Region 9, Ustadz Shariff Julabbi, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance, and Ustadz Zacaria Omar were the lecturers.

They made clear that Muslims are allowed to commemorate the event of the Prophet’s (pbuh) birth by performing good works that are always permitted in Islam. They said that Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion and that the Almighty Allah loves those who love the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Basilan’s Department of Public Works and Highways District Engineer Sharif Madzmo Hasim, host of the gathering, called on all Muslims with Sharif ancestry in Zamboanga, Sulu, Basilan and other parts in Mindanao to unite to strengthen their families.

“Let us show to the whole world that we are not only Sharifs in name and blood but in good deeds,” Hasim said. “We have to protect and preserve the good name of our clan."

Sharifs in Mindanao traced their ancestry to Sharif Makdum, a Muslim missionary to the Sulu from Saudi, who arrived in the year 1380. Though the influence of Islam in Mindanao only intensified with the arrival of Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, a century later in 1475.

Muslim scholars regarded Sharifs as descendants of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) — in particular, to descendants of his uncles al-'Abbas and Abu Talib and of the latter's son 'Ali by the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah. (ZS)

IN MEMORY OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD'S BIRTHDAY, PEACE BE UPON HIM, ZAMBOANGA SOUTHWALL IS REPRINTING HIS BIOGRAPHY. MAY THIS MATERIAL ENLIGHTENS THE READERS.

How It All Began

Nearly four thousand years ago, in the Sumerian town of Ur in the valley of the river Euphrates, lived a young man named Abraham. The people of Ur had once worshipped Allah but as time passed they forgot the true religion and started praying to idols, statues made of wood or clay and sometimes even of precious stones. Click Here

IMAGE OF THE DAY
A Malaysian airforce C-130 aircraft landed at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) in Zamboanga City.

Malaysia satisfied over Philippine gov’t & MILF commitment to resolve conflict in Mindanao

The government of Malaysia, which mediates the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is pleased to note the commitment of both parties to settle the conflict through negotiation and peaceful means, the Luwaran website reported.

The current negotiation would soon usher in comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict as the prospect of peace between the two is significantly enhanced by the tremendous success of the ceasefire agreement, the report said quoting a top ranking Malaysian official.

Malaysian Deputy Defense Minister Dato Hji Zainal Abidin Bin Hji Zin, who is currently in Mindanao to assess the task of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) of looking into the implementation of the bilateral truce between the government and MILF rebels, quoted in the article as saying that “We are seeing strong commitment and sincerity from all parties and stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.”

“We have no other intention except to see a peaceful and progressive Mindanao which is in harmony with the Malaysian government’s policy of prosper thy neighbor. I commend the IMT for a remarkable performance in sustaining peace efforts on the ground marked by strong support and cooperation from all the stakeholders of peace,” according to the report.

The deputy defense minister also cited the tremendous reduction of ceasefire violations by both the GRP and the MILF since the coming of the IMT last October 10, 2004. The Malaysian-led IMT is composed of 56 military officers from Malaysia, Brunei and Libya.

Its primary task is to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the GRP and the MILF.

“I attributed this success to the ceasefire agreement to the good cooperation and complementing efforts of all parties, particularly the Joint GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).”

The Malaysian deputy defense minister arrived Thursday, April 6, in Cotabato City, Central Mindanao and the following day paid a courtesy call to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. On Sunday, the visiting official also paid a courtesy call to Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon at Southcom headquarters, where an IMT satellite office is based. (ZS)

Exporters ask DTI to set up credit & loan agency in Zamboanga

text DARWIN T. WEE

Exporters from this region have asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for support for the establishment of a government credit and loan agency in Zamboanga Peninsula with the purpose of providing a wide range of financial services to local exporters.

Alfredo Sarte, Zamboanga Peninsula region's PhilExport president, said establishing a Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (Philexim) office specifically in Zamboanga city will help local exporters in this region to easily avail of credit and financing assistance from the government amid the appreciation of the peso and the current high price of fuel, which he said have cut down the exporter's profit margins.

"Exporters in this region are in need of a government credit and loan assistance that will specifically cater to the financing needs of the local exporters. With no financing agency office and personnel here, exporters in Zamboanga peninsula have not been able to tap the government's financing services and program," he said in an interview.

Mr. Sarte said although Philexim has been established in the country, no local exporter was able to avail and benefit from the financing institution's loans, and credit services.

With the present crisis besetting the export sector, Mr. Sarte notedthe assistance offered by the government financing institution willhelp mitigate the impact of the rapidly appreciating Philippine currency and high price of fuel, which add to their production cost.

"Local exporters need a high loan working capital and less interestrate," he said.

He said local exporters, who dominantly come from the fishing and marine sectors, have complained that the strength of peso, which roseto nearly 10% since the end of 2004, is cutting their profit margin down to at least 10 to 15 percent.

