Bangun Ra'ayat expands to other Tawi Tawi towns

By: Bernir Concepcion  Zamboanga City, Philippines - The  Tawi-Tawi-based newly recognized Non-government organization has organized its various local chapters  in the different towns of the island province in order to further expand its membership to be able to better serve its constituents and spread its principles of unity and peace. Bangun Raa'yat, Inc Sec. Gen Sonardy Jayari said the organization, which was formed recently has set up its  municipal chapters in the towns of Mapun, Turtle Island, Tandubas, Sapa-Sapa, Simunul, Sibutu, Sitangkai, Languyan, Panglima Sugala, and the capital town of Bongao. "There is a need for us to expand our area of coverage in order we could deliver our services and spread to the different islands our advocacy, said Jayari. Supported by other pioneering members, Jayari said the organization would be embarking on various programs and projects envisioned in our constitution and by-laws which we wanted to attain in the next few months. This pledging NGO has  the following objectives;  To support the government and non-government programs on peace and development efforts: To be responsible and productive citizens in the community;  To promote human dignity and social justice in the community; To advocate and promote preservation and respect for human right;. To promote social awareness among the members and the constituents in the community; To coordinate with the different government agencies, on matters that will enhance the morale and welfare of the constituents; To assist and engage on livelihood programs and projects to help alleviate the living condition of the people;. To secure assistance/aid from various government and non-government institutions both local and foreign entities for the benefit of the community; and To initiate and conduct other legitimate activities as necessary. Each town had started to form its own chapter and enlisted new members after undergoing the basic screening and orientation workshops, Oath-taking rites will be officially administered by the provincial chapter which will be scheduled later. Some hundred of members are already bonafide members of the NGO representing the cross-section of the communities of the island province, particularly in the town of  South Ubian. Considering the distance of every municipality and  geographical setting of the island province, it is imperative and practical for the individual chapter to exist, said the official. "As much as possible , we wanted to reach all sectors in order to involve everyone in our advocacy," he said. He added that Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu and Basilan will soon have their separate chapters and will be appropriately recognized. Bangun Ra'ayat was given a tremendous boost following its official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) just recently.(faber_concepcion2004@yahoo.com)