ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines(PNA) — The first-ever kidney transplant operation held here in the region was successful. The kidney transplant was performed Saturday at the Western Mindanao Medical Center (WMMC), a private tertiary hospital operating in this city.

The recipient is a 45-year-old male kidney patient from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte and the kidney donor is the patient’s 41-year-old cousin. WMMC Renal Transplant Unit head Dr. Michael Abutazil said that both the recipient and the donor “are doing fine” after the transplant operations. Abutazil said that both were placed under 48 hours post operation observation. The operations that started at 1 p.m. were completed at 6 p.m., Abutazil said. (PNA)

Durian growers

TAGUM CITY, (PIA) — Durian growers of Tagum City are eyeing the export market despite the challenges they face regarding product quality, post harvest and research and development.

Tagum City Tourism Council (TCTC) Chairperson Alma Uy said Thursday that there is a common interest among 200 local growers of Durian in Tagum City to go exporting after they attended the forum on “Integrated Management of Pythoptora Disease in Durian and Jackfruit” Results of the research funded by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research were discussed in the forum held. It gathered speakers from Australia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Rabies vaccination

KORONADAL CITY, (PIA) — Officials of South Cotabato's Provincial Veterinary Office (PVet) have renewed their call to residents of the province to have their pet dogs vaccinated against rabies. PVet conducted mass vaccination and castration in T'boli town on Wednesday to celebrate the World Rabies Awareness Day but only six of its 27 barangays have supported the activity.

From January to June, three residents in the municipality died of rabies. Provincial health officials also searched for at least 40 individuals in the area who killed and ate a suspected rabid dog for their post exposure prophylaxis to prevent more deaths due to rabies.

Job vacancies

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, (PIA) — The city government has lauded the public-private partnership (PPP) as it progresses to mean more jobs for its constituents here. It said the SM management here has recently disclosed a number of work vacancies that will comprise its working force when it opens the first quarter next year.

To fill up hundreds of job vacancies, SM in cooperation with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), will have a job fair on October 3 and 4 at the Lagao Gymnasium here. PESO Chief Elizhiba Valdez said she expects some hundreds of Generals participating urging them not to miss the opportunity to be employed with the largest retail chain in the country.

Manado exchanges

MANILA, Philippines — A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic linkages was recently signed between Bukidnon State University (BSU) and Universitas Negeri Manado (UNIMA) at the Sutanraja Hotel in Manado City.

According to the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, this was a result of continuous efforts of the Philippine government to promote educational interconnection between Philippine universities and Indonesian universities within its area of jurisdiction.

The MOU agrees on cooperation between both universities for all academic areas of mutual interests. (Roy C. Mabasa)