"Businessmen engaged in fishing, particularly the sardines andsardine-like species production, and processing are now starting toloose their appetite to export their product because of theunrewarding profit they get," Mr. Sarte said.

According to DTI, they will address the clamor of the local exportersto put up a Philexim office in this city to the Department of Finance.

Local exporters from this region met recently to prepare a draft thatwill be presented to the different government agencies in the upcoming National Export Congress in Zamboanga city on May 18.

He said among the issues and concerns they will present before the identified government agencies are the possible removal or reduction of fees being paid by exporters for the government agencies that issue a variety of clearances; to urge the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to come up with some measures in response to the volatility and abrupt fluctuation of the peso, and the visibility of the government financial institutions in the region.

Local exporters will also urge the government to re-establish the"One-Stop Export Documentation Center" to trim down government red tape in a bid to fast-track local exporters from getting clearances and other exports permits in due time.

Mr. Sarte said a local exporter usually takes at least three months in getting permits and clearances, which cost delays and affects his business transaction with international buyers.

Among the top exports products in Zamboanga peninsula is fishing, which comprises at least 40% of the total exports product, followed by other marine product, such as seaweed, shells and octopus, others includes coconut, tropical fruits, and gift and houseware products.M

He added local exporters from the identified eight majorsectors in Zamboanga peninsula would also present their respective issues and concerns to the different government agencies during theconfab.

On the regional level, he said, local exporters will also encourage the Regional Development Council to create a sub-committee on export under the agro-industrial committee.

The proposed sub-committee will aim to provide substantial assistance and to oversee the welfare of the export industry in the region. (ZS)

Inter-religious group to discuss GRP-MILF peace talks issue
text DARWIN T. WEE

THE Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) in its monthly meeting on Saturday, April 8, will tackle anew issues related to the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The meeting, to be held at its usual venue of Solidarity Center at the ground floor of the Magbasa Kita Foundation building in R.T. Lim Boulevard, will start at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

IRMSP convenor Fr. Angel Calvo said the public is invited to come and listen to or join in the dialogue among the interfaith members.

One or two resource persons are expected to lead the discussions. Among the major points of discussion is the question of ancestral domain, which according to the peace negotiators comprises the last item in their agenda or talking points to be threshed out after which a final peace accord is expected to be signed.

Philippine negotiators led by Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. JesusDureza held a dialogue in the city with political and sectoral leaders of the city and Zamboanga provinces last March 27.

Majority of the local participants expressed their objection to the inclusion of their cities or provinces in any new autonomous government set up that will result from the current talks.

Fr. Calvo noted, however, that the talks and its agenda have not been seriously and thoroughly studied by the local population.

Such objective debate or discussion is needed to help bring about a local concord at – be it through an agreement with the MILF – that will help ensure a just and lasting peace and solutions to socio-economic problems like the massive poverty and high level of illiteracy inMindanao.

He said an automatic and biased rejection of a peace-building accord will lead to the perpetuation of the conflict and violence in the region.

Mindanao, he further noted, has been under a state of war for almost 40 years already.

Mainly because this war, Mindanao has lagged far behind in economic development and the poverty has spawned more violence like terrorism.

Aside from insurgency and terrorism, underdevelopment is also causing such other conditions like high unemployment and prostitution; malnutrition, poor health and diseases; evacuations, homelessness and mendicancy; high school drop-out rate, illiteracy, juvenile delinquency, drug use, high crime rates and salvagings; abuse of human rights particularly of the highlanders; political patronage, vote-buying, other election malpractices and the erosion of democratic institutions; graft and corruption and others. (PAZ)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Seashore in Mindanao, southern Philippines. Buy It Now

ARMM governor declares April 10 Muslim holiday

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan has declared April 10, 2006 as a legal Muslim non-working holiday throughout the region in observance of the Maulidin Nabi.

The declaration was made through a Memorandum released April 4, 2006. This is pursuant to P.D. 1083 implemented in the Resolution No. 81-1277 of the Civil Service Commission and the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 17.

Maulidin Nabi is a recognized legal Muslim Non-Working Holiday in the areas of Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the Islamic City of Marawi.

Maulidin Nabi is celebrated by all Muslims around the world marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), the messenger of Islam.

In his message, Governor Ampatuan called on all his constituents in the region to observe the birth anniversary in the manner mostly befitting it.

“Let us celebrate this significant occasion trying to strengthen our moral foundation making the Prophet’s life an example to lead us to humility and peace,” he said.

The prophet’s birth according to Ampatuan may usher us to peace, prosperity and contentment for all the Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples in the region and the rest of world.

