Tourist arrivals in Lanao del Sur up by 14% in 2016

The province of Lanao del Sur recorded P1.2 billion tourism receipts in 2016 posting as the number one tourism destination among the provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the year.

Official figures from the ARMM’s Tourism department showed that the province attracted 69,606 visitors in 2016, 14 percent higher than the 61,058 visitors registered in 2015.

Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr, provincial tourism focal person, said the province has been persuasive on their campaign to promote Lanao del Sur as a tourism destination.

They have been showcasing the distinct characteristics of the Meranao way of life, history, and culture by participating in various events such as the Phil Travel Mart.

Tamano said one of the must-see attractions is Lake Lanao, the largest inland body of water in Mindanao and the second largest lake in the Philippines. Lake Lanao serves as reservoir for the Agus hydroelectric power plants that generate up to 75 percent  of Mindanao’s power supply.

The arts and crafts of the Maranao tribe, Polo Barakat Mosque in Binidayan, Kilometer Zero, Mindanao State University and Daguduban in Marawi City; Lake Dapao in Pualas; and white water rafting in Wao could also easily lure tourists to the province.

Tamano further said that part of the agenda of Provincial Governor Soraya A. Adiong is cultural tourism and promotion of tourist destinations to generate income and livelihood to the locals.

Meanwhile, a total of 212,649 visited the region’s five provinces in 2016 with roughly P3.7 billion in tourism-related expenditures.

ARMM Tourism Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen said the influx of tourists in the region falls in the last quarter of the year. Outside of Lanao del Sur, provincial breakdown of the region’s tourism data in 2016 showed the following: Tawi-Tawi with 63,509 visitors and P1.1 billion in gross receipts;  Maguindanao with  40,981 visitors and P721 million in gross receipts;  Basilan with 24,243 visitors and P424 million in gross receipts; and  Sulu with 13,857 and P242 million in gross receipts.

“Tourist gross receipts cut across other industries like transport, trade, food, and telecommunications, among others,” Sec. Dilangalen explained. 

She also said that tourism can provide direct jobs to the community. “Visitors' expenditures generate income for the local community and can lead to the alleviation of poverty,” she added. (BPI/PIA-10)

Lanao del Sur govt, MSU ink agreement to improve lives of Meranaos

The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur enters into a partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU) System for research projects to uplift the lives of Meranaos.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement by Governor Bedjoria Soraya Alonto Adiong and MSU President Habib W. Macaayong.

The signing, held at the Provincial Capitol in Marawi City on January 30, was also attended by officials from both MSU and the Provincial Capitol.

Under the agreement, MSU will design and supervise a Physical Scaled-Model of Lanao del Sur to rehabilitate endemic fish species in Lake Lanao in order to boost the agri-fishery industry and provide livelihood to the fisherfolks.

MSU will also conduct a  Poverty Incidence Survey and Mapping of households in the province.

Provincial Governor Adiong said the collaboration with MSU reaffirms the strong partnership between the provincial government and the said institution.

She said  thorough research of MSU would help her administration craft realistic policies, plans and programs to bring progress to the Meranaos.

She also thanked President Macaayong for agreeing to be a partner in her quest to achieve development and progress for Lanao del Sur.

President Macaayong said this partnership is historic as it is the first time that both agencies will work together.  

Glad that MSU is extending a helping hand to the provincial government, Macaayong gave his full commitment to the fulfillment of the agreement. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/PIA-10)

76th Marawi City Charter Day showcases Meranao culture

Thousand residents in their colourful Meranao regalia came out to flock the streets of Marawi City, September 14 morning, to join the parade in celebration of the city’s 76th charter day anniversary.

All the 96 barangays in Marawi, public and privates schools, fraternities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, joined the colorful parade. 

The parade assembled in Barangay Marinaut at 7:00 a.m. and culminated in City Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a Dulang Festival that exhibited the exotic flavors and extravagant colors of Meranao cuisine. 

Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra thanked everyone in attendance especially Marawi City and Provincial officials and dignitaries, including Provincial Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. who showed unity with Marawi City during the parade in behalf of Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong and the whole provincial government.

Sultan of Bacolod Atty. Nashrollah B. Conding, City Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Marawi City Division Superintendent Pharida Sansarona, and Former National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Bae Omera Dianalan Lucman also graced the event.

“Your presence here today indicates only one thing -- that you are with me in my quest to reform and bring back the old glory and beauty of Marawi City,” said mayor Gandamra.

