MY POINT OF VIEW: "Migrants Rights are Human Rights"

 

Migrant Workers' Forum participants

 BY JUN ENRIQUEZ (President, Manggagawang Media ng Mindanaw)

My thanks and appreciation for inviting me during the event, Multi-stakeholders Forum on Safe, and Regular Migration, Environment, Peace and Development (MEPD) CSO network policy writeshop and action planning, held at Cagayan de Oro City on 20 September 2022. The statement “Migrant Rights are Human Rights” was bannered during the week-long annual celebration of the International Migrants Day, December 18.

With regards to the Forum, it has tackled to empowering Migrant Workers based in Mindanao whose families left behind suffered so much emotionally and psychologically. This is why created the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Incorporated (MMCEAI), acquired its legal personality and started its operations in 2008.   

MMCEAI is a gender and culture-sensitive organization to serve and help the active, non-active and returned Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) particular in Mindanao. The MMCEAI is chaired by Prof. Rosena D. Sanchez, in her statement said that part of the MMCEAI objectives is to have free access to information through the freedom of information in order to ensure the safe migration and welfare of the migrant workers.

As a background, MMCEAI is a civil society organization based in Davao City, was conceptualized by the group of professionals, religious, academe, civil society, former OFWs and relatives of migrant workers to actively respond to the needs of migrants in distress situation, especially the women migrant workers who are in the frontline entering the international labor market.

There was a newly created government agency, the so called, Department of Migrant Workers, under the Republic Act (RA) No. 11641, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte  on December 30, 2021. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is headed by Secretary Susan Ople. the DMW is responsible for the protection of the rights and promote the welfare of the OFWs and their families.

Workshop participants during session

One of the partners of MMCEAI is the AWO International, established through the concept of the people affected by the conflict in World war I, specifically in Germany. Provided mental and psychosocial support, and shelter to the victims of conflict. A woman founder of AWO International in 1919 in Central America assists against the victims of human trafficking. 

The MMCEAI envisions and aims to operate a Mindanao-wide scale against illegal recruitment and trafficking for women and children. MMCEAI is a community of global trends responsive to the welfare and rights of the OFWs for uplifting their status, recognizing their contributions economically and empowering them. It will serve as the center for developing communities and building partnerships that promote and protect the rights and welfare, and empower the OFWs in Mindanao. It also provides and facilitates direct assistance and services to OFWs and their immediate families. Also establish partnerships and linkages with agencies, institutions, communities and groups supportive of the migrant workers’ agenda. 

Ms. Norie Elento, MMCEAI ED (2nd right), with Staff  

During the forum, MS. INORISA SIALANA - ELENTO, MMCEAI Executive Director, in a statement said that the purpose of gathering the CSOs and Government agencies on this day is to engage regarding the issues on migration, including gender and development on the context of ensuring safe migration, by looking at the migrant workers suffering ill-fated situation abroad. This will also identify the prevailing issues to address together with the CSOs network and concerned government agencies to gain clear direction to formulate solution and respond the problems of the migrant workers.

Government agencies based in Cagayan de Oro City who attended the forum are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Social Welfare and development (DSWD), the local government of Cagayan de Oro City represented by the office of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), Department of Interior and local Government (DILG) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), among others.

The POEA will extend legal services to migrant workers and their families. They will provide licenses to agencies and process the applications of the applicants and coordinate with other government agencies.

The DSWD will provide services on psychosocial, financial assistance and educational services and other support services to migrant workers. The CSWD has established satellite offices in barangays of Cagayan de Oro City, to serve the migrant workers on these areas. 