Prophet Mohammad was born in 571 A.D. and died at the age of 63. (BPI-ARMM)

IN MEMORY OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD'S BIRTHDAY, PEACE BE UPON HIM, ZAMBOANGA SOUTHWALL IS REPRINTING HIS BIOGRAPHY. MAY THIS MATERIAL ENLIGHTENS THE READERS. Click Here

IMAGE OF THE DAY

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney is greeted by Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco (center) and city tourism officer Cecile San Juan upon her arrival at City Hall.

New US envoy inaugurates bridge in Basilan

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney visited the island province of Basilan to inaugurate a P20-million concrete bridge in the Municipality of Sumisip, once stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

The lady ambassador turned over the Cabcaban Bridge, a 24-meter, two-lane post-tensioned concrete girder bridge to the local government of Sumisip. The new bridge replaced a deteriorating spillway, which posed a danger to communities, as it was regularly flooded when the water swelled during the rainy season.

“This bridge will further energize the productive spirit that exists in Basilan and help to make your communities more productive,” said Ambassador Kenney.

She added that the bridge complements other important programs that USAID and its Philippine partners are implementing in Basilan and throughout Mindanao in the areas of micro-finance, education, improved governance, family planning, health and nutrition, environmental management, and renewable energy.

Constructed under USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, the new bridge will benefit approximately 52,000 people living in the municipality of Sumisip. It will also serve the hundreds of public and private vehicles that pass through the Basilan circumferential road daily, transporting agricultural products to and from the neighboring municipalities of Tipo-Tipo, Maluso and Lantawan.

Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and Jon Linborg, USAID Mission Director, accompanied Ambassador Kenney, who began her assignment in the Philippines last month, after serving almost three years as US Ambassador to Ecuador.

Economic Growth Advisor of USAID-Philippines Robert Barnes Basilan Governor Wahab Akbar, and Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman also attended the ceremony.

According to Dureza, the construction of the bridge is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s assistance plan for Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, which consists of concrete investments, designed to address the region’s peace and development imperatives.

GEM is a five-year initiative that began in September 2002. It undertakes a wide range of projects to increase economic productivity, and to contribute to attaining lasting peace in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDco) oversees GEM’s implementation. (PRESS RELEASE)

(From right to left) US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and peace process adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza.

US and Zambo sign MoU on bridge project

text & photos HADER GLANG

The City Government of Zamboanga and the United States Government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of Sinunuc and Taguiti bridges.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, Mayor Celso Lobregat, Peace process presidential adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza, and USAID mission director Jon Lindborg signed the MoU in a ceremony at City Hall.

“I’m very proud signing this agreement because we reaffirmed our commitment to be here with the people providing not only peace but to prosperity,” Ambassador Kenney said.

The agreement involves the construction of Taguiti Bridge, which is located in Camp Absali, a former base of Moro National Liberation Front, and the proposed construction of Sinunoc Bridge.

The proposed projects costing about P10 million will directly contribute to the socio-economic growth in the areas, including improved access, the opening of markets, reduced travel time and cost of transport.

Secretary Dureza said the signing of the agreement reaffirms the U.S. government’s commitment to support the Philippine government’s peace and development efforts especially in Mindanao.

“Let me just put across immediately the great appreciation for the support that the US government has been providing, not only of people in the cities like Zamboanga but in the remotest areas of Mindanao,” he said.

For his part, Mayor Lobregat thanked Ambassador Kenney for the visit to the city and the signing of MoU. “We are very appreciative and honored that the US ambassador chose the City of Zamboanga as her first out of town trip.”

In reply to a question on the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf group the lady ambassador told local media men, “We all take terrorists very seriously in today’s world we have no choice on that.”

In the Philippines, she said people have suffered from acts of violence and from terrorist groups. “To my mind that absolutely reinforces our determination to work to bring peace and prosperity.”

On the US advisory for Americans travelling in Mindanao, Ms. Kenney said it is one issue that she would look at.“I’m still brand new here in the Philippines and I need to get out to see the country and to hear from you all.” (ZS)

Launching of the 15th Minbizcon
text DARWIN T. WEE

The Zamboanga Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Foundation Inc. (ZCCFI) and the Mindanao Business Council(MBC) will formally launch the 15th Mindanao Business Conference(Minbizcon) and its official logo on April 18 at the Garden Orchid Hotel Executive Hall this city.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) Regional Governor for Western Mindanao Teresita Uy Sebastian said the city being the official host of the confab would give the city's business and local leaders an opportunity to promote Zamboanga as an emerging economic hub in Mindanao.

Ms. Sebastian said the unveiling of the logo would formally give this year's Minbizcon its unique identity. The official logo was designed and conceptualized by the Department of Science and Technology regional office.

The event, which will start at 10:00 A.M., will also serve to launch the official websites of the 15th Minbizcon. Ms. Sebastian said the website is another tool to attract more international delegates to attend the confabs.

