LTFRB X aims PUs colorum-free region

Cagayan de Oro City - LTFRB Region 10 launched public land transportation agenda 2016 which supports and aligned with the transportation program of the Duterte administration. Traffic problem is a national concern of the government due to the proliferation of colorum for public utilities (PUs) plying the routes that created chaos jeopardizing the safety of the valued riding public. The purpose of this project is to support and align on the thrust of the Duterte Administration to solve the traffic problem not only in Metro Manila but in the entire country, specifically to make region 10 a colorum-free region in the country.

Mr. Aminoden D. Guro, Officer-in-charge, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Region 10, Cagayan de oro City, who only assumed office on September 1, 2016 and serving in government service in various capacities since 1987, said that new LTFRB program will provide safe, secured, fair and regulated public land transportation to the valued riding public. He said this will also avoid long que and traffic jam in the national highways that cause inconvenience to the general public especially when there is operation conducted by the law enforcement agencies. This will also cause the delay of mobility of economic products of the region. Guro said that the LTFRB vision is to modernize the public transportation in cognizance to the eco-tourism program of the region.

Guro said that the Regional development council and local government undertakings, issued a resolution and ordinance that require transport operator to secure Certificate of public convenience (CPC) from LTFRB before they were issued with business permit by the province, City and Municipality before they allowed to alley to the public terminals of the concern local government units (LGUs). It was found out that plenty of transport operators had no business permit and this will be an additional income on the part of the LGUs. This will make the LGUs and LTFRB to easily monitor the public utility vehicles in every area

Another undertaking was a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation through the LTFRB national office for the lifting of the moratorium with memorandum circular no. 2003-028 dated November 17, 2003, prohibiting the LTFRB to accept and process new application of all type of public land transport vehicles except trucks for hire or trucking services.

Guro said under the LTFRB undertakings is jointly seek the lifting of moratorium of the Department of Transportation regulation (DOTR) and LTFRB in order to stop the colorum phenomena in the country particularly in region 10; The proposed routes for the issuance of certificate of public convenience (CPC) under the UV express, air-conditioned units, mode of service; expedite the processing of all application or petition upon compliance of mandatory requirements; and provide trainings and seminars to operators regarding existing policies and memorandum circulars of LTFRB under Executive orders (EO) 202 especially to the LTO-LTFRB joint administrative order (JAO) 01-2014.

 

Mr. Vidal Aranaydo

Mr. Vidal Aranaydo, branch manager, LTFRB iligan City satellite office, said that they conducted consultation among the taxi operators to inform them that old and dilapidated units will no longer be renewed of its franchise. Only new units will be accepted for new and renewal of registration.

Guro said that new taxi units will also serve and help boost the tourism industry in the region because tourists will build confidence to ride a taxi with proper identification and legally registered public utility. (with reports by Joan Eslit)

-           

PDP Laban accuse of holding a scam seminar

    Center photo is Mr. Jun Tenorio, the main lecturer of the seminar. at left is Atty. Loloy Daligdig.

Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte - PDP Laban Basic Membership Seminar (BMS) was stopped at the middle of the seminar when the local party leadership conducted a seminar on November 12, 2016 a whole day event at the Reception Hall located in the port area of Poblacion, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

PDP Laban stands for the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino Laban ng Bayan (PDP Laban) is the political party of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The seminar was attended by the Barangay leaders from the 13 Barangays of Kauswagan with at least hundred local leaders participated during the seminar.

The seminar was stopped due to the order allegedly by Mayor Rommel Arnado who was previously ordered disqualified in 2013 elections by the Supreme Court and stepped down as Mayor of Kauswagan and barred to hold public office due to his citizenship case of being an American not a Filipino. The alleged order to stop the ongoing PDP Laban seminar was relayed verbally by a certain Mr. Comendador the barker of Arnado insisting that there was no permit to use the reception hall. 