He also underscored the importance of remembering the glorious history of Marawi City for it gives a sense of pride and a vision of what everyone wants for his family and the community as a whole.

Marawi was formerly called Dansalan. It became a charter city on August 19, 1940 but inaugurated only on September 30, 1950 due to the Second World War. Its granting of a charter was sponsored by Senator Tomas Cabili. On June 16, 1956, Senator Domocao Alonto passed an amendment to the charter renaming the city from Dansalan to Marawi in memory of the Confederation of Marawi.

Finally, on April 15, 1980, Marawi City was renamed Islamic City of Marawi under a City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition of the fact that 92 percent of the population of the city were Meranaos who are Muslims.

Marawi City is celebrating its charter day anniversary a month late due to transition concerns.

 “We cannot afford to not celebrate because this occasion is foreshadowing our dreams of making this city a better place for us and future generations to come,” said mayor Gandamra.

With the theme “Enriching Meranao Culture: A Clean and Peaceful Marawi City,” the week-long celebration will also feature Quran reading contest, presentation of different Meranao cultural entertainment, office beautification competition, inter-barangay cleanliness and beautification contest, concert and fireworks display.

The celebration will culminate on September 17. (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

Police reminds public to be safety conscious

The Piagapo Municipal Police Station is reminding the public to be cautious against the dangers of crimes.

Police Inspector Mohammad Ridhwan Ombawa, chief-of-police of Piagapo MPS, said we must be aware of our safety by taking precautionary measures.

Ombawa shared, during the Ozor ka, Ranao! radio program of the Philippine Information Agency and Radyo ng Bayan in the province of Lanao del Sur, some advice on how to stay safe.

Be safety and security conscious by being aware of your surroundings. Be updated about the current crime trends in your area such as where do crimes usually occur and who are the usual perpetrators, said Ombawa.

Get to know the police officers assigned in your area and make it a habit to visit the nearest police station once in a while. Know the station’s emergency hotline and the officers’ official number.

According to Ombawa, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also launched a mobile app that has directory of all police stations nationwide.

Always inform your families of your whereabouts so that they can easily locate you in case of emergency.

Avoid being out alone in the dark. Walk in well-lighted and well-travelled walkways.

Conceal your valuables when travelling. Never flaunt your jewelries, wallets and mobile phones especially when you are in public places such as markets, bus stations, and the like.

Be vigilant and responsible. Contact the police when you see suspicious activities in your community.

The police chief also reiterated safety is not the sole responsibility of the police; and that crime prevention is a shared responsibility between the law enforcers and the members of the community. (APB/PIA-10)

Lanao Sur officials laud national gov't infra dev't assistance

Islamic City of Marawi (20 August) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Lanao del Sur recently adopted a resolution commending the national government for the assistance it provided to the people of the province in the field of infrastructure development thru the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

Resolution 26 dated August 17, 2009 stated that the assistance is laudable and greatly appreciated by the people of Lanao del Sur because infrastructure development have pave way for achieving long-term productive value of investments, sustainability of socio-economic programs and the maintenance of peace and order in the province. 

To further express gratitude and appreciation, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolved to bestow upon Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr of the DPWH the highest honor that the people of Lanao del Sur can provide by officially adopting him as a son of the province.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave DPWH Sec. Ebdane the 'go-signal' for the immediate implementation of both the repair and improvement of the Marawi-Bito National Road with a cost of Php100-million. 

The DPWH Secretary, in his visit here last July 3, also sounded off the scheduled start of construction of the Php 635-million Saudi government-funded rehabilitation of the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road. (Apipa P Bagumbaran/PIA)

Lanao Sur mayor praises PGMA's determination to push the country forward

Manila (28 July) -- Mayor Raida B Maglangit of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur praised President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her determination in pushing forward the nation despite political pressures and economic constraints. 

"I believe in what President Arroyo has said in her State of the Nation Address (SONA) that national problems cannot be knocked out with a single punch. Hindi yan nagagawa sa isang tulugan lamang (We cannot do that overnight). We need to work hand in hand so that all our aspirations of a better nation will be achieved," Maglangit said. 

The town mayor also commended President Arroyo for delivering a very substantial SONA.

The President, she said, was able to accomplished major achievements in terms of infrastructure, economy and education. 

Maglangit further said that her town benefited from the infrastructure and educational projects of the Arroyo administration such as construction of school buildings and hiring of additional teachers. 

President Arroyo showed her dedication and commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos by placing education among her top priorities, the lady mayor added. 

