Tag: BTA

Forum and launch of the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: Framework and Annotations and the Signing of the Agreement of Cooperation

Forum and launch of The Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: Framework and Annotations and the Signing of the Agreement of Cooperation between the Institute for Autonomy & Governance and the Mindanao State University System at the Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

This is the 3rd launching of the book. Authors Atty. Ishak Mastura, Atty. Johaira Wahab, and MP Ras Mitmug gave short messages. Mastura & Mitmug also fielded questions from the audience.

The Agreement of Cooperation is a general agreement between IAG and MSU System  to cooperate on three themes: (1) Rule of Law, (2) Governance, (3) and Justice Systems. IAG Exec Director Benny Bacani and MSUS President Atty. Basari Mapupuno assured they would provide assistance in the crucial stages of the Bangsamoro Goverment.

During his message, Atty. Mitmug noted that the failure with the ARMM was that the people did not understand what it was, nor the laws or policies it enacted. He hoped the book would contribute to the greater understanding of the BOL, and explained that the annotations in the book do not present a singular view. Rather, the text provided several stances in its annotations.

Mitmug conducts FGD on proposed local governance code with legal experts

MARAWI CITY – The District Office of Deputy Minority Floor Leader Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. conducted a focus group discussion (fgd) on the draft Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (Bill No. 58) at VIP Room, Sarabi Cuisine & Café, MSU Marawi City last June 23, 2022 with legal experts.

The FGD centered on the legal issues on the provisions of the proposed bill as they discussed the possibilities of resolving and/or raising some conceivable constitutional, statutory, jurisprudence and ordinance challenges in the bill.

MP Mitmug, in his welcome address, said the LGUs have a huge role in the crafting of the LGC considering the responsibilities that would affect the local government.” The legal experts reviewed the bill based on existing laws in the Philippines and exchanged thoughts during the session.

“In the proposed bill, it imposed professional tax of P 1, 300.00 and under the law, the professional tax is just P 300.00. Once you pay a professional tax in any city or provinces, it is applicable, or you can exercise it anywhere in the Philippines. Is it not a disadvantage on the part of the Bangsamoro? Instead of paying 300.00, they would pay professional tax of P 1, 300.00?” said by Atty. Norsary S. Mamad. He also wished that the experts behind the proposed BTA bill were present, so that they can possibly rebut the issues being raised and cite their stance thereupon.

The legal representatives in said FGD include Atty. Norsary S. Mamad (Special Assistant for Legal Matters-MSU System and Overall Assistant Dean at MSU College of Law), Atty. Farhanisah D. Comacasar, Sh.L., REB, CSE, LPT (Professor- MSU College of Law and MSU College of Business Administration and Accountancy), Atty. Hapsha Khabab-Sansarona (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, Lanao del Sur), Atty. Johari U. Diacat, CE (Private practitioner), Atty. Khalid D. Moner (Attorney III, MSU Legal Services Division), Nassif Nagamora, JD (Assistant Executive Director, MSU Legal Aid and Human Rights Center), Mohammad Mojib Datumanong Marangit, Sh. L. (Professor, Al-Khwarizmi International School, Marawi City).

 

Mitmug aids BARMM constituents with TDIF: A recap from 2020-2022

Aiming to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) expanded and augmented  its  assistance through its Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF). The TDIF allocated to the Office of MP Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug Jr. was faithfully extended to various sectors in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

The Office through the Ministry of Health (MOH) – BARMM turned over one mobile clinic to the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Lanao del Sur on July 5, 2021, and it conducted a medical outreach program in Brgy. Mapantao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur on December 11, 2021. Moreover, it distributed a total of 12 digital duplicators to various municipalities in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. Municipalities who were beneficiaries of the duplicators are the following: Kapatagan, Marantao, Taraka, Maguing, Lumba Bayabao, Brgy. Sagonsongan, Marawi City and Municipality of Parang, Maguindanao with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) under the 2020 TDIF.

Together with the Ministry of Public Works and Highways-Lanao del Sur (MPW-LDS), the Office also conducted site visits to various areas in identified municipalities for the installation of solar streetlights.

Meanwhile, the Office distributed four (4) WD Tractor (100 Hp) with farm implements with 100 disc plows, disc harrows, trailers, and other farm equipment to BARMM farmers in the Municipality of Tuburan and Sumisip in Basilan. Under the same program, the Office also provided financial assistance on the procurement of fruit seedlings—lanzones, rambutan, banana lakatan, durian and mangosteen— to the Malibacao Agricultural Cooperative of the South Upi, Maguindanao through Free-Range Chicken Raising and Goat Raising projects. Same assistance was extended (Goat Raising) to the Masiu Farmers Producers Cooperative of the Talub, Masiu, Lanao del Sur with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).