Atty. Loloy Daligdig, chairman of PDP Laban in Kauswagan said that they already asked clearance from the Municipal Hall of Kauswagan few days prior to the conduct of the seminar and during the day of the seminar, the reception hall was opened by the person in charge from the Municipal hall who brought the key to open the Reception hall and hold the seminar for the PDP Laban. It was verbally agreed that the payment of the use of the reception hall shall only be made after the seminar to determine how many chairs are used. Daligdig said in principle there was a permission to use the reception hall

The local police chief, a certain Police Inspector Tamayo was also present during the confrontation to verify reports that there was an alleged scam seminar in the reception hall but did not mention who made the report. Mr. Jun Tenorio, PDP Laban President, Iligan City Chapter said that it is very clear that the event was a membership seminar of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) Laban, the political party of President Duterte and questioning police reports of a scam seminar. "Did Mayor Arnado thinks that the political party of the President is a scam?" Tenorio added. 

Engr. Roberto “Boy” Quicio, Provincial chairman, PDP Laban, Lanao del Norte, said that they will not stop to conduct BMS in the province especially in Kauswagan because PDP Laban is a political party for the Filipino people.

Lanao Muslims Celebrates Eid Al-Adha with Eid Charity Foundation

By Jun Enriquez

Goat slaughtering for the Eid Al-Adha festivities. 

 Balo-i, Lanao del Norte - After the month of Ramadan, “Eid Al-Adha” was celebrated by the Filipino Muslims in Lanao del Norte with the Muslims around the world. Aleem Zainodin Lomala, Executive Director of the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) said that “Eid Al-Adha” is known as "Festival of the Sacrifice" and also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two.  Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ismael.

Aleem Lomala said that “Eid Al-Adha” was celebrated after the month of Ramadan. The Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.

Aleem Lomala said Ramadan is a month of heightened devotion, a time that the doors of heaven are kept open, and the doors of hell are closed, and Satan is kept in chains. Muslims go through a period of intense reflection and devotion, seeking guidance and forgiveness. Muslims practice “sawm”, or fasting, during the entire month. This means they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Married adults also refrain from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours). 

He said one of the most important aspects of the Ramadan fast is called niyyah. Niyyah literally means "intention." Muslims must not simply or accidentally abstain from food; they must achieve the requirement of niyyah. To achieve this requirement, a Muslim must "intend in heart that [the fast] is meant to be a worship for Allah alone." So, if someone fasts for political or dietary reasons, he would not achieve niyyah. In fact, according to scripture, "Whoever does not make niyyah before dawn, would not have fasted." The determination to fast is equal in importance to the fast itself.

2nd from left, Aleem Lomala supervised the slaughtering 

Other duties include five daily prayers and the recitation of the Taraweeh prayer, or Night prayer. At mosques during Ramadan, about one-thirtieth of the Quran is recited in prayers called tarawih. By the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran has been recited. It’s also intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Ramadan celebrated for 29 or 30 days.

At left, Aleem Lomala gave goat meat to PWD person.

Aleem Lomala said In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day. The exact date and timing of the occasion varies on the positioning of the moon at the beginning of the Islamic calendar month, better known as Dhu’l-Hijjah. As a result of this, Eid Al-Adha often falls on different days around the world depending on the location and region.

On September 12, 2016, Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in some Barangays in the municipalities of Lanao del Norte initiated by the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) headed by its Executive Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, together with his staff initiated a project named  “Qurban” or “Qurbani”.

There were identified Barangays in Lanao del Norte for the project benefited the goat assistance slaughtered for the celebrations, these were the Barangays of Maria Cristina, Balo-i with two groups at 6 goats per group or there were 12 goats for the two groups; Matampay , Pantao Ragat with 16 goats; Nunungan, Poona Piagapo with 4 goats; and Denaig, Poona Piagapo with 15 goats. A total of 47 goats slaughtered during the festivities.

The goats will be slaughtered by a knife but before slaughtering, it recommends to recite verses 6:79 , 6:162 and 6:163 (Al-naam-The Cattle) with the addition "Allahumma minka walaka" ( O Allah you gave it to me and I offer it to you) after slaughtering the animal, it has to be placed down very gently on its left side, while the throat facing qiblah.

The meat will be given to the families, relatives, friends and the other residents of the place. Both family and community will cook the meat. The cooked meat will be eaten by the families but others celebrated it by eating with the company of their relatives and friends as an enjoyment and camaraderie for the celebration.