In her last SONA during the 3rd Joint Regular Session of the 14th Congress, the President underscored the importance of education in reducing poverty stressing that education is the great equalizer that allows a young Filipino the chance to realize his / her dream. 

First Muslim woman bar topnotcher Atty. Mylene Amerol-Macumbal, whom the President recognized during the SONA, said she was happy to be one of the beneficiaries of the government's college and post-graduate scholarship program. 

"I am a product of Mindanao State University (MSU). I finished my accountancy degree and took up law in MSU. And I was not paying anything for it. Kaya malaki talaga ang naitulong ng MSU at ng gobyerno upang bumuti ang buhay ng mga tao sa Mindanao (MSU and the government have greatly helped in uplifting the lives of people in Mindanao)," Macumbal said. 

As of June 2009, the Arroyo administration has constructed more than 95,000 classrooms, procured over 135.6 million textbooks, installed computer labs in 4,019 public high schools, filled-up 60,000 teachers items, allotted Php1.5 billion for teacher training and provided college and post-graduate education for over 600,000 scholars. (Apipa P Bagumbaran/PIA-Marawi City)

Lanao Sur conducts Health Day, launches Nutrition Month

Marawi City (9 July) -- In pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, designating the month of July as Nutrition Month, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) jointly spearheaded the launching of the 35th Nutrition Month celebration in the province. 

Anchored on the theme, "Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan," this year's Nutrition Month celebration focuses on the importance of a healthy diet that would result to a healthy lifestyle. 

A Hataw exercises held at the provincial capitol grounds kicked-off the launching. The Hataw, headed by Department of Health – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) Secretary Tahir B. Sulaik, Provincial Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr., and First Lady Raifa Adiong, was participated in by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), medical students as well as employees and staff of IPHO. 

The launching was highlighted by a ceremonial distribution of PhilHealth IDs and awarding of certificates to 15 BHWs in recognition of their contribution in the delivery of health services in the province. 

The 15 BHWs, who have been in service for more than 5 years, have attended trainings conducted by DOH and continuously active in the delivery of health services for the past years, came from the municipalities of Wao, Kapatagan, Malabang, Calanogas, Marantao, Ramain, Balindong, Maguing, Masui, and Poona Bayabao. 

Meanwhile, DOH-ARMM Secretary Tahir B. Sulaik lauded the Provincial Governor in his effort in delivering quality health services to his people citing the Governor's genuine interest in the development of the province and its people. 

He said the leadership recognizes the importance of health which is a very basic ingredient in achieving development. 

The Secretary also emphasized the role of communities in the development process stressing that the active participation of the communities as well as synergizing national and local efforts will lead to achieve a greater impact. 

Another highlight of the celebration was the opening of Nutrition booth where nutritional foods were displayed as well as other health booths that catered blood typing, blood pressure screening, glucose or sugar screening and body mass. Optical, dental, and medical examination was also conducted during the celebration. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)

Lanao Sur Gov urges constituents to support moral renewal program

Marawi City (9 July) -- Provincial Governor of Lanao del Sur Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr. urged his constituents to support his moral revival efforts to attain permanent and long lasting peace in the province. 

The Governor made the statement during the recently concluded golden anniversary celebration of the province stressing the importance of people's cooperation in achieving peace. 

"I implore my constituents and fellow leaders to support our moral revival program because no amount of moral recovery efforts can change Lanao del Sur without the cooperation of its people. I cannot do it alone," he stressed. 

He also made assurance of his sincerity and dedication toward the end emphasizing that it is his unwritten but enforceable covenant to the Maranao community and the people of Lanao del Sur.

Many antagonist, Adiong said, consider this move illusive, but for me with extra effort and patience we will achieve this goal in no time. 

"As long as I have the opportunity of leading my people, rest assured of my sincerity and dedication on this moral revolution that we are fighting for today," he added.

Moreover, the Provincial Governor proudly cited that during the past two years of his administration, he has successfully met his 7-point agenda on productive infrastructure, economic development, youth-related programs, commitment on environmental issues, transparency in all government actions, promotion of tourism and cultivation of a culture of peace. 

The struggle for peace and development was a tough one but I stood firm in overcoming the hard realities and transformed them into fruitful ones, he further said.

I have made the Provincial Capitol a catalyst of change and rest assured that under my leadership, we will lead the way for a better and more progressive Lanao del Sur, he added.

The adoption of moral renewal program is in response to President Arroyo's Administrative Order 255 directing heads of government agencies to implement moral renewal and values formation program. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)

DPWH official keynotes moral revival summit, calls for teamwork

Marawi City (6 July) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr has called on all the people of Lanao del Sur to work together to achieve peace and prosperity. 

