llegal mining rampant in Subanens’ ancestral domain area in Pagadian City

llegal mining rampant in Subanens’ ancestral domain area in Pagadian City

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, March 30 (PNA) – The Subanen Indigenous Peoples (IPs), through a resolution, requested the concerned agencies of government to investigate rampant illegal mining operations within their ancestral domain area.

The IPs known as the Pikumpongan Subanen Gataw Tebed Association, Inc. (PSGT) said the illegal mining by small-scale miners are taking place in Barangays Deborok and Lourdes, this city.

Timuay Braulio Anlimon, PSGT chairman, said Monday the mining operation is in violation of Republic 8371 known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 and R.A. 7942 known as the Philippine Mining Act of 199.

Anlimon named the group that is allegedly mining illegally within their ancestral domain area as the newly-organized Zamboanga del Sur Small-Scale Mining Cooperative (ZSSMICO). He said the members of the cooperative are non-Subanen IPs and do not have legal right to mine within the PSGT ancestral domain, which stretches from this city up to the nearby towns of Labangan and Sominot.

He said the resolution requesting to investigate the rampant illegal mining within their ancestral domain was adopted in a meeting Friday by the PSGT Council of Elders.

The resolution was addressed to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). (PNA)
FPV/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

Peace advocates declare “All Out Peace” in Lanao

Peace advocates declare “All Out Peace” in Lanao

By PHIL PA-LAN

MAIGO, Lanao del Norte (March 25 ) – A peace rally was conducted today at the Maigo Central School Gymnasium to promote peace in Lanao del Norte and discourage war.

Dubbed “Panagtagbo Alang Sa Kalinaw”,  the one-day peace rally was held in celebration of the 2015 Lanao Month of Peace in line with the Provincial Ordinance No. 01-2008 which declared the whole month of March  as the Lanao Month of Peace.

The peace rally was spearheaded by the Civil Society Organization Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development (CSOLN-PPD) headed by Chairman Musa Mohamad Sanguila, Director of Pakigdait, Inc. with the support of  the multi-sectoral groups which include the local government units of Maigo, Tangkal  and Lanao del Norte, the religious sector, the academe, women and youth sector, national government agencies, such as the Department of Education (DepEd),  the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headed by Secretary Teresita “Ging” Q. Deles, and non-government organizations such as the Non-Violence Peace Force, among others.

The celebration started with the “Panagtagbo Sa Kalinaw” Peace Walk participated in by the Civil Society Organizations, People’s Organizations, Religious Leaders, Women and Youth Sectors representing the North Delegation and the AFP, the LGU, the NGA and the PNP, representing the South Delegation.  The two delegations marched towards each other and met at the center ground  of Maigo Central School followed by  handshakes and peace greetings by the two delegation members.

An interfaith prayer was led by an Ustadz for the Muslim delegates, and Bishop Stephen L. Villaester for the Christian delegates,  followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem accompanied by the  Molave Warrior Band of the 15^th Infantry Battalion.

Municipal Mayor Rafael C. Rizalda of Maigo acknowledged the guests and  participants as he welcomed them to  the peace rally and Maigo, Lanao del Norte,  while   CSOLN-PPD Chairman Musa Sanguila  explained  the objective and rationale of the activity.  He said the “all out war” was declared on March 22, 2000 and we declare an “all out peace” today, March 25, 2015.  He said the declaration of the whole month of March as Lanao month of peace was an initiative of then Provincial Governor and now House Representative Imelda “Angging”  Q. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte.  He said similar activities were held in Kauswagan, Bacolod and soon in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

Provincial Vice Governor Ma. Cristina N. Atay read the Provincial Ordinance declaring the month of March as Lanao month of Peace.  She said it was in line with a Provincial Board Resolution,   expressing the aspirations of the people to continue building peace in Lanao del Norte, and moved by then PBM Casan Maquiling and seconded by PBM Mastura Usman and unanimously carried by the Board.

Col. Gilbert Gapay, 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, who  represented Brigadier General Gerardo Barrientos, Jr., Ist Infantry Division commander said, “Peace begins with a smile” as he asked everyone in the school gym to give their sweetest smile and smile to everyone around them.

