MALUNGON, Sarangani – The National Dairy Authority in partnership with the Land O’Lakes Foundation Phils., Inc. has launched a P50-million dairy farm project here. Foundation project manager Marilyn B. Mabale said the project will not only provide livelihood for the local farmers but will also address the malnutrition problem in the country. She said the foundation in partnership with the provincial and local government will provide technical assistance to farmer beneficiaries on dairy farming, milk processing, feeding, and cattle dispersal. Some 153 heads of New Zealand-breed cows have been distributed to farmer-beneficiaries who were thoroughly screened. (Joseph Jubelag)

Education grant

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DoLE-ARMM) awarded scholarship grants to 179 students from various secondary schools in Maguindanao. DoLE-ARMM Secretary Myra M. Alih said the educational subsidy is implemented through the Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) program of the DoLE-ARMM, aimed at increasing access to decent work for the underprivileged youth. The educational assistance is a three-year joint program supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Population Fund, International Labor Organization, and the International Organization for Migration. (Nonoy Lacson)

Tech-voc mentors

PAGADIAN CITY – A total of 61 new teacher positions have been allocated by the Department of Education (DepEd) for 32 technical and vocational (tech-voc) secondary schools for the School Year 2011-2012 in Mindanao. DepEd Region 9 Director Walter O. Albos said DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro, through DepEd Order No. 25, S-2011, announced that the new teacher items were deployed to various tech-voc schools in Mindanao that are implementing the agency’s Strengthened Technical and Vocational Education Program (STVEP). The new mentors – with specializations on the areas of agriculture, arts and trades, and fisheries – were distributed based on actual number of students. (Tony Pe. Rimando)

V.I.P. treatment

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Returning foreign-based South Cotabato residents will be accorded with VIP (very important person) treatment when they arrive next month for the province’s 45th foundation anniversary and 12th T’nalak Festival celebrations. Cesar Sulit Jr., South Cotabato senior tourism officer, said they have lined up a range of incentives and special offers for the “balikbayans” from the province who are joining the grand festivities slated from July 12 to 18. As of Thursday, he said some 150 overseas-based residents have already signified to return home next month in time for the twin celebrations.

Science awareness

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Preparations have shifted to high gear for the upcoming National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration that seeks to encourage people to engage in science and technology-based enterprises and for students to take science courses. Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Region 12 Director Zenaida Laidan said the NSTW will showcase the various creations of inventors from the region, among them waste incinerators and robotics.