ARMM holds People’s Day in Malabang, Lanao del Sur

Malabang, Lanao del Sur (March 2, 2018) – Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led the observance of People’s Day in the town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, March 1. 

“Andito po kami ngayon upang ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa taumbayan... Tayo ay hinalal hindi upang maging hari. Tayo ay hinalal upang magserbisyo,” the governor said. 

The ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team, in coordination with the region’s line agencies, provided free services to more than 800 beneficiaries from Malabang and nearby municipalities. 

The menu of services showcased during the day includes the following: 

· Surgical and dental service; 

· Blood screening for hypertension and diabetes; 

· Eye screening; 

· Operation Tuli (circumcision); 

· Reading glasses distribution; 

· Distribution of hygiene kits for kids and orientation on proper hand washing; 

· Rido counseling; 

· Cultural mapping; 

· Business name registration and business counseling; 

· Demo on technology transfer (food safety, Halal awareness, packaging and labelling); 

· Scholarship programs; 

· Demo on spicy dilis (anchovy) making/ fish polvoron and many more; 

· Free legal counseling; 

· Social Pension Payout for Senior Citizens for some areas of Lanao del Sur B; 

· Supplemental feeding; and 

· Distribution of gill nets, plastic sealers, noodle machines, and seedlings. 

Domie B. Sembrano, 64, from Brgy. Ansao, one of the beneficiaries of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources who received gill nets for fishing, said that programs and projects of the government are a big help to them, especially for the local farmers. 

“Nakagkapya inya a project na gubyerno sa rekami. Nakadtabang a benar sa kapaguyag ami. Apya maytu-maytu na asal a pakadtabang. Mapia su gubyerno,” Sembrano said in the vernacular. 

(Nakatulong itong mga proyekto at programa ng gobyerno sa amin. Malaking tulong sa paghahanap-buhay namin. Kahit kaunti ay nakakatulong pa rin. Mabuti ang gobyerno.) 

The event coincided with the celebration of the 45th Founding Anniversary of the 6th Infantry 'Redskin' Battalion (6th IB) of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division. 

Meanwhile, a groundbreaking ceremony of the ARMM HELPS (Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy program) Multi-Purpose Building was held inside the 6th IB Kampilan Division of the Philippine Army 

Gov. Hataman together with 6th ID Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega and Lt. Col. Ruben G. Aquino led the ceremony that marks the start of the construction of the building. The ceremony was followed by a short program for the opening of the 45th Founding Anniversary of the 6th IB. 

Gov. Hataman, briefly discussed the importance of the presence of the military in maintaining peace and security as well as the significance of working together (the military, local government units and the residents) to sustain long lasting peace in the region. 

Gen. Dela Vega also reiterated the importance of abiding the rule of law including Mindanao Martial Law instructions. Also present during the event are the mayors and barangay officials from five towns in Lanao del Sur namely Picong/Sultan Gumander, Balabagan, Kapatagan, Malabang and Marogong. (Bureau of Public Information)