Col. Gapay said, “Fifteen (15) years ago in March 2000, the government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had a bloody clash in Lanao which resulted into loses of lives and many other things.  He said the incident is still fresh in the minds of some of us, but the people had risen up and focused on activities leading to progress and development and embarked on other undertakings to continue the momentum for growth and development in the community..  He said through the leadership of the visionary governor, Hon. Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, the province has succeeded in maintaining peace in the provincial community as well as embarked on socio-economic projects to uplift the living conditions of the people..  He said the AFP will continue to be your partner in the promotion of peace and development in Lanao del Norte.  He said the AFP will stand against people who disturb the peace and threaten the security of the area.  He said the AFP which implements the Bayanihan IPSP will continue to collaborate with the people in the promotion of peace in the communities.  He said without your support, we can not attain our goals of peace and development.  He said the AFP wants to bring economic development down to the grassroots level.

Col Gapay  said the security situation in Lanao del Norte is stable and peaceful as he stressed that the peace talks in Lanao del Norte is very much alive.  He added the ceasefire agreement is still holding in Lanao del Norte. 

Col. Gapay  said with the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the province, the local government units, the civil society organizations and the security sector, including the local populace, we hope to continue the peace efforts with more vigor and more intensity for the benefit of the entire population of the provincial community.

In his peace message, Provincial Governor Mohammad Khalid Q. Dimaporo reminded the people that our true objective is “walang gulo”  (no trouble).  He said the higher officials should concentrate in forging peace with the MILF, while the government officials below will try to do their jobs in uplifting the lives of the people.  He said the Muslims and Christians in Lanao del Norte are united that’s why Lanao del Norte is very peaceful.  He said the  MILF should stay foot and not go out of their areas with firearms.  He said we have to work together to keep peace and reach the grassroots.  He said If there are more of the bloody disturbances like what happened in Kauswagan and Kolambugan , we will all be losers.  He said we want to give the people what they need.  He said if they need water, we will give them water,  if they need roads, we will give them roads, if they need classrooms, we will give them classrooms, if they need teachers’ items, we will give them the teachers’ items, and if they need livelihood, we will give them livelihood.  He said the people on the national level should focus on the peace talks and the people at the local level will stand strong and focus on keeping  peace with the active participation of the AFP and the PNP and the community at large.  He said the MILF should not go out of the boundary. 

Gov. Dimaporo stressed that all of us must move in one direction in the attainment of peace and order in the community.

Gov. Dimaporo also said that the  BBL core territory in Lanao del Norte should only be limited to the six (6) municipalities of Tagoloan, Baloi, Pantar, Munai, Tangkal, and Nunungan, but they have to vote in the plebiscite.  He said If they decide to join the Bangsamoro Government, then that is their decision.  He said the voice of the people in the six towns must be heard.

Police Senior Supt Antonio Taylan, deputy regional director of PNP Region 10, who represented Police Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz, Jr. said the PNP would like the people to live in the absence of fear, conflict and violence, He said the PNP has prepared the road map towards keeping peace in Mindanao.  He said the Panagtagbo Alang Sa Kalinaw should serve its worthy cause and strengthen peace in the country and the communities.

Primitivo Benetiz, who hails from Maigo and  an internally displaced person,  narrated how hard it is when there is war.  He said we have no security.  He said as we work in the farm, we are always ready for evacuation since we can not fight because we do not have any fire arms being ordinary civilians.  He said that they are very thankful to the 15^th Infantry Battalion for supporting the Arms to Farms Program.  He said through the program he was able to go to Bukidnon for training on farming.  He said the program is very good and hopes that the program will continue to benefit the IDPs and farmers.

He said he hopes that our high officials will be blessed with  enlightened minds and collectively  and move for the protection of the civilians and that peace will continue to reign in our communities.

For her part, Edna Yurong, who represented the CSOLN-PPD said that they are very happy that the Lanao month of peace started in 2008.  She said in war no one wins, everybody is a loser.  She said the group is very active in Bantay Bayanihan.  She said the group is monitoring the activities relative to peace in Lanao del Norte.  She said the children are the beneficiaries of the peace that we will provide them through our collective efforts. She said life is very precious and we have no other choice but to embrace peace. She said we have to work for peace.

She also said that with limited funds, the group was able to install a water system for the use of five (5) barangays.

For his part, MNLF Border Commander Abedin M. Sanguila said, the MNLF Border Command supports the peace initiatives of the national, provincial and local governments as the Command is also for peace and not for war.

