KORONADAL CITY, Philippines (PIA) – A recent significant development could spell a major push for South Cotabato’s bid to become a primary tourist destination. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. recently announced that beginning September 23, management of the internal security operations (ISO) will officially be transferred to the provincial government from the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion.

 “We have been promoting tourism in the province but we have been hindered by the perception that the province has a problem with peace and order,” he said, “the transfer of ISO to the provincial government is proof that South Cotabato is indeed peaceful.”

Education drive

ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) – Iligan City Schools Division, announced the conduct of the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) on November 27, this year. The PEPT is calling on all Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) to take the test.

 “We will cater to those interested OSYs who have stopped schooling from the elementary and secondary levels, to avail of this opportune time the government has in store for them,” said Alice E. Anghay, Ph.D., Educaton Supervisor 1, DepEd-Iligan. Interested applicants may visit the DepEd-Iligan Division Office to submit requirements, said Anghay.

Tribal assistance

ASUNCION, Davao del Norte (PIA) – Thousands of Lumad tribal members in the remote village of Binancian here benefitted from the health and social services brought by the provincial government, along with the help of the Army, police, and other government agencies.

Frontline personnel of the provincial government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, operatives of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, and the Davao Norte Provincial Police Office coordinated in providing free medical check-up, medicines, dental services, minor surgery, circumcision, and urine and blood examination, among other services, to the remote villagers. Lumad children were also provided with supplemental feeding, toothbrushes, and slippers.

Power supply

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Several areas in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, and in this city suffered power interruption for almost 10 hours Sunday. Some companies and other business establishments temporarily stopped their operations due to power outages.

 The power interruption started at 8 a.m. and was restored at 5 p.m. In a statement, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) explained that the power interruption was due to preventive maintenance of some of the transmission facilities in said areas. (Mike Crismundo)

Green campaign

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched an intensified campaign against violations of Republic Act (RA) 8749, or the Clean Air Act of 1999, here in Region 9.

 LTO Zamboanga Peninsula Director Aminola Abaton said the campaign is being implemented in coordination with other concerned government agencies like the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Technical Education Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The LTO, which is one of the agencies under the Department of Transportation and Communication, is the lead agency of the anti-smoke belching campaign.