Knowing Weather Forecast... is easy as 1-2-3

Automated Weather Station, to be installed on city hall grounds

The Local Government of Cotabato City will soon be able to give up-to-date information about the weather with the installation of the Automated Weather Station on the People’s Palace’s grounds. 

This project is jointly sponsored by the Aboitiz Group of Companies, League of Cities of the Philippines, Unionbank, and Weather Philippines and amounts to 2,500 U.S Dollars or more than a hundred thousand pesos. 

This device is composed of an Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS), an Anemometer, a Console, and a metrilog. These will be used to measure the temperature, humidity, wind, and the amount of rainfall that will be helpful in monitoring the weather in the city and be able to minimize the risk of a disaster. 

With it, we will be able to determine whether a typhoon or simply a Low Pressure is approaching the city, hence, we will be able to prepare ourselves. We will also be able to calculate the amount of rainfall and its effects on the city’s main tributary—the Rio Grande de Mindanao. 

The AWS is solar powered so there is no need for electricity, thus making it operational 24/7. It also requires very low maintenance and is very user friendly. However, installing this equipment has its conditions such as placing it under direct sunlight and avoiding obscurations like buildings or trees—all of these discussed in a training-workshop attended by some representative from the City Engineering Office and Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto V. Rasalan. 

“We don’t have the schedule yet as to when the Automated Weather Station will be installed on the city hall grounds but once it is already in place, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) will be the ones to handle the equipment”, Rasalan said in a presscon held Tuesday-September 9, 2012 .

Along with the unit comes a console to be set up at the Radio Room inside the city hall. The AWS will automatically send the data it has gathered to the console every 15 minutes. It will also send data to Weather Philippines, a group helping the PAGASA in monitoring the country’s weather. 

Once a weather update will be complete, the city government will be releasing information to the public thru the local media.

Seal of Good Housekeeping for Cotabato City

Cotabato City Government receives Seal of Good Housekeeping

Cotabato City now reaps its rewards and receives the Seal of Good Housekeeping for its full commitment to the principles of performance, accountability, transparency, and participation.

Ever since the release of the DILG Memorandum Circular 2012-78 titled Scaled-Up Seal of Good Housekeeping, the local government, headed by City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr., has been working hard to comply with all the requirements needed in order to receive this prestigious award.

Along with the SGH came the amount of 50 Million Pesos from the National Government and will be used to finance several development projects in the city. Priority projects will include the improvement of the delivery of services concerned with the better health and wellbeing of the city’s constituents and the education of the youth sector.

Mayor Guiani also added that he will be looking into the plight of the Cotabateños residing beside river banks and bring them to safer grounds.

Aside from the 50 Million Peso reward, the city was also a recipient of almost 30 Million Pesos for its Performance Challenge Fund—also one of the rewards for receiving the Seal of Good Housekeeping. All of these will be used to fund several development projects identified by the City Government.

  “We feel happy for this prestigious award and we would like to thank our City Government employees for their support. This award is dedicated to the people of Cotabato City”, Mayor Guiani said.

Out of 100 cities competing for the award, Cotabato City was chosen to receive the SGH Bronze.

( DILG City Director  Guinodin Abdillah hands in the Award to Mayor Jojo J. Guiani, Jr. )

As explained in the DILG Memorandum Circular 2012-78, there are three award levels of the Seal—SGH Bronze, SGH Silver, and SGH Gold.

The SGH-Bronze Award is given to Local Governments who passed the criteria in Accountable Governance and Transparent Governance.

These are reflected by the documents like the Annual Budget for the General Fund of Cotabato City, Summary of Expenditures, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Debt Services, Assets, etc., being posted in conspicuous places like bulletin boards and other materials that are visible to the public and being placed in the local government’s website—all of which were fulfilled by the LGU.

“There are levels of compliance required to be posted and published in the local media but we are not able to do so due to the voluminous pages of all the documents”, DILG City Operations Office Director Guianodin Abdilah said.

Abdilah further adds that the awarding doesn’t stop here. The City Government is still aiming for the SGH Silver and SGH Gold awards.

A number of evaluators will be coming to the city in the next weeks to see to it that the Full Disclosure Policy is still observed by the local government. After the evaluation, they will determine if the city has surpassed the criteria for the SGH Silver Award. 

Furthermore, Mayor Guiani said the SGH has both been a challenge and a motivating factor for his administration. Despite all the issues confronting the City Government regarding peace and order and other matters, he is still putting primacy to good governance and transparency.

“This is very challenging. One needs to have a broad perspective on things so our goals for the city will be attained especially when it comes to good governance and at the same time be able to solve problems regarding the peace and order situation in our area”, Guiani adds.

Who's Who???...

In the recent encounter of the BIFF and the AFP, started August 5, 2012

ISSUES:

Pronouncement of BIFF spokesman Abu Misri Mama that the military drive against them has little effect and they will continue to wage a "JIHAD" - a holy war to achieve their goals.

