Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues his visit around Mindanao to attend to the needs of the farmers and fisherfolks who were affected by the El Niño.

Today, May 16, 2024, President Marcos Jr. went to Northern Mindanao to distribute financial aids in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City.

The chief executive handed PhP10.54 million over to Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao; PhP13.92 million to Lanao del Norte Vice Governor Allan Lim; and PhP24.36 million to Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal.

In his speech, President Marcos said the government will visit all parts of Mindanao and the whole country to ensure that aid will reach all including those in the remotest areas.

In his visit to Cagayan de Oro City, he also handed over PhP10 million each to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo; and PhP50 million each to Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M. Unabia and Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque.

The President said that he is fully aware of the hardship that the farmers and fisherfolks are experiencing due to the El Niño.

“Nais ko ring ipabahagi sa inyo [ang] mga hakbang na ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan upang mapabilis ang pag-unlad dito sa inyong rehiyon. Alam ko pong doble kayod ngayon ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda dito sa inyong lugar sa kabila ng epekto [na] dulot ng El Niño,” President Marcos said.

“Sa abot ng aming makakaya, gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat upang matiyak na ang kinakailangang suporta at tulong ay agad na maipaparating sa bawat apektadong pamilya, magsasaka, at mangingisda,” he added.

Last week, the President visited Zamboanga Peninsula and SOCCSKSARGEN areas.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno assisted the President in all his visits in Eastern Mindanao together with Special Assistant to the President Ernesto Antonio Lagdameo Jr., DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, DA Sec. Francisco Laurel Jr., and PCO Sec. Cheloy Garafil.

Photos courtesy of PCO

BRINGING MALACAÑANG CLOSER TO MINDANAO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Mindanao for 2 days to distribute aids to the affected sectors following the El Niño that hit the entire country.

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, President Marcos delivered a total of P60 million in financial assistance and various government services to farmers and fisherfolks affected by the of El Niño phenomenon in Zamboanga Peninsula.

P10M of which was given to the City Government of Zamboanga while P14.26 million went to Zamboanga del Norte, P14.35 million to Zamboanga del Sur, and P20.3 million to Zamboanga Sibugay.

The President also turned over P80.9 million check to Camp Navarro General Hospital for the procurement of equipment for the hospital’s operating room, diagnostics, ward, physical therapy, and others.

On May 10, 2024, Friday, the President visited Sultan Kudarat where he led the distribution of cash assistance worth P10,000 each to 30 beneficiaries from Region 12.

President Marcos Jr. also gave P10 million to the City Government of General Santos, P50 million to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and P50 million to the Provincial Government of Sarangani.

In his speech President Marcos said Sultan Kudarat is a living testament to how unity works in a community.

“Kayo ang buhay na pruweba na puwedeng mamuhay nang matiwasay ang mga mamamayan na iba’t iba ang relihiyon o sari-sari ang rehiyong pinagmulan. Ang resulta nito ay hindi lang mapayapang lipunan, ngunit isang maunlad na ekonomiya,” President Marcos Jr. said.

The President assured the residents and the local government units that the Marcos administration will exhaust all options to alleviate people's sufferings caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

"Hangad po namin na mabigyan kayong lahat ng maayos na buhay kaya naman po ay nagsisikap kami na bigyan ng pansin ang pangangailangan ng bawat probinsiya at bayan sa buong bansa," he said.

The chief executive also assured the government will work tirelessly to ensure the needed support and resources are available to those affected by the drought brought about by El Niño.

Also present during the events are Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno, Special Assistant to the President Ernesto Antonio Lagdameo Jr., DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, DA Sec. Franscisco Laurel Jr., DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos Jr., PCO Sec. Cheloy Garafil and TESDA Sec. Suharto Mangundadatu.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno gave emphasis to the role of the private sector in boosting the agricultural sector of the country.

On Monday, May 6, 2024, during the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks’ month of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11, Magno said that the success of the agricultural sector will not be realized without the help of the private sector.

Magno gave due recognition to the farmers and fisherfolks for providing food for the entire Philippines.

“I’d like to build a strong partnership with the private sectors and through your leaders. Let us talk, find a common ground to address your needs,” he said.

Magno said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kept on repeating that the agriculture sector of the country will play a big role to the country's economy.

“I hope that today will be the start of our partnership. Let us have a meeting and let me know how can I help you. Tell me your concerns,” he said.

This month, DA 11 prepares various activities for the farmers and fisherfolks to recognize their hardwork and contribution to the agricultural sector of the country. (OPAMINE)

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno met with newly-installed Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Director PBGen. Aligre Martinez on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Martinez replaced PBGen Alden Delvo who retired last week.

PBBM visit former war zone in Cotabato

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally led the inauguration of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage II (MMIP II) in Pikit, Cotabato on Monday, April 29, 2024.

The move is part of the Marcos administration’s legacy in turning the province from a former warzone to an economic hub as envisioned under “Bagong Pilipinas.”

In his speech, President Marcos said the MMIP II will not only supply water to the farmlands in Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces, but will also nourish peace and democracy the administration is pushing in conflict areas.

“With this irrigation project, the land will become a fertile field of grain. It will bring many bountiful harvests, nourish many families and ensure their children will get their fair share of progress. It will put food on their plates, so that people may share their blessings at the table of peace,” President Marcos said.

“This irrigation would water not only the crops that we supply, but the peace that we want to take root in this land. Because peace and freedom must be tended and watered as well. Only then we can be assured that it will flourish and bear fruit for all,” he added.

