TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Philippines — Muslim cities and provinces in Mindanao will mark “Isra Wal Miraj” (Ascension of Prophet Muhammad) on June 29. “Isra Wal Miraj” is among the recognized Muslim holidays in the country. The holiday
commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, his ascent into the Seventh heavens and his return to Mecca, all on the same night.

The holiday will be observed in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and in the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, and Zamboanga. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Pax, Tingting begin poll drive

COTABATO CITY — Pending signing into law of the bill postponing the Aug. 8, 2011 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), PDP-Laban party candidates Pax Mangudadatu and Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco fired their opening campaign salvo with a leaders’ forum in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on June 24, reports said.

The campaign period for the ARMM polls began that day, during which local journalists saw the Mangudadatu-Cojuangco team and its supporters visiting and distributing relief goods in some of the flooded communities in Maguindanao. (Ali G. Macabalang)

DENR launches nat'l green plan

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office spearheaded Saturday the provincial launching of the national greening program (NGP) held at the provincial government complex, Dao here.

Provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) Adelaida Borja said under Executive Order No. 26, the DENR was tasked to lead the implementation of NGP with the support of the line agencies that are members of the steering committee, namely the Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Tree-growing fest a holiday

KORONADAL CITY (PIA) — Malacañang has declared June 29 a special non-working holiday in Koronadal City for the celebration of its first Tree-Growing Festival.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., by authority of President Aquino said, “it is but fit and proper that the people of the City of Koronadal be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.”

Tree-Growing Festival is an initiative of the local government of the city, led by Mayor Peter B. Miguel.

DPWH acts on Siargao projects

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In an effort to fast-track the implementation of its projects in Siargao and Bucas Grande islands, the Department of Public Works and Highways Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-SDN 2nd DEO) has intensified its monitoring on the illegal construction of structures along the perimeter of the national highway.

During the recent district office monthly staff meeting, District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. directed the road right-of-way agent and all field engineers to monitor closely and take immediate proper actions on road right-of-way problems.