The total cost of the slaughtered goats was approximately 170,000.00 pesos only. The source of funds for the project was coming from the Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Association, a non-government organization (NGO) and considered to be one of the largest charitable organizations in the Middle East, was established in 1995 in Doha, Qatar.

 

The association is alternatively known as the Sheikh Eid bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Organization, or the Eid Charity Foundation, was named after his Excellency Sheikh Eid Ibn Mohammad ibn Thani ibn Jasim ibn Mohammad Al Thani. Its mission, as described by the Gulf Times, is “to execute charitable and benevolent projects, develop volunteer work, and preserve noble values through skilled human resources, dynamic administrative systems and strategic organization.”

The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need. Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Aleem Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, Tawi-tawi and Jolo.

Aleem Lomala extended his thanks to the Eid Charity Foundation for the financial assistance they turned over to UBAF as well as for the long standing partnership for many worthy causes. He said “Donors like you provide us the financial and moral support we needed in order to continue our mission as a Foundation. Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success in providing and sharing blessings in the Holy month of Ramadhan and in bringing love and happiness in celebrating Eid Al-Adha.” He also extended his thanks to his staff in the UBAF for their skills and enthusiasm showed for the realization and success of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations to the communities.

Aleem Lomala added “To our brothers and sisters in Islam thank you for the warm welcome, cooperation and for showing us the hospitality as we visited and conducted the Qurbani in your barangays. To our Almighty ALLAH, the beginning and end of all things, we only stand on what we are today because you called us to enter and guide us on our way. Thank you for the Blessings and oppurtunities.” In praising he said “ALL GLORY IS OFFERED BACK IN YOU 'YA ALLAH. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu." Photos by Jun Pacapat

RAF Foundation supports Eid Al-Adha celebration in Lanao

By Jun Enriquez

Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte - Eid Al-Adha  is known as "Festival of the Sacrifice" and also called the "Sacrifice Feast", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two.  Eid Al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ismael. This information was narrated by Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, Executive Director of the Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) based in Iligan City. 

Logo of the RAF Foundation

‘Eid Al-Adha” is celebrated after the Ramadan. The Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. Ramadan is celebrated for 29 or 30 days.

Director Aleem Lomala said Muslims around the world celebrate and observe Eid Al Adha every year. On the commencing morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims will attend morning prayers and sermon at a mosque. They also wear new clothes, visit family members and friends and may symbolically sacrifice an animal in an act known as “qurbani”. The Qurbani (sacrificial) meat is then divided into three equal parts – one for the household, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor - a meal will then be prepared with this sacrifice.  This represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son. 

At left, Aleem Lomala gave cow meat to brother Muslim

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day. The exact date and timing of the occasion varies on the positioning of the moon at the beginning of the Islamic calendar month, better known as Dhu’l-Hijjah. As a result of this, Eid al-Adha often falls on different days around the world - depending on the location and region.

On September 12, 2016 Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in Lanao Del Norte and other places locally. The Uthman Bin Affan Foundation (UBAF) headed by its Executive Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala, together with his staff initiated a project named  Qurban or Qurbani.

Customarily the “Eid Al Adha” was celebrated by slaughtering a Cow or Goat. Slaughtering of cow and goats represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son. A person should slaughter his own animal if he is able to slaughter it properly, otherwise he should entrust it to someone to slaughter it on his behalf.

The cow will be slaughtered by a knife but before slaughtering, it is recommended to recite verses 6:79 , 6:162 and 6:163 (Al-naam-The Cattle) with the addition "Allahumma minka walaka" ( O Allah you gave it to me and I offer it to you) after slaughtering the animal, it has to be placed down very gently on its left side, while the throat facing qiblah.

The meat will be given to the families, relatives, friends and the other residents of the place. Both family and community will cook the meat. The cooked meat will be eaten by the families but others celebrated it by eating with the company of their relatives and friends as an enjoyment and camaraderie for the celebration.

