PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines – Public elementary and secondary schools in Western Mindanao celebrated yesterday the World Teachers' Day with appropriate programs and activities.

Region 9 office of the Department of Education Director Walter O. Albos said the observance of World Teachers' Days that served as the culmination of the Teachers Month Campaign (TMC) focused on the theme “My Teacher, My Hero.”

Albos, quoting Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, said the event “is a day to honor the teachers, and the central role they play in guiding children, the youth and adults through the life-long learning process.” (Tony Pe. Rimando)

Peace initiative

MARAWI CITY – Maranao leaders led by Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong are all praises for President Aquino in his backing of a task force created and launched last month to combat lawlessness and restore peace and order in the province and this city.

 “We are very much thankful that His Excellency President Aquino granted promptly our pleas for the creation of the Task Force Ranao, upon which we pin high hopes to finally see our communities spared from the impunity of some people long engaged in lawless activities,” Adiong said. (Ali Macabalang)

Police sub-office

PATIKUL, Sulu – Law enforcement on the island provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received a big boost with the launching of a sub-regional police office here this week.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo personally cut the ceremonial ribbon on Monday starting the operations the ARMM police sub-regional office here, saying the field outfit is part of the Aquino government to enhance law enforcements in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Robredo said the creation of the sub-regional command pursued part of the agreement between the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces that will compliment each other’s capabilities. (Ali Macabalang)

Lolong's charm

BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – The remote and far-flung village of Consuelo, this town’s gateway to the Agusan Marsh, is now full of human activities as wave-by-wave of tourists, both foreign and domestic, officials from both government and private and people from all walks of life, keep coming daily.

After the estimated 50-year-old saltwater crocodile was captured last September 3, which was internationally publicized, people coming from various parts of the country are eager to have a glimpse of “Lolong” in his holding pen at the proposed 50-hectare Bunawan Eco-Park in this town. (Mike Crismundo)

Loyalti Award

BUTUAN CITY – The city government here conferred “Loyalty Awards” to employees who marked milestone years in government service. The ceremony was recently held at the City Hall lobby here. Danilo C. Tejada of the Butuan Medical Center led the list of awardees having been in the service for 40 years.

he awarding was also highlighted with the distribution of 14-karat gold rings to the 18 employees who have been in the service for 30 years. The awardees, who celebrated their 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40th year in government service, all received loyalty pins and cash incentives from the city government through the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence. (Mike Crismundo)