The lady of ceremonies read the resolutions of the Sangguniang Bayans of Maigo, Tangkal, Bacolod  and Magsaysay expressing full support to the peace initiatives of the government and  Secretary Deles and the OPAPP.  The SB resolution of Tangkal expressed support of the peace initiatives of the national and local governments, as it also expressed support of the peace initiatives of President Aquino.  The ABC Resolution of Bacolod expressed support of the on-going efforts of the government on the PAMANA Projects.  The SB resolution of Maigo honors  Secretary Deles and adopted her as daughter of Maigo. The other SB resolution of Maigo expressed full support of the peace initiatives of Secretary Deles and the OPAPP. The SB resolution of Magsaysay  supports Sec. Deles and  the OPAPP as one of the advocates of lasting peace in the country.

Undersecretary Luisito G. Montalbo who represented Secretary Teresita  “Ging” Q. Deles of the OPAPP said, that peace celebration like this is a very important occasion as it intends to promote peace and prevent war which is costly.  He said in war, many loss their jobs, schools are closed, and many become widows and orphans.  He said we say no to war and yes to peace.  He said the holding of the peace celebration is a credit of the leadership of the provincial government. He said the Panagtagbo Alang sa Kalinaw is a significant event.  He urged the people to work together in making Lanao del Norte and the country  peaceful communities.  He said through the joint efforts of the various sectors, the celebration of the Lanao month of peace has become a reality.  He said our children will not experience war because we are doing everything to prevent war.

Usec Montalbo also thanked the municipalities for their resolutions of support of the peace initiatives of Sec. Deles and the OPAPP.

In an interview with media after the program, Usec Montalbo said that the Bangsamoro Basic Law is the product of the collective efforts of the government, the MILF, the community members and the stakeholders.  He said we hope that the BBL will be enacted in Congress as a response to our commitment to peace.  He said the celebration of the Lanao Month of Peace counters the voices that spoil the commitment to peace.

In his closing remarks, Provincial Board Member Tawantawan Cauntongan said , that peace has no boundaries as it affects the family, the neighbors, and the community at large, irrespective of religion and ethnicity.  He said Muslims and Christians should be united to achieve peace in Lanao del Norte.  He also urged the people in government to work together in keeping peace in the province.  He said the Mamasapano incident will not happen in Lanao del Norte because we are united in working for peace in the province.  He said as chairman of the Local Monitoring Team, the people should be vigilant,  He said any suspicious persons should immediately be reported to authorities to prevent any untoward incident in the community. He also thanked the people who joined the celebration of the Lanao month of Peace saying that those who joined the celebration had the laudable intention to promote peace in Lanao del Norte.

After the program, all the participants and stakeholders signed the covenant for peace signifying their commitment to work for peace in Lanao del Norte followed by the tossing of balloons and  the release of the doves by both,  the North and South delegations.

Also present during the peace rally were Lt. Col.  Leomar Jose M.Doctolero, 15^th Infantry Battalion commander; Police SSupt. Madid Paitao, provincial director of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office; Former Board Member Aguam Malo, municipal administrator of Tangkal, who represented Tangkal Mayor Fatima Tomawis, Maigo municipal and barangay officials, DepEd officials, military commanders, police officers and many others.

Linamon women celebrates women's month 2015

Linamon women celebrates women's month 2015

By Jun Enriquez

Linamon, Lanao del Norte (March 12, 2015) - Hundreds of women this day from different women groups in Linamon, Lanao del Norte participated in the celebration of the women’s month in the month of March. The celbration was attended by at least 500 organized women from the 8 barangays. It started with a church visit then followed with a parade. Ms. Ruby Ruiz, President, Linamon Women’s Association reminded the women participants that month of March is women’s month and focus on the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!”. 

Ruby Ruiz, Pres., Linamon Women Fed

She extends her thanks to the local government of Linamon of being supportive for the protection of the women. Lanao del Norte Board member Gricelle Matalines informed the women participants that she sponsored a resolution for a project on Women and children crisis center, requesting the provincial government through Governor Khalid Dimaporo, and approved the project amounted to PhP15 Million.

Linamon Mayor Noel Deano

Linamon Mayor Noel Deano in his message said that women is equal to men because what the men did can be done by the women, like women soldier, police, driver, contruction and many others. The LGU of Linamon is serving the people and giving services to women in terms of health program. He said that mothers after birth will be given IUD to give time for a family to plan for a better future. Deano said that the LGU of Linamon was awarded last year as the Top 5 outstanding municipality in terms of Health program services nationwide. He said that the LGU of Linamon has a 2 bed hospital for mothers to give birth. The wife of the Linamon Mayor, Dr. Gemma Librado Deano, is a government doctor serving health services for the LGU of Linamon. Mayor Deano said that he will stand strong for the protection and welfare of women in Linamon.