The Office was also given opportunity to offer educational assistance through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to Henry B. Sangcayao Jr. of Brgy. Kibucay, Upi, Maguindanao, Amichell M. Rubio of Remepes, Upi, Maguindanao, and Janine Alexis G. Andres of Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao. Each beneficiary received monetary assistance worth 15,000.00 for their education.

In addition, MP Mitmug extended assistance to the beneficiaries of  Bangsamoro Rural Employment through Entrepreneurial Development (BREED), in particular, the Babsan Service Cooperative, Darul-Arham Livestock Producer and Cooperative, Ikram Agriculture Cooperative, Lumba Marantao Farmers and Fisherfolk Producer Cooperative, OISCA Farm Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Panabang Youth Service Cooperative, Ranaw Rizki Marketing Cooperative (Bangsamoro Sustainable Farming Agriculture Products), Taliong Marketing Cooperative, Tuca Sisterly Cooperative, Ittihad Cooperative, Datu Mitmug Farmers Association, Gambai Salam Producer Cooperative, Lobo Basara Farm Cooperative, Mabuhay Lumba Bayabao Marketing Youth Cooperative, Tacder Marketing Cooperative, Barlins Farmers Agri Cooperative, Farm of Hope Producer Cooperative, Shafaat Agriculture Cooperative (Mushroom for Change), Kapitan Laut Boisan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Panamar ko Ranao Marketing Cooperative, Save Lanao Agri Farm Agricultural Cooperative, Bagoenged Proper Agriculture Cooperative, Nalkan Initiative Agriculture Cooperative, Golden Harvest Farmers Marketing, Bilhhikma Farmers Marketing Cooperative and United Bangsamoro Magungaya Producers Cooperative. The goal of this project is to provide start-up capital to support the organized rural workers’ associations in generating employment opportunities in the communities of Lanao del Sur.

As part of the June celebration of the Philippine Environmental Month (Proclamation No. 237, s. 1988), the Office conducted a Tree Planting Program through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy at Lanao Agricultural College, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur last June 2, 2022. The said project was availed through the 2021 TDIF.  Part of the advocacy of this Office is the preservation of the region’s environmental resources.  

‘A worthwhile and remarkable experience:’ MP Mitmug shares his naval reserve force journey

Under Republic Act 7077, the mission of the Citizen Armed Force, alternately referred to as the Reserve Force, is to provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disaster or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission. The Navy Reserve complements the active-duty component of the Navy.

A reserve can pursue a full-time civilian education or profession while serving, or he or she can receive special military training. These are men and women who are compassionate and dedicated to serve the country in so many ways and adds to the diversity of the organization. MP Mitmug aside from being the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Deputy Minority Floor Leader, volunteers in his community as a Navy Reservist.

On October 16, 2020, Mitmug finished his Basic Citizen Military Course after months of undergoing trainings, and was formally enrolled as a citizen soldier to the Philippine Navy Reserve as PO3 Rasol Mitmug Jr. PN (RES). Prior to his graduation, he was given the opportunity to present to the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command a Plaque of Appreciation on September 27, 2020, for their prompt response to the request for assistance and support in transporting the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI) in Manila bound for Cotabato via Cagayan de Oro.

As an active-duty citizen soldier, Lt Cmdr Suharto Ambolodto  (PN) and  P03 Ras Mitmug  (PN), joins the 1st Marine Brigade Outreach Program in Support of Education Continuity Plans last January 26, 2021, at former MILF CAMP Abubakar, Barira Town, Maguindanao. The group donated 20 boxes of 5 reams of bond papers for the five District Schools, 1000 facemasks, 100 face shields, and 20 bottles of one-liter disinfectant alcohol through the District Supervisors of the Municipalities of Barira. A month after, P03 Mitmug donated kiddie meals to children ages five and up of CCNHS-Annex LR Sebastian Site in celebration of National Student’s Day. Said initiative is in collaboration with the Philippine Navy Reserve Commander NRCen-WM, COL. Leo C. Frincillo PN (M) (GCS), Lanao del Sur Provincial Government, Area 6 President Jamael Bagumbaran, and Khadaffy Daromimbang.

P03 Mitmug also participated in the fleet-marine engineering projects in Sulu as part of the Pagsisikap 2021 through the 4th Marine Brigade. PAGSISIKAP 2021 focuses on the Philippine Navy’s thrust to sustain Fleet-Marine units in the planning and execution of amphibious operations and/or raids in the littoral battle space in support of the PN’s Capability Development Plan to test the Amphibious Task Group concept, which will be built around the Landing Dock or Landing Ship, as well as the landing force, surface connectors, aviation, and special forces. The exercise also highlights new military assets for the Philippine Marine Corps, such as Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), which will be used for the first time in Mindanao during amphibious operations.

