DAVAO CITY — Two Mindanao lawmakers have filed a resolution before the House of Representatives urging the Department of Energy (DoE) to immediately implement the proposed Leyte-Mindanao interconnection project to address the power supply situation in Mindanao.

Abante Mindanao Partylist Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. and Cagayan de Oro City First District Rep. Jose Benjamin Abrio Benaldo made the move recalling the statements made by DoE Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras that the “Aquino administration is committed to find solutions to resolve the various power issues that currently confront Mindanao, particularly the power supply deficiencies it experiences.”

One solution proposed is to complete the interconnection loop between the Visayas and Mindanao called the Leyte-Mindanao Interconnection Project (LMIP) by addressing the DoE, National Power Corporation, Transco, with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the implementing body of the project.

“Initially, the LMIP will only allow a one-way dispatch of surplus load to Mindanao from the surplus output of Visayas which will ease the ongoing power problems of the region,” they said in the resolution. (Nef Luczon)

FARMERS GET SHREDDERS

COTABATO CITY — The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) has distributed at least 61 shredder machines to the farmer associations in Maguindanao, the DA-ARMM regional office here said.

The Maguindanao farmer beneficiaries received their shredder machines during a simple ceremony held at the DAF-ARMM compound on Wednesday.

Roberto Mabuti, Bureau of Soils and Water Management –Manila coordinator for ARMM, Maguindanao Gov. Ismail Mangudadatu, Project Development Specialist Bai Monera Makarungon, South Upi Mayor Abdullah Campong, Maguindanao farmer associations, and DA officials were present during the turnover ceremonies.

Salik Panalunsong, DAF-ARMM field operations officer, said the shredder machines are part of the program thrusts of DA National Secretary Proceso Alcala and in relation to the Organic Fertilizer Act 1063 which affirms the production of organic fertilizer to increase production. DAF-ARMM is pushing for organic farming because it is environment-friendly and less expensive," according to Panalunsong. (Nonoy E. Lacson)

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR TEACHERS’ HOUSING

DAVAO CITY — The government needs at least P35 million to develop a property where it could build a village for public school employees sold at socialized cost, the Department of Education (DepEd) in this region disclosed Friday.

Susana Teresa B. Estigoy, DepEd XI regional director, said they are currently looking for the source of fund, as well as tapping private developers who could sell their real properties located in better areas in Davao City. “While we are looking for other funds, we are looking for other developers in another area in district three,” Estigoy said.

The project was initiated during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when DepEd signed a memorandum of understanding between the city government and the housing sector to provide houses to unfortunate teachers. The project is aimed to be replicated nationwide to benefit teachers throughout the country. (Mick M. Basa)