ABC Pres. Estrella Lacida

Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) President of Linamon and Barangay Chairman of Magoong, Hon. Estrella Lacida said that there is a need to safeguard the children because the proliferation of illegal drugs is very rampant not only in her barangay but also in the entire municipality. She said that illegal drugs will destroy a family if the parents will not educate their children about the impact of the illegal drugs. She is calling the attention of the mothers to give more time to safeguard their children because mostly of the mothers have more time at home than their spouses. However she said that it is a joint responsibility among the parents in a family. Lacida also emphasized a mission to Mars that there were two Filipino women volunteered to join the mission and will never go back to earth anymore. At this point she said that the two Filipino women had popularized their courage globally.

A speaker from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Ms. Cecilia Zalsos, the municipal local government officer (MLGO), said that the local government is focused on the three out of the eight Millennium  Development Goals (MDG), first, is the”Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger”. This manifests the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps), a poverty reduction strategy that provide grants to extreme poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education especially to less fortunate families. Second, is the “Achieve universal primary education”. She said that primary education is foundation of children’s knowledge to elevate the children’s condition in life. Third is the “Promote gender equality and empower women”.

MLGO Cecilia Zalsos

Zalsos said that this will give equal opportunity for women with men. She said that in 20^th century, the social discrimination against women was very high. She said the traditional way in a family that a woman is for the household only. Working women during this time suffered low wages, poor working condition and poor health services. She said that what the man can do today can be done by a woman. She reiterated the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!”, Zalsos said that it is a challenge to all the women of today.

Police files charges against 5 arrested ‘Notorious Robbery Gang’ in Zamboanga del Sur

Police files charges against 5 arrested ‘Notorious Robbery Gang’ in Zamboanga del Sur

By JONG D. CADION

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 8, 2015) --- The Police have filed charges at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the 5 arrested and wounded suspects in an encounter Friday afternoon at Barangay Camanga in the nearby coastal town of Tukuran of this province, Police Official said.

Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre said three cases of Robbery with force and intimidation, frustrated murder and attempted murder filed Sunday afternoon against the 5 suspected members of the ‘Notorious Robbery Gang’ operating in Mindanao.

3 robbery suspects arrested

Ecaldre said that of the 5 suspects arrested two were wounded and confined at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center while 3 others were killed in an encounter between the responding operatives of Tukuran Municipal Police Station. In the initial investigation disclosed that the encounter was transpired between the suspects after the police operatives responded the reported shooting and robbery incident at Loremae Restaurant in Barangay Militar, Tukuran at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Ecaldre said the suspects onboard gate away vehicle Carlight Daewoo Matiz Sedan in high speed and hurdled the established checkpoint by the police operatives that prompted them to chase the suspects and later was cornered at Barangay Camanga resulted to a firefight. The police have recovered from the crime scene 4 caliber 45 pistol with magazines and 1 Glock-17 caliber 9mm pistol with magazine and ammunition after the suspects were neutralized.

Ecaldre identified the 3 killed male suspects as Kyle John Gumera aka Jano, 25, single a resident of Cebu City, a certain Aka Balong and Aka Dodong or Dong Parts. The 3 other arrested suspects also identified as Edgardo Elmidulan y Cabillo, 54 widower, jobless and a resident of Purok Narra San Pedro District , Pagadian City, Wilma Putis y Empas, 45 widow, businesswoman and a resident of Grand Europa, Cagayan de Oro City and former resident of Clarin, Misamis Occidental and Maljon Lumuljo Gornes, 35, married, conductor and a resident of Purok Makugihon, Barangay Sto. Niño, Tukuran.

While the wounded female suspect confined at the hospital identified as Sugar Libot Clifon, 28, married, jobless a resident of Grand Europa, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City and Genelyn Baller Lacre aka Doods, 27, single, resident of Frontiera Grand Europa, Block 37 Lot 37, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. Ecaldre added that the suspects were identified  and involved in the series of robbery victimizing LBC and JRS in Pagadian City few weeks ago and in other places in Mindanao.