Director Aleem Lomala said during the local celebrations, there was one cow slaughtered in CEBU, one of the branches of the foundation but mostly the project was implemented in Lanao del Norte areas for the slaughtered cow offering with one cow per Barangay particularly for the following Barangays, the Cabasaran; Bacayawan, Munai;  Lumbac, Pantao Ragat; Walo a Datu; Pantaon, Batangan, Matungao; Pantao Mareg; Maliwanag; East Poblacion, Pantao Ragat; Aloon, Pantao Ragat; Maliwanag, Pantaon; and Poona Piagapo with two cows slaughtered. The cows slaughtered offering for the “Eid Al Adha” for the Qurban or Qurbani project was supported by the RAF Foundation. A total of 13 cows in 12 Barangays were slaughtered during the celebration locally. The total project cost for the cows slaughtered is amounted approximately at 240,000.00 pesos only. 

The funds for the project was coming from the support of the Foundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for Humanitarian Services abbreviated as RAF, is a Qatari foundation established by the Al-Thani family. The foundation provides humanitarian aid and contributes to social development of all sectors of the Qatari society without discrimination. RAF is also engaged in international projects in partnership with foundations that share the same goal.

The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need. Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, Tawi-tawi and Jolo.

Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala in his message said “In behalf of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMEMT, RELIEF, DA'WAH AND EDUCATION INC. I am pleased to convey and express my gratitude to Foundation Sheikh Thani Ibn Abdullah for Humanitarian Services (RAF Foundation) for the financial donation they turned over to UBAF as well as for the long standing partnership for many worthy causes.” He added, “Donors like you provide us the financial and moral support we needed in order to continue our mission as a Foundation. Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success in providing and sharing blessings in the Holy month of Ramadhan and in bringing love and happiness in celebrating Eid Al-Adha.” 

Director Aleem Zainodin Omar Lomala

Director Aleem Lomala also extended his thanks to the staff of UBAF performing their best for the success of the celebration and extend his thanks to his brothers and sisters in Islam for their hospitality and cooperation for the visit by conducted the “Qurbani”. “To our Almighty ALLAH, the beginning and end  of all things, we only stand on what we are today because you called us to enter and guide us on our way. Thank you for the Blessings and opportunities. ALL GLORY IS OFFERED BACK IN YOU 'YA ALLAH. "Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu." Director Aleem Lomala said. Photos by Jun Pacapat

UNOCHA mobilize preparation for humanitarian assistance on Lawin victims

By Muktar Farah, OCHA Philippines Head of Office

Update as of 21 October 2016: To access the full report, please follow this link:

Makita City, Philippines - Typhoon Haima (locally named Lawin) made landfall in Peñablanca, Cagayan province, at 11 p.m. on 19 October as a Category 4 typhoon with sustained winds of 225 km/h and gusts of up to 315 km/h. After landfall, it quickly downgraded to a Category 3 typhoon, leaving a broad path of debris, damage to homes and buildings, flooding and landslides. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 5:00 p.m., 20 October, Typhoon Haima was located 260 km west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province, with maximum sustained winds up to 130 km/h near the centre and gusts up to 160 km/h. It continues to weaken as it moves away from the country and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tonight. 

Estimated rainfall amounts are from moderate to heavy within the 700 km diameter of the typhoon. Sea travel is risky over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) number 1 (30-60 km/h winds expected in 24 hours) is in effect for the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Abra. All other tropical cyclone warning signals have been lifted. 

Approximately 90,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated in Regions I, II, II, IV-A, V and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), according to the information available from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). NDRRMC is validating eight reported casualties in Ifugao, Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan provinces. It reports a total of 230 evacuation centres operating in the affected areas, but is confirming the number of people displaced. There are 37 roads in Cagayan and Isabela that are not passable. The initial observation is that Tuguegarao City, where the regional government offices are located, does not have major humanitarian issues at this time. Houses made of concrete have suffered roof damage, but houses made of light materials have been destroyed. 

