COTABATO CITY – Officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao alongside their families feted the first Ramadhan iftar (breaking of fast) at the Blue Mosque of the ARMM regional complex here Tuesday, sounding off calls for reconciliation, unity, forgiving and piety.

ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo, representing Acting Regional Governor Hooky Alonto-Adiong, ceremonially switched on the network of modern colorful lights installed at the Blue Mosque and around the regional complex, at the stroke of 6 p.m. Tuesday that saw over 300 people partaking foods initially before performing the magrib prayer. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Fishermen repatriated

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — At least 90 local fishermen, including a Filipino- Indonesian couple, have been repatriated by the Indonesian authorities after they were detained for illegal fishing in Indonesia.

The repatriates aboard a chartered Indonesian vessel KM Tunas Jaya-DO7 arrived Makar port here Sunday night from Bitung, Indonesia. Jovencio Agus, Department of Foreign Affairs regional consul officer, said the Philippine Consulate Office based in Manado, Indonesia facilitated the repatriation of the fishermen, most of whom come from this city and nearby Sarangani province. (Joseph Jubelag)

Good governance in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY — At least 40 town passed the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” (SGH)for calendar year 2011 in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region), it was disclosed Tuesday. All of these 40 towns are raging from 4th to 6th class municipalities, it was also disclosed.

This SGH program recognizes local government units that do not receive adverse or disclaimer opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) on their financial statements for Calendar Year 2010. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Program benefits 46,000 in Surigao

SURIGAO CITY — The health program of the provincial government of Surigao del Norte has already benefited more than 46,000 Surigaonons, and this will increase more as all officials in the different towns have penetrated the far-flung areas in their respective localities, it was disclosed Tuesday.

This “Panambay sa Barangay”, a barangay medical mission is one of the flagship program of the husband and wife Surigao del Norte solon Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) and Gov. Sol F. Matugas, which is also duplicated by Rep. Guillermo A. Romarate, Jr. in his 2nd district and Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Mining and wood industry forum

BUTUAN CITY – The two-day 17th Caraga Business Conference that will start today (Aug. 3) will focus on the economic development and the current status of the mining and wood industry in the country, particularly Caraga region where mining industry is currently mushrooming in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

The business confab will provide opportunities for businessmen and entrepreneurs in developing the business industry in the country and this fast-growing region. (Mike U. Crismundo)