MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Philippines – Joint forces from various government agencies and the local government here agreed to establish a task force protecting various marine mammals that thrive in Dahican Bay.

In a meeting, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, and the city government here also agreed to discuss long-term solutions for alternative livelihood, training programs, and to develop tourism potentials. (Mick Basa)

Landslide hits Agusan Village
NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte – Two persons were killed, including a one-year and two months old baby boy, while another was critically injured when their house was hit by a landslide Thursday afternoon at Sitio Lahi in Barangay Sta. Ana, Nasapit town, Agusan del Norte.

Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) director, identified the fatalities as Pepito B. Macas, 50, of Barangay Camagong, and his grandson Clark A. Macas.

Injured was Geraldine D. Macas, 10, who is still recuperating at the Nasipit Emergency Hospital. The incident happened at 4 p.m., Rafal said. (Mike Crismundo)

ComVal initiates cultural fiesta
NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley (PIA) – The second day of the three-day celebration of the 4th Bulawan Festival and 13th founding anniversary of Compostela Valley (ComVal) was referred to as a day with the youth, indigenous people, and Muslims, and was dubbed “A day of Cultural Fiesta” in line with the theme, “Bulawanong Kahiusahan sa Kalumonan Pinaagi sa Kabatan-onan.”

In his message ComVal Gov. Arturo T. Uy said the celebration serves as an inspiration in seeing the province’s tribal people interacting and more united than ever. Uy also encouraged the youth to be more patriotic, vigilant, and to help protect the environment.

Learning center wins 3rd award
DIPOLOG CITY – The schools division of Zamboanga del Norte topped for the third consecutive time the annual Department of Education (DepEd) Region 9 search for the Most Functional Community Learning Center (MFCLC) for School Year 2010-2011. Dr. Elsa R. Cruz, OIC-schools superintendent, identified the winning MFCLC as that of Barangay Hill Sanchez in Tampilisan town.

For successively topping the search for the past three years, Zamboanga del Norte was installed by the Western Mindanao DepEd regional office to its MFCLC Hall of Fame, Cruz said. (Tony Pe. Rimando)

D.O.L.E. launches safety inspection
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – The Region 12 office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE-12) has launched a region-wide inspection of industrial and commercial construction sites to check the compliance of local construction firms with the government’s occupational safety and labor regulations.

DoLE-12 Director Ma. Gloria Tango said they have commissioned a special team to visit various construction sites in the area and mainly assess the safety standards being implemented by construction companies.