RANAU TANU, SIAPEN TANO (Our Lake , Let us Preserve it), 2010 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD) ON LAKE LANAO PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Introduction Lake Lanao is an integral part of the powerful river system that produces an estimated 70 % of the island of Mindanao ’s electricity. Unfortunately, Lake Lanao is endangered by rampant logging in the adjoining watersheds, decreasing water level as a result of the 6 hydro-electric power plants along the Agus river and uncontrolled trash and wastewater discharges. The beginnings of formulating Lake Lanao Protection and Development Project (LLPDP) started way back in the Conference-Workshop on ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION held at the Marawi Resort Hotel on October 26-27, 2007, spearheaded by the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and technical aid of the EcoGov. Attended by more than 220 participants, the successful event was graced by no less than U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney who led a covenant signing on Lake Lanao Preservation, USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, ECOGOV head Edgardo Guiang, Ulama Leagues President Aleem Mahid Mutilan, Royal Sultanates League President Topaan Disomimba (and Mayor of Tamparan) , the then Governor of the Province of Lanao del Sur Aleem Basher Mostaqbal Manalao, the then Mayor of Marawi Omar Solitario Ali, the Mindanao State University System (MSUS) Acting President Dr. Ricardo F. de Leon, Campo Ranao Army Commander and PNP Southern Command. The output of the conference-workshop which aimed to raise awareness on the plight of Lake Lanao was then submitted to USAID and EcoGov which then paved the way a year later for the holding of the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Lake Lanao Development Protection and Development Project (LLPDP) at the Gymnasium of the Provincial Capitol on October 25, 2007.But before the FGD was held, a Pre-Test of the templates to be used on said FGD was conducted at the Mindanao State University on October 3, 2007. Representatives from the different sectors of Lanao such as the academe, Local Government Units (LGU) and the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) were the participants for the Pre-Test. The FGD aimed to elicit responses on lake management and policies from the Local Chief Executives, Municipal Planning Development Chiefs, Environmental Officer, Local Government Officer of the 18 watershed municipalities around Lake Lanao and Marawi City and CSOs. Program Proper With the song by a local band on the theme, Ranao Tano, Siapen Tanu, as background, the FGD on Lake Lanao Protection and Development Project (LLPDP) started early at 8:00 a.m. with the arrival and registration of the participants from all over the Province of Lanao del Sur. At 9:00 a.m., the Mistress of Ceremonies (emcee), Ms. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis acknowledged the presence of the representatives of the different sectors of the Lanao, particularly the Local Government Units (LGU) and the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) ie Ranao Claims Against the Power Plants (RCAPP), Save Lake Lanao Movement (SALAM), who were also the stakeholders in the Lake Lanao. Other guests were the Provincial Environmental TWG Chair Pipalawan Naga, DENR-Region 10 and Media ie Marawi Cable. The secretariat at work The registration showed that the different Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDC) of the different municipalities of Lanao del Sur whether or not their municipality is located along the shore of the Lake Lanao (LL) came. These municipalities include Buadi Puso Buntong, Binidayan, Madamba, Lumbatan, Masiu, Mulondo, Ramain, Maguing, Lumbaca Unayan , Marogong and Tugaya . 