The Government of the Philippines undertook considerable preparedness activities to mitigate the effects of the typhoon as it approached the country. Local authorities are now leading the relief and debris clearing operations. 5 million People within the 100 km radius of the typhoon track 175,500 People living below the poverty level within the 100 km radius of the typhoon track 21 UN agencies, INGOs, local partners present in the affected area Source: OCHA Philippines The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Philippines Typhoon Haima Situation Report No. 1 | 2 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Coordination Saves Lives | www.unocha.org 

NDRRMC has requested support from Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), a network of Filipino businesses, to gather more data over the next two days in the most affected areas and to mobilize additional logistic support to transport humanitarian aid. PRC will deploy various vehicles to support debris removal, search and rescue and delivery of relief items. Two PRC assessment and chapter support teams are also on standby at headquarters for dispatch to travel to Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora provinces. PDRF, in partnership with NDRRMC, distributed the relief items, including solar lamps, relief bags, mats, sacks of clothing and towels and bottled water. 

Far East Broadcasting Company-First Response Radio (FRR-FEBC), through its local radio network partner DZMR 1143 AM, is working with the Santiago City government in Isabela, the Region II office of the Philippine Information Agency, local non-government organizations (NGO) and affected communities in a series of humanitarian radio programming. Its broadcast coverage reaches the provinces of Isabela and Aurora, as well as parts of CAR. The radio programme reports on weather updates, ongoing response of the local government and local NGOs on WASH, food distribution, child protection and restoration of communication lines in Isabela and Cagayan. 

The Humanitarian Coordinator has made a written offer of assistance to the Government on 19 October. While the Government has not called for international support at this time, it has made a targeted request for logistical support to WFP using in-country resources to transport food items. Typhoon Haima is the twelfth cyclone to affect the Philippines this year. It followed Typhoon Sarika, which struck central Luzon four days ago. 

Needs Assessments teams composed of Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police based in Tuguegarao City plan to undertake a rapid assessment of Cagayan municipalities on 21 October. OCHA and World Food Programme (WFP) teams on the ground are ready to support this exercise. Also, members of the Philippine International NGO Network are coordinating teams to participate in damage assessments. There are currently 21 organizations in the affected areas conducting needs assessments. Member organizations of the Community Engagement Community of Practice are conducting rapid information communication accountability assessments in Aurora, Cagayan and Isabela. Participating organizations include Action Against Hunger (ACF), CARE, FRR-FEBC, IOM, Oxfam, Peace and Conflict Journalism Network, Save the Children, SkyEye, United Methodist Communications and World Vision. Most clusters are also starting their assessments.

A Camp Coordination and Camp Management team is on its way to Tuguegarao City. From there, the team will survey people displaced in Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora until 23 October. Emergency shelter assessments are also ongoing. The Education cluster is supporting the Department of Education’s assessment of damage to schools over the weekend. FAO will participate this weekend, as well, in an assessment led by the Department of Agriculture of affected farmlands.

The National Nutrition Council has mobilized and is conducting its own assessment of affected areas. It has therapeutic food supplements available for deployment. The Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene clusters report the extensive pre-positioning medicines and medical supplies, as well as aquatabs and other sanitation items. The Protection cluster will determine any need for protection coordination based assessment results, but has a UNHCR team ready to deploy.

Child Protection Working Groups (CPWG) in Region I and CAR have been activated and the Child Protection sub-cluster, in partnership with the Community Engagement Community of Practice, has disseminated key protection messages in the affected areas. Additionally, WFP has pre-positioned emergency telecommunications and logistical assets and equipment, as well as food resources provided by the Australian government. NDRRMC is planning to use the three commercial airports in Laoag City, Tuguegarao City and Cuayan, Isabela, as possible humanitarian distribution hubs in the next two days to augment the response of various affected local government units.

General Coordination, NDRRMC is holding daily response coordination meetings in which OCHA is participating. Philippines Typhoon Haima Situation Report No. 1 | 3 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Coordination Saves Lives | www.unocha.org , The Humanitarian Country Team and the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group met on 20 October respectively for a situation analysis and to discuss next steps. The Emergency Response Preparedness Working Group, a broader forum for inter-cluster coordination, met on 17 October and reviewed support options that were available.

OCHA, upon the invitation of OCD, deployed two teams to Tuguegarao City on 19 October to facilitate the liaison between the authorities and international organizations. Agencies deploying teams to the affected areas are encouraged to contact OCHA. Humanitarianresponse.info is being used by humanitarian partners to share information about assessments. The Government is using the hashtags #LawinPH for regular updates for this typhoon, as well as standardized hashtags , #ReliefPH, #RescuePH, #FloodPH to monitor requests for assistance. 

