MALAYBALAY CITY, Philippines – The Sugar Workers’ Livelihood Center (SWLC) is set to rise in this progressive agricultural city of Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao, it was learned Monday.

This developed after the provincial government of Bukidnon and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) entered into an agreement with the captains of the sugar industry to put up a SWLC in the province, purposely to respond to the sugar workers’ concerns.

The setting up of SWLC will also address the problems of sugarcane workers during the “off season” when there is no work in plantations and mills, it was also learned. More than 500 sq.m. of lot has been offered by the provincial government of Bukidnon for the project. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Caraga in Mourning

BUTUAN CITY – Leaders in the Caraga region, particularly Butuanons, mourned the death of former Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza ll, who served as chief executive of this region’s frontier and capital city for 15 years.

Fondly called by his constituents, “Mayor Boy Daku” passed away at 5:59 p.m. Friday in the intensive care unit of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig, Metro Manila.

Plaza died after undergoing a successful kidney transplant last Oct. 26 in the hospital and was apparently on his way to recovery. Plaza's close family and doctors at St. Luke’s have yet to issue an official medical statement about the cause of his death. Plaza’s remains lie at Arlington Funeral Home in Magallanes, Makati City.

Announcement for the transfers of the remains of the late former mayor to Butuan City and burial has yet to be made by the family. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Bid to Boost Cooperatives

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – In a bid to further strengthen the local cooperatives, the Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO) conducted a Direction Setting Workshop participated by representatives from the 14 cooperatives comprising the Lanao del Norte Food Processors Association (LANOFPA). “We need to strengthen the food processors’ federation for them to gain better access to government assistance,” PCO Head Rod Gamit said.

During the workshop, the participants were taught the strength indicators of an organization which includes membership, financial stability and sound organizational structure. The LANORFPA is a regular participant in food expos and tourism conventions to give their products more exposure in the regional and national market. (Nef Luczon)

Study Urged on Indian Vestiges

MARAW CITY – Dr. Nagasura T. Madale, former Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of the Mindanao State University, and a cultural anthropologist who attended the recent international conference on "the Rama story" held in India, called for a study on the vestiges of Indian influences in the Philippines particularly in Southern Philippines specially on Ramayana, architecture, textiles, brasswares, jewelry, and belief system.

Madale cited the speech of former Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shyamala B. Cowisk, who said, "the greatness and the significant of Ramayana do not lie in its antiquity or in its geographical reach alone. (Asa T. Madale)