The Secretary sounded the call at the end of the two-day Moral Revival Workshop-Summit held recently at the Provincial Capitol Gym, this city. 

Jointly spearheaded by the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, the workshop-summit was aimed at reviving morals in governance, education and economics. 

Ebdane said the summit which focused on moral renewal was timely because it anchored the need to get back to basics in order to pave way for peace and development. 

"It is indeed timely that you have chosen this special occasion to come together in search for answers to key questions about vision, principles and action because I believe that action is the best manifestation of one's conviction and moral stand," he said. 

He pointed out that what the people need to push forward their march were unity of vision and action as well as a solid commitment to pursue their vision together. 

Community action, he said, is the key element. A community that is aware of threats and opportunities and is committed to working together for prosperity, development, and better life will be in the best position to win and will win. 

"If the community is one in vision and action there is nothing that cannot be solved and there is little that cannot be achieved because a community united in vision will be able to achieve whatever they set their minds to," Ebdane further said. 

 

The Public Works Secretary, meanwhile, cited how the DPWH is helping in the progress and development of communities emphasizing the crucial role of roads and bridges in the communities. 

"The road is the bridge to the future, it is hope, it is opportunity, it is a better life and this hope, this opportunity, this better life is what the DPWH has worked on for the last 111 years," he stressed. 

"I have seen how dreams of progress and prosperity for communities and families have been made more real through the bridges and roads that open up possibilities for trade, education, health services and great technology and rest assured that the men and women of DPWH will continue to fulfill our pledge of service to build our country through public work facilities," he added. 

Ebdane also revealed that under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Mindanao has been given a big chunk of public works investments. Under the SONA projects, Mindanao has 9 major infra projects supervised by the DPWH worth Php19.9-Billion to address the lack of roads and road networks that hinder development activities. 

He further disclosed that in this year's pump priming program alone, about Php15-Billion has been allocated for maintenance and constructions of roads, bridges, flood control and other public works in Mindanao. 

The DPWH Secretary also announced that the implementation of the improvement and rehabilitation of the Lake Lanao Circumferential road will soon start. (Apipa P Bagumbaran /PIA)

Lanao Sur turns 50; moral revival summit marks celebration

Marawi City (6 July) -- United in the effort to promote moral renewal in governance, education, and economics, more than 1000 people representing the various sectors of Lanao del Sur as well as members of the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP) turned up at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium for the Workshop-Summit on Moral Revival. 

Inspired by the theme "Morality: The Cornerstone of Nation Building", the two-day activity was a collaborative effort of the ULP, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). 

This is in response to President Arroyo's Administrative Order 255 directing heads of various departments to lead moral renewal by adopting and implementing a Moral Renewal Program. 

AO 255 also contained the enlisting the participation of religious, civil society and civic groups through consultations, program development, promotion and implementation of their moral renewal program.

Moral renewal refers to values formation and ethical behavior for government officers and employees as well as strengthening of people's values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption. Such Filipino values include Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan and Maka-Kalikasan. 

"The issue on moral recovery is a sensitive one but we chose to pursue it because it is the key to building a people and building a nation," Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong Jr. stressed. 

The Provincial Governor said the activity will perk-up the consciousness of people in Lanao del Sur especially the provincial government to continue its transparency, responsiveness, competence and commitment in the delivery of services to the public.

"It will instill in them God-centered, character-focused, nationalistic and environment friendly ideas which is in line with President Arroyo's directive to promote the values of Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan and Maka-Kalikasan," he added. 

In his message, OPAPP Secretary Avelino Razon Jr. said the moral revival initiative which complements the peace building program of OPAPP will help in achieving a lasting in Mindanao.

"The summit will bring our Muslim brothers and sisters even closer to the teachings of Islam and deepen their appreciation of the true essence of being a Muslim because Islam is not only a religion of rituals rather it is a code of ethics and conduct for the social person," he said. 

Meanwhile, Archbishop Fernando Capalla said the summit touched on the essential component of human factor for development which is the moral law.

The moral law, he said, is rooted in the divine law without which there can be no genuine progress, development and peace. 

Among those who also graced the occasion were Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), who presented a lecture on Morals in Governance; Former Department of Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) Secretary Prof. Salipada S. Tamano, who presented a lecture on Morals in Education, and Dr. Abdullah H. Ali Monib Al-Kuzbari of Ma'had Jamiatul Waqf, who presented a lecture on Morals in Economics. 