11 mayors also came headed by no less than the President of the League of Municipal Mayors (LMM) of Lanao del Sur, and the Mayor of Taraka, Atty. Amenoddin Sumagayan. The mayors in attendance were Mayor Alimatar Guroalim of Tugaya, Mayor Bao Asum of Lumbayanague, the Mayor of Mulondo Hasim Abdul, Mayor Mohammad Abinal of Marantao, the Mayor of Buadi Puso Buntong Abdul Mojib Mariano, Mayor Lumna Kurangking of Sultan Domalondong, the Mayor of Saguiaran Rasmia Macabago, the Mayor of Lumba Bayabao Minda Dagalangit, former League of Mayors President Benjamin Bagul of Balindong. Also in attendance were the members of the academe, specifically the Mindanao State University (MSU) but the big bulk of the participants come from the CSOs such as Pilandok Radio Forum, Kalimudan Foundation, the farmers association from Tugaya, a cooperative from Marawi City , Saksi Radio Forum, Shakba Organization and other CSOs. Representatives of Secretary Lito Atienza, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PENRO and PDA also came. At 9:20 a.m. the emcee welcomed participants and gave a brief introduction of the LLPDP by citing the financial assistance extended by USAID Ecogov . She informed the participants that the pollution in the lake is serious and implored the local executives to environmental awareness and environmental program in their respective areas of jurisdiction. MSU’s King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies Aleem Amrollah Diambangan then led the invocation and Ms. Gutoc-Tomawis followed with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The President of the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC), Bae Omerah Dianalan-Lucman, delivered the Welcome Remarks. She first acknowledged the presence of Hon. Amenoddin Sumagayan, the President of the Mayors League of Lanao del Sur, and moved to the other mayors of the LDS present, Atty. Amenodin Macalandap, the Chief of Staff of Governor Mamintal Al. Adiong, Jr. representing the Governor, Dr. Medarda Naga of the MSU Office of Vice-Chancellor for Research, representing the MSU President, the Chair of the Board of Directors (BOD) of PMWC, Dr. Erlinda Ola-Casan, the MPDCs of the municipalities and participants representing the different CSOs of LDS. Bae Lucman gave and introduction of the PMWC which she said is an organization of Muslim Women all over Mindanao and Philippines . She emphasized the importance of the Lake to the Maranaos, saying that their name comes from the lake. She also related that on September 11, 2007 a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by USAID Ecogov and Gov. Adiong Jr. regarding the protection and development of the lake. She told the mayors that they will be asked to identify problems confronting the Lake and to tell these problems to the PMWC so that it could find ways to alleviate, if not completely eradicate, the problem. She then moved to discuss the importance of the lake saying that 70% of the electricity in Mindanao comes from the Lake . She reminded those in attendance that the Maranaos beginning from their ancestors to the present generation benefited from this Lake . That is why the women of PMWC took cudgel of the problem because just like the mothers in the family, they also have to carry the burden whenever there is a family problem. She then implored the mayors to take part in the proper management of the LL. They should take part in the National Government’s programs and projects on environment preservation. The PMWC she said is responsive to the universal call of the UN for the protection of the environment. The 18 mayors of the municipalities along the shore of the lake should therefore work together along with the PMWC in its project to protect and develop the Lake . She was glad that a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of LDS, Roosevelt Radiganding, the Committee Chair on Environment of the SP of LDS was present. She told the gathering that the result of the FGD would be submitted to USAID Ecogov which will then give the projects through the LGU to be implemented by the local executives. Atty. Amenoddin Macalandap, the Chief of Staff of Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr., receives the Governor’s plaque from PMWC Pres. Omerah Dianalan-Lucman Atty. Macalandap, the COS of Gov. Adiong, Jr. spoke of the Lake as not only as the representation of the cultural heritage of the Maranaos but a part of the life of every Maranao. The people derive benefits from it in various ways such as means of livelihood and meeting indispensable needs as water, transportation and electricity. However, rampant illegal logging around the LL Watershed and the advent of technology and modernization placed the lake in great danger. Illegal loggers go unpunished and no comprehensive reforestation is done. He gave a grim prognosis of the future where less than half a century later, the lake will dry up. Thus he commended the PMWC for taking the initiative to promote the protection and development of LL by hosting the FGD. Mayor Sumagayan, the Pres. of LMM, receives a certificate from PMWC Pres. Lucman & Sec. Lao Hon. Amenoddin Sumagayan, the Mayor of Taraka and President of League of Municipal Mayors of Lanao del Sur extended his congratulations to the women of PMWC, especially Dianalan-Lucman and Ola-Casan for uniting the good leaders and active organizations of Lanao to discuss and bring to reality the preservation and conservation of LL. He also gave credits to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the USAID-Ecogov for the support they have extended to the Muslim Women’s project. After a brief background on the LL, he related that in the meetings he attended in Metro Manila, such as that of the meeting of the League Presidents graced by Sec. Lito Atienza, he always reminded those in attendance the problem of the LL. Though the topic on said meeting was mining, he still raised the question and suggestion concerning the LL. In Lanao, he told them, there may not be a gold mine but the LL is an equally precious treasure. I implored the secretary to give attention to the lake. All over Mindanao , the lake is the main source of livelihood and electricity so a degradation of the lake will definitely affect not only the national government and many lives in the island. That is why there is a pressing need to address the problem. However, if the national government will not help, local efforts to protect and develop the lake would be futile. The source of electricity in Mindanao is the lake but the brownout around the lake is very frequent and the people of Lanao pay very exorbitant electricity bills. LL is the largest lake in Mindanao and it is the source of hydro-electric power generation in Mindanao . He said his municipality, the Municipality of Taraka is located along the shore of the LL, and its economic base is fishing and farming. The Taraka River supplies water to the lake which in turn is the main source of water both for agriculture and household purposes. He then pledged to help along with the mayors of LDS to reduce the risk of the environmental degradation of the lake. After Mayor Sumagayan’s speech, the municipal mayors in attendance stood up to express their pledge of support in the protection and development of the LL. First to do so was the mayor of Marantao, Hon. Abinal. Next was the Lady Mayor of Saguiaran, Hon. Noni Macabago who commended PMWC for protecting the Lanao Lanao. Next to follow was the Mayors of Mulondo, Tugaya who aside from his expressed support to the activities of the PMWC also thanked the USAID for its work on the lake, through the PMWC, Buadi Puso Buntong, Sultan Domalondong, Lumba Bayanbao who said her municipality is not located along the shore of the lake but the river in the same municipality supplies water to the lake, Taraka, explaining that many mayors would have come but other affairs are also held in the province and the barangay elections is also near and Madalum, saying the lake is the honor of the Maranaos. The mayors of Lanao del Sur pledging their support for the protection and development of their beloved lake Lanao as media covered the event Sanguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Radiaganding also expressed his full support, saying that if there is a need for legislation so that the LL may be improved the SP is very much ready to support the mayors of LL and the stakeholders of the project and program. The President of the League of MPDC and MPDC of Masiu, came next saying his municipality is a consistent supporter of the Lake preservation, and so the municipality committed its support to the PMWC for taking the initiative to protect the lake. The last to speak was the representative of the mayor of Lumbatan who explained the absence of the mayor because of some peace problem in the municipality and also expressed the municipality’s support for the program of the PMWC. The mechanics of the FGD was explained by PMWC Secretary Prof. Nabiha Noni Lao through a Powerpoint presentation. The mechanics of the FGD was then explained by Prof. Nabiha Noni Lao, the Lead Facilitator of the project. She explained that the FGD is just one of the components of the LLPDP. She gave a brief introduction of PMWC which was organized in July 2004 and registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2005. Its flagship project is the LLPDP. The rationale and objectives of the project were then explained to the participants reminding them that they are the stakeholders of the lake. The implementation of the project included the signages and