ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PIA) – The Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Nutrition Committee chaired by Dr. Aristides C. Tan, Director IV of the Center for Health–Department of Health (DoH) led this year’s Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony recently.

Leading the 2010 Outstanding Nutrition Program Performer is Zamboanga Sibugay that garnered the Green Banner Award for the third consecutive year. The province has been adjudged as a Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition, and as such was awarded with a P250,000 cash prize and a trophy during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.

ComVal clinic

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley (PIA) – The provincial government of Compostela Valley (ComVal) mulls over installing a Smoking Cessation Clinic along the Capitol premises to provide therapy services for employees who are trying to quit smoking.

The program is another mitigating measure of ComVal in promoting healthy lifestyle for the Capitol employees. A smoking cessation clinic is defined as a fixed premise where qualified medical professionals/counselors provide smoking cessation therapy to help clients in their attempts to quit the smoking habit. This will be realized through a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and an Executive Order.

Laak ornaments

LAAK, Compostela Valley (PIA) – The local government here lighted the walls and lanes at the Municipal Hall ground, indicating the kick-off of the Laak Christmas Decoration Contest.

Mayor Reynaldo B. Navarro led the ceremonial lighting to start the contest where 20 clustered teams from various offices of the municipal government are showcasing their respective Christmas decorations.

These include giant Christmas trees, Belen, lanterns, and other Yuletide adornments made from recycled and indigenous materials, and embellished with colorful lights and artistic dramas.

Chamber awarded

PAGADIAN CITY – President Aquino personally presented two awards to the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (ZCCCIFI) during the recent culmination of the 37th Philippine Business Conference at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.

ZCCCIFI chairperson Pedro Rufo Soliven, who received the awards, said the chamber won the awards for the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao, and the Most Outstanding Chamber for Advocacy. Both awards were signed by Miguel B. Varela, Chairman Emeritus of the PCCI. The occasion was witnessed by the country’s top leaders of industry and commerce, diplomats, and ranking officials of various government agencies. (Tony Pe. Rimando)

Peace weavers

ZAMBONGA CITY – For their efforts in working out for peace and harmony in this city, and other parts of Western Mindanao, three persons and an institution of learning received awards as 2011 Peace Weavers in the region in appropriate rites held here recently.

The awardees include: Dr. Socorro P. Canaya, principal of the Ayala National High School; Western Command chief Lt. General Raymundo Ferrer; the late City Mayor Cesar Climaco (Posthumous); Fr. Fausto Tentorio; and Claret School of Tumahobong in Basilan. The awarding ceremony was part of the culminating program of the celebration of the 2011 Mindanao Week of Peace. (Tony Pe. Rimando)