COTABATO CITY, Philippines (PIA) – In a bid to boost the local halal industry, the local government unit here is pushing for the construction of a modern slaughter house in the city. The Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a P30- million appropriation for the implementation of the project by early next year.

The city government said that as counterpart, negotiations are underway with the village officials and private landowners for the donation of the construction site, through a memorandum of agreement. The project would not only provide livelihood opportunities for many residents but also boost the local economy.

Youth program

NUNUNGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) – The Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB) spearheaded the 6th Nature’s Camp-Out and Trek for Peace to the majestic peak of Mount Inayawan in this municipality. Outreach activities were conducted in six villages here recently.

Among the items distributed to 600 youth include slippers, clothing, and groceries items. Despite the inclement weather, the 35IB, under the command of Lt. Col. Ferdinand S Razalan, pushed through with the trek and camp out for the youth here. The benefited villages under this town include Masibay, Paride, Putadon, Abaga, Poblacion, and Inayawan.

Therapy license

DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DoH) announced the extension of re-validation and renewal of licenses of massage therapists (LMTs) in January to December 2012. DoH Region-11 Director Teogenes Baluma issued the DoH-Manila pronouncement based on Resolution No. 2011-002 dated November 21, 2011, from the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT).

Baluma also declared the suspension of the High School Diploma as requirement for the massage therapy licensure examination. He said that non-high school graduates can now apply and are allowed to take the licensure examination for the Massage Therapy.

Safety measure

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (PNA) – Mayor Rey Uy assured the public that safety precautions are in place in the sale of firecrackers at the Rotary Park in this city. He said police and firemen monitor the area to check the strict compliance on safety regulations.

Uy said the precautionary measures include the deployment of several drums of water near the stalls to be used in case of fire, and setting up a designated testing area several meters away from the stalls. “Public safety remains a top priority,” he said. Uy stressed that sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics are allowed only at the Rotary Park, and those selling in other parts of the city will be apprehended.

Barangay road

CABADBARAN CITY (PIA) – Jabonga (Agusan del Sur) Mayor Glicerio Monton expressed optimism that the road project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will boost the economy of Barangay Baleguian in his town.

“This is a rich barangay (village), with rice as the major crop, and will prosper with this road,” said Monton during the recent turnover ceremony of the NRJ Baleguian-Bagang farm-to-market road.

DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay and Agusan Norte provincial agrarian reform officer Andre Atega handed pertinent documents to Monton during the activity.