the project output is a product of collaborative and effective partnership. That is the reason why the CSOs were invited. Everyone must work together. The participants would be clustered into three: the 1st cluster would be composed of the municipalities in the first district, the 2nd cluster, the municipalities in the second district, and the third cluster would comprise the CSOs. After the FGD, there would be a plenary where representatives from each cluster will present their output. A synthesis will then follow before the consensus building—the pledging of commitment of all stakeholders. The part of the program called Next Steps refers to the plans to be taken after which the program would be closed. The FGD participants were then clustered into three. Group 1 called themselves The Iranaon and had Prof. Noni Lao as the Chief Facilitator assisted by Dr. Pesigue Tomawis. Group 2, the Masiyap Group (the Guardian) was facilitated by Atty. Padoman Paporo and assisted by Hadji Rocaya M. Naga. Group 3, the Ranao Gems was facilitated by Dr. Dipunudun Maruhom assisted by Dr. Eufemia Q. Ala. The groups then reported their cluster discussion. After the cluster discussion the three groups reported their output following their number as the order of their presentation. Group 1 was the first to report, delivered by Mambuay, followed by Group 2, the Masiyap Group and Group 3, the Ranao Gems presented last. The Iranaon Group (Cluster 1, LGU from 1st District), presenting their report, assisted by the Cluster Facilitators, Dr. Pesigue Tomawis and Prof. Noni Lao Table 1. Cluster 1, The Iranaon Group Chief Facilitator: Prof. Nabihah Noni Lao Assistant Facilitator: Dr. Pesigue Tomawis Members: 1. Abdul Jabbar Musa 7. Abdul Mohaimen I. Solaiman 2. Mohammad Ali Limug 8. Bailyn Pinote-Gandamra 3. H. Abdul Rahman Maute 9. Johana L. Gandamra 4. Dimar M. Paniorotan 10. Parida B. Mangotara 5. Mangolamba Mitmug 11. Prof. Mariam Tocas 6. Johaira M. Macagaan FGD Focus Question for LGU Answers FQ1. What is the value of Lake Lanao to you? (to your area of Jurisdiction?) Domestic Usage Livelihood Identity Hydro FQ2. So far, what do you know as the major threats to the existence of LL? illegal fishing (dynamite etc.) even fingerlings are taken, poison to fishes improper waste disposal excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides illegal logging drainage outlets of the city are poured down to the lake unpredictable fluctuation of water level done by NAPOCOR Poor enforcement of DENR laws and other ordinances pertaining to natural resources absence of sustainable plans pertaining to the natural resources lack of holistic approach of concerned line agencies absence of effective legislative measures (LGU level) FQ3. What policies (in the form of national laws and local ordinances) have been formulated to protect and save LL from the threats that endanger its existence Plans only a. Phil-Canada (LGSP) LLAMA b. River Basin Committee Initiated a. DILG PD 871 (LL Watershed Management) Implemented Memo Order 421 (creation of Watershed Council) Special Order 984-TWG NP,PCCI,AFP,MSU, SALLAM, Mindanao Rural Coop, DENR On-going (to be initiated) a. Memo Order 421 b. Eco-Gov 2 Projects LGU: *no devolved functions regarding environment *only on waste management, reforestation *limited participation (provincial), in municipal leve, none at all FQ4. What more do you think are to be done to prevent LL from further damage? Stop illegal logging Reduce use of inorganic fertilizers Effective social legislation against use of chemical harmful to the water Planting of bamboos along the river banks particularly the four tributaries of Masiu, Gata, Bubong and Taraka River to prevent erosion and siltation Proper placement of solid waste materials Stop throwing of garbage in the lake FQ5. What plans have your LGUs formulated regarding development /management of LL? Formulation of local ordinance to prevent LL from damage to strictly enforce penalties fro the violations of existing local ordinance in the prevention of damages of LL Information drive Reforestation Fish conservation Program on forest and watershed conservation and management (both national and local ordinances) Educate inhabitants on conservation practices Conservation and protection of virgin forest Encourage the participation of the different LGU stakeholders FQ6. How do you think are the implementations of these plans hastened? School visits Caucus with the barangay Involvement of local