The NEDA is guided with the vision, Ambisyon Natin 2040, “Isang matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat,” aimed to reduce poverty with inclusive 8 point socioeconomic agenda, a plan for economic transformation until 2040. The NEDA will be at the forefront in dealing with these constraints by spearheading the formulation of the Philippine development plan 2023-2028, the 8-point socio-economic agenda serves as the Marcos Administration’s development blueprint for the medium term: 1. Protect purchasing power of families; 2.  Reduce vulnerability and mitigate the scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic; 3. Ensure sound macroeconomic fundamentals and government procedure; 4. Create more jobs; 5. Create quality job; 6. Create green jobs; 7. Ensure a level playing field; 8. Uphold public order and safety, peace and security. But most employers are doubtful of graduates during the 2020-2021, pandemic period, for reasons due to virtual education and lack of standard learning.

The OWWA established Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program, a package of livelihood support/ assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning member-OFWs (distressed/ displaced) amounting to Php 20,000.00, as start-up or additional capital for the livelihood project. The OWWA created a trust fund for OFW program, reintegration and repatriation for documented or non-documented OFWs. There will be assessment for the OFWs to avail the financial assistance and only active will be considered with component on scholarship; education and livelihood assistance program. The OWWA is aimed for the safe migration by conducting information and education to the OFWs before departure to orient them on cultural perspective to the place they are going to work. There will be a post arrival orientation seminar (TEOS). The OWWA will implement programs down to Barangay level through the Local government units (LGUs) based on the Mandanas-Garcia ruling. 

The DILG will implement program on migrant workers based on the Mandanas ruling. There is an established Violence Against Women and Children’s (VAWC) desk. They have coordination with the OWWA and other government agencies in implementing program for the welfare of the migrant workers.

The MMCEAI implement program and services to wit, Policy development, advocacy andcampaign underlying issues on Women and their children abandoned by OFW partners; Decent work for Domestic workers (not Domestic helper); Migration, Environment, Peace and development. Media and public education. Research and publication.

The MMCEAI also extends direct support services with four components: Counseling and referral; Organizing the migrant workers; Special missions for migrant in distress, in support of families and communities of migrant workers by environmental calamities and human-induced disasters as well a repatriated OFWs, who survived wars, epidemics and disasters from hos-countries. The MMCEAI also include programs on livelihood-building and partnership; and Facilitates partnership building with government agencies and diaspora organizations for co-financing of feasible and productive projects and ventures of OFWs and their families.

Finally, Elento said that this is the opportune time to submit recommendations to the NEDA and other concerned government agencies, based on the issues identified for the welfare of the migrant workers in Mindanao, for the possible program to be included in the crafting of the Philippine development plan (PDP) and Regional development plan (RDP). The MMCEAI is planning to establish satellite office in Cagayan de Oro City to cater the migrant workers in Northern Mindanao. 

In my point of view, it is heartbreaking to see that most of the situation of the families of the OFWs were disgruntled during their works abroad and ended up to break-up. Hoping that the MMCEAI will be the key to overcome and save the difficult situation of the lives of the Migrant Workers. 

My congratulations to Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, Vice chairperson of MMCEAI and now Member of the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

 

DOCUMENTARY: BARMM peace journey successfully unfolds new chapter in uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people

 

Seated at center left is President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., besides him at right is BTA Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim

BY JUN ENRIQUEZ (President, Mangagawang Media ng Mindanaw - MMM)

I was delighted during the inauguration event of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 15 September 2022, held at the BARMM complex in Cotabato City for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), with 80-member parliament until 2025. This is because we are longing for lasting peace to prevail in Mindanao. The said event was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

BARMM as a peace formula at the minimum as part of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) of 2014, is a product of the GPH-MILF (Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front) peace process, headed by the MILF leadership towards development and for uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people in the region.

It may recall that Republic Act (RA) No. 11054, the Organic Law for BARMM, repealed the RA 6734 and as amended by RA 9054, otherwise known as the “Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).” 