Office of the Ombudsman – Mindanao Director Cora Arancon also honored the event while no less than the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. keynoted the second day of the summit. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA)

Pangandaman reiterates gov't support for peace, development of Lanao Sur

Marawi City (3 July) -- "The national government will support all efforts for the development of the province, and I can assure, the best is yet to come." 

Thus, the statement of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman during a People's Congress held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

The Congress was hosted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur as part of their 50th founding anniversary celebration and participated in by non-government organizations and people's organizations in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. 

In his message, he reiterated the support of the national government in pushing for peace and development in Mindanao. 

He said the decision of the Supreme Court on the illegality of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) will not eliminate the government's resolve to move forward while stressing the significant role of people's participation in finding solutions to the decade-long Mindanao problem. 

"We must look for ways to resolve the conflict in Mindanao and we need the participation of all sectors of the society," he pointed out. 

The government, he said, will be conducting workshops and seminars involving the different sectors of the society on how it can strategize and be able to come-up with a solution to the conflict in Mindanao. 

"We are on the right track on the right time and we need to join hands so that we can come-up with a comprehensive solution for a lasting peace here in Mindanao particularly in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)," he stressed. 

The Agrarian Reform Secretary also presented an overview of the implementation of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the Arroyo's administration. 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he said, has ordered national government agencies to implement the CLEEP to mitigate the impact of global financial crisis.

Pangandaman is designated by President Arroyo as CLEEP steward for ARMM whose task is to ensure the proper implementation of the program. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran / PIA)

Lanao Sur dad commends teachers' dedication for quality education

Marawi City (1 July) -- Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr. lauded Lanao del Sur teachers for their passion and dedication in providing quality education to Muslim school children in the province. 

In a festive ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol grounds dubbed as the Department of Education (DepEd) Day, the Governor expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation of DepEd to his administration. 

He also underscored the importance of education in preparing for a successful future.

"The source of prosperity has never been merely how ably we accumulate wealth, but how well we educate our people," he stressed. 

Education, he said, is no longer a pathway to opportunity and success rather it is a prerequisite for success. 

The DepEd Day is part of the golden anniversary celebration of the province. A cultural parade followed by an investiture ceremony marked the occasion. 

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus as Datu a Ladiawan recognizing him as a model and ideal man in the field of education.

Secretary Lapus meanwhile expressed appreciation for the confidence and trust in conferring him the title saying he has accepted it with great honor and responsibility and promised to continue his best to be worthy of it. 

The ceremonial installation was initiated by the five Schools Divisions of Lanao del Sur including Marawi City and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA)

Madrasah education preserves Muslim cultural heritage, says Lapus

Marawi City (1 July) -- "In terms of education, one of the most significant contributions of the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Muslim population was the institutionalization and mainstreaming of Madrasah education as a component of the national system of education." 

Thus the statement of Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus during the DepEd Day in celebration of the Lanao del Sur 50th founding anniversary. 

He said mainstreaming Madrasah education in the system of basic education will give Muslim schoolchildren an education that is culturally-sensitive. 

According to him, Madrasah Education prescribed two types of curriculum, the Enriched Curriculum for Public Elementary Schools and the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris. 

The Enriched Curriculum, Lapus said, has been implemented in all DepEd regions nationwide and is known as the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program. 

"Subjects in the ALIVE program are taught by asatidz or Muslim teachers who underwent a 23-day training program," he added. 

"While the ALIVE Program is integral to their education, we also recognize the need for them to learn the standard subjects taught in public schools such as Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino, and Makabayan," Lapus noted. 

Lapus further said that the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris, on the other hand, integrates basic subjects with their religious subjects such as Qur'an, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Seerah and Hadith. It was approved in 2004 aimed to put in place an educational system that is appropriate for the Muslim population. 

The Education Secretary stressed that through this curriculum, the Filipino national identity is promoted even as the Muslim cultural heritage is preserved. 

He also pointed out that aside from the lessons regularly taught in Madaris, Muslim schoolchildren will adopt the standard curriculum to give them equal chance in employment opportunities. 

"To encourage Muslim educators to adopt the Standard Curriculum, DepEd extends assistance to private madaris and Muslim schools in Mindanao that will integrate basic subjects in the ALIVE Program," Lapus said. 

He disclosed that some 37 private Madaris qualified for the financial assistance, 27 of which came from DepEd-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which includes Marawi City and Lanao del Sur I and II Divisions. 

"The financial assistance benefits 3,834 pupils at P5,000 each," Lapus added. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)