officials in the implementation of ordinances Fund allocation for environment purposes LCE to issue Executive Order in the implementation of the plan To maintain the ecological balance Involvement of the people in the implementation of the Plan FQ7. How do you think should a cooperative ecological governance of the Lake’s Biodiversity by the LGU’s surrounding the Lake ? Same as Template 3 FQ8. What constraints can you identify that may hamper this cooperatively managing and protecting LL as a common natural resource of the Meranaos? Corruption Negligence of the proper authority Budget constraints of the LGU Less support from our local leaders lack of support from the national government Lack of interest among the people of the community FQ9. What agreements can we make to ensure the development of LL and its recognition as a world heritage in the future? MOA should be provided between the LGU and the DENR Validation of projects to ensure implementation Peace and order condition of the Province of Lanao del Sur and the City of Marawi FQ10. What contributions can our respective LGU’s commit to ensure the protection and development of LL can really be promoted? Active participation in watershed programs Create a task force to lobby for the LLDA Support the implementation of LLDA Bill Sustain on-going Radio Programs at Salam Radio, Marawi City about Environmental Awareness Trainings and seminars on Environmental Awareness Include in the ELA and CDB provisions on LL conservation The Ranao Gems (Cluster 3, CSOs) with their facilitators, Dr. Dipunudun Maruhom and Ms. Aliah Marabur, and PMWC VP Prof. Marlene H. Tamano Table 3. Cluster 3, The Ranao Gems Chief Facilitator: Dr. Dipunudun Maruhom Assistant Facilitator: Ms. Aliah Marabur Members: 1. Hosnia M. Sundad 8. Ali Deta Ampuan 2. Saleema L. Bula 9. Azis M. Aguam 3. Princess Sittie Nabihah Sarip 10. Shaifon D. Abdulmanan 4. Mangacop Gubat 11. Nasser Disimban 5. Abdulnasser Adiong 12. Rogier Klever 6. H. Mohammad Aruba 13. Mahida S. Azis 7. Solaiman M. Casan FGD Focus Question for CSOs (4 NGOs, Ulamas, Traditional Leaders) Answers FQ1. What is the major importance of LL to you? Cultural Identity Religious—for cleansing and ablution Social: a. mobilization and transportation b. venue of cultural presentation, games and amusement Economic climactic balance FQ2. How do you asses the condition of the Lake today? FQ3. What factors do you see as contributing to its current condition? 1. dry up/volcanic origin—either high tide/low tide, the land that surrounds the water still affects it 2. Rights of the Ranao people on power and water supply such as their rights against NPC 3. Pesticides, excessive/overuse of chemicals on Lanao, thus Azula (fertilizer) is discouraged 4. Peace and order 5. Water fluctuation destroy fishing and farming 6. Graft and corruption as well as lack of good governance 7. sanitation and human waste FQ4. What initiatives have been done by you to prevent further destructions or damage to the health of LL? Laws (National and Regional), DENR Sabet Ranao SALLAM ARCAPP Tagotao Kalimudan Religious injunctions Government summit, MSU, LGU fruits and tree planting FQ5. What constraints/ problems do you meet in furthering your initiatives? FQ6. Who do you think are the major actors to save and protect LL? RCAPP NGOs Kalimudan SALLAM Government Farmers Fisheries Youth Women Media Traditional Leaders FQ7. What policies do you know (local and national) have been formulated to protect and conserve the Lake ? FQ8. What factors can you identify that made/prevent these policies from being implemented? Graft and corruption Ignorance of the job Political will Personal interest Peace and order Poor information Skepticism FQ9. What major steps should be done by your sector to promote The protection and conservation of LL? The recognition of LL as world heritage? A. 1. Implement honestly 2. Full participation of CSOs in the implementation, planning, monitoring, supervision 3. Initiation by individuals and collective project that contribute in the protection and conservation of LL B. 1. Advocate the recognition of LL as world heritage FQ10. What other suggestions can you give to mitigate the threats to LL’s Biodiversity? Full enforcement of the law Full support on ARCAPP and SALLAM Acculturation of endemic fishes Recognition of Lake Balabak of Tugaya
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 22:08:59 +0000
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