OCHA Flash Update Haima No.2

Situation overview

As of 19 October (2 p.m., Manila time), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) continued providing updates regarding the typhoon Haima. The Category 4 Typhoon Haima (locally known as Lawin) has intensified and gained strength. It was located 300 km east of Casiguran, Aurora in Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 225 km/h and gusts of up to 315 km/h according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country's weather bureau. It is moving west northwest at 24 km/h.

Typhoon Haima is expected to make landfall over Cagayan-Isabela area late evening of 19 October 2016 or early morning of 20 October, then cross Apayao and Ilocos Norte as it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility late evening of 20 October or early morning of 21 October.

Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 800 km diameter of the typhoon, with the effects to be felt starting 19 October. A total of 266 municipalities in the likely affected Regions I, II, III and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will experience rain that could trigger flash floods and landslides given the wet ground from Typhoon Sarika. PAGASA warns that storm surges of up to five metres may occur in the landfall areas.

Disaster preparedness and Government  response

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) is meeting daily for Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment and have maintained its red alert status. The Department of Interior and Local Government has instructed the evacuation of affected families and have requested local authorities to submit the number of evacuees. Local government authorities in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela have conducted early evacuations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has a total stockpile and standby funds amounting to PhP1.28 billion (US$26.5 million) and a total of 500,000 family food packs pre-positioned in its national and regional warehouses.

Humanitarian response and coordination

There are a number of UN agencies, international NGOs and local partners deployed to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan to assist in the response, which OCHA is mapping in collaboration with the clusters. OCHA, upon the invitation of the Office of Civil Defense, has fielded two teams to assist the authorities to coordinate assistance and assess needs.

OCHA Flash Update Haima No.1

As of 18 October (10 a.m., Manila time), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) provided updates regarding the typhoon Haima. Category 3 Typhoon Haima (locally known as Lawin) was located 950 km east of Daet, Camarines Norte, in Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts of up to 230 km/h according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country's weather bureau. It is moving west northwest at 25 km/h.

Typhoon Haima entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 17 October, just as Typhoon Sarika exited on the same day. It is expected to make landfall over Cagayan province early morning of 20 October, then cross Apayao and Ilocos Norte as it exits PAR late evening of 20 October or early morning of 21 October.

Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 650 km diameter of the typhoon, with the effects to be felt starting 19 October.  A total of 266 municipalities in the likely affected Regions I, II, III and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will experience rain that could trigger flash floods and landslides given the wet ground from Typhoon Sarika.  Authorities are monitoring Magat Dam in Isabela province and San Roque Dam in Pangasinan province as their reservoirs are near spilling level after accumulating rain from the recent typhoon.

PAGASA expects the typhoon to intensify to Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number 4 (with winds of 171-220 km/h expected in 12 hours) before making landfall, and are not ruling out the possibility of TCWS Number 5 (winds of more than 220 km/h).

Disaster preparedness and Government  response

The NDRRMC is meeting daily for Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment. According to the Department of Interior and Local Government, local government units in the likely affected areas are activating their pre-disaster monitoring and reporting in compliance with disaster preparedness protocols under Operation Listo. Local authorities were encouraged to issue ordinances to halt tourism activities in likely affected areas in line with a Department memorandum of ensuring “zero casualties” during calamities.

The Government’s Response Cluster is active, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Quick Response Teams deployed to Typhoon Sarika-affected areas. DSWD has PhP527 million (US$10.8 million) standby funds and a total of 500,000 family food packs pre-positioned in its national and regional warehouses. Government trucks carrying family food packs were deployed to replenish warehouses in CAR (10,000 family food packs), Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (5,000 family food packs), and Apayao province (3,000 family food packs). Families displaced by Typhoon Sarika, who are in areas that will also be affected by Typhoon Haima, will remain in evacuation centres and will continuously to receive aid from authorities.

The Department of Health has pre-positioned medicine and supplies at its regional hospitals and health teams are on standby for deployment.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines disaster response units are on-call and will deploy communication teams at the municipal level to augment the capacity of local government units. Military assets will also be mobilized to transport relief items and clear roads.

