BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – The city officials here, along with health office personnel and barangay health workers, launched the “Garantisadong Pambata” program in the 86 urban and rural villages on Sunday.

In line with the city’s health program, children aged six to 59 months from all villages of this city are expected to benefit from the Vitamin A supplementation program.

Aside from vitamin A supplementation, the city government, along with the City Health Office is going to deworm children aged 12 to 71 months.

The “Garantisadong Pambata” program is an advocacy of the local government in providing health services to the children. (Mike Crismundo)

Lanzones fest

MAMBAJAO, Philippines – Top officials of the province of Camiguin spearheaded on Sunday the kick-off ceremony of their weeklong 2011 “Buahanan Festival” in this capital town.

Visitors and local residents witnessed the grand opening Sunday with its grand parade, where participants were garbed in “lanzones” and other ethnic attires, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Agro-Industrial Technology Trade Fair dubbed “UGMAD,” which means “to cultivate” in the local dialect. The Buahanan Festival, from the word “buahan” in the native language, is celebrated yearly for the bounty harvest of the province’s sweet lanzones. (Mike Crismundo)

Economic boost

BONGAO, Philippines – Top officials of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi foresee a major boost to their socio-economic development, including the expected easier mobility of people and goods to and from the province, with the entry of a leading commercial airline here.

Governor Sadikul Sahali said the entry of a new commercial airline here will further enhance the eco-tourism industry, and socio-economic activities in the province.

“We expect a new beginning in the tourism and economic activities in the province because domestic and foreign tourists can now visit the province anytime, likewise, businessmen can easily engage in business activities,” Sahali said. (Nonoy Lacson)

Fish facility

SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – Business investments continue to spur the growing economic activities in this city following the establishment of a P350 million fishing port here – a vital structure that will support the fishing industry and countless fishermen in the region.

Engineering design, documentation, and other vital requirements for this World Bank-funded eight-hectare fishing port had been completed and set for review in preparation for ground works after the public bidding, which is tentatively set on December. (Mike Crismundo)