The 631st Naval Squadron Reserve was contingent to Naval Forces Western Mindanao Exercise PAGSISIKAP 2021 where PO3 Don Loong was the Petty Officer in Charge of the 631st Naval Squadron Reserve (NSR631) together with his team support staff; PO3 Ras Mitmug, PO3 Tanya Bella, PO3 Caesar Ian G. Kamensa, N2 Sahid A. Usman participated in the various civil affairs programs as part of the CMO activities of the naval exercise. The NSR631 was recently named the “best naval reservist unit” and “best naval reservist enlisted personnel.”

In the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, the 63rd Naval Group Reserve, Naval Forces Reserve Western Mindanao of the NRCen Western Mindanao in Naval Forces Western Mindanao assisted the Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP, the DPWH Regions XI and XII, and the Province of Cotabato in supporting the transport and delivery to the EOC of Dinagat Islands of approximately 145 tons of rice, 20,000 cans of sardines, 20,000 sachets of coffee, 320,000 tablets of aquatabs, 1,500 hygiene kits and 1,200 jerrycans from the BARMM headed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim through the Ministry of Social Services and Development headed by its Minister and BTA Deputy Majority Floor Leader MP Atty Raissa Jajurie and the Ministry of Interior and Local Government headed by Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo.

As part of the contingent of the 631st Naval Squadron Reserve, PO3 Ras Mitmug embarked with reservists to deliver humanitarian aid (rice, water, groceries, and clothing) to the typhoon victims in northeastern Mindanao.

MP Mitmug considers it an honor and a responsibility to serve in the country’s reserve force. He became more appreciative of the roles of citizen-soldiers, especially during times of calamity and internal challenges. He also added that the time he spent serving in the Philippine reserve force was an avenue for worthwhile experiences that became an opportunity for him to enhance and further his skills. Mitmug hopes to continue to serve as an active-duty reservist and to make his involvement advantageous for the Bangsamoro.

Office of MP Mitmug Conducts Tree Planting Program with MENRE-LDS, PLGU-ENRO

LANAO DEL SUR – As part of the June celebration of the Philippine Environmental Month (Proclamation No. 237, s. 1988), the Office of MP Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. conducted a Tree Planting Program through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy at Lanao Agricultural College, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur last June 2, 2022. This project was availed through the 2021 Transitional Development Impact Fund.

Messages of support were given by Lanao Agricultural College Superintendent Jasmine Asum Kurangking, Sultan Dumalondong Mayor Jamel ‘Miah’ Kurangking, PLGU ENR Officer Forester Pili Papandayan, Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officer (PENREO) Asmarie M. Labao, MPA, and MP Mitmug’s Chief of Staff Al Amira Alonto-Mitmug.

Superintendent Kurangking welcomed everyone to the event and explained that tree planting programs are regularly participated in by graduating students toward the end of every year.

Labao shared their office’s programs and initiatives and emphasized, “A diyon di mambandingan so ka-importante o kalindinga tano siko environment tano, Ranao tano, kalindinga tano siko gilupa tano, kalindinga tano siko forest resources. So theg tano a, ‘Ang programang pangkalikasan ay programa ng pangkalahatan’.” He also added, “Alhamdulillah, panalamatan ami so Team MP Ras Mitmug a isa skanyan ko Members sa Parliament a very supportive sa environment.” [This is where we discuss the importance of protecting the environment, our Lake Lanao, how we preserve our land as well as our forest resources. As we  said, ‘Environmental programs are programs for all’.” He also added, “All praises to Allah, we would like to thank the Team MP Ras Mitmug as one of the Members of the Parliament who is an environment enthusiast.”]

Chief of Staff Alonto-Mitmug has commended the Lanao Agricultural College for their annual tree planting program, and stated that the Minority Bloc of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority also filed Parliament Bill No. 106, requiring all graduating students within the Bangsamoro region to plant two trees, currently pending. Their other initiatives such as site visitation of new species Begonia Bangsamoro and the online campaign of Bangsamoro endangered species, were all in line with MP Mitmug’s environmental protection advocacy. She also explained that Atty. Mitmug was the only Member of Parliament who selected programs under MENRE for the 2021 Transitional Development Impact Fund.

Also present in the event were other PLGU and MENRE representatives. PAO VI Nahara Biruar was also present from the Office of MP Mitmug.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between MENRE-Lanao del Sur and PLGU-ENRO, witnessed by the Office of MP Mitmug. After the signing, the students, faculty, guests, and officials proceeded to the site within campus for the tree-planting proper.

The tree planting project included 250 seedlings of Molave tree (Vitex parviflora), 200 seedlings of Golden tree (Cassia fistula L.), 250 seedlings of Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), 100 seedlings of Mahogany tree, and 100 seedlings of Mortality tree, for a total of 900 seedlings.