ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have pushed for the development of some 3,000 hectares of agricultural land in Columbio town into a palm oil plantation.

Gov. Teng Mangudadatu said the provincial government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DA to spearhead a joint venture with foreign investors from Saudi Arabia to undertake the palm oil production in the province. Mangudadatu said some P300 million will be allocated for the initial development of the 2,000-hectare plantation and construction of a milling plant for palm oil production. (Joseph Jubelag)

Market activity

SURIGAO CITY – The League of Municipalities–Surigao del Norte Chapter spearheaded the “Market Day” activity in this city on Friday. The activity was also fully supported by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. The mayors along with their municipal and village officials brought along with them their farm products to showcase before business groups, members of the media, and guests.

Various farm organizations, local producers and suppliers of several municipalities of Surigao del Norte sold their respective products in affordable prices. Showcased in the activity were local products like textile, agriculture products, native foods, and other Surigaonon delicacies. (Mike Crismundo)

Maharlika run

BUTUAN CITY – All is set for the holding of the Philippines 2011 “Takbong Maharlika Tungo sa Pagkakaisa” run in the entire country. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is spearheading the 2,700-kilometer stretch of the Maharlika Highway (Asian Highway Ah26) from Laoag City to Zamboanga City.

This project was conceptualized by PNP Consultant retired police Chief Supt. Samson R. Tucay, and Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, head steward of Dilaab Foundation, Inc. This project showcases the culture and character of the Filipino as a Maharlika (Noble) and Malakas (Strong) – positive traits that encourage and foster national unity. (Mike Crismundo)

Security process

CABADBARAB CITY, Agusan del Norte – Officials of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) laid down their security preparations and implementation process in the 42,987.89-hectare investment production areas in the LASBUENASCAR (Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen municipalities) in Agusan del Norte.

The PPOC officials, along with top military and police commanders also made security tasking in an effort to secure the businesses of the three big foreign investors now on their way of implementing their respective multi-million-peso agri-forestry investments. (Mike Crismundo)

Foreign aid

DAVAO CITY – The 12 sites in Central Mindanao, known to be internally displaced communities, get assistance through a foreign-funded project that would facilitate their resettlement and return to their homes since the armed conflict that ensued between the government and a separatist group in the south.

In a statement, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said some 12 sites in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte were recently identified under the Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Project in Central Mindanao (ERRCM). New interventions in the internally-displaced communities are said to boost peace-keeping efforts. (Mick Basa)