ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PIA) – Physically challenged persons or persons with disabilities (PWDs) here got a sturdy nod of support as the city government establishes the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU), a division that will look into the affairs of the physically challenged sector.

PDAU was established just several months ago to ensure a more meaningful, efficient, and effective delivery of services to PWDs in the city.

It is a component unit under the auspices of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) pursuant to City Ordinance 354 enacted into law on Dec. 9, 2009.

‘People's palace’ in Misamis town

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Philippines (PIA) – Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental has unveiled its newly built Municipal Hall last week.

Aptly called “People’s Palace,” meaning a large magnificent building, the edifice is a pride to “Balingasagnons” as it may turn out to be the “most beautiful” municipal building, not only in the province but in the entire region.

Mayor Alexis Salvacion Quina said it is named as such to give the message of appeal and welcome for his constituents and remind them that the place is made to serve them.

Surigao remains free from toxin

TANDAG CITY, Philippines (PIA) – The province of Surigao del Sur remains free from the red tide toxin and other harmful algal bloom.

Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office (PFARO) chief Luisito Yu said recently that shellfish and other seafood fished out from the waters in this area are safe for consumption.

Yu’s announcement was based on the latest advisory of the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) central office with its laboratory analysis.

The bay areas here which are always under periodic monitoring year-in and year-out are found in Lianga, Barobo, Hiatuan, and Bislig City.

Army center up in Saranggani

MALUNGON, Sarangani, Philippines – Local government officials are setting up a center for the Army Reserve Command (Arescom) which will be conducting training on disaster, rescue, and relief operations among village officials here.

Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Nonito Nunez said local and provincial officials to be led by boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao will officially grace the inauguration of the first Sarangani-based Arescom center at the municipal gymnasium here early next week. (Joseph Jubelag)

P.D.E.A. conducts operation in Digos

DIPOLOG City, Philippines -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday reported the arrest of a suspect and his wife during a drug buy-bust operation in Dipolog City last May 20.

The PDEA Region 9 office, together with the Digos City Police, the 9th Police Regional Public Safety Battalion, and a Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit team, nabbed the suspect and his wife at Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Barbara, Dipolog City.

Right after the buy-bust, the operatives implemented a Search Warrant issued by Judge Chandler O. Ruiz of the Digos City Regional Trial Court Branch 10, at the couples’ residence and confiscated 10 pieces of plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, and various illegal drug paraphernalia. (Czarina Nicole Ong)