Ecaldre also said that the suspects were also responsible in a series of robbery hold-up in Cagayan del Oro after the government issued firearm Glock-17 caliber 9mm pistol owned by the policeman they disarmed and recovered such firearm from their possession. The recovered firearms were turned-over to the Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination while the case was being prepared for filing against them, he said.

Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo in unison “YES TO PEACE, NO TO WAR”

Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo in unison “YES TO PEACE, NO TO WAR”

By PHIL PA-ALAN

MAIGO, Lanao del Norte (March 1, 2015 ) – A two-day  Kalinga Sa Bayan ng Maigo undertaking was initiated  jointly by the 15th Infantry “Molave Warrior” Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Lanao Development Team, and the Local Government Unit of Maigo (LGU-Maigo), Lanao del Norte,  in cooperation with the  Department of Education (DepEd), and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Administration (PDEA).

The 2-day Kalinga Sa Bayan Maigo  event, held at the  Maigo School Gymnasium at Barangay Poblacion, Maigo, Lanao del Norte aims to train the school children to become responsive, responsible, useful, and productive citizens to be able to contribute largely  in the development of the communities as change agents. It was  participated in by some 600 school children from various schools in  the municipality with ages ranging from 5 years old to 18 years old, both males and females as well as pre-schoolers.

The first day (Feb. 28) of the Kalinga Sa Bayan Ng Maigo event included activities like facilitators training involving 91 youth leaders and 10 army soldiers; Getting to Know You Activity; Bayanihan Race, Empowerment Talk  by  Gawad Kalinga on the theme  Lakas ng Pagbabago; lecture on Imternal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) Bayanihan; Pulot Basura Inside the Venue, briefing on Bihis Bayani, Choreography for Bihis Bayani, Film Showing, an educational video / audio visual presentation; Kalinga Night involving Audio Visual Presentation on the Philippine Army Today and Video for peace.; Bihis Bayani  and Jambayani, a  time for music  on peace and unity dance with the Molave Warrior Band providing the musical sounds.

The second day (March 1) included activities such as Wake Up Call, Human Peace Sign, Panalangin para sa Kapayapaan, a prayer, and songs,” Let There be Peace on Earth,” and “Habang May Buhay” with the Molave Warrior Band, morning exercise, fire hose bath, consolidation of the youth participants including youth from the other municipalities, and Lakad para sa Kapayapaan (walk for peace), participated in by Mayor Rafael Rizalda, LGU-Maigo employees, Sangguniang Bayan Members, Barangay Captains of Maigo, Lt. Col. Joemar Jose M. Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, military personnel, school heads of the various schools in Maigo, teachers, school children and parents and youth participants from Kauswagan, Munai, Tangkal, and Kolambugan, Gawad Kalinga staff, among others.

The parade went around the barangay poblacion from  the Maigo school ground and back to the school gymnasium. The youth participants were carrying placards shouting for peace.  Some of the placards read, “Yes to peace, no to war;,”, “We support Peace.”. “We love Peace”. “We want Peace”, “Allout Peace”, “Isulong ang Kapayapaan’, “Allout support for Peace”, “Kapayapaan para sa Kaunlaran”, and “Ang giyera ay di solusyon sa kapayapaan”. 

The parade was followed by the opening program at the school covered gymnasium.  In her welcome remarks   Mrs. Felda Abugan Cuevas, School Principal of the Maigo Central Elementary School. welcomed the participants, guests and visitors of the Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo.

Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero

In his message, Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army  expressed thanks to those who joined the Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo  especially the Youth for Development, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),  as he said that Kalinga is for peace and development of the communities.  He also acknowledged the presence of the special guests from Negros Oriental who are here to help.  He said “We love Maigo” as he added, “We want to show our love to the people of Maigo, especially the children.”   He said “Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan”  He said many school children are supporting the Kalinga activity in Maigo, children from far away barangays in pushing forward for peace and development in our communities. He said, “We will do everything we can to prevent the unfortunate incidents in the past from happening again.”  He said, “We have to be united” as he thanked all those who joined the Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo.

A small kids stressed that “Peace should be in the Heart”.  An intermission number was contributed by school children from Maigo Central Elementary School in a form of a dance presentation to the delight of school children, guests and visitors.

For his part, Municipal Mayor Rafael C. Rizalda expressed his warmest thanks and gratitude to the 15th IB, the faculty, the neighboring LGUs of  Tangkal, Bacolod, Kolambugan, the children, guests and visitors, the media men, Board Members Bongcawil and Macas for supporting the peace initiatives in Maigo through the Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo.  He said  , “We want to show the people  that we are for Peace.”  He said our children are shouting, “Yes to Peace, No to War.”  He said “War is not a solution to our problem” He said war has caused the loss of thousands of precious lives, as it also adversely affected the lives of the civilians.  He said the towns in Lanao del Norte are united for peace.

