TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Philippines (PIA) – A Grand “Bayle” (Ball) to be participated in by some 2,000 senior citizens in this city will usher the celebration of the 7th Heritage and Culture Week here that started November 28 up to December 4.

“This is Tangub’s way of honoring our beloved parents and grandparents for their contribution to our present generation. We want them to relive their younger years with their music and the fun fare that went with it, so they will enjoy,” Mayor Philip Tan said. In the olden times, the so-called “Bayle,” usually held at a public plaza, was a crowd-drawer.

Local budget

DAVAO CITY – Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente C Sotto III is campaigning for the passage of a bill increasing the share of local government units (LGUs) in the provinces.

Sotto, who principally authored the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, was invited as guest of honor of the Regional Awarding Ceremony held at a hotel here recently.

The bill moves for the amendment of the Local Government Code of 1991 mandating that the principal place of business receives a bigger percentage than that of the actual place of business. (Mick Basa)

Health campaign

DIGOS CITY (PIA) – Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas has enjoined all local government units to take part in the implementation of the “Run 2 Plant 4 Greenin Philippines” as part of the province’s commitment to the campaign for a greener and healthier environment.

Cagas issued Executive Order 37 institutionalizing the program in the province of Davao del Sur. The issuance was meant to intensify both awareness and massive campaign in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation among local government leaders, placing commitment to action for a greener and healthier environment.

Gov't initiative

BUTUAN CITY – Concerned about the increase of the crime rate here, the city government is set to launch the “Citizens Crime Watch” in an effort to help authorities deter the occurrences of crimes. The city government and the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sangguniang Panglungsod are now in the final preparation for the implementation of the project together with the villagers in the city.

To give more emphasis on the program, the city government is also set to launch the “E-Blotter” project so that the local residents can immediately get in touch with all law enforcement agencies in a round-the-clock basis. (Mike Crismundo)

Safety primers

DAVAO CITY (PIA) – Several primers, a report, and a monograph on the Justice and Healing Program for Survivors of Gender-based violence are set to be launched here on December 1. The Women’s Feature Service (WFS) will lead the launching at 4 p.m. at a hotel in this city.

To be launched are five primers and a baseline report on the “Experience of Multi-Stakeholder Groups with Violence Against Women (VAW) laws.” Also to be presented is the legal monograph on Article 36 of the Family Code entitled “Psychological incapacity and its implications on women’s human right to self-determination and integrity.”