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was enacted in 2018 and plebiscite followed in 2019, asking the nod of the people in the Bangsamoro region whose places to be included officially for the composition of the BARMM are the following: These are the (six) 6 provinces such as Basilan (except Isabela City); Lanao del Sur; Maguindanao del Norte; Maguindanao del Sur; Sulu; Tawi-tawi. The three (3) cities of Cotabato, Lamitan and Marawi. The 2,590 Barangays (including 63 Barangays in the special geographic area in Cotabato), with 116 municipalities. All of these places can be found in Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro region is rich in its culture and tradition with different languages in different provinces such as Maguindanaon, Maranao, Yakan, Tausug, Sama, Iranun, Tiruray, Sabah Malay, Cebuano, Tagalog, Arabic and English, among others. The BARMM is composed of eight (8) legislative districts.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim in his message aimed to achieve lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao. He said, for the past 3 years is not that easy, they tried their best to consolidate their collective efforts and enacted 31 laws including the 3 priority bills such as the Administrative code, Education code and Civil service code. They also passed the Annual Appropriation law.

Chief Minister Ibrahim stated the remarkable performance of the BARMM governance, was able to reduce poverty incidence from 55.90 percent in 2018 down to 29.80 percent in 2021, which is equivalent from 356,170 poor families reduced to 207,160 poor families. The Bangsamoro region has increased its economic growth at 7.50 percent, the second fastest growing regional economy in the country. This growth was aggregated at 7.20 percent, the highest growth value in Agriculture and fisheries industry in 2021. In the second quarter of 2022, the Bangsamoro region rank first as fish producing region with 346.42 metric tons or 28.60 percent of fisheries production out of the country’s total fisheries production of 1,213.31 metric tons.

BARMM is vibrant of investment destination in the country. In 2019, it has recorded Php 8.1 billion worth of investments equivalent to 6.077 percent employment opportunity. It shows the comparison for the period of the past 3 years has recorded more than the past 30 years of ARMM existence.

BTA Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim

The importance of infrastructure development is vital need in connecting the areas of the BARMM boosting economy, constructed paved, improved and rehabilitated at least 457. 748 kilometers local road, 34 bridges, 26 flood controls, 14 ports construction and rehabilitation, 170 water system projects, turnover 465 housing units for the poorest of the poor, at least 3,200 housing units are currently being constructed to help alleviate more families out of the poverty line.

Infrastructure support on LGUs and government agencies once completed will be able to provide at least 220 Barangay halls, 26 public markets, 9 Municipal police stations, 21 Municipal hall buildings, and 14 desalination machines, with other facilities such as sanitary landfill and public terminals.

Just this year has resumed the face to face classes, the BARMM constructed 482 new school buildings, with 95,188 Bangsamoro arm chairs, textbooks, learning materials, school bags and other school supplies. Awarded 27,300 scholarship program, ranging from technical, vocational, college, medicines, sciences and technology. Part of the strategies that no Bangsamoro child is left behind at least to produce one professional per family.

More transition challenges need to overcome within the extended transition period. The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) will always be preserved, as well as the leadership of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). The Decommissioning aspect of the peace agreement will be able to settle the remaining 5,500 former MILF combatants and putting 2,400 firearms beyond use, the third and final phase of the decommissioning process.

In the past month, the historic oath taking ceremony in Malacanang signaled the second chapter of the transition period and committed to sustain the momentum and file 20 cabinet bills at the start of the formal session of the parliament. These bills include the remaining priority codes to deliver the Bangsamoro Electoral code and Local government code, to be finished in the first quarter of 2023. The remainder is to enact the Indigenous peoples (IPs) rights act, the gender and development code, Internally displaced persons (IDPs) law, Magna carta with the persons with disability (PWDs), Irrigation system bill, energy development corporation of the Bangsamoro charter and other important legislation.

BTA Chief Minister Ibrahim assured President Marcos, Jr. to complete all the remaining priority bills not only ready for the peaceful and orderly 2025 elections but also a government capable of continuing transformation of the BARMM into a progressive and responsive region.  National unity and reconciliation vows to work together the differences in terms of strategies but at the end of the day bound by common goal and faith.