6th ID

We are not concerned of our effect on BIFF. Our main concern is the safety, welfare and well-being of those affected by the atrocities of the BIFF. We want to ensure that civilians are unharmed and protected, the situation is brought back to normal and people continue to lives without fear of violence or retribution.

 My Own observation 

Who attacked first?

Who's telling the truth?

Who will prove all that been said and done?

Who will control the situation?

Who will investigate the real scenario?

Who will testify then?

One thing I am sure of.......the Civilians, the Innocents and the Children are really affected and suffering in this man-made incidents....

Can you discuss everything and lay all the problems and find genuine solutions, to stop all this violence?...and kindly BE SINCERE to what you have been agreed upon

                                                                                                                                                           photo: So What's New

Let's have a GENUINE PEACE so that we can have a  DEVELOPMENT in this part of MINDANAO.

                                        photo: google

My Very 1st....

Accidents really is not a joke, after I experienced my very 1st  car accident yesterday-August 27, 2012 along the National Highway of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, though its not that tragic but still I realized that Life can easily be taken away from us.

I am very thankful  that the 3 of us were safe, managed to drive home and still able to wrote this blog.

Thank you BLC for your call, emotional support & encouragement.  I'm stunned. Though trauma is still here, I'm praying that soon it will be gone.

A Smell of Freshly Brewed Coffee is coming to Cotabato City

1^st Coffee Summit to be held in Cotabato City

photo by: google

August 22, 2012 – Preparations are now underway for the conduct of the Coffee Summit, a first in Cotabato City.

            The two-day activity will be spearheaded by the Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the City Government, other business chambers, and the USAID-GEM Program. A Coffee Forum will be held on September 20, 2012 wherein representatives from the Philippine Coffee Board, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and others will be invited to speak to the participants about the coffee industry. On the next day, a Coffee Brewing Contest that is open to interested contestants will be held.

photo by: google

MCCCIFI President Dr. Danda N. Juanday says the Coffee Summit will be a catalyst for the development of a new and unique product option that can help rouse the city’s economic boost, as well as to serve as the venue for laying down of strategies for the City to launch itself as the trading center for coffee lovers and producers.

The primary purpose of this event is to create awareness among the stakeholders/sectors and the producers of the opportunities in the coffee industry. The same is over and above the possible job and revenue generation that may result in the sustained development of the coffee processing industry.

In Cotabato City, one can say that the people are really coffee-loving ones, evidently shown beside the streets and market places where brewed coffee products are conveniently available. But because of the other industries, like rubber production, that have dominated the economy of Region 12, coffee production is dramatically diminishing.

With the huge demand for coffee all over the country, MCCCIFI sees the opportunity to revive the interest of farmers in Cotabato City and its neighboring municipalities in the coffee production business.

“It is the opportune time that the city comes up with its own Cotabato brand coffee. And we are also known for the native delicacies we serve our visitors, so it is just proper that we also showcase our unique tasting coffee”, says Juanday.

In a meeting with the representatives from the local government, it was further discussed that coordination be strengthened in order to promote this business and create a window of opportunity to Cotabateños who are involved in the production and processing of coffee products.

Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto V. Rasalan says the city government is ready to extend any type of assistance to this project. Once implemented, coffee industry will surely help boost the economy of the city.

photo by: MCCCIFI

Mayor Guiani: Unexpected Death of Sec. Robredo

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE

City Mayor Jojo Guiani, Jr., together with the whole City Government of Cotabato, is deeply saddened with the death of DILG Sec. Jessie Robredo. The Mayor extends his sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of the late Secretary and says..........

                             photo by: dzmm.com.ph

“ Robredo was truly a great loss to the government. He had been very active in supervising the operations of all the local government agencies. Robredo has been in the City for several times especially when disaster struck last year. Cotabato City has been awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping by DILG for adhering to the thrust of PNOY on transparency in government services.”

Rest In Peace, Sec. Jesse...

A place called BUMBARAN

What comes into your minds if you hear the place BUMBARAN MUNICIPALITY in LANAO DEL SUR?

*  a war place,

*  a rebel camp,

*  or a non-developed area of a certain province.

I am sure that descriptions mentioned above match some of your thoughts, and yes its true but that was years and years ago….because, at present BUMBARAN MUNICIPALITY stood from its past and it is one of the largest corn and banana producer in the province. It’s not just their agricultural products that this town can be proud of, because......

A year ago, I was given the chance to join the Tri-Media Tour and we headed to the said Municipality. I’m excited and curious as well, for all of what I’ve heard and been said to this place. Now, it’s my pace to discover the Town.

We went straight ahead at the Municipal Hall to give courtesy and we were welcome with all smiles by their Municipal Mayor and offered to stay at their place.

with my Media friends and officials of DSWD-ARMM

I was really mesmerized with its scenic beauty and climates similar to that of Baguio City. My curiosity and indifference with the place were all paid out beyond expectations.

