DAVAO CITY, Philippines – As Indonesia celebrates its 66th year of independence from the Dutch colony, friendly relations between the Philippines and its neighboring country in the South have been retold.

Sukarsono, officer-in-charge Consul General of the Konsulat Jenderal Repulik Indonesia in this city, cited the role of the Philippines in cultivating harmonious relations between Indonesia, from trade relations and border security.

 “The relations of two countries are so close, helping each other from time to time,” Sukarsono said in a speech he delivered during the celebration of their independence recently. (Mick Basa)

Bishop appeals

A Mindanao-based bishop is urging the government to include the locals in Mindanao who might be affected by the ongoing negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malaysia.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) member Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said in a phone interview the government should bring the negotiation to the grassroots level to assure there will be a lasting peace in the region.

“My appeal would be that it should not only be limited in terms of consultation. We should not underestimate the people on the streets because they have so much to share,” Jumoad said.

Waste project

COTABATO CITY – A long-standing political squabble between the mayor and vice mayors of this city has virtually derailed the implementation of a multi-national 2.5 million euro (R153.2 million) waste disposal plant here where the garbage problem has been a social headache.

The project was jointly offered by the German company Herhof GMBH, the Greek firm Helector SA, and the United States-based Zehira Llc. last March without cost to the city government, and endorsed in a resolution by the Sangguniang Panglungsod led by Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema for approval by City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. (Ali Macabalang)

Ramadan iftars

Christian political and religious leaders have joined Muslims at a series of Ramadan “iftars” (breaking-the-fast dinners) during the Islamic holy month sponsored by various embassies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Non-denominational iftars, which is popular also in the United States (US) hosted by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), are being held to promote peace, brotherhood, understanding, and harmony.

The Manila Bulletin learned that the US Embassy led by Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, and the Australian Embassy under Ambassador Rod Smith hosted separate iftars Thursday. (Edd Usman)

Rural service

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – At least 2,305 indigents from the hinterland villages in Misamis Oriental benefited from the free basic services of the Army’s Community Assistance for Rural Empowerment through Social Services or CARES program.

The villagers benefited from medical check-up and treatment with free medicines, tooth extraction, milk and porridge feeding of malnourished children, blood pressure monitoring, circumcision, free haircut, free blood-typing, and blood donation.

The CARES, which is a program of the Army’s 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, also distributed AM-FM transistor radios to residents for the purpose of informing the people of government’s projects and programs. (Mike Crismundo)