Handover of draft codes

Ibrahim said, the Bangsamoro peace process started during President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., the father of now President Marcos, Jr., a time long journey, the process will end in this administration as one of their legacies. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leaders Prof Nur Misuari and Muslimen Sema, is now expressed their support with the BARMM.

After delivering his message, Chief Minister Ibrahim handover the printed draft of the Bangsamoro electoral code and local government code to President Marcos, Jr..

Oath taking for the BTA members of parliament was followed administered by Chief Minister Ibrahim, in its commitments of completely committed to devoid the evils of governance especially the graft and corruption, illegal drugs and other criminalities.

In his message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., appreciated the BTA headed by the Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim for having the long list of achievements for BARMM development. He also extended his appreciation for the passage of important legislations, such as the Civil service code, Education code and local government code for the Bangsamoro government.

President Marcos said that it was just the beginning of formalizing the structure and functions of the Bangsamoro government on self-governance. He expressed his unwavering commitment of the peace process and to BARMM, steadfast to the commitment of the peace process for economic development, Promote peace and development affected by the decades of conflict. The President said through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, will promotes socio-economic intervention, build the culture of peace in highly conflict affected and vulnerable areas.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

The President said, the government allocated more than Php 19 billion from the period 2017-2022, which delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The department of budget and Management (DBM) has allocated Php 74.4 billion for the Bangsamoro region for the fiscal year 2023.

President Marcos, Jr. urged the BTA to pass legislation especially taxation and the facilitation of the BARMM election in 2025. He also urged to pass legislations for the welfare of the Bangsamoro people especially on Agri-fishey production, health, infrastructure and e-governance.

The President said, September is National consciousness month, with the unity and solidarity, the BTA centered in promoting good governance and lasting peace for its people. “We walk this path together, at the end of the journey is historical justice, progress, stability and unity and the people long aspired for” said President Marcos, Jr..  

In this contexts, I should say supposedly, if the six (6) municipalities of Lanao del Norte, such as, Munai, Tangkal, Nunungan, Balo-i, Pantar and Tagoloan, whose the most conflict affected areas in the province have been included in the BARMM, it would be very best for them to benefit all those projects enumerated by BTA Chief Minister Ibrahim, then, journeying dual opportunities from BARMM and the province of Lanao del Norte in terms of peace and development, is very grateful in uplifting the lives of the people in these areas.

Also present during the event, MNLF leader Prof. Nur Misuari, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, among others. (Photo credits: PTV)

 

‘’Hudyaka sa Dagat’’ highlights the month-long ‘’2022 Diyande Festival’’

Shows the decorated fishing boats "Hudyaka sa dagat"

 

 By HERMIE COLINARES ARCILLA

ILIGAN City, Lanao del Norte – After decreasing the level limits of COVID-19, which hit the world more than two years, the people of Iligan City are rejoicing as they celebrate the festival of St. Michael Archangel, the Patron Saint.

Along with the religious commemoration, there is the "Diyande Festival," which provides a variety of activities highlighting the best of Iligan through the efforts of this year's executive management board.

At left, Iligan Vice Mayor Alemania eat lunch 

with onlookers

The "Hudyaka sa Dagat," exhibiting the colorful fluvial parade in which fishermen and locals around the city's shoreline participated, is one of the month-long activities that began on September 1.

A competition held, September 16, to catch fish is an extra attraction, and the fisherman display who has caught the most, followed by grilling the fish with "kinilaw" and making the catch fish eat it in a boodle fight. 

According to City Agriculture Chief for Field Operations Senior Agriculturist Jay Denson Caytor, the event is like an aquafair for fishermen and members of the fishermen's association.

The aimed of this event is to educate people about the importance of protecting the ocean because it is where fisherman earned a job and receive food for their families. (with reports by Mel Velez; CIO and photos)