|
Office of the Governor, Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province Tel. Nos. (062) 200-3414 Fax Nos. (062) 200-3427 Click here to send us email |
TELECOMMUNICATION
The Provincial Telephone System (PTS), as an economic enterprise of the Province has continuously envisioned to upgrade and expand its operation considering among the others that telecommunication is a vital requirement for Nation Building.
In 2001, PTS thru its contractor/ suppliers has acquired and installed new digital telecommunication equipment in Lamitan Exchange replacing the old and out modeled analoque switch thereat. Local calls are now enjoyed by the Lamitan sunscribers. Like wise in the same year Fiber Optics cable was acquired and cable underground lying has initially been implemented. This will interconnect Lamitan Exchange with the Isabela Exchange. While project implementation is on going, PTS Management is hopeful that towards the end of year 2002, Lamitan and Isabela City subscribers shall be able to communicate with each other through the System's landlines.
For its more expansion programs, PTS Technical staff has prepared project proposals to be incorporated with the Provincial Budget. The proposals involved a P25M Capital outlay for the Maluso Exchange, P25M rehabilitation and expansion of the Isabela Exchange and P16M for Lamitan outside plant facilities. These is effect when funded shall provide linkages to at least 6,000 subscribers in the above-mentioned municipalities and to the world.
To improve the system's products and services and may become at par with other telecommunication companies in the country, management has requested its business partner, PLDT to activate other services such as the Touch Card System, Phone Card System, E-Mail, Internet Access and other programs These services shall be in placed in due time once financial requirement from the Provincial Government shall have been attained.
More to be seen than said, PTS shall keep moving forward to its maximum level with the full attention of the Provincial Government under the able leadership of the Province's Chief Executive- The HONORABLE GOVERNOR USTADZ WAHAB M. AKBAR.
The economic crisis and financial difficulties of the year 2001, encountered and experienced by the Provincial Government had doubled the efforts of the Local Finance Committee in tightening the belt on the expenditures and marshaled financial resources from the National Government and other entities to sustain administrative expenditures. The Provincial Government on the one hand, maintained peace and order in the province and pursued the implementation of badly needed vertical and horizontal infrastructure projects on the other hand.
Nevertheless, The Provincial Government had overcome the mounted obstacles of the year 2001 and ably paid various outstanding statutory obligations of the province and improved the capability building in terms of equipment and facilities needed to expand delivery of basic goods and services to the constituents.
The peace and order condition in the province of Basilan that is known to be the most volatile the entire Western Mindanao posed a threat in the development effort of the Provincial Government. This is due to the rampant and continuing rebellion of the MILF and the criminal activities of the ASG as well as the feudal conflicts existing in the province. Because of those threats, projects are likely to be abandoned, postponed, realigned and entail more cost.
Despite all these, the Provincial Government had done enough to bring the basic infrastructures to the people.
THE PROVINCIAL HOSTEL
In
its bid to boost tourism prospects in the province of Basilan, GOVERNOR
WAHAB M. AKBAR has embarked on a 2.8 M Pesos project, which saw the
completion of a brand new hostel in the City of Isabela, particularly
at the Provincial Engineer's Office compound.
The hostel, which was funded by the Philippine Tourism Authority, with the then PTA Manager Lito Banayo, boast of six Municipalities of Basilan and the lobby was named Isabela lounge.
It can also offer visitors an aesthetic view of the Isabela channel, as well as the colorful vintas of Badjao fishermen who live close by the Malamawi Island.
A natural backdrop for still photographers as well as video enthusiasts, the Hostel is in a perfect site for all these breathtaking adventures.
Built in September 2000, the Hostel appropriately completed last April 2002, and was inaugurated by no less than ARRM GOVERNOR PAROUK HUSSEIN, during the 28th Anniversary of the province last March 7, and was made functional since then.
Tourism Officer Hajija Carama said that each room would cost visitors affordable penny per day, and rest assured their stay in Basilan will be best remembered during their stint at the Hostel.
AGRICULTURE
One major thrust of the present administration is to ensure the food security of its constituents. Hence, financial and material resources are utilized by the Provincial Government to meet this end. This goes hand in hand as the office is implementing the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA), a national design program for agricultural development.
RICE
The province has a very limited area that is devoted to rice production. The total area planted to lowland rice was 1,332 hectares of which 892 hectares was harvested during the year giving a total production of 2,343 metric tons. Upland rice production was not properly monitored due to some constraints experienced by the Municipal agricultural Technicians. To increase production must be developed to include the construction of irrigation system. It was found out that big tracks of land were just left uncultivated.
CORN
CORN PRODUCTION IN THE PROVINCE HAD IMPROVED A BIT DURING THE YEAR. The total land area planted to corn was 1,471 of which 1,129 hectares was harvested during the year. The production reported was 1,702 metric tons or an average production of 1.5 metric tons per hectares. This shows an increase of production per hectares by 0.6 metric tons compared to the production of the previous year.