Humanitarian response and coordination

The Humanitarian Country Team’s Emergency Response Preparedness Working Group convened on 17 October and are taking stock of its in-country capacities that may be used to support government response if needed. The Philippine International NGO Network which brings together 48 INGOs, met on 18 October and discussed preparedness actions.

It’s no fear in Munai Medical Mission

By Jun Enriquez

Munai, Lanao del Norte – there were three Barangays in Munai, Lanao del Norte enjoyed and benefited the medical mission conducted on October 16, 2016 held at Panggao Elementary School, Panggao, Munai, Lanao Norte. These are the Barangays of Pantaon, Tamparan and the host Barangay of Panggao. The medical mission was conducted by the 5^th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army in partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) and Jaycees International of Panguil Bay, Lanao del Norte, Department of Education and in cooperation with the Local government unit of Munai.

At left, Lt. Col. Galileo Goyena

Aside from the three beneficiary Barangays the medical mission also accepted people from nearby places to enjoy the program. The medical mission gave free services on medical consultation, dental consultation, libreng tuli, free massage, salon services, free haircut, free blood typing and sugar screening, feeding activity, free medicines, Film showing. Also include the lecture on forest protection, , Distribution of school supplies. There were at least 200 children and 500 adults enjoyed and benefited the program.

Munai Vice Mayor Ike Balabagan

Lt. Col. Galileo Goyena, CAV (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 5^th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army, based in Bagumbayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte said the purpose of the medical mission is to open the place for other people to see Munai a safe place. It will also capacitate and empower the community to communicate other people freely. Goyena said that Panggao is an interior Barangay of Munai was known to be in bad image due to the incidence of kidnapping and cattle rustling that allegedly confined in the area. But the people in the community doesn’t want their place to be dragged into bad image. Goyena said that Panggao is not covered in the area of temporary stay of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). 

Psychosocial for children

Goyena said the bad image was instilled to the perception of the people outside Munai. To clear this perception is to make some activities that will serve as a show window to establish good relations among other people outside the community, teach the children on good works and attitude with the help of the teachers in school. Capacitate the community to learn that there is a government serving the people. The non-government organizations (NGOs) will also be used the place for their presence. Goyena expressed his thanks to all the stakeholders and partners especially the Munai Municipal Mayor Casan Maquiling for the very successful event this day.

Lt. Col. Goyena giving school supplies to children

Vice Mayor Ike Balabagan delivered a message in behalf of Mayor Casan Maquiling who was in Manila during the time of the event was stranded on his flight due to bad weather condition and was not able to attend the event. Balabagan said that some people outside Munai afraid of coming in the place. He said nothing to worry in Munai today because the local government is trying their best to change the image of Munai in cooperation with the community by providing sustainable livelihood, support infrastructure of farm to market roads so that agricultural production will be developed and the people become busy on their livelihood and economic activities. The Munai before during the time of no lights, roads and other infrastructure people in the area were thinking bad that’s why they will do anything that created bad image in their own place. As of now bad activities are no longer happening. 

Free prescribed medicines

Balabagan said that the three Barangays should unite for development. He said the local government of Munai will initiate livelihood training on Abaca production in cooperation with the 5^th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion, Philippine Army. Beneficiaries on this program will prioritize the farmers from Barangays Panggao, Pantaon and Tamparan. He said the training will follow the soonest time possible.

Fall in line for medical check up

A lecture on environmental protection was also held attended by the farmers group composed of men and women. The lecture was conducted by Forester Amron Acampena, chief of the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) – Enforcement and regulation section, Provincial ENR based in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The lecture discussed was about the climate change and global warming and how the trees help mitigate flooding because three-fourths of the trees is water content. Forester Acampena said that cutting of trees is allowed only to the planted trees not on the natural grown trees. That’s why their office had apprehended illegal forest products including the vehicles used in transporting the products. He said arresting illegal activities related to forest products is not a punishment but to control and prevent illegal logging.   

Free haircut

Acampena said The cutting of planted trees shall be allowed only if a person have proof of ownership of the land such as title or tax declaration where the trees was planted. The lecture was also discussed about the pertinent laws on illegal logging and land titling procedure. The participants presented that most of the land in their area have no title. Forester Acampena adviced the owner of those lands with no title shall visit their office so that the DENR office will conduct proper titling procedure.

