PANABO CITY, Philippines (PIA) – The indigenous people (IP) here showcased their culture and heritage at the Exposition and Trade Fair that the city government spearheaded to celebrate the IP month.

The IPs took pride on their culture and heritage by displaying their typical tribal lei, corsage, costumes, and other indigenous handicraft during the trade fair held at the New City Hall Building here.

Panabo City Tribal Council-City chieftain Datu Eliezer W. Mayaki said the main objective was to promote the preservation of cultural heritage, salute, and recognize them for the great contribution to the country’s development.

Sulu projects

JOLO, Sulu – Representative Habib Tupay Loong (1st District, Sulu) led the inauguration Wednesday of the two newly completed road concreting projects in Parang, Sulu, costing the national government some P15-million.

 Loong said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will also start Wednesday the P10-million road concreting works on the Jolo-Indanan-Parang road segment.

The road, he said, will allow the people and farmers of the municipality to shorten their travel by about seven kilometers on their way to the town proper. According to Loong, commuters and farmers will have to travel using a loop road to reach the town proper of Parang. (Nonoy Lacson)

Public assistance

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – A Public Assistance Center Help Desk (PACHD) has been set up by the Philippine Coast Guard, District of Northern Mindanao (PCGDNM), in the Port of Cagayan de Oro, from October 28 to November 7.

“This is to ensure the orderly operation of sea transport facilities and safe, convenient travel of the seafaring public,” PCGDNM Commander Elson E. Hermogino said. He said requests for assistance and complaints of the riding public can now be immediately and properly addressed by the concerned agencies through the PACHD.

Duty bound

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Army’s 5th Infantry (Duty Bound) Battalion conducted a blood donation activity on October 28 in Barangay Romarate, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur with the theme “Dugo ko Alay ko Sayo.” Students from the Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary (SCAA) Refresher Training donated 62 bags of blood.

The activity is aimed at helping people in the province and its adjacent areas who are in dire need of blood especially children who are victims of dengue. Meanwhile, 95 strong men are currently undergoing a 35-day SCAA Refresher Training that will culminate on November 24, 2011.

Youth training

COTABATO CITY (PNA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Maguindanao has announced that it is offering 500 slots for technical vocational skills training for out-of-school youths in the province.

“We are now accepting applicants for 500 slots, out-of-school youths should avail of this wonderful government program,” said Salehk Mangelen, TESDA Maguindanao provincial chief. Mangelen explained that 500 trainees’ slots are provided under the joint program of the Department of Labor and Employment, TESDA, United Nations agencies on Population Fund and Children’s Fund, International Organization for Migration, and the International Labor Organization.