Maigo Mayor Rafael Rizalda

He said the government is instituting policies with consultancy groups from the US and Japan.  He said these policies should be followed as there are new ways to attain peace in Mindanao.  He said the local leaders support moves for peace, as he hoped that peace will be attained in Maigo and Mindanao.  He said, “We pray to God that we will be kept away from harm.”  He said the Muslims and Christians in Lanao del Norte are united in seeking peace for Lanao del Norte and for the entire Mindanao area.”

Other activities of the Kalinga sa Bayan ng Maigo include Paraisong Pambata which consists of distribution of slippers, batang bayani (Larong Pinoy Kids), story-telling, film showing for kids, kids football clinic, dance workshop for kids, and distribution of slippers, ice cream and balloons.; youth forum for the  youth  conducted by Dennis Caballero at the MSU HRM Building; Island greening consisting of mangrove planting and tree planting; Clean-up Drive of the Maigo park, plaza, nearest schools; drug forum conducted by Ms. Rosemarie A. Bajao of the PDEA; closing program consisting of testimonials from the youth, distribution of certificates, inspirational messages from the GK Lanao del Norte, Mayor of Maigo, DepEd, and the 15th IB, Walang Iwanan Lecture conducted by GK personnel, and Jambayani with the Molave Warrior Bang featuring the songs: Diwa ng Bayanihan, Awit ng Kabataan, Walang Impossible, Kapayapaan and Sugod mga Kapatid. The  film showings carry  morale values and lessons for the youth to learn from.,

The mangrove planting was done at Barangay Barra, Maigo with about 100 school children participating.  Some 500 mangrove propagules were planted by the school children, while the clean-up drive was also participated in by about 100 school children to clean up the Maigo park, plaza and the nearest schools in the poblacion.

The youth forum participated in by over 80 school children were briefed by Prof. Caballero to provide them knowledge on human aspects such as reproductive health,  vices, such as smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, as well as suicide, attempted suicide, violence, and  harassments, among others.  Caballero said 3.9 million Filipinos are engaged in illegal drugs. He said Regions 7 and 9 are heavier drinkers than Region 10.  He said 95% of children are against abortion. He said exposure to sex videos among Region 10 children has greatly reduced.  He said 1 out of 4 children are exposed to sex video; 1 out of 100  children had sex experience, and 6 out of 100 male children are indulged in phone sex.

The school children enjoyed most of the activities, especially the distribution of the servings of ice cream provided by the organizers of the program, as the activities are aimed at educating and capacitating them for personal development to become good citizens of their respective  communities.

In the drug forum attended by over 85 school children who are 14 years old and above, Rosemarie A. Bajao of PDEA made a power point presentation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which was signed on June 7, 2002, published on June 19, 2002 and took effect on July 4, 2002, and which provides a more concrete course of action for the national anti-drug campaign and provides for heavier penalties to offenders.  She also stressed the role of PDEA in enforcing the drugs law, which is to reduce illegal drugs supply as well as reduce illegal drugs demand and embark on a campaign of advocacy and help in the rehabilitation of the illegal drugs users. 

Ms. Bajao said that the illegal drugs market in the country is estimated to be a P4 billion industry.  She added that more than 5,000 drug patients are in rehabilitation centers and still increasing.  She said that 70% of brutal/heinous crimes are drugs related.  She said to avoid temptations, the children should remember the following: Don’t even think about it; Resist Negative Peer Pressures; Use Healthy Alternatives; God is the answer; and Say No (to illegal drugs). She said that 70% of illegal drug users have no control of themselves; that 45% of the users have been fired from their jobs; and that 50% of the drug dependents ended up in separation with their spouses. She said drug dependents include movie actors, like Christopher de Leon, basketball players, like Jojo Lastimosa and Norman Black,  ordinary office workers, school children, among others.  A film showing on the negative effects of illegal drugs was presented and viewed by the school children.

Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the individuals and organizations who have helped in making the affair a resounding success. A similar program had been conducted earlier by the organizers in Munai, Poona Piagapo, Tangkal, and Kolambugan,  all in Lanao del Norte. (with reports and photos by Malyne Gungob)