She said key leaders from the Minbizcon's major sponsors would attend the launching event, namely Mindanao Economic Development Council(MEDCO), USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Globe Telecommunication, local government of Zamboanga city, PCCI, and MBC.

Romeo Serra, who is currently the chairman of the MBC and the new BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine- East ASEAN GrowthArea) Business Council (BEBC) chairman, will also grace the event.

Participating government agencies in the region are also expected to attend the launching.The 2006 Minbizcon carries the theme of "Mindanao: The Best of The Philippines."

It will serve as an occasion to review and examine programs that will help boost the local products especially the huge agricultural sector of Mindanao and the critical role of the small and medium enterprises (SME) in countryside development.

The 15th Minbizcon, which will be on August 31 to September 2, will include a balanced program of technical plenary sessions, business matching sessions, sports activities, an exhibit of products and services and a fellowship program to entertain delegates and guests.

The Minbizcon is an annual conference of all businessmen in the island of Mindanao and had been held in different regions of the island since1992. The confab serves as the venue where businessmen of Mindanao craft specific responses to key issues concerning business in the region.

Among are infrastructure, energy, mining, shipping, human resource and skills development and information and communication technology (ICT).

Ms. Sebastian said major issues will be identified and discussed that are perceived to be critical in achieving the desired socio-economic development and political stability in Mindanao.

The confab aims at to promote Mindanao as an investment haven and to serve as venue for the enactment of resolutions that would address the concerns and problems of Mindanao businessmen. (ZS)

Launching of the 15th Minbizcon
text DARWIN T. WEE

The Zamboanga Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Foundation Inc. (ZCCFI) and the Mindanao Business Council(MBC) will formally launch the 15th Mindanao Business Conference(Minbizcon) and its official logo on April 18 at the Garden OrchidHotel Executive Hall this city.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) Regional Governor for Western Mindanao Teresita Uy Sebastian said the city being the official host of the confab would give the city's business and local leaders an opportunity to promote Zamboanga as an emerging economic hub in Mindanao.

Ms. Sebastian said the unveiling of the logo would formally give this year's Minbizcon its unique identity. The official logo was designed and conceptualized by the Department of Science and Technology regional office.

The event, which will start at 10:00 A.M., will also serve to launch the official websites of the 15th Minbizcon. Ms. Sebastian said the website is another tool to attract more international delegates to attend the confabs.

She said key leaders from the Minbizcon's major sponsors would attend the launching event, namely Mindanao Economic Development Council(MEDCO), USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Globe Telecommunication, local government of Zamboanga city, PCCI, and MBC. Romeo Serra, who is currently the chairman of the MBC and the new BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine- East ASEAN GrowthArea) Business Council (BEBC) chairman, will also grace the event.

Participating government agencies in the region are also expected to attend the launching.The 2006 Minbizcon carries the theme of "Mindanao: The Best of The Philippines."

It will serve as an occasion to review and examine programs that will help boost the local products especially the huge agricultural sector of Mindanao and the critical role of the small and medium enterprises (SME) in countryside development.

The 15th Minbizcon, which will be on August 31 to September 2, will include a balanced program of technical plenary sessions, business matching sessions, sports activities, an exhibit of products and services and a fellowship program to entertain delegates and guests.

The Minbizcon is an annual conference of all businessmen in the island of Mindanao and had been held in different regions of the island since1992. The confab serves as the venue where businessmen of Mindanao craft specific responses to key issues concerning business in the region.

Among are infrastructure, energy, mining, shipping, human resource and skills development and information and communication technology (ICT).

Ms. Sebastian said major issues will be identified and discussed that are perceived to be critical in achieving the desired socio-economic development and political stability in Mindanao.

The confab aims at to promote Mindanao as an investment haven and to serve as venue for the enactment of resolutions that would address the concerns and problems of Mindanao businessmen. (ZS)

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Handcuffed terrorist suspect in the southern Philippines. Buy It Now

Marine products trader kidnapped in Zamboanga

Unidentified gunmen seized a businessman Thursday morning at Barangay (village) Campo Islam in Zamboanga City, police said.

Julmain Hassan, dealer of marine products, was on his way home together with wife Munera on board their jeep when the incident took place at around 9:00 a.m.

Police report said prior to Hassan's abduction, his jeep conked out, prompting him to alight from the vehicle and tried to fix it.

While he was fixing the jeep, a white van with six unidentified gunmen arrived and took turns in mauling him in full view of his horrified wife.

The police said that the suspects dragged Hassan into the van and sped towards the west coast of the city.

According to Hassan’s wife, she only reported the incident in the afternoon for fear the armed men might harm her husband.

Authorities are still facing a blank wall in their investigation of the motive of incident. The whereabouts of the victim remain unknown as of press time. (ZS)