COTABATO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – The start of the Holy Month of Ramadan here was solemn and quite with no single shot fired by gun owners, authorities here said. Unlike in previous welcoming of the month-long fasting of some 200,000 Muslims here, Monday’s opening of the Ramadan was welcomed by silence, call to prayer over several mosques, and quite celebration.

According to Cotabato City police director Supt. Roberto Badian, not a single shot was heard when light engulfed the city at about 5:15 a.m. Monday. During the fasting month, Muslims are expected to spend time in seclusion and prayer. Devotees of Islam are expected to abstain during the day from food, water, smoking, and sex to focus more on prayers and meditation.

Model schools

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Model of Excellence schools in Agusan del Sur now reached to 22, while another six are scheduled to be launched until the end of this month.

These include the: Sinobong Elementary School and Sayon Elementary School in Veruela, East Bayugan Central Elementary School in Bayugan City, the Esperanza Central Elementary School in Esperanza, and the Bunawan West Central Elementary School in Bunawan.

The recognition of various elementary schools in Agusan del Sur is part of the “Pagtoon Alang sa Masanag ng Kaugmaon Program” of the provincial government in partnership with the Department of Education. (Mike Crismundo)

River cruise

TAGUM CITY – Aiming to preserve the wetlands of this city, the local government here is giving eco-tourism a boost by developing an 8.8-kilometer river cruise that is seen to attract more tourists visiting their must-see destinations. Launched over the weekend, the Tagum City River Cruise is a 150-minute sailing to the sight of century-old mangroves, taking visitors to an inspiring nature hug.

Around 82,500 seedlings have been planted over the past five years to augment the existing old mangroves along the banks of waterways here that stretch to more than 14 kilometers, said Tagum information officer Louie Lapat. (Mick Basa)

Trading center

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – An edifice worth P2.5 million will soon rise right beside the ice plant building at the Dipolog Fish Port in Barangay Barra, this city.

A report from the City Information Office said that, once completed, the building will serve as a trading center where farm products and other goods will be sold.

It was learned that 75 percent of the total cost will be shouldered by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) through the World Bank. The city government will shoulder the remaining 25 percent.

Speech contest

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) on Monday announced the winners of the oratorical and extemporaneous speech contests in the Caraga Region.

 Winners for the oratorical speech contest were: Marilou C. Jabines from the Dapa National High School – Siargao Division – 3rd place; Jobin Sabalo of Surigao Norte – 2nd place; and Hannah Tricia Castilla from the Nasipit National Vocational School – Agusan Norte division – 1st place.

Winners of the extemporaneous speech contest were: Rouithers Perez – 3rd prize; Lizel Gulfo – 2nd prize; and Quenee Lavern Pongcol – 1st prize. (Mike Crismundo)