MARAWI CITY, Philippines (PIA) – Sharing the common concern for reconciliation and understanding, peace stakeholders in Lanao del Sur vowed to support all peace and development initiatives in Mindanao.

They made a commitment to suppress all and every negative actions that hinder the attainment of peace in Mindanao, at the same time conveyed appreciation to individuals, organizations, and international institutions in their various efforts towards the realization of lasting peace in this part of the country.

The signing of the unified declaration of commitment for peace highlighted the provincial culmination program of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2011 held recently at the Provincial Capitol here.

Waterways project

BUTUAN CITY – To avert flooding, the Butuan City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stepped up its repair and excavation of the drainage system here while implementing its round-the-clock clearing and maintenance operation in all waterways system at this city.

 As this city is below sea-level, it is prone to flash floods. During the end of the year towards the month of February, local residents usually experience flooding where the rain starts at this time. Meanwhile, the DPWH is set to implement more infrastructure projects in the Caraga Region next year. (Mike Crismundo)

Sports council

KORONADAL CITY (PIA) – South Cotabato is considering the creation of a council that will oversee the development of sports in the province.

Provincial sports coordinator Florentino Perez Jr. said he has already received word from Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. to convene multi-sectoral representatives for the creation of the South Cotabato physical fitness and sports development council.

Among those he plans to invite to the meeting include representatives from the Department of Education, local government unit, Sangguniang Kabataan, private sector, athletes, and coaches purposely to organize the council.

Housing program

BUTUAN CITY – Concerned about the population growth and considerable number of informal settlers here, the local government here is eyeing to build some 16,000 housing units that will be located in the southern part of this city.

Officials said the project aims to reduce the number of informal settlers, and also to help the meager income of employees and workers by 2013, and with the support of the city’s legislative body, it also aims to attain poverty reduction in the coming years. The city government is now conducting on-going site acquisition, development, and shelter construction to hit its target. (Mike Crismundo)

Hospital support

SURIGAO CITY – Surigaonons expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Aquino administration for its continuing support to the province of Surigao del Norte, especially on health assistance. This developed after the government initially released the amount of P50 million to the provincial government recently.

 It was learned that the assistance from the Department of Health is intended for the upgrading of facilities of the Provincial Hospital located in Barangay Bad-as, Placer town. The assistance was received by Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas last week. (Mike Crismundo)