Forester Amron Acampena

Other Personalities present during the event was Dr. Rasmila M. Cosain, Senior Education Program Specialist, DepEd; Ms. Maricar G. Ablin, chief of Schools Governance and Operations Division; Ms. Edith S. Perez, President of the JCI Panguil Bay of Lanao del Norte; Mr. Rodrigo Rodriguez, President of PAMET, Iligan City-Lanao chapter; Dr. Charles Marquez, MD, Volunteer Doctor of PAMET; Ms. Aisha A Sanggacala, Principal of Panggao Elementary School and the representative of International Monitoring Team (IMT) of the GPH-MILF peace process was also present to observe the activity.

Uthman Foundation provides relief goods to fire victims in Basilan

By Jun Enriquez

The relief goods

Isabela City, Basilan – still fresh in the minds of the people in Isabela City, Basilan of a disastrous fire was blown up on June 18, 2016 which burned 560 houses in the two Barangays at the heart of the city particularly in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone II and Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone III. Unknown to the residents during the time of the disaster, the cause of fire was the overloaded electric circuit. There were 560 houses burned comprising 914 families affected but no one was injured or casualty during the incident. The Local Government of Isabela City had extended the immediate concerns for the reconstruction of houses for the affected residents of the two Barangays.

Director Zainodin Omar Lomala

The Uthman Bin Affan Foundation for Development, Relief, Da’wah & Education, Incorporated, based in Iligan City had conducted relief operation on October 13, 2016 in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippines. Foundation Director Zainodin Omar Lomala, said “we provided heartily a relief operation in the province of Basilan because we want to share our Blessings to the people who are victims of the fire. We want to help them realize that in times of their problems there is someone they can have the support and lean on.”

The relief operation was conducted by the staff of the UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION which lasted for two days in partnership with the SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT, ULAMA COUNCIL and the ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF ISABELA headed by the Honorable Mayor Al-Qaid “Ochoy” Akbar.

The relief goods ready for distribution

During the relief operation each affected household received one package relief goods aggregated into 10 kilos of rice; 3 kilos of Sugar; 1 cartoon pack of Meme noodles; 1 kilo of Salt; 2 pcs. bath soap;  3 bars of Detergent Laundry soap; 1 pc. Blanket; 1 pc. t-shirt; 1 pc. Levis jeans; 5 pcs. Sardines; 1 pack of coffee. The total amount of the relief goods given to the beneficiaries worth to at least PhP 1.3 Million which source of funds was coming from Qatar Charitable Eid.

The UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is a non-stock organization, non-profit organization registered from the Government in which it helps a diversity of people like giving donations for the people in time of need.

Its vision, A charitable Organization leading and seeks to fulfill its mission and perform through the advocacy of Development, Relief, and education for the Islamic peoples; Fulfill needs through Comprehensive sustainability with the partnership of others and looking toward leadership and excellence. Its mission, Work with the leaders in all fields of development with the advocacy of Relief and Education for Muslim countries. Director Lomala said the coverage of UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION is majority concentrated in the area of MINDANAO. The foundation has branches in Ilo-ilo, Cebu, and Tawi-tawi.

Director Zainodin O. Lomala extended his thanks, “In behalf of the UTHMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION, we want to thank the Social Welfare and Development, Ulama Council and the Administration of the City Mayor in the city of Isabela for having a partnership with our Relief operation conducted. The generous support of individuals like you makes it possible for our organization to exist and to make the community a great place to live.”

At right Director Zainodin Omar Lomala on prayer.

“This will not be done and given successfully to the beneficiaries without their physical assistance and skilled workers. Most especially above all,  the Almighty ALLAH for letting and giving us more power and strength to do this operation, also to the Charitable Eid of Qatar where the source of funds came from.  Hopefully they will help more people under their charity in order to assist many people’s lives. We are gratified that Chritable Eid of Qatar believed in our work enough to give us a grant. Thank you for your trust in us.” Director Lomala indeed stated. Photos by Jun Pacapat.