HIGH VALUE CROPS
Activities of the technologist in the province were focused on the production and distribution of quality planting materials. In support to the existing nurseries, plastic bags were distributed to the different municipalities.
Demo Farm shows window the better way of increasing production per unit area also started to be established during the year and hope to be completed this year. These Demo Farms were strategically located/established to be able to serve as many small plantation landholders as possible. Establishment of Demo Farms follows the counter-planting scheme between the Department of Agriculture, Municipal Government and the farmer- Operators.
SUPPORT
SERVICES
Production support services were extended to the target clienteles.
These include the distribution of Certified Seeds to the rice and corn
farmers, free use of the standard tractors for land preparation, provision
of machineries, construction of multi-purpose drying pavements and the
construction/rehabilitation of farm to Market roads.
Transfer of appropriate technologies were also conducted during the
year. Technicians undergo the season long Trainers Training on the particular
crops they have to specialized, such as; rice production, corn production
and selected high value crops. Farmers Field School, a season long training
for farmers were also facilitated to upgrade the technological know
how of our farmers.
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AGRICULTURE
Farm to market roads through Memorandum of Agreement with Department of Agriculture were completed to ensure that produce of the farmers would reach the intended consumers on this. The project costs P5,486,938.00.
In like manner, the Provincial Government successfully implemented Communal Irrigation System in Progressive rice field in Lamitan and Lantawan Municipality through MOA with National Irrigation Administration. The project costs P3,265,528.00.
EQUIPMENT
Farm tractor were purchased by the Provincial Government in the amount of P1,650 M each, Kubuta machine, and other farm implements were acquired and distributed to qualified beneficiaries. The new agriculture heavy equipment exemplify the Provincial Government effort improving the agricultural and farm equipment and facilities thereby increasing the agricultural productivity output and ultimately ensuring food security for the people of Basilan.
ECONOMIC ENTERPISES
COOPERATIVE
In 1998, upon the assumption of GOVERNOR WAHAB M. AKBAR, the Provincial Cooperative Office, thru his able leadership had implemented various Livelihood Program for the Cooperative sectors in the entire Province of Basilan. Several activities such as conducting seminar/workshop for newly created Cooperative and Associations, in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment.
The Cooperative Sectors in this province mainly consist of fisherfolks, farmers and small-scale business and industries, from the seven (7) Municipalities of Isabela, Lamitan, Maluso, Sumisip, Lantawan, Tipo-Tipo and Tuburan.
In 2000, under the Administration of former President Joseph E. Estrada, various Livelihood Program Assistance was granted to qualified Cooperative. The funds were taken from the Administration's program ERAP Para Sa Masa/ ERAP Para Sa Mahirap, in line with government,s aim to alleviate poverty in the country.
At the height of the political crisis, which affected the country in 2001, the PCO has only minimal activities considering the availability of funds and resources. Due to this, the granting of Loan Assistance is now under the discretion of the Governor.
Meanwhile, the PCO is continuing its tasks to monitor Cooperative that were granted Loan Assistance by the Provincial Government. It also refers qualified Cooperative to other Financing Institutions public and private, as an alternative for Livelihood Loan Assistance while a Provincial Government in the meantime has limited source of funds but is searching for possible solution, thru the initiative of Governor Wahab M. Akbar.
FINANCIAL LOAN ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO COOPERATIVES IN 1999
| COOPERATIVE |
CONTACT
PERSON |
NO.