President Marcos said the MMIP II is not only an agricultural project but also “a major infrastructure for peace and development.”

The irrigation project is expected to supply water to over 10,000 hectares of farmland in Pikit and Aleosan in Cotabato Province and Pagalungan and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao, which is twice the size the city of Manila.

More than 4,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the project, including former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) combatants, making their harvest abundant amid the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.

Apart from improving the lives of the farmers, the project is also instrumental in convincing the beneficiaries to stop the war and make it the peace zone area, a legacy in transforming this warzone into an economic zone.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos thanked the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the local government units (LGUs) and the stakeholders who helped in the realization of the project.

The chief executive also reminded the residents to take care of the “people-owned infrastructure” so that it will remain useful for the next generation.

President Marcos Jr. was welcomed by North Cotabato Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza, Rep. Samantha Taliño Santos, and National Irrigation Authority Administrator Eduardo Guillen.

Also present were Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo and DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos Jr. along with other national and local officials.

Assisting the President in his visit to the area was Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno who lauded the administration’s prioritization of former war-torn areas in their development programs. (With PND)

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno met with the farmers from Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur on April 12, 2024.

The farmers sought the audience of Sec. Magno to air out their concerns regarding the ongoing land dispute problem in their area.

Sec. Magno told the farmers that he will bring their concerns to the Office of the President.

He further said that he will look into the merits of the issue and let the proper agency decide on the matter. (OPAMINE)

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno welcomes the arrival of BRP Ladislao Diwa to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, NFEM formally assumed operational control of BRP Ladislao Diwa.

Magno said that BRP Ladislao Diwa is a blessing to NFEM to further boost the moral of their forces.

He thanked the leadership of the Philippine Navy for bringing BRP Ladislao Diwa in Eastern Mindanao.

Magno who is also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Developments and Security (CORDS) said that he is welcoming any form of cooperation with the NFEM.

"Security forces are very close to my heart. They are sacrificing their lives to keep us all safe," he said.

Sec. Magno was joined by NFEM Commander Commodore Alfonspin Tumanda Jr. and Eastern Mindanao Command Acting Commander BGen Consolito Yecla.

BRP Ladislao Diwa's capabilities are centered around conducting extensive maritime patrols, performing surface engagements with its naval guns, and executing search and rescue operations.

Our deepest condolences.

Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Allan Hambala denied having been ordered by Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno to pull out his troops in the Davao del Norte Sports Complex.

The rumored pull out surfaced hours before the start of the scheduled prayer rally event at the provincial sports complex tonight, April 14.

In a phone interview, MGen. Hambala said that it was his decision to reposition his troops to the second and third layer of security plan and not upon the order or request of Sec. Magno as rumored.

MGen. Hambala said his men are not supposed be in the immediate vicinity of the rally as it is the police who are mandated to implement crowd control at the same time secure the attendees.

He said it was his decision to reposition his men upon inspection of the area earlier today.

MGen. Hambala rued how fake news is being peddled no less by some known personalities.

The general said he also had a conversation with Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib explaining why he came up with the decision to reposition the troops.

Photo from 10th Infantry Division

⁨𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐏. 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧

The Office of the President (OP) issued an order preventively suspending Gov. Edwin Jubahib (Gov. Jubahib) for a period of sixty (60) days. The OP made a thorough assessment of the administrative complaint filed by Board Member Orly Amit (BM Amit) against Gov. Jubahib. The OP found that the complaint sufficiently alleged grave abuse of authority and oppression on the part of Gov. Jubahib in connection with the recall of BM Amit’s service vehicle without legal basis.

The issuance of the preventive suspension did not violate Gov. Jubahib’s right to due process. Firstly, this office ordered the respondent’s suspension to prevent any undue interference in the conduct of the investigation. And, secondly, the preventive suspension of Gov. Jubahib was ordered only after the issues were joined in accordance with Section 63 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160 and Sections 1 and 4, Rule 6 of Administrative Order No. 23 series of 1992.

The OP remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in all administrative proceedings.⁩

May the blessings of Ramadan fill your heart with joy, your home with peace, and your life with endless blessings.

Eid Mubarak to all our brothers and sisters in the Islamic faith.

SEC. LEO TERESO MAGNO

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, together with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno, conducted an onsite inspection on resorts located at the foot of Mt. Apo.

They were accompanied by DENR Usec. Joselin Marcus Fragada and Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Salvador.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, DENR acted on reports that some resorts in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur have been operating without complete permits from the government agency.

Yulo-Loyzaga told Monteferio Garden Resort and Twin Mountain View Resort to complete their permits for them to continue their operations.

"They will be given a certain period to comply with the necessary permits," she said.

She said that it is not the DENR's intention to close down resorts and other establishments operating without permit, however, she asked for the cooperation of the business owners.

"We want to find a common ground, we are not only protecting the environment but the people who are working on these establishments as well," she added.

Dela Rosa, who was born and raised in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, explained that it is important that the government and the society finds a common ground to continue the livelihood of the people in Kapatagan.

"Since I grew up here, I took it with me to look into the matter. The law may be harsh but it is still the law, we still need to find a common ground to protect not only the environment but the people as well," he said.

Meanwhile, Magno was thankful for Sec. Yulo-Loyzaga for coming to Davao Region and explaining to the people how to comply with the necessary environmental permits.

"It only shows that they care not only for the environment but also to the people living here. They did not immediately close the establishments and gave ample time so that they can comply with the permits," he said.

Of the total 96 business establishments operating in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur only 2 have complied with their DENR permits. The two are power generating companies and not resorts. (OPAMINE)