ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PNA) — The United States Embassy has commended the “efforts of Philippine government officials and the personal engagement of Mayor Celso Lobregat” in securing the release of US citizen Gerfa Lunsmann.

In a statement posted in its website, October 3, the US Embassy confirmed the release of Mrs. Lunsmann but stressed that “this outcome could not have occurred without the concerted efforts of Philippine government officials and the personal engagement of Mayor Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City”. “We commend the diligent, professional and effective efforts of everyone involved in securing Mrs. Lunsmann’s release,” the statement said.

Weather Equipment

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – Three automated weather stations (AWS) have been installed in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao in line with the government’s disaster mitigation modernization program nationwide, a top regional official from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) said.

The installation of the disaster mitigation gadgets came on the heels of flooding that recurred last week in this city and parts of Maguindanao province, caused by rainfall and the massing of water hyacinths at the Rio Grande de Mindanao River. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, DoST-12 director, said the AWS can also be used to issue a tsunami warning to give people in coastal areas time to evacuate.

Mindanao Exposition

DAVAO CITY— The first annual trade exposition showcasing the best of the Mindanao island-region’s gift and houseware products, furniture, fresh and processed food, and travel and leisure services is being held in Manila.

Mindanao ONE: A Showcase of the Island’s Abundance, will run from October 14 to 17, 2001, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The products being featured at the expo range from finely-crafted and environmentally-friendly wood, leather, fiber and textile items to agri-marine products and electronics. (Mick M. Basa)

Supplemental feeding

COTABATO CITY – A total of 2, 227 children from 56 daycare centers in this city will benefit from the feeding program of the Department on Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) set for 120 days starting this month, the city social welfare office said. Children with ages three to four years old will be given free nutritious foods including rice and viand alongside kitchen utensils, City Social Welfare Officer Ofelia Ibrahim said.

The children’s parents will cook the DSWD supplied food and administer the feeding from Monday to Friday for three whole months, she said. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Community Peace

BUTUAN CITY — Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. told a youth audience that attainment of peace in the community is needed for progress to be realized. The city Chief Executive issued this statement to the officers and members of the National Youth Commission (NYC) during the closing ceremonies of the Peace Month here.

“Development can not be attained without peace,” he added. To formally close the celebration, the NYC and the local government of Butuan spearheaded a Peace Parade. Highlighting the program was the unveiling of and signing by participants of the Manifesto of Peace written on a Freedom Wall. (Mike Crismundo)