COTABATO CITY (PNA) – More than P7 million worth of corn, palay, and vegetables were damaged by floods in Maguindanao spawned by torrential rains while typhoon “Chedeng” was battling many areas in Luzon, agriculture officials said. Daud Lagasi, Maguindanao provincial agricultural officer, said floods and a freak tornado hit the towns of Pagalungan and Datu Abdulla Sangki – the towns beside the Maguindanao marshland. Lagasi said about 875 hectares were damaged when the Alla River overflowed and inundated the corn and rice fields in Datu Abdulla Sangki.

A.R.M.M. builds 150 core houses

INDANAN, Sulu – Works are under way for the construction here of 150 houses for the flood-affected families, which is under a fast-tracked venture funded by the office of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong. The construction works started early last month. Adiong, who released P10.130 million for the project, was represented by ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo in the groundbreaking ceremonies at the project site in Barangay Timbangan on May 26 and ordered the speedy completion of the project. Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and other provincial officials joined Sinarimbo and ARMM social welfare officials in the groundbreaking rites. (Ali Macabalang)

Gov’t aid benefits camiguin farmers

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – Many farmers and fisherfolk in the province of Camiguin continue to receive government assistance, an effort to increase their output. The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Northern Mindanao and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) had combined efforts to disseminate the benefits of the “Agri-Pinoy” project. The DA and PAO encouraged farmers, fisherfolk, and other agricultural stakeholders in the province to adopt developed technologies to augment their yield and increase their income. (Mike Crismundo)

R-11 readies for school opening

DAVAO CITY (PNA) – All is set for the opening of classes today in the Davao Region, said Dr. Susana Estigoy, Region 11 office of the Department of Education (DepEd-11) director. Estigoy said classes must start promptly and will be preceded by an orientation to all pupils and students on the activities for the school year. She also urged teachers to welcome newcomers, especially those entering school for the first time, like kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils. Estigoy has also directed public school principals to ensure that the no-collection policy is followed strictly.

Zambo wins crown in weightlifting

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The weightlifting team of this city placed first in five of 11 events to capture the overall championship in that category in the recently-concluded Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission (POC-PSC) National Games in Bacolod City. Team manager Elbert Atilano said the city contingent – which also competed in athletics, taekwondo, swimming, karatedo, and arnis – hauled a total of 33 gold, and 23 silver and bronze medals, and broke several records in the 5-in-l men’s and women’s weightlifting contest. (Tony Pe. Rimando)