Scenic view from the Balcony of the Manabilangs House

cottages where we stayed located inside the compound of Manabilang's,
built intended for the Family's guests and visitors

Grabbing my opportunity to take a pose with the Father and Son of the BUMBARAN Municipality

with Mayor Mastura Manabilang

with Vice-Mayor James Manabilang

ItsMyOwn: LAKE RESORT in LAKE SEBU

ItsMyOwn: LAKE RESORT in LAKE SEBU: Its my 3rd time to be in Lake Sebu, Surallah, South Cotabato. 1st was way2x back 2005, when i was still connected with ABS-CBN TV-24 Korona...

LAKE RESORT in LAKE SEBU

Its my 3rd time to be in Lake Sebu, Surallah, South Cotabato. 1st was way2x back 2005, when i was still connected with ABS-CBN TV-24 Koronadal, we have a coverage then at Mountain Log Resort. 2nd, was last month and 3rd was just last week, July 7, 2012.

It was indeed a memorable experienced, I'm with my kiddo and we stayed at Estares, Lake Resort, one of the pioneering resorts in the area. They have this 5 in a row Gono or VIP Huts located in a cliff with a very nice view of the Lake, costs only Php800/nyt.

My daughter and I took 774 steps down to see the breathtaking Falls 1, one of the 7 falls in the area. The luscious green surroundings and the sound of the water cascading/falling did took my breath away. You can really feel the breeze and the mist touching your skin. That I cant help myself to took pictures and pictures of the falls. ;-)

And when you're in Lake Sebu, you have and must to taste all their Tilapia Delicacies, highly recommended the Estares Pinaputok na Tilapia, Tilapia Spring Roll and the Tilapia Chicharon.

photo by: Estares Lake Resort

RAMADAN AL-MUBARAK

Ramadan is the month of Fasting, where one is abstaining from eating and drinking of food and avoiding earthly pleasures from dawn till sundown, coupled with intentions of doing so is an act of worship.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is Obligatory to all Islam Believers who reached his Age of Puberty, Sane and able to Fast, for Fasting is One of the Five Pillars of Islam.

THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

1. IMAN of FAITH - a declaration of Faith is called Shahadah, only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet - Muhammad (s.a.w.)

2. SALAH or Prayer - it is an obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day.

• 
  
• Fajr - early dawn prayer before sunrise ( b/n 4:00 - 4:30am )
• Zohr - after midday prayer ( b/n 12:30 to 2:30pm )
• Asr - late afternoon prayer (b/n 3:30 to 5:00pm)
• Maghrib - before sunset prayer ( b/n 6:00 - 6:30pm )
• Isha- late evening prayer ( b/n 7:30 to 11:30pm )

3. ZAKAT  or Giving ALMS- a financial obligation to all Muslim.

photo by: Reem

An individual may give as much as he or she pleases for giving Zakat it is an act of Charity

4. SAWN or FASTING - abstaining from eating and drinking foods and sexual relations/acts from dawn till sundown. God states in the Qur'an:  "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183).

5. HAJJ or PILGRIMAGE - the pilgrimage to Mecca is obligatory for those who are physically and financially able to do so.

photo by: Spirit Tourism

Individuals or persons who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are excused or permitted not to Fast during the month of Ramadan but they must to pay an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and physically able to do so. 

MBLT-1 HOTLINE NUMBERS

MARINE BATTALION LANDING TEAM-1

Padlan Compound, Brgy. Rosary Heights

Cotabato City

HOTLINE NUMBERS

0917 305 5814

0999 711 2769 

LANDLINE NUMBER

064 421 8857

contact the above numbers, to report any crimes and incidents that may hinder the peace and order of the City.

.....SADNESS AND PAINS.....

why  does happiness always has its sadness? and sometimes coupled with hurts and pains.

do people have to experienced these kinds of challenges in their emotional aspects?

if you broke your heart, how can you mend it without crying those tears?

are we really meant with each other, and live together as one?

or, we have to cherished  every times and moments we shared for us to thank if it comes to an end?

neither myself or any experts can give answers on this...it is indeed ironic that we have to live then sooner or later, we will die and leave everything behind...

ItsMyOwn: iWalk for Peace

ItsMyOwn: iWalk for Peace:       iWalk for Peace , a project of the Rotary International, organized by  Rotary Club of Cotabato , Cotabato East  and  Cotabato City...

iWalk for Peace

     

iWalk for Peace, a project of the Rotary International, organized by Rotary Club of Cotabato,Cotabato East and Cotabato City-South in partnership with the City Government of Cotabato, held July 01, 2012.

             

                        5 starting area points were identified

                             1. City Plaza

                             2. In front of the Polytechnic School

                             3. In front of Papa 2 – Police Station (Shell Station)

                             4. Jolibee Drive-thru and;

                             5. In front of Marian Hills Cemetery (D.O.S, Maguindanao).

Father Eliseo Mercado, a well-known peace advocate were among of the thousands walkers from the different sectors in the City and nearby Towns/Province joined the said walk for peace.

            

            

            

Peoples Palace Grounds served as the “finished area”. A simple program were conducted. Presidents of each Chapter delivered/shared their messages “calling for Peace”.

            

Highlights of the activity were the flying of Doves and Balloons as a symbol of Peace.