Lanao del Sur – The 6th Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting for the European Union – UNICEF co-funded project, “Building Community Resilience and Delivery of Essential Services for Post-Conflict Recovery in Lanao del Sur/Marawi,” was held yesterday at the Social Hall. The meeting, presided over by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Shaminoden A. Sambitory, focused on assessing the progress of key initiatives in health, education, child protection, and disaster preparedness.
Health Sector Reports Significant Gains
Provincial health officials, including Dr. Princess Sacar, Provincial Health Officer, and Dr. Amera-Maliha M. Ati from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), presented notable improvements in maternal and child health. Immunization coverage for one-year-old children has risen, and there has been an increase in pregnant and lactating mothers receiving vital antenatal and postnatal consultations. To bolster healthcare services, medical supplies and essential medicines have been distributed to rural health units (RHUs) and other healthcare providers.
Advancements in Early Childhood Education
UNICEF’s Gina A. Soriano reported on the institutionalization of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in Lanao del Sur. Committees have been established in Marawi and several municipalities, while Child Development Workers and educators have undergone specialized training to enhance early childhood education. Strategic planning and teacher training programs have been reinforced to ensure the efficient delivery of educational services.
Strengthening Child Protection Efforts
UNICEF’s Sitti Vilma Quin, Assistant Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Monaima Adiong, and Ranaw Youth Development Officer Jamil Faisal Saro Adiong provided updates on child protection initiatives. Muslim religious leaders have been actively engaged through training sessions that equip them to deliver child protection sermons and facilitate community dialogues. The launch of the U-Report platform stands as a major achievement, enabling adolescents to participate in discussions on child rights and protection. Jamil Faisal Saro Adiong has been instrumental in spearheading youth-led dialogues on these critical issues.
Enhancing Disaster Preparedness and Governance
Updates on disaster preparedness and child-friendly governance were provided by UNICEF’s Sittie Rajabia S. Monato, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Officer IV Robroy Adil Macarambon, and MILG-LDS representative Asnahayra A. Batabor. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has strengthened emergency response capabilities through specialized training programs. Additionally, over 100 local government stakeholders have participated in workshops aimed at improving child-friendly governance and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Commitment to Sustainable Recovery and Resilience
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of grassroots coordination. Strengthening collaboration among local government units, community leaders, and implementing partners was identified as crucial to ensuring that recovery efforts remain responsive to the needs of affected populations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these efforts, fostering resilience, and enhancing essential services for children, adolescents, and families in Lanao del Sur. The project continues to make strides in post-conflict recovery, providing hope and stability to communities in the region.