OF MEMBERS |
AMOUNT |
|
ISABELA
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
|
Isabelan
Prof. Drivers Association
|
Manjilul
Jalilul |
248 |
P
250,000.00 |
|
Kasambuhan
Sidewalk Vendors Association
|
Sawad
Jaan |
132 |
100,000.00 |
|
LAMITAN
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
|
Lamitan
Fish Vendors Association |
Paraja
Amalia |
75 |
150,000.00 |
|
Lamitan
Sidewalk Vendors Association
|
Totoh
Buana |
145 |
100,000.00 |
|
Kulaybato
Fresh Fish Vendors Association |
Baser
Abbas |
85 |
100,000.00 |
|
MALUSO
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
|
Maluso
Fish Vendors Association |
Butan
Butlangna |
118 |
100,000.00 |
|
North
& South Gaunan Vendors Association |
Iman
Tahairia Albani |
205 |
100,000.00 |
|
Maluso
Tricycle Drivers Association |
Isaac
Daris |
105 |
100,000.00 |
IN
THE YEAR 2000
| COOPERATIVE | CONTACT PERSON | NO. OF MEMBERS | AMOUNT |
|
ISABELA
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Muslim Prof. Drivers Association | Hj. Tahil Salahuddin | 164 | P 250,000.00 |
| ISAPTDOMPCO | Ismon Tashoon | 180 | 150,000.00 |
| Baluno Women’s Association | Wilfreda
Soreno |
120 | 100,000.00 |
| Kaumpurnah Sikad-Sikad Association | Munib Mariano | 82 | 100,000.00 |
| Timpal Sikad-Sikad Association | Tahil Sumagpih | 88 | 100,000.00 |
| BAPECCO | Mujiv Hataman | 65 | 150,000.00 |
|
LAMITAN
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| ARCO Farmers Coop. | Francisco, Jr. | 233 | 200,000.00 |
| Lamitan Tricycle Drivers Association | Romulo Sailabi | 182 | 150,000.00 |
| Oval Sidewalk Vendors Association | Corazon Ramos | 135 | 100,000.00 |
| Lamitan National High School Association | Samuel Agang | 110 | 100,000.00 |
|
MALUSO
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Maluso Sidewalk Vendors Association | Sabtoria Abao | 802 | 100,000.00 |
| Maluso Sikad-Sikad Association | Jamil Astang | 120 | 100,000.00 |
| Maluso Farmers Association | Datu Bungsi Muralon | 280 | 100,000.00 |
| Women Vendors Association | Sarah Ampuan | 270 | 100,000.00 |
| Calang Kapisanhan Association | Yusop Tawakkal | 85 | 100,000.00 |
| Suara Kasilasa Association | Isausadja Salikala | 83 | 100,000.00 |
| Tausan Fishing Association | Hadja Absara | 87 | 100,000.00 |
|
LANTAWAN
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Copra Dealers Association | Hadji Jain Totoh | 62 | 500,000.00 |
| Lubukan Bangsa Moro Association | Suaib Ascali | 57 | 150,000.00 |
|
SUMISIP
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| HTS Copra Trading, Inc. | Harisul T. Samanul | 70 |
150,000.00 |
| Lanawan Fishing Association | Hadji Marjuk | 45 | 100,000.00 |
| Cabengbeng Farmers Cooperative | Hadji Juhur | 75 | 100,000.00 |
| Upper Cabengbeng Copra Association | Cadir Ganiyun | 20 | 75,000.00 |
|
TIPO-TIPO
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| MUSARBECCO | Joel Mauran | 280 | 250,000.00 |
IN
THE YEAR 2001
| COOPERATIVE | CONTACT PERSON | NO. OF MEMBERS | AMOUNT |
|
ISABELA
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Isabela Busay-Begang Tricycle Drivers Association | Jesus Martin | 98 | P 100,000.00 |
| Isabela Fresh Fish Vendors Association | Rugasan Akbar | 182 | 300,000.00 |
|
LAMITAN
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Matatasg Sidewalk Vendors Association | Sahibil Makarram | 97 | 100,000.00 |
| Lamitan Pedicab Association | Roger Macansantos | |
150,000.00 |
|
MALUSO
MUNICIPALITY |
|||
| Samal Village Dried Fish Association | Munda Asdang | 127 | 100,000.00 |
| Tamuk Fishing Association | Salanuddin Laja | 75 | 100,000.00 |
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Provincial Government used to maintain a total of 244.50 km. provincial road. With the conversion however of 64,66 km. of provincial road to national road, only 179.84 km is left under its responsibility to improve and maintain to make it accessible under all weather conditions. They are categorized as major and minor lateral road sections described in detail in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1. PROVINCIAL ROAD SECTIONS BY MUNICIPALITY
| ROAD
NO. |
ROAD
NAME |
TOTAL
LENGTH |
SUB
TOTAL |
REMARKS |
|
|
Lamitan
Municipality |
|
|
|
|
1.02 |
Mahebbal-Tablas |
1.450
kms |
1.450
kms |
Major
Lateral Road |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sumisip
Municipality |
|
|
|
|
1.03 |
Tumahubong-Tikes |
11.70
kms |
|
Minor
Lateral Road |
|
1.05 |
Tumahubong-Ettub
2x |
5.00
kms |
|
-do- |
|
1.06 |
Manikaan-Ettub
2x |
8.00
kms |
|
-do- |
|
1.07 |
Tumahubung-Canas |
15.90
kms |
|
-do- |
|
2.06 |
Manaul-Langarey |
4.00
kms |
|
-do- |
|
2.07 |
Bakung-Buli
2x |
2.20
kms |
|
-do- |
|
2.08 |
Guiong-Alipaya |
7.50
kms |
|
-do- |
|
2.09 |
Mumpol-Limbubong |
2.50kms |
56.800
kms |
-do- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuburan
Municipality |
|
|
|
|
1.02 |
Tablas-Tuburan |
15.200
kms |
|
Major
Lateral Road |