BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – The Regional Development Council (RDC) in the Caraga Region was strengthened in an effort to build roads for the development and progress in the five provinces, six cities, and 67 municipalities in Northeastern Mindanao.

In its 1st special full membership meeting at a downtown resort, hotel and convention center here on Tuesday, the new leadership of the RDC reviewed the function and responsibilities, and strengthened the social development committee, economic development committee, infrastructure development committee and development administration committee, in an effort to “hit” the RDC’s goal for the coming years. (Mike Crismundo)

Educational aid

COTABATO CITY (PIA) – Some 259 kindergarten and elementary pupils in a remote village in Lanao del Sur were the latest recipient of school supplies from the “Adopt-A-School Program” of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in support of the Balik-Eskwela program.

ARMM’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Secretary Lomala Balindong led the distribution of school supplies to the pupils of Mintong Elementary School in Paulas. The Adopt-A-School Program is in support to Brigada Balik Eskwela, which is one of the program thrusts of ARMM acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong, giving priority to remote schools.

Project cited

TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato – The Interactive Mining Information Center (iMIC) of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) on the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project here won the Bronze Award for Best Public Relations Initiated Campaign in the recent UA&P Tambuli Awards for 2011.

SMI’s general manager for operations and external relations Mark Williams said the iMIC played a vital role on SMI’s communication activities in relation to its proposed Tampakan mining operation. The UA&P Tambuli Awards is the first and only global award-giving body that recognizes both the business and societal values of marketing communications programs. (Nonoy Lacson)

Search launched

COTABATO CITY – Concerned officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recently launched their version of the nationwide search for the Holcim “Galing Mason Award” for 2011, calling on individuals or groups in the ARMM to nominate qualified masons for the quest.

Omar Shariff Jaafar, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) executive director in the ARMM, said his office has started accepting nominations for the said award from all over the region. The Galing Mason Award is a search for an outstanding mason in the country sponsored by the Holcim Philippines, one of the leading cement manufacturers, Jaafar said. (Ali Macabalang)

Village services

GINGOOG CITY – More than 3,000 highland villagers and marginalized residents received free medical services and food in depressed far-flung communities in this city and mountain town of Misamis Oriental province. Of this number, more than 700 schoolchildren availed of free circumcision, 723 tooth extraction, and 1,000 children were given fresh milk.

The highland villagers also received free medicines and free medical consultation. They also received vitamins after thorough medical examination/consultation. (Mike Crismundo)